Find Out What You Will Study in the Diploma in Mechanical Engineering at Malaysia’s Private Universities
The Diploma in Mechanical Engineering is an ideal pathway for students after SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels who intend to pursue a degree in that field. It is 2.5 years in duration including internship. Students will take 30-35 subjects in the diploma and it is a mix of Assignments, Coursework, and written examination percentage. Generally, students will take about 5-7 subjects including MPU subjects a semester.
Choose a course at a reputable university that’s accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA). In order to decide if the Diploma in Mechanical Engineering is right for you, find out the Course Information, Subjects, Entry Requirements, Accreditation & Recognition at Malaysia’s private universities so that you can make the right choice.
Students after SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels with at least 3 Credits including Maths & Science may enter the 2-year Diploma in Mechanical Engineering course. Smart students should choose the best colleges or universities in Malaysia to study the Diploma in Mechanical Engineering so that they can gain the necessary knowledge and skills to continue on in the degree programme. Read on to find out more about which top universities in Malaysia offer the most affordable Diploma in Mechanical Engineering course.
Mechanical engineering is an extremely diverse field covering the design, development, construction, operation and maintenance of all types of motor vehicles, aircraft and ships as well as propulsion and power plants and mechanical and robotic components used in many industries. Mechanical Engineers design, build, test and maintain all manner of machines in all manner of places. It’s probably the most diverse and most flexible of all engineering disciplines, covering virtually all areas of development and production. Mechanical Engineering is one of the most popular engineering fields for students to study in Malaysia.
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What will you Study in the Diploma in Mechanical Engineering at Top Private Universities in Malaysia?
In a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering course at a private university in Malaysia, students will undergo training as part of the syllabus on Solidworks and Anysys software; the former will teach students how to create components with parametic methods and to create assemblies while the latter will impart knowledge on computer aided engineering analysis.
Students will gain a broad education in mechanical engineering that is built upon a solid understanding of engineering sciences and mathematics.
Furthermore, they will gain knowledge, skills, and technical competency in mechanical engineering discipline and be able to adapt themselves to new technological advancement and challenges in the field of mechanical engineering.
Students after SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels should choose the best colleges or universities in Malaysia to study the Diploma in Mechanical Engineering so that they can gain the necessary knowledge and skills to continue on in the degree programme.
Why Study Diploma in Mechanical Engineering at Malaysia’s Top Private Universities?

Renee Tan, Mechanical Engineering at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
Students after SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels should choose the best colleges or universities in Malaysia to study the Diploma in Mechanical Engineering so that they can gain the necessary knowledge and skills to continue on in the degree programme.
If you are sure of pursuing your undergraduate studies in Mechanical Engineering, then the Diploma is an excellent pathway to the degree.
A diploma in mechanical engineering programme is specific towards the area of study compared to Foundation, STPM or external Pre-University courses.
In addition, the Diploma in Mechanical Engineering is more practical and includes internship. Upon completion you can either go work or continue on to the degree in Mechanical Engineering.
If you take the STPM, which is very difficult and takes 2 years, you would have completed a 2-year Diploma course. The STPM is just a Pre-University programme which is one step lower than a Diploma.
Another advantage is that the Diploma in Mechanical Engineering you can apply for the PTPTN Loan. When you continue on to the degree Year 2, you can apply for the PTPTN. Please note that there is no PTPTN Loan for Foundation or any Pre-University course.
If you score well in your Diploma programme, you can apply for scholarship for the degree portion of your studies. The amount of scholarship will depend on your CGPA and vary from university to university.
Why Study the Diploma in Mechanical Engineering instead of Foundation?
If you are sure of what course you want to study for your degree, you can just go straight into the Diploma in Mechanical Engineering course.
If you are not sure of what you want to study in the degree, go for Foundation because you have one year to decide on what to take for your degree. You can apply up to RM8,000 a year for the PTPTN Loan while there is no loan for the Foundation.
In the diploma you will study subjects related to your course while in the Foundation, you will study general subjects mostly unrelated to your course. Some diploma courses are 2 years while others are 2.5 years. If it is 2.5 years, you may take longer to complete your degree. If it is a 2-year diploma, then the time taken is the same to complete the degree when you take Foundation.
- SPM (5 relevant credits) – Foundation (1 year) – Degree (3 years)
- SPM (3 relevant credits) – Diploma (2 or 2.5 years) – enter degree Year 2 (3 years)
Where to Study the Diploma in Mechanical Engineering?
The Diploma in Mechanical Engineering is an ideal pathway for students after SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels who intend to pursue a degree in that field. Top private universities in Malaysia offering the Diploma in Mechanical Engineering are First City University College and MAHSA University. Their Diploma in Mechanical Engineering programmes will lead to degree programmes accredited by the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM).
What is the Duration of a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering Course?
The Diploma in Mechanical Engineering at a private university in Malaysia is a 2 ½ year programme or 7 semesters, in line with the requirements of the Engineering Accreditation Council Malaysia (EAC) and Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).
The duration will include a semester for internship.
Accreditation and Recognition
Students should study the Diploma in Mechanical Engineering at a reputable private university recognised by the Ministry of Higher Education as well as the course being recognised by the Engineering Accreditation Council Malaysia (EAC) and accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).
With this, you can then enter into Year 2 of the Mechanical Engineering degree that’s accredited by the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM).
Why you Should choose a Diploma Course that is Accredited by MQA

