SharifStudy Best way to Study in Malaysia
Malaysia is a top country to study in Asia. Some international students prefer to study in private universities due to their world-class facilities and high-level education system.
According to QS ranking 2025, Malaysia top 10 private universities in 2025 are as follows:
| Ranking | Private University | QS world ranking |
| 1 | Taylor’s University Malaysia | 251 |
| 2 | UCSI University Malaysia | 265 |
| 3 | University Technology PETRONAS (UTP) | 269 |
| 4 | Sunway University | 539 |
| 7 | Asia Pacific University (APU) | 611-620 |
| 5 | Management and Science University | 580 |
| 6 | University Tenaga National (UNITEN) | 641-650 |
| 8 | University Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) | 801-850 |
| 9 | Multimedia University (MMU) | 1001-1200 |
| 10 | University Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) | 1201-1400 |
Taylor’s University Malaysia
A wide range of tertiary education courses, including diploma, degree, postgraduate, and professional programs, are offered at Taylor’s University.
Students have the option of enrolling in classes in a variety of disciplines, including architecture, business, computing, and information technology, culinary arts, design, education, engineering, food science, food studies and gastronomy, hospitality, tourism, and events, as well as law, medicine, pharmacy, psychology, performing arts, quantity surveying, and the social sciences.
UCSI University Malaysia
UCSI University, which has a long history of excellence in teaching and learning, is currently making waves in the fields of research and innovation.
The University has distinguished itself as an institution of higher learning with a track record of delivering educational excellence since its founding and has been steadily climbing up the rankings.
UCSI University has become the first and only institution in the world to receive the prestigious “QS Recognition for Improvement” award from the QS World University Rankings 2025.
This award recognizes UCSI as having improved the most among the top 300 universities in the world, 265th based on QS World University Rankings 2025.
University Technology PETRONAS (UTP)
Founded on January 10, 1997, Institution Technology PETRONAS (UTP) is a renowned private university in Malaysia.
The campus is situated on a strategically located 400-hectare (1,000 acres) location in Bandar Seri Iskandar, Perak Darul Ridzuan, Malaysia. The national oil and gas company of Malaysia, PETRONAS, owns a 100% stake in the university.
Sunway University
One of the top private colleges in Malaysia, Sunway University is devoted to providing high-quality instruction, encouraging entrepreneurship, and conducting research on pressing global issues. It is a wholly non-profit organization.
The University’s headquarters are located in Sunway City, a booming green resort community in the Klang Valley on the western side of Kuala Lumpur that was constructed on reclaimed former tin mining ground.
Despite being a very new institution by international standards, the university is already placed in the top 2% of institutions worldwide, among the top 1.5% in Asia, and among the top 150 institutions under the age of 50 worldwide (QS World University Rankings).
Asia Pacific University (APU)
The Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) is one of Malaysia premier private universities, where a unique blend of technology, innovation, and creativity works efficiently to transform students into highly competent, employable, and future proof professionals.
APU has achieved an excellent reputation as an award-winning university by receiving over 300 outstanding honors at both the local and international levels.
APU was named one of Malaysia Highest Rated Emerging Universities, receiving a 5-STAR (EXCELLENT Rating) in the Ministry of Higher Education most recent SETARA Ratings (MOHE).
It has retained this Excellent Rating in SETARA 2011, 2013, and 2017, and the most recent ratings were announced on December 18th, 2020. The SETARA rating system assesses the quality of teaching and learning in Malaysian universities.
Management and Science University
One of best Malaysian universities is Management & Science University (MSU), which focuses on producing quality human capital in fields with urgent needs both locally and internationally.
These fields include medicine, health sciences, pharmacy, information sciences, engineering, business management & professional studies, education & social sciences, hospitality & culinary arts, and music & fashion.
Management & Science University focuses on student development to improve graduate employability as a top university in Malaysia and the nation’s best teaching and learning institution.
University Tenaga National (UNITEN)
University Tenaga National (UNITEN) is one of Malaysia earliest private institutions and is completely owned by Tenaga National Berhad (TNB), one of Southeast Asia’s leading utility firms.
