Talk to the Best Education Consultant in Malaysia to Get Solid Information to Help you Choose the Best Private University or College
Choosing a top private university in Malaysia to study after SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels takes time, it is a process in finding out which one best fits you. Part of finding the right college or university in Malaysia for you will be picking out the criteria that matters to most to you, and then seeing if any of the top private colleges or universities in Malaysia that you’re looking at fit those criteria. To help you develop a good list of criteria, you need to talk to the right counsellors or education consultant who are knowledgeable and experienced. You need to talk to the right counsellors who are knowledgeable and experienced. A knowledgeable counsellor would be able to provide detailed information about the university and its courses, facts & evidence to support the job prospects for the course and in-depth information about which university would be suit you. This article would guide you step-by-step in choosing a top private university in Malaysia.
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A Practical Guide to Choose the Best Private University in Malaysia to Study
Choosing a university is important as it will help to shape your mind, character and help you to develop the necessary skills for a successful career. Therefore, choosing the university can be a very important step in determining your future.
We must be careful when choosing a private university in Malaysia as many students listen to advise from friends and relatives who are not knowledgeable offering information not supported by facts and evidence. Choosing a private university should be done carefully and objectively, not based on the number of glitzy advertisements you have heard or seen about that university.
Furthermore, many students in Malaysia also make the common mistake in choosing a university because their friends are going there. I even had one student tell me that his choice of university depends on where his girlfriend is going! This is one of the most important decisions that may change your life forever hence it should not be taken lightly.
It is important to come up with a plan when choosing your university. In this plan, you outline the steps that you need to take in order to make your decision. When you have a plan, it would make it easier for you to make a proper decision, especially when this decision can change your life!
Here’s some advice for trying to find the university in Malaysia that works for you.
1. Start with who you are and why you are going to university in Malaysia
You need to examine yourself and your reasons for going to a university before you start your search. Why, really, are you going? What are your abilities and strengths? What are your weaknesses? What do you want out of life — something tangible or intangible?
Are you socially self-sufficient or do you need warm, familial support? Talk with your family, friends and high-school counsellors as you ask these questions. The people who know you best can help you the most with these important issues.
2. A name-brand university in Malaysia will not guarantee your success.
Gi Hang, A-Levels at Taylor’s College
Think about the people in your life who are happy and successful and find out where (and if) they went to college. Ask the same about famous people. You will likely find that success in life has less to do with the choice of college than with the experiences and opportunities encountered while in college, coupled with personal qualities and traits.
Some private universities have spent millions of Ringgit throughout the years telling you that they are the best. You should objectively look at the information carefully to assess which university in Malaysia is best for you. If you do not have the necessary knowledge and skills, you won’t get far in your career.
We must be careful when choosing a private university in Malaysia as many students listen to advise from friends and relatives who are not knowledgeable offering information not supported by facts and evidence. Choosing a private university should be done carefully and objectively, not based on the number of glitzy advertisements you have heard or seen about that university.
Employers and graduate schools are looking for outstanding skills and experience, not how famous a university is in Malaysia that you come from. Remember that the employer will be interviewing you and not the university that you come from, therefore, if you do not possess the necessary knowledge and skills, you would not get hired even if you come from a top university.
3. You dont need to know what major you want for your degree yet
Jia Ping, Mass Communication Graduate from KDU University College
Very few high-school students have enough information or experience to choose a major. You need the variety and depth of college coursework to determine your interest and aptitude. Most college students change their minds two or three times before they settle on a major.
After SPM or O-Levels you will take a Pre-University course first such as Foundation, A-Levels, AUSMAT, UNSW Foundation Year, etc. You have about 1 year in the Pre-U course to really figure out what to study for your degree. So, the most important thing is to choose the right Pre-University course that fits you.
I talked to a group of students who were advised by an Agent to take an external Pre-University programme. They did not achieve the necessary results to enter into university therefore wasted their money and time. When I asked them why they did not go for the Foundation programme at the private university since they knew that they wanted to study IT and also locally in Malaysia, they just said that they followed the advise of the agent whom they thought they could trust.
4. You can afford to go to a Private University in Malaysia.
If you make the assumption that you cannot afford college based on the sticker price of tuition, you will miss out. It is difficult to talk about money, but if you investigate all the options and ask for help and advice, you will find affordable choices.