Mr. Yeo
Accreditation is a formal recognition that a certificate, diploma or degree programme has attained the quality standards and criteria set by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) and is in compliance with the MQF.
Institutions whose programmes have been accredited can use MQA recognition in their advertisements or any other statement. These programmes can be considered for recognition by the government for the purpose of employment in the public sector. Accreditation is a status or achievement as a result of quality assessment by MQA. It is a commitment by MQA to all stakeholders in higher education i.e students, parents, employers that the programme accredited by MQA is quality-assured. It is also a basis for other parties to recognise the programme for a variety of reasons. For example, the Public Service Department (PSD) will use this accreditation status to recognise the qualification for employment in the public service.
Accreditation status by MQA has many advantages. Besides being a benchmark for quality programme, it also has other advantages such as:-
- Students are eligible to apply for loan from funding agencies such as National Higher Education Fund (PTPTN).
- Students are eligible to continue their studies in higher education institutions and obtain credit transfer. However, the final decision lies with the institution concerned.
- Students can be considered for employment in the public sector. In many cases, even employers from the private sector prefer accredited programmes in their selection of graduates for employment.
- Institutions can franchise their accredited programmes to other institutions, subject to certain conditions.
Is the PTPTN Loan Available for Diploma in Mechanical Engineering Courses?
Yes, students may apply for PTPTN Loan for diploma courses that are accredited by the Malaysian Qualification Agency (MQA)
IGCSE/O-Level graduates are able to apply for the PTPTN Loan.
Students whose parents are under Bantuan Rakyat 1 Malaysia (BR1M) may get the full PTPTN Loan amount RM14,030 (Science-related Diploma) or RM 13,600 (Arts-related Diploma). This is the total loan amount for the whole course.
Students whose parents’ combined income is not more than RM8,000 but not under BR1M will get RM10,520 (Science-related Diploma) or RM 10,200 (Arts-related Diploma).
Finally, students whose parents’ combined income is more than RM8,000 will get RM7,010 (Science-related Diploma) or RM 6,800 (Arts-related Diploma).
The details of the loan level are as below:
No | Level | Description of Eligibility |
1 | Maximum | Student’s or parents’ names are listed as recipient of BR1M |
2 | 75% from maximum loan amount | Family income lower than RM8,000 (names not listed in BR1M) |
3 | 50% from maximum loan amount | Family income higher than RM8,000 (names not listed in BR1M) |
Mode of Payment Payment from PTPN will be made TWICE a year directly into the university’s account. Students must make payment of first semester’s tuition fees to the university and then apply for the PTPN Loan for it to come into effect for the second semester. Eligibility for the 2nd Payment and onwards Student must obtain GPA 2.0 and above in order to continue enjoying the loan.
PTPTN Loan Amount
PERINGKAT PENGAJIAN UNTUK IPTS | JUMLAH PEMBIAYAAN SETAHUNMENGIKUT PERINGKAT* | ||
MAKSIMUM(RM) | 75%(RM) | 50%(RM) | |
Diploma in Business | 6,800 | 5,100 | 3,400 |
How do we Apply for the PTPTN Loan for our Diploma Course?
Most private universities and colleges will have a special department and staff to help you to make all the necessary arrangements for the loan so you do not need to worry about it. They will brief you about it during Orientation
Please note that generally, you have to pay the First Semester Fees first and then apply for the loan, which would take 2-3 months to process. The loan should be given out in time for the second semester but if it doesn’t happen in time, you have to prepare the fees for the Second Semester.
What are some of the Subjects that You will Study in the Diploma in Mechanical Engineering Programme?

