Best Data Science or Data Analytics Degree Programmes for 2026 at Malaysia’s Top Private Universities
- Data scientists combine statistics, mathematics, programming, problem-solving, capturing data in ingenious ways, the ability to look at things differently to find patterns, along with the activities of cleansing, preparing, and aligning the data.
- List of the top private universities offering the Data Science course in Malaysia.
Data scientists combine statistics, mathematics, programming, problem-solving, capturing data in ingenious ways, the ability to look at things differently to find patterns, along with the activities of cleansing, preparing, and aligning the data.
Malaysia’s national ICT agency Multimedia Development Corporation (MDeC) has unveiled a plan, supported by seven public and private institutes of higher learning (IHLs), to increase the number of local data scientists from the current 80 to 2000 by the year 2030. There is a tremendous demand for Data Scientists and Big Data Specialists worldwide now and in the future, with hundreds of thousands of new job opportunities emerging globally. In Malaysia alone, by the year 2030 this need is expected to reach at least 20,000 data professionals and 2000 data scientists. Job demand as well as salary for qualified Data Scientists or Big Data Professionals in Malaysia is high.
Data Science or Big Data Analytics focuses on designing and developing solutions to draw useful insights from the availability of large volumes of data, known as Big Data. Students will receive fundamental training in computer science theories and learn techniques on the processing of Big Data for analytics that can be impactful to business in Malaysia & globally.
Therefore, studying at a Top private University in Malaysia for Data Science would ensure that you will receive the best teaching & learning environment and be well equipped with the necessary knowledge & skills for a successful career. When choosing the course, it is important for students to look at the subjects offered for the Data Science degree at the various universities. Subjects offered are not all the same nor with the same emphasis. EduSpiral Consultant Services is experienced in guiding students to choose the right course so do contact us for advise.
Study at the Best Private Universities in Malaysia for Data Science or Big Data
Horng Yarng, Diploma in ICT at Asia Pacific University
Studying at the top ranking university in Malaysia gives you a lot of opportunities in your future professional life. Top universities provide a high standard of education that equips you well for your future career.
Furthermore, a degree earned at a reputable university in Malaysia makes seeking employment much easier whether locally or globally. Part of finding the right 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. University Rankings, Awards & Achievements are indicators of the level of standard that they have achieved and these could serve as a guide for you in choosing the right university to study at.
Choosing the right university to study Data Science can be a complicated and confusing process. There are many universities offering this course but not all Data Science courses are the same at each university. It is important to understand the differences to see which one fits your future career goals.
Five of the top award-winning private universities chosen are
- Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
- Asia Pacific University (APU)
- Monash University Malaysia
- Taylor’s University
- University of Wollongong (UOW) Malaysia
- Swinburne University of Technology Malaysia
- Multimedia University (MMU)
- HELP University
- TARUMT
- Sunway University
What is a Data Scientist?
Data scientists must have expertise in several different disciplines. Generally, data scientists must possess the statistical knowledge and computer skills that are needed for solving complex problems. Using descriptive, predictive, inferential, and causal models, they can explore and anticipate problems then work to model a solution based on a multitude of factors.
Data scientists combine statistics, mathematics, programming, problem-solving, capturing data in ingenious ways, the ability to look at things differently to find patterns, along with the activities of cleansing, preparing, and aligning the data.
Data scientists are part mathematician and part computer scientist. Their skill set encompasses both the business and information technology sectors, which is why they are highly sought after.
Data science is deep knowledge discovery through data exploration and inference. This discipline focuses on using mathematical and algorithmic techniques to solve some of the most analytically complex business problems. In doing so, they leverage troves of raw data to figure out the hidden insight that lies beneath the surface. The core of the field centers around evidence-based analytical accuracy and building strong decision capabilities. However, data scientists must also verbally and visually communicate their findings to stakeholders who may or may not understand the statistical jargon. Thus, data scientists must be excellent communicators.
Education Pathway to Study Data Science in Malaysia
Now that you have decided to study data science in Malaysia, you will need to figure out which university can equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills to be successful in this career. First of all, your results must meet the entry requirements to join the Foundation or Pre-University course. Upon completion of the Pre-U, you will then enter the Data Science degree for 3 years.
Studying at the top ranking university in Malaysia gives you a lot of opportunities in your future professional life. Top universities provide a high standard of education that equips you well for your future career.
Furthermore, a degree earned at a reputable university in Malaysia makes seeking employment much easier whether locally or globally. Part of finding the right 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. University Rankings, Awards & Achievements are indicators of the level of standard that they have achieved and these could serve as a guide for you in choosing the right university to study at.
Choosing the right university to study Data Science can be a complicated and confusing process. There are many universities offering this course but not all Data Science courses are the same at each university. It is important to understand the differences to see which one fits your future career goals.
#1. Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
1. BSc in Statistical Data Science
Our programmes comprise 1 year in Foundation, followed by our 3 year Undergraduate programme
The applications of statistical data science range from economics and medicine, to social and environmental sciences. Our BSc in Statistical Data Science provides a blend of both theoretical and applied elements of modern statistics, and aims to give students the training in modelling, analysing and interpreting real data that is required in the economy, industry and research. The first year of the programme cover basic mathematics, probability and statistics. The final two years focus on specialist topics of statistical modelling and advanced courses in mathematics and data science. A variety of statistical computer packages are used.
Our programme is accredited by the Royal Statistical Society. It is possible for students who have completed the programme to apply for some exemptions from the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries professional examinations.
2. BSc (Hons) in Information Systems with Data Analytics
Our programmes comprise 1 year in Foundation, followed by our 3 year Undergraduate programme.
The Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Information Systems with Data Analytics programme is intended to provide students with a strong grasp of information systems while also increasing their competence in data analytics. The curriculum emphasises the critical skills of data collection, management, and analysis, ensuring that students can handle and analyse data efficiently. The programme trains graduates to face real-world commercial and technological challenges by developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Furthermore, this degree seeks to generate professionals who are prepared to flourish in data-driven decision-making jobs across a variety of industries.
Programme aims
- Equip students with foundational knowledge in information systems.
- Develop expertise in data analytics, including data collection, management, and analysis.
- Foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills applicable to real-world business and technology environments.
- Prepare graduates for careers in data-driven decision-making roles
| Programmes Offered |
|
| Duration | 3 years |
| Intake | September |
| Tuition Fees | Please contact us |
#2 Asia Pacific University (APU)
Having won hundreds of awards in computing and IT in Malaysia and globally, Asia Pacific University is the best university in Malaysia to study Computer Science with specialism in Data Analytics. Students need to choose the best university or college in Malaysia to study Computer Science with specialism in Data Analytics so that they can gain the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in the competitive world of IT.
The BSc (Hons) in Computer Science with specialism in Data Analytics programme has been carefully designed by Asia Pacific University (APU) with inputs and contents from their partners, comprising of major technology and software solutions providers, university partners as well as industry organisations who use analytics for strategic and competitive advantage.
The strength of these partnerships endures that the programme comprehensively addresses all key stakeholders – Technology providers, Employers, Government as well as Students – in its learning outcomes, curriculum content, delivery adn assessment. Students also obtain certification jointly issued with industry partners, which would certainly give them a head start in the exciting world of Big Data.
Furthermore, APU is also poised to become a frontrunner in analytics research through the establishment of the Asia Pacific Centre of Analytics (APCA), through which research activities will be undertaken to challenge boundaries in the application of analytics.
| Programme Offered | BSc (Hons) in Computer Science with specialism in Data Analytics |
| Duration | 3 years |
| Intake | February, July, October |
| Tuition Fees | Please contact us |
#3 Monash University
This is the era of big data and artificial intelligence. Data science, a distinct but related field to computer science, represents a cutting-edge discipline which applies scientific methods, mathematics, algorithms and artificial intelligence to extract and visualise intelligent insights from huge volumes of complex data.
In the fast-progressing world of the Information Age, these insights have the potential to fuel innovation and transform decision making. Data scientists deal with the challenges of big data – its interpretation, management and use – in fields as diverse as marketing, information systems, engineering, finance, arts, humanities, science and medicine.
Monash brings a breadth of expertise to bear on issues relating to big data. If you aspire to solve real-world problems based on the information challenges of big data, then specialising in data science will equip you with the practical skills to excel in your chosen career.
The world faces a substantial talent gap in the field of big data analytics and data engineering, so get your foot in the door now
| Programme Offered | Bachelor of Computer Science in Data Science |
| Duration | 3 years |
| Intake | February, July & October |
| Tuition Fees | Please contact us |
#4 Taylor’s University
Malaysian students taking the Bachelor’s (Hons) in Computer Science (Data Science) will receive a dual UK award from the University West of England (UWE) and also from Taylor’s University.
The Data Science specialisation is part of the computer science programme. Graduates from top ranked Taylor’s University Data Science programme should be able to upload and clean real-world data, make reliable statistical inferences from the cleaned data, use Machine Learning and statistical tools to learn models for data and visualise complex data.
| Programme Offered | Bachelor’s (Hons) in Computer Science (Data Science) |
| Duration | 3 years |
| Intake | January, March & August |
| Tuition Fees | Please contact us |
#5 University of Wollongong Malaysia (UOWM)
UOW Malaysia recognises the need to integrate and diminish the gap between industry requirements, practice and technology and academic delivery. Irrespective of the computing stream students choose to study, our syllabus ensure they have a strong grasp in the fundamentals on computing, from programming, to using complex algorithms, and designing, building and testing of applications or systems – all of which are critical in cultivating a graduate who is an analytical thinker and creative problem-solver.
The Bachelor of Computer Science (Hons) in UOW Malaysia KDU offers students a strong foundation that allows for the adoption and adaptation of new technologies and new ideas. The programme focuses from theory through programming, to cutting-edge development of computing solutions, and also emphasises the critical areas of the dynamic computing industry through its specialisations:
- Computer Security
- Mobile Computing
- Data Science
Upon completion of this programme, graduates will understand how and why various computer processes operate the way they do and be able to design and develop systems that meet specific requirements. They will emerge as highly sought-after experts with interdisciplinary computer science knowledge and skills; often commanding high salaries in this field.
UOWM syllabus is a direct result of in-depth analysis and collaborations with industry partners to ensure our graduates are not only employable but desirable talents that can integrate seamlessly into the industry. It evolves to stay relevant to current industry needs and practices.
For the specialisation subjects students will take the following at UOWM:
- Introduction to Data Science
- Knowledge Discovery and Data Mining
- Data Science Toolbox
- Data Visualization and Interactive Design
- Image Processing and Computer Vision
- Natural Language Processing
| Programme Offered | Bachelor of Computer Science (Hons) |
| Duration | 3 years |
| Intake | February, July, October |
| Tuition Fees | Please contact us |
Hello, My daughter is interested to pursue Masters in data science in any good Malaysian university. She is studying B.Sc engineering in Electronic and Computer and is due to complete in Mar 2021. She is an Indian national. If you think, she is eligible to pursue the course, please reply me privately in my e-mail: drpartha67@gmail.com
It is demand for a degree in data science now?
Yes, there is a high demand for data science