Not all colleges and universities in Malaysia have the same price tag and there are a variety of ways to cut your costs. Most universities offer scholarships, and students are able to apply for the PTPTN Loan, EPF withdrawal, etc
Many students have chosen the cheapest private university to study, not taking into consideration the important skills that they could have gained from a better university. Higher education is an investment for a better future that takes sacrifice.
5. Campus Culture and Community Life at the Private Universities in Malaysia
Jeremy Lee, Software Engineering Graduate from Asia Pacific University (APU)
When developing your list of top universities, consider the schools’ values such as commitment to diversity, vibrant campus life, and dedication to academic excellence. Also consider the range of student organizations, athletic and recreational activities.
It is important to choose a private university in Malaysia that has an English-speaking environment, students who are ambitious and serious about studies, and a globalised student body. Mixing around with international students will help to improve your English language skills and understanding of different cultures.
Some private universities in Malaysia are known for their focus on lifestyle or known as party universities. There is nothing wrong with choosing them if you are able to control yourself. If not, you have to consider that this could affect your future.
A private university that has a diverse student body with many international students would help students to improve their English-language and cross-cultural communication skills. With globalisation, many top companies in the world are looking for professionals who are dynamic with strong management skills to lead a globalised work force.
In addition, the university’s relationship with the larger community, availability of on- and off- campus housing, quality of food and health care services, and campus security contribute to the quality of university life.
6. Reputation or ranking of the Private University in Malaysia
Bryan Yap, Foundation in Business at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
There is no official ranking system in Malaysia for private universities. The MQA and Ministry of Higher Education in Malaysia has a rating system for universities in Malaysia. It is the SETARA rating system.
Looking at the number of awards that the university and its students have won in competitions related to the course can be a guide in helping you to make the right choice. Many students make the mistake of just listening to advertisements or friends without checking the information.
Students should look at the qualifications of the lecturers at the university. How many are PhD and Master degree holders. Are the lecturers mostly part time or full time? Experienced lecturers would be able to guide students to achieve academic success.
All foundation, diploma and degree programmes must be accredited by MQA in Malaysia. Taking a professional certificate course with a title “diploma” would not allow you to continue on into a degree programme accredited by MQA.
Students should check with the relevant professional bodies to see if the courses the university of interest are accredited.
7. The most important factor in choosing a college or university in Malaysia is fit.
Min Yi, Human Resource Management at Asia Pacific University (APU)
Choosing a university because your friends are going there or because of where it ranks on a list does not take into account who you are and who you will become. College is a match to be made, not a prize to be won. Finding a good fit requires time and thoughtfulness.
The best way to really get a feel for a university is by visiting the campus, taking a tour, meeting with students & lecturers, attending a class, reading the campus newspaper, eating in the cafeteria, etc. You have to feel “at home” at the place where you will spend the next four years of your life, so visiting is important.
For more information and strategies, read our article, EduSpiral University Campus Tours to Help Students Choose the Best Universities.
8. Decide What You Want in a Private College or University in Malaysia
Chun Tim, Foundation in Business into Finance at Taylor’s University
Ask yourself what’s important to you, where you want to be and who you want to become. Then you can figure out what types of colleges will allow you to achieve your goals.
Here are some important points to consider when choosing a university in Malaysia:
- Is the course popular at that private university?
- Quality/reputation/ranking of the private university in Malaysia
- Are the courses recognised and approved by the Ministry of Education Malaysia and the relevant external bodies?
- Are the courses accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Audit (MQA)?
- Are the degree programmes recognised or accredited by the relevant professional bodies such as the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM), Malaysian Medical Association, Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM), Malaysian Pharmacy Board, Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA), etc.
- Type of programme (local degree, UK Dual Award degree, 3+0 UK or Australian degree, 4+0 American degree, degree transfer programme, etc)
- Do the degree programmes have exemptions from professional bodies such as ACCA, ICAEW, CIMA, Chartered Institute of Banking, CFA, etc.
- Do they have Internship and co-op programs during the diploma or degree?
- Check the Entry requirements (Branch campuses in Malaysia have higher entry requirements)
- Subjects offered in the Pre-University (Pre-U) Programme. Do they help you to achieve your undergraduate academic goals. Does the subject combinations allow you to enter your university and degree of choice.
- Do they have enough students to start a class?
- How many students do they have studying that course at that university?
- What is the duration of the Pre-University (Pre-U), Foundation, Diploma or Degree Programme?
