A Guide to Choosing the Best Private College or University in Malaysia
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Choosing a top private university in Malaysia to study after SPM or O-Levels takes time, it is a process in finding out which one best fits you. You need to talk to the right counselors who are knowledgeable and experienced.
A knowledgeable counselor 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. While an experienced counselor would be able to analyse your results, understand your personality & skills to figure out which course and career suits you.
Part of finding the right college or university in Malaysia for you will, of course, be picking out the criteria that matters to most to you, and then seeing if any of the top private colleges or universities you’re looking at fit those criteria. If you want a guide to that process, then read on.
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Please fill up the form for more information. If you do not give your mobile number or full name as in IC, your query will not be answered. Please make sure you give a correct email address and check your email including the SPAM or JUNK email folder within 48 hours as we will email you the information.
Talk to a Knowledgeable & Experienced Education Consultant to Help you to Choose the Best Private University or College in Malaysia
Choosing a the right university to study after SPM or 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 counselors who are knowledgeable and experienced.
A knowledgeable counselor 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. While an experienced counselor would be able to analyse your results, understand your personality & skills to figure out which course and career suits you.
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.
While an experienced education consultant would have had counseled hundreds of students analysing their
personalities and skilfully guiding them to the right course and university.
At EduSpiral Consultant Services, I have worked in the private higher education industry in Malaysia for more than 15 years advising students with facts and evidence on how to choose the right course after SPM. You should carefully think about what are the options available to you. 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.
Points on How to Choose a Top Private University to Study at in Malaysia or Singapore
Sze Chuan, Hotel & Tourism at Reliance College
Starting your university search with the basics will help you identify the universities that will best suit you academically and personally. Each of us has unique needs and values, and what is important to you may not matter to someone else.
Being a sports enthusiast, you may want a university that has the facilities to support your lifestyle. The same goes for school size, cost, and other basic college criteria. By identifying your needs, you can narrow down which universities and focus on the things that will make your university a perfect fit.
Which course do you want to Study in Malaysia?
Knowing which course you want to study will help in determining which university. Just like signature dishes for restaurants, certain private universities are famous for particular courses. Choosing the best university for that course would ensure that you benefit from their experience.
For example, HELP University is famous for Psychology, Asia Pacific University for Computing, Heriot-Watt University Malaysia for Actuarial Science & Engineering, UCSI University for Pharmacy & Engineering, First City University College for Interior Design, KDU University College for Mass Communication, etc.
Which Country do you want to study your Degree programme at?
Eric Lu, Business at KDU University College
Deciding which country that you would like to study your degree programme at would help you to determine which Pre-University course to study. Knowing which Pre-University course would then help you identify the best university in Malaysia for that course.
To study in the USA, you can go for the American Degree Transfer Program (ADTP) where you would study 2 years in Malaysia and then transfer to a university in the USA. However, note that if you take the ADTP and later decide not to go to the USA, you cannot enter into any degree programme in Malaysia. And if you take an external Pre-University course like SAM, AUSMAT, CPU or A-Levels, you would not get the maximum amount of credits to transfer to a university in the USA.
If you want to study in Australia for your degree, then you can go for the UNSW Foundation Year, AUSMAT or SAM. A-Levels is accepted worldwide but if you do not plan to go overseas, you should just go for the Foundation programme at the private university. The Foundation programme is easier and cheaper than an external Pre-University course.
Budget for your Studies
Gan Wei Cheng, 3A* in A-Levels at KDU College Penang and now JPA Scholarship at U. of Sydney for Pharmacy
When buying a mobile phone, you would have a budget in mind and with that budget you can filter out which phones you can or cannot afford. It is the same with choosing a private university. You need to have a budget in mind so that you can filter out which universities that you can afford to study at.
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.
Diploma and degrees offered at Private Universities in Malaysia or Singapore
Not all degree programmes bearing the same title are the same at all universities. A business administration degree at university A is not the same as at university B. Students must look at the subjects offered in the diploma or degree to see if they relevant, up-to-date, and help you to achieve your career goals.
Accreditation by MQA and other relevant professional bodies in Malaysia
Eric Lau from ACS Ipoh graduated from Diploma in Interactive Design at First City University College
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. For example, Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM), Nursing Board, Pharmacy Board, Malaysian Bar, MIA, Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia, etc.
If you want to become a lawyer, you must take the A-Levels and have a credit for SPM Bahasa Malaysia subject. I had one student who took a Diploma in Law at a college in Sarawak and then realise that he could not become a lawyer in the end because he doesn’t have A-Levels.