For many years, the university was known as Institute Latihan Sultan Ahmad Shah (ILSAS), the corporate training center for TNB and its precursor, the National Electricity Board.
ILSAS was renamed Institute Kejuruteraan Technology Tenaga National in 1994 after being turned into a higher learning institute (IKATAN).
Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR)
Leading university Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) was founded in 2002 and has campuses in Kajang, Selangor and the Kampar district of Perak, about 190 kilometers from Kuala Lumpur.
In fields like business, engineering, mathematics, creative industries and design, social sciences, education, medicine, and Chinese studies, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) offers over 78 undergraduate degree programs, two postgraduate diploma programs, 33 master’s degree programs, 12 doctorate programs, and four foundation programs.
Except for the programs in Chinese Studies, all degree programs are taught in English. Additionally, as an elective course for their undergraduate degree, students can take a foreign language.
Multimedia University (MMU)
As the oldest and first private institution in Malaysia, Multimedia University (MMU) is connected with the government due to its ownership by Telekom Malaysia.
Two campuses for the institution can be found in Cyberjaya, Selangor, and Melaka.
Offering cutting edge undergraduate and graduate programs in information technology, management, law, applied communication, cinematic arts, and creative multimedia, it aims to improve society via innovation.
University Kuala Lumpur (UniKL)
A premier institution of higher learning for engineering technology, Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) was founded on August 20, 2002.
The institution is fully owned by Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA), an organization within the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKLW) of Malaysia, and has been given a mission by the government to improve the standing of technical education in Malaysia.
As the country demands more of technical higher education institutions, UniKL develops its graduates’ technology expertise and business acumen so that they can later meet market need.
The 14 branch institutions of UniKL provide a range of undergraduate, postgraduate, foundational, and diploma programs.
With the idea of “One Institute, One Specialization,” UniKL supports research and development for commercialization in addition to tertiary education.
The branch institutions of UniKL are strategically positioned throughout Peninsular Malaysia and provide a range of programs in their specialized niches.
Currently, UniKL has 29, 043 total students. 37,210 graduates have come from UniKL since it began. Graduates of UniKL have established lucrative careers or started lucrative businesses both locally and abroad.
List of all other Private Universities in Malaysia
| No. | Name of university | Location |
| 1 |
Multimedia University (MMU), CyberjayaThe oldest and first full-fledged private research university in Malaysia, Multimedia University, is also a government-affiliated institution of higher learning because Telekom Malaysia is its owner. |
Selangor |
| 2 |
Universiti Tun Abdul Razak (UniRAZAK)A prestigious private institution in Kuala Lumpur is Universiti Tun Abdul Razak. One of the earliest private institutions in Malaysia, the institution is well known as Kuala Lumpur’s Premier School of Business & Government. It was founded on December 18, 1997. |
Selangor |
| 3 |
International Medical University (IMU)Private, English-speaking, health sciences institution The International Medical University is located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It has a significant focus on international research and teaching in the fields of medicine and healthcare. |
Kuala Lumpur |
| 4 |
Universiti Selangor (UNISEL)The University of Selangor is a private university in Selangor, Malaysia. It is entirely owned and run by the state government of Selangor on its own initiative, independent of funding from the federal government of Malaysia. Bestari Jaya Campus and Shah Alam Campus are the two campuses it. |
Selangor |
| 5 |
Open University Malaysia (OUM)OUM is the only institution owned by Multimedia Technology Enhancement Operations Sdn Bhd, a group comprising Malaysia’s first 11 public universities. It is also the country’s seventh private university (METEOR). |
Kuala Lumpur |
| 6 |
Malaysia University of Science & Technology (MUST)When Minister Mahathir Mohamad and a delegation from Malaysia visited MIT on business in January 1997, they supported the creation of a university fashioned after MIT. This led to the founding of the Malaysia University of Science and Technology. |
Selangor |
| 7 |
AIMST UniversityA profit-making private university in Malaysia is called the Asian Institute of Medicine, Science, and Technology. It was founded as part of the Maju Institute of Education Development, a for-profit business. |
