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Do you know which field of study you’re interested in but not sure which university does it best? Here are our recommendations on the 8 best universities for Architecture courses in Malaysia that you should consider. Uni Enrol is the official partner and can tailor our recommendations to your preferences!
#1 Taylor’s University
Established in 1969, Taylor’s University has grown from a humble college into a renowned international university. Not only is it ranked on QS but many of the fields of study it offers are recognised on the QS Subject Ranking list as well.
Here’s key statistics about Taylor’s University:
| Total student population | 22,000 |
| % of international students | 25%-30% coming from over 80 different countries |
| Student-teacher-ratio | 16:1 which is a very healthy ratio |
| % of teaching faculty with a PhD | 80%-95% depending on faculty |
| Graduate employability rate | 99% testament to the graduate quality and career support |
Why Should You Study Architecture At Taylor’s?
- Taylor’s First-Year Learning And Mentoring (FLAME) programme helps 1st years fit into their new uni life and provides a holistic approach for meaningful conversations to help students navigate their new chapter in your architecture study.
- Taylor’s Architecture course is recognised by Board of Architects Malaysia (LAM) and are designed to meet the LAM requirements. Graduates are exempt from LAM Part 1 & 2 exams.
- Students have the opportunity to participate in annual gatherings with prestigious organisations (Persatuan Arkitek Malaysia, Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, Royal Institution of Surveyors Malaysia and network with industry professionals.
- The School of Architecture proudly ranks within the top 150 on the QS World Rankings for the Architecture & Built Environment course category, which makes them the top private university in Malaysia for this course.
- To gain exposure to different architectural concepts, the universtiy hosts plenty of field trips and techical visits for students to witness in-person the tools used to construct designs.
Architecture Courses At Taylor’s
Interested to learn more? Read our Complete Review Of Taylor’s University.
#2 Asia Pacific University (APU)
Since 1993, APU has been one of the best private universities in Malaysia that focuses on producing top talents in the digital technology field. Since then it has introduced a plethora of other fields of study and disciplines.
APU key snapshot statistics:
| Total student population | 14,000 |
| % of international students: | 45% coming from over 130 different countries |
| % of teaching staff with industry experience | 90%, which is a reflection on the strong employment track record of its graduates |
| Graduate employability rate: | 100% by Annual Graduate Tracer Study |
Why Should You Study Architecture At APU?
- APU has been officially awarded the prestigious Premier Digital Tech Institution status by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), highlighting its strength in digital technology education.
- APU is Malaysia’s first and only university so far to achieve QAA UK Accreditation (Quality Assurance for higher education) as acknowledgement of their commitment to high quality teaching and learning experiences.
- APU’s BSc (Hons) in Architecture is approved by the Board of Architects Malaysia (LAM) and meets requirements for exemption from the LAM Part I exam.
- Architecture in APU explores the different angles of architecture, exposing students to aspects of design such as construction tech, climate literacy, digital architecture and more to prepare students for the path of sustainable architecture.
Architecture Courses At APU
Want to know more about APU? Read our Complete Review Of Asia Pacific University.
#3 SEGI University
SEGI started in 1977 with the vision to make education accessible and affordable to all students. With that in mind, the university has flourished to 6 different campuses across key states and locations in Malaysia.
Here are some key statistics about SEGI:
| Total student population | 20,000 on-campus and online |
| % of international students | 40% from over 90 countries |
| Student-teacher-ratio | 30:1, a healthy ratio |
| Employability Rate % | 85% hired after 6 months from graduating |
Why Should You Study Architecture At SEGI?
- SEGI University ranks within #451-460 on the QS Asian University Rankings and #78 on the QS South East Asia University Rankings.
- Has multiple campuses across Malaysia and a flagship campus in Kota Damansara, Selangor, which makes SEGI a very accessible higher learning institution.
- SEGI is known for its affordable courses relative to other established and reputable institutions of at least 20%-30% lower in cost. Also has PTPTNx’tra which enable applicants to obtain additional loan than what is allowed.
- The Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Architecture at SEGI is fully accredited by the Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM) and meets the qualification of LAM Part I exam.
- SEGI’s architecture students won the prestigious Platinum Award (1st Prize) at the PAM Annual Architecture Student Works Exhibition (PAASWE) 2024. This national competition, featuring 22 universities.
- SEGI’s architecture curriculum is aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). The courseis designed to be forward-thinking, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and green technology.
Architecture Courses At SEGI
Want to study at SEGI? Read our Complete Review Of SEGI University & Colleges!
