In order to succeed in the competitive field of accounting, students must choose the best universities in Malaysia to study. Students should choose the right university that fits them which has a good reputation for business programs, excellent facilities, top lecturers and an English-speaking student environment.

To be a registered chartered accountant in Malaysia, you must be a member of the Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA), which is the regulatory body for accountants in Malaysia. Members of ACCA, CIMA, CPA Australia, ICAA, ICAEW and MICPA are eligible for MIA membership.

Students who are weak in English should go for an accounting degree at a top private university in Malaysia where the degree is exempted from the 9 papers of the ACCA. Upon graduation, you find a job and then take the final 5 papers of the ACCA to become a chartered accountant.

Upon completion of the accounting degree programmes, graduates will have 9 paper exemptions from the total of 15 ACCA papers. I would recommend students who are weak in the English language to go for the accounting degree course first and then only pursue the ACCA. The ACCA is exam-based and marked in the UK.

The Best Accounting Courses at Top Private Universities in Malaysia

In the Guardian Ranking 2017, Heriot-Watt University is ranked 3rd for Accounting & Finance and 18th overall in the UK. Heriot-Watt University’s Ranking in the Complete University Guide 2017 (UK) for Accounting & Finance is 24th. In the 2017 QS World Universities Rankings, Heriot-Watt University is ranked 327th in the world, 41st in UK and 7th in Scotland for the QS World’s Top Universities. This places the university in the top 4%, based on approximation of at least 10,000 universities in the world. Students after SPM or O-Levels will enter the Foundation in Business and Design at Top Ranked Heriot-Watt University Malaysia before continuing on to the Accounting & Business Finance MA (Hons). Students in Malaysia have the opportunity to graduate with a top ranked UK degree in Accounting & Finance.

Curtin University is ranked in the top two per cent of universities worldwide in the Academic Ranking of World Universities 2016. It is ranked 27th in the world for universities under the age of 50 in the QS World University Rankings 2016 and has received a five star overall excellence rating in the QS Stars University Ratings 2015. In addition, Curtin also climbed 33 places this year to a rank of 302nd in the world and remains 9th in Australia in the latest University Ranking by Academic Performance (URAP), and is positioned at 312th in the world and 16th in Australia in the CWTS Leiden Ranking. Curtin University Sarawak is rated Tier 5 or Excellent in the SETARA 2013 ranking of universities in Malaysia by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).  Students after SPM or O-Levels will go for the Foundation Studies (Commerce and Arts) at Curtin University Sarawak before continuing on to obtain top Australian accounting degree courses:

• Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting)
• Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting and Banking)
• Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting and Entrepreneurship)
• Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting and Finance)

Asia Pacific University (APU) has been RATED No. 1 in Asia and Malaysia for its multicultural learning

experience by Student Barometer Wave 2014, ‘Studying with people from other cultures’ and also ranked Tier 5 ranking or Excellent in the SETARA 2013 and 2011 by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) An impressive 95% of APU’s graduates obtain jobs before graduation. Students with at least 5 credits in SPM or O-Levels may go for the  Foundation – Business at Asia Pacific University (APU). Alternatively, with at least 3 credits in SPM or O-Levels, students can enter the Diploma in Accounting for 2 years before entering Year 2 of the Accounting degree. Students can choose from the following UK Dual Award (Staffordshire University) accounting programmes:

• BA (Hons) in Accounting and Finance
• BA (Hons) in Accounting and Finance with specialisms in Forensic Accounting
• BA (Hons) in Accounting and Finance with specialisms in Taxation
• BA (Hons) in Accounting and Finance with specialisms in Forex and Investments
• BA (Hons) in Accounting and Finance with specialisms in Internal Audit

Top Ranked Taylor’s University offers the Foundation in Arts and Taylor’s Business Foundation for

students with at least 5 credits in SPM or O-Levels to choose from. Upon completion of the Foundation programme students will continue on to the Bachelor of Arts (Hons) Accounting & Finance Dual Degree awarded by Taylor’s University and the University of the West of England (UWE). Over 70% of Taylors University’s graduates are employed within 2 months. In addition, the university has strong partnerships with 3,000+ career partners in Malaysia and globally. Taylor’s University was voted the Most Popular Private College and / or University in Malaysia for two consecutive years (2008 and 2009), and is rated ‘Tier 5: Excellent‘ by the Ministry of Higher Education (MQA SETARA 2013). Taylor’s University is also ranked as one of the Top 250 universities in Asia by QS University Rankings: Asia 2015.