- When do you get your results so that you can meet the application deadline for the overseas university?
- Does the college or university have a dedicated department to assist students for the overseas university and scholarship applications?
- Does the college have regular visits from overseas universities so that you can expose yourself to the various universities and ask questions?
- Quality of lecturers. What are their qualifications? How many years of experience in teaching?
- Faculty contact/classes taught by full-time qualified & experienced faculty. What is the faculty to student ration?
- Ask your friends who have studied there for their opinion. Ask your friends who are currently studying there as well.
- How much money do I have to pay for the course and cost of living? Ask your parents. Note that you will need to have enough to pay the tuition fees as well as your cost of living. (tuition, hostel, food, transportation, etc.)
- How much are the tuition fees? Does it include the external exam fees and other fees?
- Financial assistance (Scholarships, PTPTN Loan, EPF withdrawal, etc)
- Campus resources (labs, libraries, wifi, computer access, sports facilities, etc.)
- How much is on-campus accommodation?
- How much is off-campus accommodation? Note that it might be cheaper to find off campus accommodation on your own with friends. Is the accommodations near eateries, banks, entertainment, public transportation, etc.?
- What is the student culture at the university? (English-speaking environment, ambitious, serious about studies, lifestyle or party university, etc) The language spoken mostly at the college by the students may also matter if you don’t know Mandarin or BM or English. If most of the students speak Mandarin at that university then it will not help you to improve your English. Having a good command of the English language helps you to get good jobs and promotions.
- What are the Extra-curricular activities available? (Student organisations, clubs, sports, etc.)
- Student support services. Does the university have a dedicated department to handle students’ welfare and emotional well-being.
- Intake dates
- Public vs. Private (STPM is tougher and choice of course & university is determined by the government)
- Does the university organise job fairs regularly to expose students to the future employers so that you can get a job easily.
Which of these aspects are things you feel you must have to be comfortable at a private university in Malaysia ? Which things are you flexible on?
In addition, think about what you want to accomplish in your college life. Do you want to train for a specific job or get a wide-ranging education? If you have a specific degree programme in mind, is the private college that you’re considering strong or famous in that area of study?
9. Accreditation & Recognition of the Top Private Universities in Malaysia
You should check that the courses at the university are accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Audit (MQA) and approved by the Malaysian Ministry of Education.
Recognition and accreditation by the various professional bodies are also important depending on the course such as the
- Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM)
- Pharmacy Board
- Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM)
- Persatuan Arkitek Malaysia (PAM)
- Nursing Board
- Malaysian Medical Council (MMC)
- Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA)
- Legal Profession Qualifying Board, Malaysia
- Board of Quantity Surveyors Malaysia (BQSM)
- Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
- Society of Actuaries (SOA)
- Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (iFoA)
- ACCA
- Certified Financial Planner (CFP) Course from Financial Planning Association of Malaysia (FPAM)
10. Talk to a Knowledgeable & Experienced Education Consultant to Help you to Choose the Best Private University or College in Malaysia
Jasmine, Business Information Systems Graduate from Asia Pacific University (APU)
Choosing a the right university to study after SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels in Malaysia takes time, it is a process in finding out which university in best for you. You need to talk to the right counsellors who are knowledgeable and experienced. An experienced education consultant would have had counselled hundreds of students analysing their personalities and skilfully guiding them to the right course and university.
Additionally, the advisor would be able to provide detailed information about the course, facts & evidence to support the job prospects for the course and in-depth information about which university would be suit you. An experienced counsellor would be able to analyse your results, understand your personality & skills to figure out which course and career suits you.
Furthermore, a knowledgeable education consultant means that he or she would know the entry requirements, course details, in-depth knowledge of the hundreds of courses out there, career prospects, job demand, professional recognition requirements, accreditation, best universities for the course, and other information that would help a confused student to make the right choice.
At EduSpiral Consultant Services, I have worked in the private higher education industry in Malaysia for more than 20 years advising students with facts and evidence on how to choose the right course & university. To choose the best course that fits you, students may fill up our EduSpiral Career Assessment form for evaluation.
The EduSpiral Career Assessment form is a simple form designed by us that gathers information from students after SPM, O-Levels, UEC, STPM or A-Levels in order to assess their aptitude helping us to determine the most suitable course and career progression. After knowing which course, we can then determine which private university in best for that course.