#4 UCSI University
Established in 1986, UCSI University started as Sedaya College and later received university college status in 2003 and full-fledged university status in 2008, becoming Malaysia’s second private university and renamed as UCSI University.
Here are some key statistics about UCSI:
| Total student population | 15,000 |
| % of international students | 30% from more than 100 countries |
| PhD lecturers | 70%-90% of lecturers are PhD holders depending on faculty |
| Graduate employability rate | 100%, based on MOHE Graduate Survey |
Why Should You Study Architecture At UCSI?
- UCSI is ranked at #265 among global universities on QS World University Rankings, making it #2 for private universities in Malaysia.
- The architecture course at UCSI is recognised by Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM), and modules are in compliance with the latest requirements set by LAM.
- International Degree Pathway (IDP) options are available for those interested in pursuing a degree abroad with University of Strathclyde, UK.
- UCSI’s architecture facilities feature a 2-storey workshop with various equipment and tools for your project work.
Architecture Courses At UCSI
Check out the Complete Review Of UCSI University!
How Can Uni Enrol Help?
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#5 TARUMT
Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TARUMT) was established in 1969 as TAR College. TARUMT is a non-profit with the aim to provide affordable tertiary education opportunities for young Malaysians.
Today the university has spread its wings from its first campus in Setapak, Kuala Lumpur (which remains its Main Campus) to 5 more branch campuses in Penang, Perak, Johor, Pahang and Sabah.
Why Should You Study Architecture At TARUMT?
- TARUMT is one of the more affordable higher education institutions in KL with most of their courses being RM40,000 and below. They also offer various merit-based scholarships that waive up to 100% of your tuition fees (with terms and conditions).
- TARUMT’s architecture course has been accredited by LAM as part of their Part I professional programme, the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), UK and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, (RICS), UK.
- Strong focus on practical experience with lots of studio projects and coursework along with manual drafting and computer aided design tools.
- Top of the line facilities include a Building Information Modelling Center and partnerships with Archicad and Buildspace which are the latest architecture software in the industry
Architecture Courses At TARUMT
Learn more in our Complete Review Of TARUMAT!
#6 City University
City University is an established higher education institution that has a main campus in Selangor and a branch campus in Johor, with two smaller satellite campuses in Penang and Sabah. The university supports close to 8,000 students every year.
Why Should You Study Architecture At City University?
- One of the few institutions that has a complete spectrum of course levels relating to Architecture
- Foundation customised for Built Environment studies
- Diploma in Architecture Technology and Diploma in Architecture
- Bachelor of Science (Hons) (Architectural Design)
- Master in Architecture
- Doctor of Philosophy in Built Environment.
- City University’s Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Architectural Design is recognised by the Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM) and fulfills the requirements for the LAM Part 1 examination.
- Students from the faculty have been named finalists and winners in prestigious competitions such as the Asia Young Designer Award (AYDA) and the Malaysian Institute of Interior Designers (MIID) REKA Awards.
Architecture Courses At City University
#7 Universiti Teknologi Sarawak (UTS)
Founded in 2013, UTS is the only university which is wholly owned by the Sarawak State Government. Located in the heart of Borneo, UTS offers a broad range of professional and industry-linked academic courses that are relevant to the unique requirements of Sarawak in particular and Malaysia in general.
The UTS campus is beautifully designed and maintains an open-space concept and is landscaped intentfully with a lot of greenery. The campus was also awarded with the Green Building Index (GBI) certification.
Why Should You Study Architecture At UTS?
- UTS is owned and supported by the Sarawak State Government. They benefit from state development agendas, resulting in greater stability than other local private universities.
- Sarawak-born students are automatically eligible for a 50% of the tuition fees here at UTS. For students who fall under the B40 category, fee coverage can go up to 80%.
- This course is recognised by the LAM and has full accreditation for LAM Part I.
- Architecture studies here are deeply rooted in Borneo culture and has emphasis on sustainability and advanced technologies.
- Being a ‘green building’, UTS’s campus is a living case study for students due to its innovative architecture, built to embody the rainforest of the region.
Architecture Courses At UTS
#8 Infrastructure University Kuala Lumpur (IUKL)
Infrastructure University Kuala Lumpur (IUKL) is a private university in Malaysia, established in 1998. In 2025, it was renamed to Kuala Lumpur University of Science and Technology (KLUST). Located in Kajang, Selangor, IUKL offers a wide array of programs across engineering, business, information technology, and other related fields, aiming to produce technopreneurs and skilled professionals equipped with essential communication, technological, and managerial skills.
