Counselor Connect

From goals and dreams to university admissions, ELS counselors have years of experience in helping students attain English and academic success.

Register Today

MyELS lets you access all the tools and information you need to create your ELS experience.

Search Universities

Types of Higher Education Institutions in Malaysia

Private Institutions

There are 3 types of private institutions:

Colleges

Colleges in Malaysia are independent institutions that prepare students to sit as external candidates at other universities or have the authority to run courses that lead to the degrees of those universities.

University Colleges

A university college is an independent higher education institution in Malaysia that has the power to award degrees, but does not have university status, although it is usually working towards it.

Universities

Private universities in Malaysia are institutions that award undergraduate and post-graduate degrees. It also has a dedication towards conducting relevant research in the various faculties it runs.

Branch Campuses of Foreign Universities

There are 4 branch campuses of foreign universities in Malaysia.

  • Curtin University of Technology (Australia)
  • Monash University (Australia)
  • Swinburne University of Technology (Australia)
  • University of Nottingham (UK)

Malaysia Offers a Wide Range of Internationally Recognition Qualifications via:

"2+1" and "2+2" twinning Degree Programmes – A Value for Money "Cross-Border" Experience

The "2+1" undergraduate twinning degree programme is the hallmark of "Studying in Malaysia." Partnering reputable international universities from countries such as UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and France as well as Germany, this twinning arrangement to pursue an internationally recognized bachelor's degree programme while gaining valuable experience from two countries.

The "2+2" undergraduate twinning agreement is a very popular arrangement with a large number of US institutions. Commonly known as "American Degree Programs" or ADP, you can complete pre-established and transferable coursework at the Malaysian college before transferring to the US partner university to finish your Bachelors degree. Malaysians as well as international students from throughout the world are attracted Malaysia to take advantage of this cross-cultural experience.

The twinning degree arrangement offers substantial saving in tuition fees and other expenses. For example, if you enroll for a "2+1" law twinning degree programme that offers three years of study in Malaysia and one year in UK, you may save up to USD$33,000 in tuition fees and living cost compared to when you do the entire 3-year degree in UK.

"3+0" Foreign Bachelor's Degree in Malaysia – An affordable International Qualification

A 3+0 foreign bachelor's degree programme is an extension of a twinning programme. Under a 3+0 arrangement, bachelor's degree programmes from leading foreign universities are conducted by private higher educational institutions in Malaysia so that you are able to complete your course entirely in Malaysia.