8 Best Universities For Economics 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 8 best universities for Economics courses in Malaysia that you should consider studying at. Uni Enrol is the official partner and can tailor our recommendations to your preferences!

#1 Monash University Malaysia

Best Universities For Economics Courses

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 Economics At Monash Malaysia?

  • Monash is ranked #42 for their Economics course on the 2025 QS Ranking for Economics & Econometrics Subject Category.
  • The university is also a member of the prestigious Group of 8, a group of Australia’s top universities for research and academic excellence.
  • Economics in Monash revolves around research and its contribution to global issues. Expect to learn economic theories coupled with problem-solving skills that are in high demand in industries such as banking, and insurance.
  • Have access to Monash’s network of industry partners, opening doors for research or career opportunities.
  • You have the flexibility to transfer credits to available Monash campuses worldwide, as well as other partner universities, including other Group of 8 universities.

Economics Courses At Monash Malaysia

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

#2 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 Economics 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 #96 globally in 2025 based on QS’s Economics and Ecnonometrics Subject Category, which is a significant recognition in the Top 100.
  • UNM offers 2 choices Economics BSc (Hons) and Economics and International Economics BSc (Hons).
  • BSc Economics provides broad and flexible foundation in economic theory and application while the BSc International Economics specialises in the economics of globalisation, international trade, and finance.
  • You will gain hands-on experience with specialist econometric software like STATA and learn to apply complex economic concepts to real-world data.
  • You can participate in an inter-campus exchange and spend one or two semesters at the UK or China campuses.

Economics Courses At Nottingham Malaysia

Learn more about our Complete Review Of Nottingham Malaysia!

#3 HELP University

HELP as one of the universities in malaysia

HELP University has been providing tertiary education in Malaysia since 1986 and was first known for its many overseas transfer options and focused on providing quality psychology courses on which it has built its reputation.

Here are some key statistics about HELP University:

Total student population10,000
% of international students25%
PhD lecturers40% depending on faculty

Why Should You Study Economics At HELP?

  • HELP University ranks within #601-620 on the QS Asian University Rankings and #105 on the QS South East Asia University Rankings.
  • More than 40% of the lecturers in the Faculty of Business, Economics and Accounting hold doctoral degrees, and most possess over a decade of teaching and industry experience.
  • The university opened a Business Analytics Technology and Innovation Centre (BATIC) with an investment of over RM25 million which include a Bloomberg Terminal Lab where you get the same access to global financial and economic data as top tier banks and financial institutions.
  • The curriculum is shaped by an Industry Advisory Board to ensure it meets current market demands. The Bachelor of Economics (Hons) also includes a “Business Analytics for Decision Making” module.

Economics Courses At HELP

To learn more about HELP University, check out our Complete Review Of HELP University!

#4 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 Economics At Sunway?

  • Sunway University was recognised in the 2025 QS World University Ranking with a rank of #539 among universities worldwide.
  • The Economics program at Sunway, particularly the Financial Economics specialization, is designed to be highly relevant to current industry demands. It emphasizes technological skills, quantitative exposure to analytical models, big-data analysis, and forecasting.
  • For the QS Ranking in the Economics & Econometrics subject category, Sunway ranks at #501-#550.
  • Receive dual-award upon completion of the course, one from Sunway University and the other from Lancaster University, UK.
  • In collaboration with over 6 thousand partners, Sunway University pushes for employability with workshops, peer advisor groups, professional career assessment, internships, as well as regular on-campus career fairs.

Economics Courses At Sunway

Considering Sunway? Learn more with our Complete Review Of Sunway University!

How Can Uni Enrol Help?

Uni Enrol is Malaysia’s top university enrolment platform for over 200+ universities in Malaysia, Australia and UK. We provide unique insights, efficient service, scholarship matching and compare similar or alternative options.

#5 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 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 Economics At UCSI?

  • UCSI’s economics course is paired with finance, designed to ensure mastery of both economic theory and quantitative finance.
  • The faculty courses allow for exemptions from professional certification exams such as ACCA, CPA or CIMA depending on the modules completed within the degree.
  • USCI grants students opportunities for early exposure to real-world problems with their industry partners through their Multidisciplinary Case-based Study (MCS) and Industry Leadership Programme.
  • The Financial Economics programme achieved a 100% employability score in the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education’s Graduate Employability survey, demonstrating strong market demand for UCSI Economics graduates.
  • UCSI values research and development, with multiple programmes dedicated to furthering it including CERVIE, their research centre and UCSI PICE their centre for industrial research and community-related outreach.

Economics Courses At UCSI

Interested in UCSI? Read more about our Complete Review Of UCSI University.