UCSI University is ranked in the Top 300 Universities in Asia in 2015 by the renown QS University

Rankings. UCSI University is ranked as Excellent or Tier 5 in the SETARA 2013 rating system by MQA. After completing the Foundation in Arts at UCSI University, students will progress on to the BA (Hons) Accounting or BA (Hons) Accounting & Finance.  Completing two months’ work experience for every study year, UCSI University has the longest internship programme amongst all the universities in Malaysia. Currently, UCSI University has more than 1,000 employer organisations registered as their Co-Op employers and continues to increase each year.

Students after SPM or O-Levels can enter into KDU University College Utropolis Glenmarie Foundation in Arts & Technology for 1 year before continuing on to the degree. The other pathway is to take the Diploma in Accounting for 2 years and then enter into Year 2 of the Bachelor of Accounting (Hons) Degree programme for another 2 years.  The Bachelor of Accounting (Hons) programme at KDU University College Utropolis Glenmarie is a collaboration with global professional accounting body, the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). The 3-year programme is the quickest for students in Malaysia for a seamless journey towards earning an internationally recognised professional qualification. With 129 credits accredited by ACCA, students are able to complete the ACCA Fundamentals (nine papers) within the first two years of their studies. Students’ final year will be spent covering the syllabus of five professional ACCA papers and attending special revision classes to prepare for two essential ACCA Professional level exams. KDU University College is an ACCA Platinum Approved Learning Partner (ALP), which is the highest and most prestigious level of approval for universities and colleges globally.

In the MyQuest 2014/2015, KDU Penang University College was rated 6-Stars which is the highest ranking

for a college in Malaysia. This would make KDU College the best college in Penang. KDU Penang was also rated an all-round 5-star College status by Ministry of Education (MOE) MyQuest Audit for2011/2012 and 2012/2013. KDU Penang University College’s Bachelor of Accountancy (Hons) degree is a UK dual award programme. KDU Penang accounting graduates will receive two awards – one from KDU Penang University College and the other from the University of Lincoln. In the 2017 League Table Ranking for Accounting & Finance by the UK Complete University Guide, University of Lincoln is ranked at 42. Students after SPM or O-Levels in the northern region of Malaysia will enter the 2-year diploma in accounting at KDU Penang University College. Upon completion of the diploma, graduates can continue on into Year 2 of the degree.

First City University College is a private higher education institution established in 1990 by the First

Nationwide Group. Students after SPM or O-Levels will take the Foundation in Business Administration and then continue on to the BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance. First City University College is the best value for money with a purpose-designed, fully equipped campus with sports and recreational facilities, and located on a 13-acre site within Bandar Utama.

HELP University is Ranked as Very Good or Tier 4 in the SETARA 2013 & SETARA 2011 by MQA. The top university rank achieved by HELP University affirms their commitment and position as one of the best universities in Malaysia. Students after SPM & O-Levels can enter the Foundation in Arts Programme at HELP University before proceeding to the Bachelor of Business (Hons) Accounting programme at HELP University with the relevant results.  HELP University’s accounting program is the first from a university in Malaysia to be accredited by CPA, Australia. Furthermore, the accounting program is granted maximum exemptions by professional bodies such as ACCA, ICAEW and MAICSA. HELP University’s business students can transfer credits to many top universities in Australia, UK and New Zealand, including the University of Queensland, University of Melbourne, Australian National University, University of New South Wales, Leeds University and many others. In addition, HELP University’s business program is one of the very few business programs in the world where students are able to transfer their credits into the final year of the University of Queensland Business/Commerce program.

Top Criteria to Consider When Choosing the Best Private College in Malaysia to Study the Accounting Degree Course

After SPM or O-Levels, there are many different pathways for you to choose from and sometimes it can be confusing.  Choosing the right university or college for the Accounting Degree Course after high school is one of the most important decisions you can make in your life. This can be a confusing and difficult time if you are unprepared.

Students who are not sure of what to study after SPM or O-Levels can contact EduSpiral Consultant Services to help guide you to choose the right course and university in Malaysia. At EduSpiral Consultant Services, we have counseled and helped thousands of students to choose the right course and private university to study in Malaysia.

Here’s a list of common criteria in choosing a top private university or college in Malaysia to study the Accounting Degree Course:

Recognition & Reputation of the Accounting Degree Courses in Malaysia

• Is the Accounting Degree Course course popular at that university or college?
• What is the reputation or ranking of the private university in Malaysia? Global ranking by QS World University Rankings or locally by MQA in the SETARA 2013
• Is the Accounting Degree Course recognised and approved by the Ministry of Education Malaysia?
• Is the Accounting Degree Course accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Audit (MQA)?
• Awards won by the university, staff or students for the particular course of interest. The number of awards won would be a guide on how good the university is for the course.
• Type of programme (local diploma or dual award diploma or diploma awarded by foreign university partner?)

