International students interested in pursuing an engineering degree may consider Malaysia as a study-abroad destination. The Malaysian higher education sector offers a diverse study environment and a higher education system that includes a wide range of technology and engineering programs.
Malaysia’s electrical and electronics, manufacturing, construction, and infrastructure sectors provide potential career pathways for engineering graduates. However, employment prospects vary by discipline, qualification, experience, and economic conditions. Malaysian universities offer programs in fields such as chemical, mechanical, civil, electrical and electronic, aerospace, biomedical, and agricultural engineering.
Let’s take a look at some of these top universities to study engineering in Malaysia.
Top Schools Offering Engineering Programs in Malaysia
1. University of Technology Malaysia
The institution’s official name is Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). It is a public Malaysian university that traces its origins to a technical school established in 1904. Technology and engineering remain central to its academic profile.
UTM offers undergraduate and postgraduate study in areas such as civil, electrical, mechanical, chemical, biomedical, and other engineering fields. Its postgraduate options include coursework, mixed-mode, and research programs leading to master’s and doctoral qualifications. Applicants should use UTM’s admissions portal to confirm the programs available to international students during their intended intake.
2. University of Malaya
Universiti Malaya, commonly known as UM, is Malaysia’s oldest university. It became Universiti Malaya in 1949 through the merger of the King Edward VII College of Medicine and Raffles College. Its main campus is in Kuala Lumpur.
UM’s Faculty of Engineering currently lists bachelor’s programs in biomedical, chemical, civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering. The Bachelor of Biomedical Engineering applies engineering principles to healthcare and medical technology, while the Bachelor of Civil Engineering covers areas associated with the design, construction, management, and maintenance of infrastructure.
The faculty also offers postgraduate engineering programs, including coursework and research-based master’s degrees and a Doctor of Philosophy. International applicants should review the current program page for admission requirements, fees, application dates, and available study modes.
3. University of Science Malaysia
The institution’s official name is Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). Established in 1969 as Malaysia’s second university, USM is a public research university offering programs in science, engineering, social sciences, health, and the arts.
USM operates the Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Engineering Campus in Nibong Tebal, Penang. Its current undergraduate offerings include aerospace, chemical, civil, electrical, electronic, manufacturing, mechanical, mechatronics, and mineral resources engineering. Postgraduate engineering options include master’s and doctoral programs offered through its academic schools and research centers.
International applicants should check the university’s admissions portal because program availability, application routes, fees, and admission requirements may differ from those for Malaysian applicants.
4. National University of Malaysia
The National University of Malaysia, officially known as Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), is a public university established in 1970. Its main campus is in Bangi, Selangor.
UKM’s Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment currently lists bachelor’s programs in civil, electrical and electronic, chemical, and mechanical engineering, as well as architecture. Its postgraduate offerings include coursework and research programs leading to master’s and doctoral qualifications.
Because the language of instruction can vary by program and level, international students should confirm the teaching language and any Malay- or English-language requirements directly with the faculty before applying.
5. University of Putra Malaysia
Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) is a Malaysian public research university with roots in the School of Agriculture, established in Serdang in 1931. It became Universiti Pertanian Malaysia in 1971 and adopted its current name in 1997.
UPM’s Faculty of Engineering currently offers eight bachelor’s programs, including aerospace, civil, agricultural and biosystems, electrical and electronic, chemical, mechanical, process and food, and computer and communication systems engineering.
One of these programs is the four-year Bachelor of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering with Honours. The program includes specialization options in mechanization and automation, bioprocess and environment, soil and water resources, and bioinformation systems. The faculty also offers coursework and research-based master’s programs and Ph.D. study in engineering fields.
6. MARA Technological University
- Study Program
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D.; international eligibility varies by program
The university’s official name is Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM). Its institutional history began with Dewan Latehan RIDA, which started operating in 1956. UiTM now offers programs through campuses and academic units across Malaysia.
UiTM’s engineering academic units list undergraduate programs in areas such as civil, chemical, electrical, electronic, and mechanical engineering, together with engineering technology programs. Engineering-related master’s and doctoral programs are also available.
International applicants should verify eligibility carefully before applying. The university publishes dedicated guidance for international postgraduate students, while entry conditions for undergraduate programs can differ by program and applicant category. Students should obtain written confirmation from UiTM regarding their eligibility for a particular engineering program.
7. International Islamic University Malaysia
Established in 1983, the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) integrates Islamic principles and values into its academic approach. Its Kulliyyah of Engineering is based at the university’s Gombak campus.
The Kulliyyah currently lists bachelor’s programs in chemical, mechanical, aerospace, mechatronics, civil, materials, manufacturing, and electrical and electronics engineering. Its postgraduate offerings include research, coursework, and mixed-mode master’s programs, as well as a Ph.D. in Engineering.
Students should consult the Kulliyyah’s current admissions information for academic qualifications, English-language requirements, program duration, fees, and intake availability.
Malaysia offers a wide selection of universities and engineering programs, but facilities, accreditation, industry links, and student support differ among institutions. Applicants should compare official program information instead of relying solely on general university reputation or promotional rankings.
We hope that this article has narrowed your search for universities offering engineering programs in Malaysia. Learn more about this Asian country by visiting the Study in Malaysia Page. If you are interested, check the Available Programs for International Students!
