10 Best Universities For Chemical Engineering Courses In Malaysia

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 10 best universities for Chemical Engineering courses in Malaysia that you should consider studying at. Uni Enrol is the official partner and can tailor our recommendations to your preferences!

#1 Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP)

Best Universities For Chemical Engineering Courses

UTP is a Malaysian research university established in 1997. It is wholly owned by Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS), Malaysia’s oil and gas multinational corporation. 

UTP focuses on engineering courses including Chemical, Civil, Materials, Computer, Mechanical, Electrical and Petroleum Engineering. Other disciplines such as Business, Computing and Science are also available.

70% of the graduates from UTP work in the oil & gas industry as various engineering disciplines and skills are needed to undertake oil & gas extractions.

Here’s some information about UTP:

Total student population5,000
% of international students10% from over 50 countries
Teaching faculty-to-student ratio1:16, a healthy ratio (about 300 academic staff)
Graduate employability rate %95%, 6 months after graduation

Why Should You Study Chemical Engineering At UTP?

  • UTP placed within #101-150 on the 2025 QS Ranking for Chemical Engineering.
  • UTP’s campus is equipped with modern teaching and research laboratories, including state of the art chemistry laboratories.
  • An internationally recognised degree as accredited by the Board of Engineers Malaysia, as a signatory of the Washington Accord.
  • The Chemical Engineering program allows students to choose specializations that are in demand, such as Environment and Sustainable Engineering, Processing Industry and others.
  • As a subsidiary of PETRONAS, UTP students benefit from the network of industry connections available, resulting in industry-relevant curriculum, internship opportunities, and strong employment rates especially in oil and gas fields.

Chemical Engineering Courses At UTP

Explore UTP with our Complete Review Of UTP!

#2 Heriot-Watt University Malaysia

The Heriot-Watt Malaysia campus has got to be the top most beautifully designed private university campuses in Malaysia.

It is an architectural and engineering marvel which reflects the university’s long historic strength in both architecture and engineering studies.

Here’s some key stats about Heriot-Watt Malaysia:

Total student population2,000
% of international students30%
Graduate employability rate %95% in 6 months from graduation

Why Should You Study Chemical Engineering At Heriot-Watt?

  • In the 2025 QS World University Rankings, Heriot-Watt University ranked at #256 out of all global universities.
  • In the Chemical Engineering subject category, Heriot-Watt ranks #201-#250 in the 2025 QS Rankings.
  • This course is accredited by professional bodies in both Malaysia and the UK including BEM and the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE). This is grounds for students to apply for their Chartered Engineer status with the Engineering Council UK upon completion of the course.
  • There are multiple labs on campus which are fully equipped with latest tools for your academic needs such as the Thermo and Fluid lab, Unit Operation Lab and much more.
  • Study abroad for a semester, a year, or longer at their Edinburgh or Dubai campuses with Heriot-Watt’s inter-campus transfer programme.

Chemical Engineering Courses At Heriot-Watt

Learn more about Heriot-Watt in this Complete Review Of Heriot-Watt Malaysia!

#3 Monash University Malaysia

Monash Malaysia Campus Entrance

Monash University started its journey in Malaysia in 1998 when the Malaysian Ministry of Education invited Monash to establish a campus here in collaboration with the Sunway Group.

Here are some key statistics about Monash University Malaysia:

Total student population9,700
% of international students30% from 70+ countries
Student-to-academic staff ratio18:1
Graduate employability rate#66 Global University Graduate Employability(QS World University Ranking)

Why Should You Study Chemical Engineering At Monash Malaysia?

  • Monash University’s Chemical Engineering course is ranked #49 on the 2025 QS Chemical Engineering Subject Category.
  • This course is accredited by both Malaysian and Australian Engineering Accreditation Councils (EAC) in accordance with the Washington Accord.
  • Monash has an in-house pilot plant for students to do hands-on experiments in a simulated industry setting.
  • Students who have the heart for research can apply for Monash’s Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program for experience in actual research environments. Work with researchers on their projects for early exposure to the skills you need for final year projects.
  • You have the flexibility to transfer credits to available Monash campuses worldwide, as well as other partner universities, including other Group of 8 universities throughout the duration of your study.

Chemical Engineering Courses At Monash Malaysia

Get to know Monash Malaysia with our Complete Review Of Monash University Malaysia!

#4 University Of Nottingham Malaysia

The University of Nottingham Malaysia opened in September 2000 and became the first British university to set up a campus both outside of the UK and in Malaysia.

Here’s some information about Nottingham Malaysia:

Total student population6,000
% of international students30% from over 70 countries
Teaching faculty-to-student ratio1:15, a healthy ratio (about 400 academic staff)
Academics with PhD85%
Graduate employability rate %90%, 6 months after graduation

Why Should You Study Chemical Engineering At Nottingham Malaysia?

