Top QS-Ranked Private University in Malaysia 2026. Top 20 Best Private Universities in Malaysia.
Best Private University in Malaysia
The best private universities are the best non-government educational institutes in Malaysia that provide foundation, diploma, bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. programs. The five types of academic institutions in Malaysia are public universities, private universities, university colleges, training centers, and language centers. Malaysia holds more than 100 educational institutes, including public and private universities. Malaysia also hosts many reputable foreign university campuses from the USA, UK, Australia, Ireland, and China, among others. According to the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia, there are currently 20 public universities, 50 private universities, 34 university colleges, 10 foreign university campuses, and more than 50 language institutes.
Top QS-Ranked Private University in Malaysia 2026
According to the QS World University Rankings, Taylor’s University is the top-ranked private university in Malaysia, ranking 253rd in 2026. Additionally, UCSI University ranked 269th, Sunway University 410th, and INTI International University ranked 509th.
The list of the top QS world ranked private universities in Malaysia is as follows:
| Taylor’s University | Kuala Lumpur | 253 |
| UCSI University | Kuala Lumpur | 269 |
| Sunway University | Kuala Lumpur | 410 |
| INTI International University | Nilai | 509 |
| Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN) | Kuala Lumpur | 551 |
| Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation (APU) Malaysia | Kuala Lumpur | 597 |
| Management and Science University (MSU) | Shah Alam | 597 |
| Lincoln University College | Kuala Lumpur | 638 |
| SEGi UNIVERSITY | Kota Damansara, Kuala Lumpur | 731-740 |
| Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) | Kampar, Perak | 791-800 |
| Multimedia University (MMU) | Cyberjaya | 851-900 |
| University of Cyberjaya | Cyberjaya | 951-1000 |
| Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) | Kuala Lumpur | 1201-1400 |
The Best Private Universities in Malaysia
The list of the Top Private Universities in Malaysia is:
- Taylor’s University
- UCSI University
- Sunway University
- INTI International University
- Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN)
- Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU)
- Management and Science University (MSU)
- Lincoln University College
- SEGi UNIVERSITY
- Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR)
- Multimedia University (MMU)
- University of Cyberjaya
- University Kuala Lumpur (UniKL)
- Mahsa University
- Infrastructure University Kuala Lumpur (IUKL)
- HELP University
- Putra Business School (UPM)
- City University
- Nilai University
- UNIRAZAK University
- UNITAR International University (UNITAR)
- AIMST University
- Limkokwing University
1. Taylor’s University
Taylor is the best private university in Malaysia, according to the QS World University Rankings, and has a lakeside campus. The lakeside campus is located in Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia. Taylor’s University ranks 251st in the QS World Rankings 2026. Therefore, it is the best-ranked university for its ranking, campus location, infrastructure development, and American degree program. It offers courses in engineering, business studies, tourism and hospitality, and law. Taylor is the best private university in Malaysia for law. Taylor’s University’s tuition fees appear reasonable compared to those of other top-ranked universities globally.
This university offers credit transfer degrees to America, the UK, Canada, and Australia. Students can transfer credit to America after completing 65 credits. The American credit transfer program applies to Bachelor’s degrees in Business, Computer Science, Engineering, and Liberal Arts. The postgraduate student can transfer credits to an American university and be admitted to the Master of Communication program.
Taylor’s University Fees From the Official Website
2. UCSI University
3. Sunway University
Overall Rankings
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- QS World University Rankings: Ranked #410 in the QS World University Rankings 2026.
- Times Higher Education (THE): Placed in the 401–500 band globally for the THE World University Rankings 2025.
- AppliedHE: Named #1 private university in ASEAN for 2023 and 2024.
4. INTI International University
The main campus of the INTI International University is located at Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. It also has three campuses in Malaysia: Subang Jaya, Penang, and Sabah. The Subang Jaya campus is located in Kuala Lumpur. Since 1986, INTI University has produced more than 55,000 graduates. It has become one of Malaysia’s most famous private universities for its teaching strategy, sophisticated management tools, and global resources.
Additionally, INTI University collaborated with top-ranked international universities to conduct the mobility program. Moreover, it collaborated with over 400 local and international companies, including IBM, TM, PayPal Malaysia, DiGi Telecommunications Sdn Bhd, KPMG, and Huawei. It is the most renowned university in Malaysia for offering the American Credit Transfer Program.