Academic Quality of the Accounting Degree Course Course at the University in Malaysia

• Subjects offered in the Accounting Degree Course (Are they relevant, up-to-date, and help you to achieve your career goals)
• Entry requirements for the Accounting Degree Course Course at the university or college in Malaysia
• What is the Class size for the culinary arts course? (Small class size for personal attention)
• Faculty contact/classes taught by full-time qualified & experienced faculty
• Quality of lecturers. What are their qualifications? How many years of experience in teaching?
• Ask your friends who have studied there or currently studying there for their opinion on the teaching quality, environment and facilities.
• Does the university or college have a strong internship or Co-Op programme?
• Do they have enough students to start a class?
•  How many students do they have studying that course at that college?
•  What is the duration of the course? When are the intake dates?

Facilities at the University for the Course of Interest in Malaysia

• When choosing a university or college in Malaysia, it is important for students to visit the campus and see the facilities and feel the culture of the students to see if it fits you.
• Location of the university or college. Is it in the city, suburbs or country side? You should also consider the ambience of your surroundings when choosing a university. If you can’t live without nightlife, think city! If you’re into the great outdoors, you might want to go rural. Some students prefer a city life while other students prefer a quieter university environment away from the city. On the other hand, if you’re used to shopping malls and cinemas and choose a university in a rural area, you might get bored.
• Size of the university.
• Transportation. Is the university accessible to you? What are the public transportation available? If you drive, is there ample parking?
• Campus resources (labs, library or resource centre, wifi, computer access, sports facilities, etc.)

Cost for your Accounting Degree Course Studies in Malaysia

• 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. (Costs for university studies in Malaysia would include tuition, hostel, food, transportation, entertainment, etc.)
• What are the Financial assistance available at the university? (Scholarships, PTPN Loan, EPF withdrawal, etc)
• Is the PTPTN loan available for the course at the university?
• How much are the tuition fees? Does it include the exam and other fees?
• How much is on-campus accommodation?
• How much is off-campus accommodation? (Off-campus apartments, houses, condominiums) 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, safe & secure, etc.?

Student Environment and Activities at the University & College

• 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.
• Size of the university or college in Malaysia. Some students prefer a large campus with sports facilities and other resources while other students like small colleges with family-like environment. A small college may offer individualised attention, as well as a more intimate and personalised experience. for your studies You might even want to think about how far you want to walk to get from one class to another in a large university campus. Even those little details may affect your decision.
• Make up of the student body (diversity, international students, gender, etc.) Universities with a good proportion of international students will help you to improve your English language skills since you would need to communicate with them in English. In addition, you will learn about their culture, behaviour and discover new ideas. These skills will be useful to you when you work overseas or in a multi-national company.
• What are the Extra-curricular activities available? (Student organisations, clubs, sports, etc.)
• Is the university or college campus a safe area? Safety within the campus and outside.
• Public vs. Private (STPM is tougher and choice of course & university is determined by the government)

How to Choose the Best Private University to Study the Accounting Degree Course in Malaysia

A knowledgeable counselor or education consultant  in Malaysia would be able to provide detailed information about the college or 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 or education consultant 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 in Malaysia to study the Culinary Arts Degree Course for you will be picking out the criteria that matters to most to you, and then seeing if any of the top private colleges in Malaysia that you’re looking at fit those criteria.

Choosing a university to study in Malaysia is one of the most important decisions you will make in your life. Your decision will be influenced by many criteria such as the reputation & ranking of the university, accreditation of its courses, the suitability of the course against your academic results and career goals, tuition fees, quality of lecturers, facilities, friends & family, and more.

Top private universities & colleges in Malaysia are also accredited by MQA and approved by the Malaysian Ministry of Education.  The best private university or college in Malaysia will focus on academic quality, overall student character development, have award winners for culinary arts, years of experience offering the particular course, highly experienced lecturers, a good study environment, internships, extra-curricular activities and good facilities. The SETARA ranking is a guide for students to assess the quality of a private university in Malaysia.

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. 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?

All Accountants have to abide by a strict code of ethics and maintain high professional standards. All practising accountants must register with the Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA).

The Accountant Act, 1967 recognises an Accountant as one who is a member of MIA. MIA members can either be registered as Registered Accountants, RA(M) or Public Accountants, PA(M).