  • Nottingham is ranked #108 globally in QS World University Rankings 2025, which makes it a highly accomplished and respected institution
  • Nottingham is also ranked #92 globally in 2025 based on QS’s Chemical Engineering Subject Category, which is a significant recognition in the Top 100.
  • The Mechatronic Engineering MEng (Hons) course is fully accredited by the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) and the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE).
  • UNM’s facilities includes pilot-scale unit operation rigs for large-scale experiments on distillation, fluidised beds, and heat exchangers. You will also work in specialised research labs for your final year design project, using cutting-edge equipment like elemental analyzers and lab-scale fermentation systems.
  • You can participate in an inter-campus exchange and spend one or two semesters at the UK or China campuses.

Chemical Engineering Courses At Nottingham Malaysia

Learn more in our Complete Review Of Nottingham Malaysia!

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#5 Taylor’s University

Taylor's as one of the top universities in malaysia

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 population13,000
% of international students25%-30% coming from over 80 different countries
Student-teacher-ratio16:1 which is a very healthy ratio
% of teaching faculty with a PhD80%-95% depending on faculty
Graduate employability rate99% testament to the graduate quality and career support

Why Should You Study Chemical Engineering At Taylor’s?

  • Study at the #1 private university in Malaysia, placing among the top 1% among global universities at #284 on the QS Chemical Engineering Subject Category.
  • The School of Engineering adopts the CDIO Initiative, which is an MIT initiatve to prepare students to meet industry standards. Following this initiative, Taylor’s engineering courses have modules built around practical application, also known as Project Based Modules.
  • Take advantage of the university’s industrial alliances to network among professionals in the industry and build your knowledge and experience regarding industry work.
  • Grow not just intellectually, but in personal development with life skills modules offered by the university as part of their push for holistic development.

Chemical Engineering Courses At Taylor’s

Interested in Taylor’s? Learn more Complete Review Of Taylor’s University!

#6 Swinburne University Of Technology Malaysia

Another institution in Malaysia that gives students a taste of the Aussie curriculum is Swinburne University of Technology. It offers the same quality education as its Australian origins.

Established in 2000, the Malaysia campus is the only foreign branch campus of Swinburne aside from its 3 other campuses within Melbourne, Australia.

Here’s some information about Swinburne University Malaysia:

Total student population3,000 students
% of international students15% from over 60 countries
Teaching faculty-to-student ratio1:20 which is an acceptable ratio
Graduate employability rate %93%-95%, 6 months after graduation

Why Should You Study Chemical Engineering At Swinburne Malaysia?

  • Swinburne is #291 among global universities according to the QS World University Rankings in 2025.
  • This course is accredited by the BEM, acknowledging its adherence to the global professional standard. Graduates will be able to register as Graduate Engineers with BEM and Engineers Australia (EA).
  • The faculty actively engages in research in nationally-strategic areas such as sustainable reaction engineering, renewable energy, waste treatment, biomass conversion, and the hydrogen economy. This keeps students in the loop about the latest developments in the industry.
  • Benefit from the 31 different technical labs on campus with the latest technology to enhance your learning experience including the Thermal Science Lab, Energy & Project Lab, and Fluids Workshop.
  • Opt to study abroad at one of Swinburne’s 3 Australian campuses depending on your field of study.

Chemical Engineering Courses At Swinburne Malaysia

Check out our Complete Review Of Swinburne University Malaysia!

#7 UCSI University

UCSI Cheras Campus

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 population15,000
% of international students30% from more than 100 countries
PhD lecturers70%-90% of lecturers are PhD holders depending on faculty
Graduate employability rate100%, based on MOHE Graduate Survey

Why Should You Study Chemical Engineering At UCSI?

  • UCSI University ranks within the #401-#450 positions on QS Rankings for the Chemical Engineering Subject Category.
  • The chemical engineering course at UCSI is accredited by the Malaysian Engineering Accreditation Council (BEM) and aligned with international standards under the Washington Accord.
  • Throughout the duration of the degree, two industrial training modules are included, giving students more chances for professional experience.
  • Study abroad with UCSI’s International Degree Pathway (IDP). Credit transfer to the University of Queensland, Australia is available in your third year of study.

Chemical Engineering Courses At UCSI

Explore more in our Complete Review Of UCSI University!

#8 Sunway University

Sunway University is regarded by many as one of their top private university choices in Malaysia too.

Established in 1987, it has since grown into one of the largest and most reputable higher learning institutions and is operated as a non-profit under the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation.

Here are some key statistics about Sunway University:

Total student population25,000
% of international students10%-30% based on faculty from 90+ countries
Teaching faculty-to-student ratio1:70 (~360 academic staff)
% of international academic staff5% -25% based on faculty
Graduate employability rate87% – 98% based on fields of study

Why Should You Study Chemical Engineering At Sunway?

