Malaysia is home to some 47 private universities (out of around 110 in total), many of which have scored high on the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Rankings – the most widely used of the global university ranking systems. These attract an ever growing number of international students who are drawn to the wide array of degree courses, culturally diverse campuses and work placement opportunities these institutions offer.
Each university offers its own customised curriculum and specialised programmes designed to equip students with all the tools they’ll need for a successful career in their chosen field. Here we’ve narrowed the list down to five institutions (in no particular order) at top of their game.
1. Sunway University
Founded in 1987, Sunway University has risen up the ranks to become one of the country’s most well-known higher learning institutions. It recently received 5-star ratings on the QS system for teaching, employability, social responsibility, inclusiveness and facilities, and few universities come better equipped for today’s overseas students.
Image: university.sunway.edu.my
Among its extensive curriculum of diplomas, bachelors’ degrees, masters’ degrees, and doctoral degrees, Malaysia’s only 5-star non-government linked private university boasts full degree programmes in partnership with Lancaster University, upon completion of which students are awarded two certificates. This dual graduation provides a strong competitive edge on a global level.
Add to that a thriving campus life that hosts a myriad of exciting international events, cutting edge facilities, and links to the world’s top global brands like Harvard University, Oxford University and Cambridge University, Sunway University lives up to its moto as “A Class Above”.
Sunway University
Where No. 5, Jalan Universiti, Bandar Sunway, 47500 Selangor
Tel 03 7491 8622
university.sunway.edu.my
2. Taylor’s University
Having jumped up 135 places from its position on last year’s QS rankings, Taylor’s stands as one of the leading private universities in Malaysia. A milestone was reached in its 40-year history when the Lakeside Campus was opened over a decade ago, consolidating all tertiary programmes under one roof. This stunning 27-acre campus sits around a revived 5.5-acre man-made lake and is surrounded by tropical greenery.
Renowned for its teaching excellence, the university is also a pioneer in online learning with a masterplan that was developed following the SARS outbreak in 2003. An award-winning Virtual Learning Environment provides the framework for this system which includes e-assessment, e-tutoring, e-submission and e-forum features.
Image: university.taylors.edu.my
Taylor’s also places emphasis on community engagement and sustainability programmes in a bid to help impact communities here and abroad, and is also in the QS Top 20 world position for Hospitality and Leisure Management – the only Malaysia institution to be in this Top 20.
Taylor’s University
Where 1, Jalan Taylors, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor
Tel 03 5629 5000
university.taylors.edu.my
3. UCSI University
As one of the first private universities in Malaysia, UCSI has done much to help develop the country’s higher education landscape. It boasts over 100 academic programmes making it one of Malaysia’s most academically diverse institutions, and is also a pioneer in fields such as Food Science, Nutrition, Biotechnology, Music and Aquatic Science.
Image: ucsiuniversity.edu.my
The student body comprises a melting pot of more than 110 nationalities, which helps students gain a good sense of cultural appreciation. Its almost 400-member faculty is made up of academicians at the frontlines of their disciplines, many of which have held significant posts overseas and have contributed widely to noteworthy research.
These help to bring a balance of academic rigor and industrial application into the lecture halls, leading to a world-class education. UCSI University is also the first in Asia to facilitate industry placement for students each year.
UCSI University
Where No. 1, Jalan Menara Gading, UCSI Heights (Taman Connaught), Cheras, 56000 Kuala Lumpur
Tel 03 9101 8880
ucsiuniversity.edu.my
4. Asia Pacific University (APU)
With technology and innovation at its core, Asia Pacific University (APU) is well known for producing highly employable graduates ready to contribute and innovate as they step into the working world. Having won a host of prestigious awards since its inception in 1993, APU was also Malaysia’s first learning institution to achieve Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) Company Status.
A testament to its commitment towards producing career-ready graduates that push boundaries in the digital world, APU was also designated as one of Malaysia’s Premier Digital Institution of Higher Learning (IHL) by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC). Programmes in Computing, Game Development, Data Science, Engineering, Technology Management, Software Engineering and IT Management have been especially lauded.
Parent group Asia Pacific Institute of Information Technology Education also counts branch campuses in Sri Lanka and India, through which APU reaches out to aspiring professionals to provide them with a unique opportunity to experience international best practices in higher education using curricula and systems developed in Malaysia.
Asia Pacific University (APU)
Where Technology Park Malaysia Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur 57000
Tel 03 8996 1000
apu.edu.my
Monash University Malaysia has the distinction of being the country’s first foreign university (established in 1998) and has gained a reputation as being one of the region’s finest. A member of Australia’s prestigious Group Of Eight (Go8) and ranked as one of the top 100 universities in the world, the Melbourne-based Monash University is a research-intensive institution and home to globally-renowned facilities.
This research pedigree is carried over to the Malaysian campus where areas of focus include Advanced Engineering Platform, Global Asia in the 21st Century, and Tropical Medicine and Biology among others.
Specialist undergraduate and postgraduate courses in disciplines such as Arts & Social Sciences, Business, Engineering and Information Technology, Medicine & Health Sciences, Pharmacy, and Psychology are approached from a holistic standpoint and designed to produce globally-engaged and industry-driven graduates. Accredited in Malaysia and Australia, all courses are locally relevant and recognised on an international level.
Monash University Malaysia
Where Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor
Tel 03 5514 6000
monash.edu.my