Why Should You Study Architecture At IUKL?
- As its name suggests, IUKL specialises in Built Environment courses such as Architecture.
- IUKL’s Bachelor of Science (Architectural Studies) is fully accredited by the Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM) and is recognised as equivalent to the LAM Part 1 examination.
- The university also offers a Master of Architecture which you can transition to and is equivalent to the LAM Part 2 requirement, all within the same institution.
- IUKL even offers Landscape Architecture studies, which is a unique niche which plays a role in enhancing property value and public utility.
- Students are actively encouraged to participate in industry competitions and have demonstrated a strong track record of success such as in the
- Architectural Workshop Awards
- Architecture Model Making organised by Pertubuhan Arkitek Malaysia (PAM) Centre
- Chartered Institute of Building Malaysia
Architecture Courses At IUKL
BONUS #1 — University Malaya (UM)
Universiti Malaya (UM) is a public research university located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and is the oldest Malaysian institution of higher education. UM is divided into 14 faculties, 2 academies, 3 institutes and 2 academic centres. The university has graduated 5 prime ministers of Malaysia, and other political, business, and cultural figures of national prominence.
While UM is a public university in Malaysia, students who were not successful in entering through the UPU system can enrol through its private intake channel, called Open Channel (SATU). Through this channel, you pay the full tuition fees.
| Total student population | 40,000 students |
| % of international students | 30%, majority being post-grad students |
| Student-teacher-ratio | Est 16:1 |
Why Should You Study Architecture at University Malaya?
- UM is ranked #60 globally in QS World University Rankings 2025, the only Malaysian institution to break into QS’s global top 100.
- UM is also ranked #101-150 globally in 2025 based on QS’s Architecture & Built Environment Subject Category.
- The Bachelor of Science in Architecture at UM is fulfills requirements for LAM Part I (Malaysia) and RIBA Part I (UK). This dual accreditation gives you local and international qualification. This means you only need to pursue Part II and III to become an Architect.
- UM’s Faculty of Built Environment collaborates on joint student exchange programmes with University of Southern California (USA), National University of Singapore (Singapore), and Kyung Hee University (S. Korea), offering global exposure .
- The faculty has a track record of graduates employed in different parts of the world such as the United Kingdom, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong and Indonesia.
- You can also take the Master of Architecture at UM that is equivalent to LAM Part II / RIBA Part II.
Architecture Courses at UM
Considering UM? Check out the Complete Review Of Universiti Malaya.
BONUS #2 — Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)
USM is a public research university in Malaysia, founded in 1969, it is the second oldest university in Malaysia. It has 5 campuses: a main campus on the island of Penang, 2 on Penang mainland at Nibong Tebal and Kepala Batas, a health campus in Kelantan, and lastly a campus in Kuala Lumpur.
The university’s main academic focus is centred on science, engineering and healthcare studies and it uses English as its medium of instruction.
While USM is a public university in Malaysia, students who were not successful in entering through the UPU system can enrol through its private intake channel, called Saluran Alternatif. Through this channel, you pay the full tuition fees.
Here’s some key information about USM:
| Total student population | 30,000 |
| % of international students | 15% (about 5,000) |
| Teaching faculty-to-student ratio | 1:12 (about 2,500 academic staff) |
| Graduate employability rate % | 90% after 6 months from graduation |
Why Should You Study Architecture at USM?
- In the 2025 QS World University Rankings, USM ranked at #146 out of all global universities.
- USM ranks at #101-#150 for the Architecture and Built Environment subject category on 2025’s QS World University Rankings.
- The architecture course at USM offers LAM Part 1 accreditation, a crucial requirement towards becoming a professional architect in Malaysia.
- USM has 6 major labs for the School of Housing, Building and Planning which are the Accredited Testing Lab, Concrete & Structure Lab, Fabrication Lab, Geo Lab, IT Lab and the IT & Multimedia Lab. Each lab is fully equipped with related equipment for specific functions of study and research.
- Industry collaborations to promote academic and industrial growth. For example, a collaboration with VERITAS design Group a prominent architectural firm for internships and design workshops.
- USM was granted the APEX (Accelerated Programme for Excellence) status. This special mandate from the Ministry of Higher Education aims to propel USM to become a world-class institution, focusing on sustainability, trans-disciplinary research, and societal impact.
Architecture Courses at USM
Check out our Complete Review Of Universiti Sains Malaysia.
Course Guides Recommendation
Check out our Guide on the Architecture Course In Malaysia.
If you are looking for other options, check out our full list of Popular Course Guides In Malaysia.
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