Kedah |
| 8 |
Wawasan Open UniversityWawasan Open University, sometimes known as WOU, is a private institution of higher learning in Penang, Malaysia that offers open distance learning to working adults. It was founded in 2006, and in 2007 it admitted its first group of students. |
Penang |
| 9 |
Albukhary International UniversityA fully residential campus with cutting-edge amenities, Albukhary International University (AIU) is a private, nonprofit education institution. It offers a living and learning environment that is conducive to discovering oneself, fostering relationships, and deepening understanding of global challenges. |
Kedah |
| 10 |
Al-Madinah International University (MEDIU)In Malaysia, there is a private university called Al-Madinah International University. It was started in 2006 and is based on Islamic beliefs and ideals. The Malaysian government’s Ministry of Higher Education has granted MEDIU a license. The Malaysian Qualification Agency has accredited its |
Selangor |
| 11 |
International Center for Education in Islamic Finance (INCEIF)Bank Negara Malaysia established INCEIF UNIVERSITY in 2005 to foster human capacity for the worldwide Islamic finance sector. It is the only institution in the world devoted to Islamic finance and is commonly referred to as INCEIF – The Global University of Islamic Finance. |
Kuala Lumpur |
| 12 |
Limkokwing University of Creative TechnologyLimkokwing University of Creative Technology is a private university that has a presence across Africa, Europe, and Asia. With its main campus in Malaysia, the university has over 30,000 students from more than 150 countries |
Putrajaya |
| 13 |
Management and Science University (MSU)A private university called Management & Science University exists in Shah Alam, Selangor. They initially established the university in 2001 as University College of Technology & Management Malaysia. It formally became Management & Science University in October 2007. |
Selangor |
| 14 |
Asia e University (AeU)A global university with on-campus, blended, and online learning options is Asia e University, located in Subang Jaya, Malaysia. Foreign ministers from the Asia Cooperation Dialogue founded an organization that was created in Asia, for Asians, and for Asians. |
Kuala Lumpur |
| 15 |
Quest International University PerakA private university with a strong focus on research, located in Perak, a stunning state in Malaysia. Their goal is to create graduates who upend the status quo, innovators who leave a lasting legacy in their work, and leaders who champion change. |
Perak |
| 16 |
INTI International University (IIU)INTI International University & Colleges, private university colleges, sit in Malaysia. The Higher Education Ministry announced its upgrade to university status on May 31, 2010. Before that, people knew the main campus as INTI University College. |
Negeri Sembilan |
| 17 |
Manipal International UniversityA Malaysian university with an emphasis on science, engineering, and management & business, Manipal International University is located in Putra Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. The Manipal Global Education Group counts it as a member. |
Nilai |
| 18 |
Perdana UniversityPerdana University, is an emerging private university located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia focusing on health science and data science programmes at foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate levels. It was officially incorporated in 2011. |
Selangor |
| 19 |
HELP UniversityPrivate HELP University is located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It was established in 1986 by its CEO, Datin Chan-Low Kam Yoke, and President and Vice-Chancellor, Datuk Dr. Paul Chan Tuck Hoong. |
Kuala Lumpur |
| 20 |
UNITAR International UniversityUNITAR International University (UNITAR), the first virtual university in Southeast Asia, started in 1997. It became the first organization in Asia to earn a QS 5-Star Rating for the Online Learning category. It also won the PUTRA Brands Platinum Award as the consumers’ top choice for Learning & Education. |
Selangor |
| 21 |
Raffles University Iskandar (RUI)The university of the future is Raffles University. In terms of business procedures as well as teaching and learning, we are at the forefront of higher education. Our creative and energizing programs encourage both active learning and passive learning. |
Johor |
| 22 |
Malaysia Institute of Supply Chain Innovation (MISI)In Shah Alam, Malaysia, there is a supply chain post-graduate institution called the Malaysia Institute for Supply Chain Innovation. On March 22, 2011, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the Government of Malaysia jointly established the institution. |
Selangor |
| 23 |
Nilai UniversityPrivate Nilai University in Seremban District, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia, was granted full “university” status. English is used as the instruction language. Three faculties at Nilai University offer programs leading to diplomas, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and PhDs. |