Type of programme offered in Malaysia
Students should research on the different types of Pre-University programmes in Malaysia and also what type of degree programmes that they are interested in such as a local degree, 3+0 UK or Australian degree, 4+0 American degree, degree transfer programme, etc)
A 3+0 UK degree would follow the syllabus of the UK partner university. A UK education style is different from an Australian or American education. Therefore, you will need to determine which style best suits 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.
Entry requirements to study at Private Universities in Malaysia
Lay Hoe, A-Levels at HELP University
Sometimes you may want to study a course but you may not have the results to enter the course. Arts stream students would not be able to enter into science related degree courses except for engineering. Branch campuses in Malaysia have higher entry requirements as well.
Location of the Private University
Some students have told me that they just want to study at a university nearest to their home. That may not be the best reason in choosing a university although it may be convenient for you. A private university in a city setting like Kuala Lumpur or Singapore would expose you to independent living and modern-minded students who would help shape your character.
Studying in Singapore is in a safe & modern environment with world-class education system.
Student Culture of the Private University
Vincent Yeoh, Accounting & Finance at Asia Pacific University
The overall culture of your college may play as big a role in your future success as your degree. Figuring out what’s important to you will help you narrow the field when choosing a private college or university in Malaysia or Singapore, and you may discover some options that hadn’t even been on your radar!
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.
It is important to choose a private university in Malaysia or Singapore 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.
Make up of the student body at a top private university in Malaysia
Weng Hang, Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
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.
Choosing Between Public Universities and Private Universities in Malaysia
STPM takes 1.5 years to complete and by the time it takes you to enter into Public University, it would have taken you 2.5 years after your SPM. The STPM is a very tough course and covers a lot of material. If you are not prepared for it, you may not do well and would have wasted the time. In addition, if you are a top student, taking a tough course, you may not score high which would affect your scholarship opportunities.
Going for the Foundation or an easier Pre-University programme may increase your chances of scoring high for the exam therefore allowing you to apply for scholarships to study for your degree.
After the STPM, you do not get to really choose your course or university as the government does that for you according to demand.
Cost, scholarships, and financial aid (tuition, hostel, food, transportation, etc.)
Chee Kin, Actuarial & Finance degree at UCSI University
The cost of studying at university is one thing that most parents think about during the college search process. Not all colleges and universities in Malaysia or Singapore 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 PTPN Loan, EPF withdrawal, MARA Loan, etc
Campus resources
Students should visit the universities campuses to look at the labs, libraries, sports facilities, etc. While visiting, you can also get a feel of the student culture to see if it fits you.
Qualified & experienced faculty at the University in Malaysia
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.
Quality/reputation/ranking of the private university in Malaysia
There is no official ranking system in Malaysia for private universities. The MQA and Ministry of Higher
Choon Meng, Game Technology at KDU University College
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.
Student support services
Does the private university that you are interested in provide support services for students in times of need? Some private universities provide qualified and trained psychologists to help students with their problems and counsel them.
An active Student Affairs Department would have a lot of extra-curricular activities providing for a vibrant university life. Strong student clubs and societies would help build important skills such as leadership, communication, teamwork, problem-solving and creativity.
The Accommodation Department would assist students with options for on-campus and off-campus accommodation.
Study at the Best Private Universities and Colleges in Malaysia & Singapore
Singapore
Zhi Yih, Interior Design at First City University College
Malaysia
- Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
- Curtin University, Sarawak campus
- Asia Pacific University (APU)
- APIIT
- UCSI University
- UCSI University Sarawak Campus
- HELP University
- HELP Academy
- HELP College of Arts & Technology
- KDU University College Utropolis Glenmarie
- KDU College Damansara Jaya
- KDU University College Penang
- First City University College (Formerly known as KBU International College)
- Reliance College Kuala Lumpur
- YTL International College of Hotel Management
- Point College
- Malaysian Institute of Art (MIA)
- Nilai University
EduSpiral Consultant Services- Your Personal Online Education Advisor
Established since 2009, EduSpiral Consultant Services helps provide information and counselling
Cavan Stefan at HELP University
on courses and universities in Malaysia & Singapore. EduSpiral Consultant Services also represents MDIS Singapore and PSB Academy Singapore.
EduSpiral Consultant Services represents the best colleges and universities in Malaysia offering a wide range of choices for students to choose from. These colleges and universities offer value for money in the quality of education and excellent facilities that you get.
These universities and colleges are chosen by EduSpiral because they represent the best in their fields in Malaysia and affordable. EduSpiral provides in-depth information and counseling on their courses so that students are able to make the right choice.
If you are still not sure what to study, please contact us and we will send you a free EduSpiral Career Assessment Form.
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Please fill up the form for more information. If you do not give your mobile number or full name as in IC, your query will not be answered. Please make sure you give a correct email address and check your email including the SPAM or JUNK email folder within 48 hours as we will email you the information.
Top Private Universities & Colleges in Malaysia 