INTI International University Fees 2026
The most famous programs are BBA, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, and Bachelor’s in Biotechnology. In addition, INTI offers dual programs at Sheffield Hallam University, UK, including a BA (Hons) in Graphic Design, a BA (Hons) in Fashion Management & Communication, and a BA (Hons) in Interior Design. INTI is the best private university in Malaysia for law (UK Degree Transfer Programme for 2 Years). Similarly, students at INTI University can experience the American Degree Transfer Program (AUP).
5. Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN)
University Tenaga Nasional is the most renowned energy university in Malaysia. UNITEN is the short form of University Tenaga Nasional. It is a semi-government university located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. UNITEN was established in 1997 by Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB). According to the QS World University Rankings, UNITEN ranked 701–750 for its outstanding achievements.
University Tenaga Nasional is one of the best universities in Malaysia for offering Engineering programs, including Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Electrical Power Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Science (System and Networking), Computer Science (Software Engineering), Computer Science (Cybersecurity), and more.
6. Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU)
Asia Pacific University (APU) is one of the best private universities in Malaysia, also known as the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU). The main campus of APU is located at Technology Park Malaysia, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia. So, it is only 15 kilometers from the Petronas Twin Towers and 50 kilometers from Kuala Lumpur International Airport. APU achieved the 5-Star under the SETARA- 2018 for its outstanding performance in the education sector. According to the Asia University Ranking 2022, APU ranks globally among Asia’s top 10 private universities and 300 universities overall. The students won multiple awards for outstanding performance; for example, in 2018, APU won the ASEAN Virtual Business Plan competition award. The APIIT accepted the prestigious Prime Minister’s Award in March 2011.
Asia Pacific University (APU) Tuition Fees 2026
APU is one of the top private universities in Malaysia for offering diverse programs in engineering, business, management, finance, technology, and information. It is a famous university for offering information technology-related programs, including artificial intelligence, computer game development, and cybersecurity. It also provides foundation, diploma, bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. programs for local and international students. APU is the best private university in Malaysia for engineering studies.
7. Management and Science University (MSU)
Management and Science University (MSU) has become one of Malaysia’s top 20 private universities for securing jobs for its graduates; according to the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia 2025, around 98 percent of MSU graduates secure jobs within one year of graduation. It was established in 2001 in Shah Alam, Selangor.
The campus address of Management and Science University is University Drive, Off Persiaran Olahraga, 40100 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia. It is also located in the capital of Malaysia and very near the international airport.
Management and Science University (MSU) Fees 2026
MSU is the best private university in Malaysia for medicine and computer science, engineering, business, law, information technology, visual arts, and law studies. Additionally, it offers diplomas and bachelor’s degrees in traditional Chinese medicine. It also shows the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), biomedical science, and pharmacy.
8. Lincoln University
Lincoln University (LU) is a private higher education institution in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education and the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA). Established in 2002 as Lincoln College, it attained university college status in 2011.
LU provides a range of diplomas, undergraduate, and postgraduate courses. Among the doctoral choices are the Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Economics, Master of Nursing, Master of Science in Civil Engineering, and Master of Medical Sciences. The undergraduate offerings consist of the Bachelor of Nursing (Public Health) and the Bachelor of Business Administration in Airline and Airport Management.
Campus Locations
- Main Campus Address: No. 12, 14, 16 & 18, Jalan SS 6/12, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.
- Kota Bharu Campus: Jalan Lembah Sireh, Kampung Putih, 15050, Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia.
9. SEGi University
SEGi University has been recognized as one of the top private research universities for providing quality education and maintaining an academic environment. It was established in 1977, and the main campus is located at Kota Damansara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Apart from the main campus, it has four more campuses in Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur, Subang Jaya, Penang, and Sarawak. It has collaborated with the following universities: Abertay University in Scotland, The University of Southern Queensland in Australia, The University of Sunderland in the UK, the University of York St John, and the University of Greenwich.
SEGi University Tuition Fees 2026
SEGi is the best private university in Malaysia for offering a diverse range of programs, including foundation, diploma, bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. programs. It is also the best private university in Malaysia for medicine, computer science, engineering, and business studies.
10. Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR)
Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) is a prominent private university in Malaysia that operates as a not-for-profit institution, founded in 2002 under the UTAR Education Foundation to offer quality higher education at an affordable price. The university is recognized for its robust programs across diverse disciplines, an impressive graduate employability rate, and a culturally diverse academic atmosphere.