Vincent Hoy, Graduated from Mechatronic Engineering at Asia Pacific University (APU)
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Physics
Communicative English - Engineering Drawing
- Science Laboratory
- Statics
- Computer Programming
- Material Science
- Introduction to Information Technology
- Solid Mechanics
- Thermodynamics
- Dynamics
- Computer Aided Design
- Fluids Mechanics
- Mechanical Design
- Manufacturing Technology
- Industrial Training
- Mechanics of Machines
- Final Project
- Electrical & Electronics Technology
- Management for Engineers
- Engineering Health & Safety
What are the Entry Requirements for the Diploma in Mechanical Engineering?
With any 3 credits in SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels including Maths & Science you can go for the Diploma in Mechanical Engineering at a top private university in Malaysia. After the 2.5-year diploma, you can continue on to Year 2 of the Degree at the same university if the degree course is offered.
There is no need to perform exemptions if you continue on to degree at the same university. Or you can transfer into another private university for the degree in mechanical engineering that’s accredited by the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM).
To enter the Foundation programme, you will need at least 5 credits in SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels including Maths and Physics. Therefore, if you only have 3 credits in SPM, the Diploma would be ideal for you.
What is the Education Pathway to the Mechanical Engineering Degree from Diploma?

Renee Tan, Mechanical Engineering at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
Students who have completed the SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels may enter the 2.5-year Diploma in Mechanical Engineering. You will need at least 3 credits including Maths and 1 Science subject to enter the Diploma course.
Upon completion of your diploma in mechanical engineering, you can enter into Year 2 of either the Mechanical Engineering or Mechatronic Engineering degree. You will then take 3 years to complete the degree.
If your university doesn’t offer the Mechanical Engineering or Mechatronic Engineering degree you can transfer your credits to another university or you just want to change to another university, it’s possible. You will need to submit the transcripts, course outline, syllabus for all the subjects in the diploma plus your high school certificate to the university that you are interested in for evaluation for exemptions.
Excellent Private Universities & Colleges in Malaysia for Mechanical Engineering and Mechatronic Engineering Degree Courses that you can transfer your Diploma in Mechanical Engineering