Negeri Sembilan |
| 24 |
SEGi UniversityIn the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s business center, Systematic College was the precursor to SEGi University and Colleges. Twenty thousand students are being served by SEGi throughout its five main campuses in Kota Damansara, Kuala Lumpur, Subang Jaya, Penang, and Sarawak. The RISE platform is now available from SEGi. |
Selangor |
| 25 |
Binary University of Management and EntrepreneurshipOne of Asia’s oldest and most reputable universities for management, IT, and entrepreneurship education is Binary University. The university provides outstanding, globally recognized PhD, Masters, and undergraduate programs. |
Selangor |
| 26 |
Infrastructure University Kuala Lumpur (IUKL)In Kajang, Hulu Langat District, Selangor, Malaysia, The Infrastructure University Kuala Lumpur, formerly Kuala Lumpur Infrastructure University College, is a university. It is Malaysia’s first university dedicated to infrastructure. |
Selangor |
| 27 |
Asia Metropolitan UniversityAMU is concentrating on generating trained, qualified, competent graduates for local and worldwide markets in the health sciences and numerous other disciplines in accordance with contemporary advances in the industry and within the institution. Within the local and international education environment, AMU strives to be “The University of Choice.” |
Selangor/Johor |
| 28 |
Putra Business SchoolPBS has acquired a variety of strengths in postgraduate business education, including world-class international accreditation by AASCB, with the goal of becoming one of the top business schools in the nation (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business). Only 5% of business schools worldwide have earned AACSB accreditation. |
Selangor |
| 29 |
Global NXT UniversityAn authorized institution, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia serves as the home of GlobalNxt University’s academic administration. Management studies are the university’s primary area of expertise. |
Kuala Lumpur |
| 30 |
MAHSA UniversityThe goal of MAHSA University is to develop qualified and caring professionals who will meet the needs of the nation in accordance with the goals of the country and the plans for government transformation in the twenty-first century. |
Selangor |
| 31 |
International University of Malaya-WalesKuala Lumpur, Malaysia is home to the international joint university known as International University of Malaya-Wales. As a joint venture between the University of Malaya and the University of Wales Trinity Saint David. |
Kuala Lumpur |
| 32 |
University Malaysia of Computer Science and EngineeringThe first digital technology university in Malaysia with an emphasis on ICT is UNIMY. Computer science, software engineering, game development, and other advanced ICT degrees with a focus on coding, big data, and cybersecurity are all offered by UNIMY. |
Putrajaya |
| 33 |
Universiti Islam Malaysia, CyberjayaUniversiti Islam Malaysia is the first and only postgraduate only institution in Malaysia (also known as UIM or Islamic University of Malaysia). Petaling Jaya is where the administrative and academic offices are, and a permanent campus is currently being built there. |
Selangor |
| 34 |
DRB-HICOM University of Automotive MalaysiaDRB-HICOM University of Automotive Malaysia began as the International College of Automotive (ICAM) in April 2010, and it became a full-fledged university in October 2015. |
Pahang |
| 35 |
Asia School of BusinessAsia School of Business (ASB), which founded in 2015 by Bank Negara Malaysia in partnership with MIT Sloan, created transformative and moral leaders who will have a positive influence on the emerging world and beyond. |
Kuala Lumpur |
| 36 |
City UniversityPrivate City University Malaysia is in Selangor, Malaysia, in April 1984. According to the Malaysian Qualifications Agency, City University is a top university. The Chinese Ministry of Education recognizes City University’s degrees in accordance with a bilateral agreement made between China and Malaysia in 2009. |
Selangor |
| 37 |
Meritus UniversityAs a specialized institution, MERITUS’s distinctive educational philosophy emphasizes providing students with a successful combination of experiential, modern, and conventional learning. MERITUS dedicates itself to producing well-rounded graduates. These graduates can meet the demands of today’s employers and possess the virtues of success. Top organizations seek them upon graduation and other universities only focus on academics. |
Kuala Lumpur |
| 38 |
Universiti Sultan Azlan ShanSultan Azlan Shah University was formerly famous as Sultan Azlan Shah Islamic University College and is located in Kuala Kangsar, Perak. |
Perak |
| 39 |
Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam ShahPrivate university Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah International Islamic |
Kedah |