UTAR offers more than 140 globally recognized programs, ranging from Foundation Studies to Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD degrees. These programs are sanctioned by the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), and many have received full accreditation from the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).
Rankings and Achievements
QS World University Rankings 2026: Positioned within the #791–800 bracket worldwide.
QS Asia University Rankings 2026: Advanced to #109 in Asia and #26 in Southeast Asia.
Times Higher Education (THE): Featured in the THE World University Rankings and acknowledged for its influence on sustainability and community-focused projects.
11. Multimedia University (MMU)
Multimedia University (MMU) is a Malaysian semi-government research university founded in 1996. MMU has three campuses in Malaysia: Cyberjaya, Johor, and Malacca. It ranked among the top five universities in Malaysia in 2025 for its outstanding teaching performance. MMU’s main campus is at Persiaran Multimedia, 63100 Cyberjaya, Selangor, Malaysia. Cyberjaya is known as the Silicon Valley of Malaysia, a prime part of the Multimedia Super Corridor.
Multimedia University (MMU) Tuition Fees 2024
MMU is the best private university for computer science, specializing in software engineering, game development, data science, and cybersecurity. MMU provides up to 100 percent scholarship for the master’s program by research and Ph.D. Additionally, it helps undergraduate students secure a President’s Merit and Talent Scholarship. MMU allows students to join the intake with only one semester’s tuition fees. So, local and international students can start their studies after paying one semester’s tuition fees in 2024. MMU is also an affordable university in Malaysia for international students.
12. University of Cyberjaya (UoC)
University of Cyberjaya (UoC) is a private university established in 2005. The main campus is located at Cyberjaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia. Cyberjaya is the most beautiful and organized town in Malaysia. The former name of this university is Cyberjaya University College of Medical Sciences (CUCMS). It is the most notable university for the MBBS program. UoC offers medical courses at a lower cost than other universities in Malaysia. It enrolls around 6,000 students from more than 50 countries. The University of Cyberjaya’s fees are lower than those of other universities in Malaysia.
The University of Cyberjaya offers diverse courses for international students, including medicine & bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), Pharmacy, Homeopathic Medical Science, Psychology, Physiotherapy, and more. It also offers a Doctor of Pharmacy, a Ph.D. in Science, and a Ph.D. in Medical.
13. University Kuala Lumpur (UniKL)
Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) is another semi-government university, followed by the UNITEN and MMU. UniKL is a technology-specialized university with more than ten campuses across Malaysia. Majlis Amanah Rakyat established this university in 2002. Malaysia’s Ministry of Rural and Regional Development directly regulates and governs this university. UniKL is a remarkable university for offering an aircraft engineering technology program for local and international students.
UniKL offers a diverse program for engineering students, including electrical and electronics, biomedical laboratory science, air conditioning and industrial refrigeration, automotive maintenance, avionics maintenance, helicopter maintenance, chemical engineering technology, and computer and software engineering.
Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) also offers medically related programs, including pharmacy, nursing, radiography, physiotherapy, and MBBS.
14. Mahsa University
Mahsa University operates the administrative and academic activities from its main campus in Bandar Saujana Putra, 42610, Selangor, Malaysia. The Ministry of Education in Malaysia announced the establishment of an online university. So, it offers physical and virtual classes for international students via online meeting platforms.
Mahsa University Tuition Fees 2026
Mahsa is one of the top private universities in Malaysia for studying MBBS. It offers biosciences, nursing, dentistry, pharmacy, and health science programs. Mahsa also provides hospitality management, business, finance, information technology, and engineering programs. It also offers a dual-award program for local and international students.
15. Infrastructure University Kuala Lumpur (IUKL)
Infrastructure University Kuala Lumpur (IUKL) was established in 1998. IUKL is a private university, and its campus is located in Kajang, between Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN) and Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). It ranked among the 45 top universities in Malaysia, including public and private institutions. It is an exceptional university in Malaysia for offering a landscape architecture program. IUKL provides a range of courses for science, commerce, and art students.
The university address is as follows: Block 11, Infrastructure University Kuala Lumpur De Centrum City, Jalan Ikram-Uniten, 43000 Kajang, Selangor.
16. HELP University
HELP University is a notable private institute in Malaysia that offers medical and business-related programs. It was established in 1986, and its main campus is at the heart of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The campus address is Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The website link is: https://university.help.edu.my.