Kian Yong (Mechanical Engineering) at UCSI University and Hong Ann (Software Engineering) at Asia Pacific University
Most diplomas in mechanical engineering can be transferred to another college or university into the Year 2 of the relevant programme. If you have taken the Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, it is highly likely that you can enter into Year 2 of the degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Upon completion of your Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, you may transfer your credits into Year 2 of the Mechanical Engineering or Mechatronic Engineering degree at top private universities in Malaysia.
Top private universities and colleges in Malaysia offering the Mechanical Engineering degree course that you can transfer your Diploma to are Heriot-Watt University Malaysia, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Taylor’s University, Multimedia University (MMU), UCSI University, UOWM KDU, Utropolis Glenmarie.
You can also consider changing to Mechatronic Engineering after your Diploma in Mechanical Engineering course. Depending on the exemptions, you will enter into Year 1 or Year 2 of the Mechatronic Engineering degree.Mechatronic engineering is the combination of mechanical, electrical & electronic, robotics and computing.
A Mechatronic Engineer designs smart machines that are aware of their surroundings and can make decisions. It is a new branch of the engineering field with very good job prospects. Malaysia’s Top private universities offering the Mechatronic Engineering degree programme that’s accredited by the Board of Engineers Malaysia are Asia Pacific University (APU) & UCSI University.
What to Consider when Choosing the Best Private University or College in Malaysia to Study Diploma in Mechanical Engineering
Here’s a list of common criteria in choosing a top private university in Malaysia:
- Diploma and degrees offered
- Subjects offered in the diploma or degree (Are they relevant, up-to-date, and help you to achieve your career goals)
- Accreditation by MQA and other relevant professional bodies in Malaysia
- Type of programme (local degree, 3+0 UK or Australian degree, 4+0 American degree, degree transfer programme, etc)
- Entry requirements (Branch campuses in Malaysia have higher entry requirements)
- Location of the university
- Size of the student population
- Student culture (English-speaking environment, ambitious, serious about studies, lifestyle or party university, etc)
- Public vs. Private (STPM is tougher and choice of course & university is determined by the government)
- Costs (tuition, hostel, food, transportation, etc.)
- Financial assistance (Scholarships, PTPN Loan, EPF withdrawal, MARA Loan, etc)
- Campus resources (labs, libraries, wifi, computer access, sports facilities, etc.)
- Internship and co-op programs
- Class size (Small class size for personal attention)
- Faculty contact/classes taught by full-time qualified & experienced faculty
- Quality/reputation/ranking of the private university in Malaysia
- Safety (campus, community)
- Make up of the student body (diversity, international students, gender, etc.)
- Extra-curricular activities (Student organisations, clubs, sports, etc.)
- Housing options (on-campus, off-campus apartments)
- Student support services
- Intake dates
What is Mechanical Engineering?

Kuang Joe, Diploma in Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical engineering is an extremely diverse field covering the design, development, construction, operation and maintenance of all types of motor vehicles, aircraft and ships as well as propulsion and power plants and mechanical and robotic components used in many industries. Mechanical Engineering is one of the most popular engineering fields, also overlapping with other areas, such as Aerospace, Manufacturing and Electrical Engineering among others.
Mechanical Engineeringis a discipline of engineering that applies the principles of physics and materials science for analysis, design, manufacturing, and maintenance of mechanical systems. It is the branch of engineering that involves the production and usage of heat and mechanical power for the design, production, and operation of machines and tools.
The mechanical engineering field requires understanding of core concepts including mechanics, kinematics, thermodynamics, materials science, and structural analysis. Mechanical engineers use these core principles along with tools like computer-aided engineering and product lifecycle management to design and analyze manufacturing plants, industrial equipment and machinery, heating and cooling systems, motorized vehicles, aircraft, watercraft, robotics, medical devices and more.
Mechanical Engineers design, build, test and maintain all manner of machines in all manner of places. It’s probably the most diverse and most flexible of all engineering disciplines, covering virtually all areas of development and production like analysis, design, development, manufacturing, operation and maintenance.
Mechanical Engineering is all about turning energy into power and motion through the design of clever mechanical systems. Because it’s such a broad field, you could expect to find Mechanical Engineers almost anywhere that uses machinery. Mechanical Engineering very specifically uses mechanical power to operate machines and tools. Mechanical Engineers then use these machines and tools to develop things – anything really, from water bottles to cars to computers.
Apply all this to developing motor vehicles, building aircraft and ships, designing methods of propulsion and power plants or applying the mechanical and robotic components used in industries everywhere. And there you have career options in Malaysia and globally that stretch as far as you can imagine.