#6 Universiti Tenaga Malaysia (UNITEN)

UNITEN is a subsidiary of Malaysia’s electric power company, Tenaga National Berhad. UNITEN’s Putrajaya campus (technically in Kajang, Selangor) officially started in 1997 and its branch campus in Pahang known as Campus Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah opened in 2001. The university had the privilege of being inaugurated by the Prime Minister of Malaysia at the time.

It goes without saying that UNITEN is famous for engineering and technology studies due to its association with Tenaga Nasional.

Here are some key statistics about UNITEN:

Total student population7,000
% of international students10% from 30+ countries over the years
Student-to-teacher ratio15:1, there are about 500+ academic staff
Graduate employability rate96.8% within 6 months from graduation

Why Should You Study Economics At UNITEN?

  • UNITEN is ranked within the QS World University Rankings at #641-650. It also ranks #36 on the QS Southeast Asia University Rankings.
  • UNITEN offers 2 Economics degrees – Bachelor of Business Economics (Hons) and a specialised Bachelor of Economics (Energy) (Hons) due to the advantage of UNITEN as a subsidiary to Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), Malaysia’s national electricity utility company.
  • Under the Bachelor of Economics (Energy) (Hons), you will cover subjects such as Energy Economics, Renewable Energy and Sustainability, and Economics of International Oil and Gas.
  • You also get the opportunity to gain research exposure via the Institute of Energy Policy and Research (IEPRe) on campus. IEPRe serves as a think-tank for the government and industry, conducting research on energy tariff-setting, long-term energy planning, and energy security.

Economics Courses At UNITEN

Learn about UNITEN from our Complete Review of UNITEN.

#7 Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR)

UTAR was formed in 2002 under the UTAR Education Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation with its core vision of making higher education affordable and accessible.

Today, UTAR offers over 140 courses in many fields of study including business, built environment, communications, creative media, education, computing, engineering, social sciences, pure sciences, medicine and healthcare across its 2 campuses in Kampar (Perak) and Sungai Long (Kuala Lumpur).

It supports over 20,000 students with a student-to-teacher ratio of 20:1 which is an acceptable ratio. Its academic faculties are actively involved in research and development activities and the progress of student outcome which has helped in the university’s ranking on QS.

Why Should You Study Economics At UTAR?

  • UTAR is ranked within the #801-#850 band globally in 2025 according to QS World University Ranking. The university also achieved the #29 spot on the QS South East Asia University Ranking.
  • UTAR is also ranked #501-550 globally in 2025 based on QS’s Economics and Ecnonometrics Subject Category.
  • Offers 2 interesting course focus, the Bachelor of Economics (Hons) Global Economics, which focuses on international trade, global investment, and worldwide economic issues, and the Bachelor of Economics (Hons) Financial Economics, which delves into financial markets, investment analysis, and monetary economics.
  • Under the Bachelor of Economics (Hons) Financial Economics, students can obtain an accelerated route to the CIMA Professional Qualification, requiring the completion of only 3 case study exams to be achieved concurrently with the degree.

Economics Courses At UTAR

More info about UTAR can be found in our Complete Review Of UTAR!

#8 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 Economics 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 campus is exciting with ongoing events from clubs, societies, and other co-curricular courses going on throughout the semester.
  • The economics course is fully accredited by the MQA and is officially recognised for employment in Malaysia.
  • Through the rigorous curriculum, the course ensures students will be well equipped with sufficient knowledge to graduate well. Covered modules include Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Econometrics, Money and Banking, Economics of Strategy, and even modules like IT Fundamentals and Applications and Commercial Law.

Economics Courses At TARUMT

Learn more about TARUMT with our Complete Review Of TARUMT!

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 Economics 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 #96 globally in 2025 based on QS’s Economics & Econometrics Subject Category.
  • UM’s Faculty of Business and Economics (FBE) holds AACSB accreditation, a hallmark of global business education excellence and achieved by less than 6% of business schools worldwide such as Harvard and Stanford.
  • The curriculum includes mandatory industrial training and gives you the option to specialise in one of five key areas: Applied Economics, Financial Economics, Development Studies, Public Administration, or Applied Statistics & Analytics.
  • UM’s FBE publishes respected journals including the Malaysian Journal of Economic Studies and Institutions & Economies and hosts active research collaborations.

Economics 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 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 Economics at USM?

  • In the 2025 QS World University Rankings, USM ranked at #146 out of all global universities.
  • USM ranks at #151-#200 for the Economics and Econometrics 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.
  • The School of Social Science, which is what the Economics degree falls under has good links to local businesses and economic practitioners, ensuring students are able to get firsthand knowledge about industry practices.
  • Never get bored of campus life with the list of clubs, societies and recreational activities organised around campus and off-campus with a mixture of sports, nature hikes, cultural activities and more!

Economics 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 Economics Course In Malaysia.

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