17. Putra Business School (UPM)
Putra Business School is an AACSB and ABEST21-accredited private institute in Malaysia established in 1997. This campus is located within the University Putra Malaysia campus, near University Tenaga National (UNITEN) and Infrastructure University Kuala Lumpur (IUKL). However, PBS offers only postgraduate courses, including master’s and Ph.D. It enrolls around 4000 students globally. Master of Business Administration is the most famous program provided by PBS.
PBS produces a large number of leaders and skilled employees each year. Many students start successful new businesses. This school teaches how to start and regulate a business. It also guides the production of a business report before beginning a new business.
18. City University
City University is located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It has been in operation since 1984, making it one of the oldest private universities in Malaysia. The Malaysian Qualifications Agency accredits City University. The Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China has recognized city universities. City University maintains a 4-star (Excellent Rating) under the SETARA 2017. It provides a conditional offer letter, so students do not need to pay before admission.
City University Tuition Fees 2026
City University is the best private university in Malaysia for graphic design & multimedia, culinary art, fashion design, interior design, etc. It also offers diplomas in nursing, medical lab technology, and occupational safety & health programs. Besides MMU, City is another of the cheapest private universities in Malaysia for international students.
19. Nilai University
Private University is a private university in Malaysia established in 1997. It is also a remarkable university for offering a diploma in aircraft maintenance engineering. It offers numerous programs, including foundation, diploma, bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. The campus is located at Putra Nilai, 71800 Nilai, Negeri Sembilan.
20. UNIRAZAK University
UNIRAZAK is a leading private university in Malaysia, established in 1997. The main is located at the heart of Kuala Lumpur city. It is about 5 kilometers from the KLCC Petronas Towers. Unirazak is a particular university that offers a distance learning program.
The official website address is https://www.unirazak.edu.my
21. UNITAR International University (UNITAR)
UNITAR is a leading private university in Malaysia and the first Virtual University in Southeast Asia. It was established in 1997. It obtains the QS 5-Star Ranking. UNITAR contains around 12000 students (Local and International).
22. AIMST University
The complete form of AIMST is the Asian Institute of Medicine, Science, and Technology. This University was established on 15 March 2001. The main campus is situated in Kedah, Malaysia. It is another special university that offers medical science-related programs, including MBBS, BDS, BDT, pharmacy, Nursing Science, and more.
23. Limkokwing University
Limkokwing University has more than 1o campuses globally. The Malaysian campus was established in 1991. It is a creative technology university with over 25000 students from 100 countries.
Foreign Private University Campuses in Malaysia
However, Malaysia holds ten foreign private university campuses, including Curtin University, Monash University, Selangor Heriot-Watt University Malaysia, Putrajaya Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia, University of Southampton – Malaysia Campus, Selangor Swinburne University of Technology, Sarawak The University of Nottingham Malaysia, University of Reading Malaysia, Johor Xiamen University Malaysia Campus, Selangor Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and University College Dublin Malaysia Campus, Penang. These are the international university branch campuses in Malaysia, not Malaysian private universities.
Ten Career Opportunities For Students Who Study in Malaysia
1. International Business: Graduates can use their cross-cultural communication and international market knowledge to pursue careers in global companies.
2. Foreign Service Officer: Students can represent their home country’s interests abroad by working for their nation’s diplomatic service.
3. Language Translation/Interpretation: Those proficient in a foreign language can facilitate communication across borders by working as translators or interpreters.
4. Nonprofit/NGO Work: Students can contribute to international development and humanitarian efforts by leveraging their understanding of diverse cultures.
5. International Education: Graduates can promote cross-cultural exchange and facilitate study abroad experiences for others by working in education abroad programs.
6. Diplomacy and International Relations: Graduates can influence global policies and relations by working in government agencies, think tanks, and international organizations.
7. Tourism and Hospitality: Students can cater to an international clientele and utilize their cultural awareness by pursuing careers in the travel industry.
8. International Law: Graduates can work in law firms specializing in cross-border legal matters or with international courts and organizations.
9. Global Health: Opportunities exist in international healthcare organizations, addressing global health challenges and promoting healthcare equity.
10. Cross-Cultural Training and Consulting: Graduates can improve international collaboration by working with businesses or organizations to bridge cultural gaps.