Melvern, Engineering at UCSI University
Mechanical Engineering continues to evolve as technology improves and things become smaller – the optimisation, design and construction of machines to make things never stops. Mechanical Engineers research, design, build, test, maintain and improve all manner of things, from power plants, renewable energy systems and electrical generators, to robots computer systems and aircraft engines and cars. If it is a machine, it was an engineer that made it.
In recent times, Mechanical Engineers have had to adapt to the changing needs of the technology era. Now they design bionic limbs and prosthetic joints, develop high performance composite materials, work on more flexible manufacturing processes and much more. As technology demands it, a Mechanical Engineer responds accordingly with an ingenious invention or more efficient process.
Any Mechanical Engineer you meet will be a master of energy, motion, forces, solids, liquids and gases. Depending on your area of interest, you can apply these skills to any number of sub-disciplines of Mechanical Engineering.
Mechanical Engineers work in more fields than you can imagine. If it’s a machine, you can be sure that a mechanical engineer has had something to do with designing it, constructing a prototype, testing it, perfecting it and rolling it out on the production line. Some mechanical engineers may even be involved in marketing or selling it! How about power generation, or noise and vibration, flow analysis and measurement, land transport vehicles, computational engineering, design & simulation or even composite structures.
Study Mechanical Engineering that’s Accredited by the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) at the Best Private Universities in Malaysia
One of the advantages of selecting mechanical engineering as your specialty is that it is a fairly general and all-purpose engineering degree. That means you will be able to gain employment at many different companies across all continents.
There is a high demand for qualified engineers in Malaysia therefore jobs are easy to come by and salaries are high. Top Private universities in Malaysia offer an affordable option for students who cannot get into public universities or go overseas to study.
The quality of the programmes of some universities are of high standards and accredited by the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) which provides recognition for graduates who want to work overseas.
Traits that make a good mechanical engineer If you are an innovator and you enjoy solving complex problems, then you will make a good mechanical engineer. A mechanical engineer needs to be good at applying mathematics and scientific principles to turn ideas into reality. Teamwork and leadership is also needed because mechanical engineers usually work in teams.
Advantages of Choosing a Private University with an Engineering Degree that’s Accredited by the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM)

Lyngkaran, Engineering at Taylor’s University
Students should choose universities that are well equipped, experienced, accredited by Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) and an English-speaking student environment.
A degree that’s accredited by the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) means that it has achieved the education standards.
If you ever want or need to become a consulting, engineer, you must be licensed as an Ir or P.Eng. Only a Ir/P.Eng. can sign and seal engineering documents that are engineering documents that are submitted to a public authority or for public and private clients. Furthermore, many companies encourage licensure and some even pay a bonus for becoming a P.Eng.
In education, more universities are requiring a Ir/P.Eng. license to lecture in the engineering faculty or for holding certain positions. While, in some industries such as utilities, and government positions, a P.Eng. is required for specified jobs or positions.
With the engineering profession now operating in an international environment, licensing may be required to work in or for other countries. You will be prepared in the event your career moves in this direction (e.g. APEC Engineers, EMF Int. Engineer Register, Washington Accord). This means that you have the opportunity to work overseas and even migrate.
An engineer who has just graduated with a recognised qualification must register with the Board of Engineers Malaysia. He/she can then start to obtain the necessary training and experience, normally four years, before he/she can attempt to sit for the Professional Interview, an exam to qualify Graduate Members of IEM to be transferred to Corporate Members. Corporate Members of Institution of Engineers, Malaysia (IEM) can then apply to upgrade their status to P.Eng. with the Board of Engineers Malaysia.
Careers for Malaysian Mechanical Engineering Graduates

Chong Han, Foundation in Engineering at Taylor’s University
Mechanical Engineering graduates from top universities in Malaysia could work in various industries such as the automotive industry (design and production), aerospace and transport industries, power generation sector, building services, refineries, insurance industries, acoustics consultancies, transport or structural design of cranes, railway systems design, consumer goods design and production and management consultancies.
Here’s a list of some of the industries a mechanical engineer might work in and the things they might be required to do:
- Design vehicles, ranging from space craft to high performance racing cars
- Analyse the acoustics data for planning a building
- Design a ventilation and air conditioning system for a large building
- Design the air filtration unit for a train
- Design a suitable power system
- Design and develop next generation machines for aiding the disabled
- Develop new concepts for underground mining machinery and transport
- Use fluid structure interaction models to design rotating blades using advanced materials
- Design and manufacture industrial robots for a range of applications