  • Sunway University was recognised in the 2025 QS World University Ranking with a rank of #539 among universities worldwide.
  • Located at the heart of Bandar Sunway within 5 minutes walking distance to many amenities including the BRT line, food stalls, grocers, off-campus accommodation and more.
  • This course is Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) approved.
  • Learn in 4 specialist research centres on campus including a Carbon Dioxide Capture and Utilisation Centre, Nano-Materials and Energy Technology Centre, Human-Machine Collaboration Centre and the Electrochemical Energy and Sustainable Technolgy Centre.
  • Graduates receive two honours degrees, a BEng (Hons) from Sunway University and MEng (Hons) from Lancaster University, UK, enhancing global recognition and career opportunitie

Chemical Engineering Courses At Sunway

Learn more in our Complete Review Of Sunway University!

#9 Xiamen University Malaysia

Xiamen University from China was established in 1921 by Tan Kah Kee, a prominent philanthropist and educator in Malaysia. Almost a century later, in 2016, the university added to its global network a branch campus in Malaysia – Xiamen University Malaysia.

The campus is built on an area of 150 acres with a planned total floor space of 470,000 square meters. It provides many study options at affordable fees. With the exception of Chinese Studies and Traditional Chinese Medicine, the medium of instruction for all other programmes is English.

Here are some key statistics:

Total student population6,000+ 
% of international students15% from 30+ countries
Student-teacher-ratio15:1
Teaching staff who holds PhD80% of our academic staff
% of international academic staff30% of professors from Xiamen University in China

Why Should You Study Chemical Engineering At Xiamen?

  • Xiamen University is ranked #362 in the QS World University Rankings. It is ranked #50 among East Asia Universities based on QS.
  • Xiamen University is also ranked #151-200 globally in 2025 based on QS’s Chemical Engineerinig Subject Category.
  • The Bachelor of Electrical and Electronics Engineering (Hons) at XUM is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Council (EAC) and the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM).
  • XUM Chemical Engineering students gain exclusive hands-on experience in Malaysia’s first Simulation Integrated Process Plant (SIPP). This advanced facility bridges the gap between lab experiments and full-scale industrial production.
  • The university actively collaborates with partners like the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) and companies such as Ecorys Sdn. Bhd. on real-world projects, including developing smart fertilizer management systems.

Chemical Engineering Courses At Xiamen

Find out more in our Complete Review Of Xiamen University Malaysia!

#10 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 population20,000 on-campus and online
% of international students40% from over 90 countries
Student-teacher-ratio30:1, a healthy ratio
Employability Rate %85% hired after 6 months from graduating

Why Should You Study Chemical Engineering 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 course is accredited by the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) and a signatory of the prestigious Washington Accord. This means your degree is recognized by member countries like the USA, UK, Australia, and Japan.
  • You will receive a dual-award for SEGI’s Bachelor of Chemical Engineering (Honours) – a Bachelor’s degree award from SEGi, and a Master’s degree from University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), UK.
  • The course curriculum is aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on sustainable energy, environmental management, and process safety.
  • An emphasis of the learning journey involves practical insights through industrial talks, workshops, and site visits to major companies and plants like Ajinomoto, Indah Water Konsortium (IWK), and Seremban Engineering Berhad. Students also take part in competitions where SEGI students also emerged first in the IEM Chemical Engineering Design Competition 2024.

Chemical Engineering Courses At SEGI

Interested in SEGI? Check out our Complete Review Of SEGI University & Colleges!

BONUS #1 — Universiti 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 population40,000 students
% of international students30%, majority being post-grad students
Student-teacher-ratioEst 16:1

Why Should You Study Chemical Engineering at UM?

  • 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 #80 globally in 2025 based on QS’s Engineering Chemical Subject Category.
  • The Research Centres relating to Chemical Engineering focuses on 6 key areas namely; Advanced Materials & Technology, Bioprocess Engineering, Health, Safety & Environment, Process Systems Engineering & Control, Purification & Separation Processes and Reaction Engineering.
  • You will also engage in a final year design project and a research project, allowing you to tackle complex engineering problems and gain valuable hands-on experience.

Chemical Engineering Courses at UM

Considering UM? Check out our Complete Review Of Universiti Malaya.

BONUS #2 — University 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 population30,000
% of international students15% (about 5,000)
Teaching faculty-to-student ratio1:12 (about 2,500 academic staff)
Graduate employability rate %90% after 6 months from graduation

Why Should You Study Chemical Engineering 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 Chemical Engineering subject category on 2025’s QS World University Rankings.
  • 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.
  • This course is up to international industry standards, as recognised by BEM, which is a signatory member under the Washington Accord.
  • USM’s Nibong Tebal campus where the Engineering Schools are hosted are complete with state-of-the-art facilities for all your engineering projects.
  • The School of Chemical Engineering actively collaborates with leading companies, such as Infineon Technologies and Lotte Chemical Titan Holding Bhd, on research and development projects. These partnerships provide students with exposure to real-world industrial challenges, enhancing their readiness for the workforce.

Chemical Engineering Courses at USM

For more info about USM, check out our Complete Review Of Universiti Sains Malaysia!

Course Guides Recommendation

Check out our Guide on the Chemical Engineering Course In Malaysia.

If you are looking for other options, check out our full list of Popular Course Guides In Malaysia.