The Complete Review Of Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN)

1. Introduction

1.1 Background

UNITEN is a subsidiary of Malaysia’s electric power company, Tenaga National Berhad. UNITEN’s Putrajaya campus 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.

UNITEN’s primary objective was to offer quality education with a strong focus on engineering, and computing fields and fundamental business courses. Today UNITEN has about 7,000 students split between the 2 campuses and has hosted students from more than 30 countries over the years. It has a high research output with many patents filed. Most international students enrol into UNITEN for its postgraduate programmes. 

Here are some key statistics about UNITEN:

Total student population	7,000
% of international students	10% from 30+ countries over the years
Student-to-teacher ratio	15:1, there are about 500+ academic staff
Graduate employability rate	97.3% within 6 months from graduation

1.2 UNITEN Rankings 2025

UNITEN is ranked within the QS World University Rankings at #641-650. It also ranks #36 on the QS Southeast Asia University Rankings. Below are UNITEN’s popular fields of study that made it on the Top 100 of the QS Subject Rankings:

QS Subject Category	Subject World Ranking
Engineering – Electrical and Electronic	#351-400
Engineering – Mechanical	#501-575
Computer Science & Information Systems	#551-700

Its local recognition includes 5-Star SETARA rating achievement awarded by the Ministry of Higher Education of Malaysia.

2. Student Life Review & Living Cost

2.1 UNITEN Putrajaya Campus Review

Uni Enrol paid a visit to UNITEN too! Our signature campus unboxing

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Uni Enrol (@unienrolmalaysia)

The Putrajaya Campus is UNITEN’s main campus and houses these colleges and corresponding area of studies

• College of Engineering ​(COE)
• College of Computing and Informatics (CCI)
• College of Energy Economics and Social Sciences (CES)
• College of Business Management and Accountancy (COBA)
• College of Graduate Studies (COGS)

As the campus land is huge and spread over various building sites, each college or rather faculty has its own building and facilities.

Location and Surrounding Vibe

UNITEN’s main campus spreads across a wide area of 483 acres (imagine the size of 200 over football fields) and provides a thriving and well-rounded student life with world-class facilities, emphasizing both academic excellence and a holistic living experience. 

Check out this aerial view of the campus

Ease of Accessibility to Campus

The Putrajaya Campus is technically located in the township of Kajang, Selangor and is about a 20 minutes drive from Putrajaya. For international students, the campus is not too far away from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), only a 30 minutes drive.

UNITEN ensures convenient campus accessibility through a well-organized internal shuttle bus service on weekdays with 30-minute intervals. It ferries students to various stops throughout the campus and the nearest transportation hubs i.e KTM Serdang Train Station and the MRT Sungai Besi Train Station. There is also a shuttle schedule to different points within the campus and student accommodation free of charge.

It is a self-contained campus with many convenient amenities, retail stores and eateries offering diverse options for students to enjoy. For entertainment, Malaysia’s largest shopping mall IOI City Mall is just a 10 minutes drive away. It takes 20 minutes just to walk from one end of the other end of the mall!

Student Diversity

About 10% of UNITEN’s enrolment comprise of international students coming from countries such as China, Bangladesh, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Sudan and Yemen. Half are taking undergraduate studies while the other half are enrolling for postgraduate courses at the university.

2.2 UNITEN Kampus Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah (KSHAS) Review

Experience the serene KSHAS campus video created by an ex-student 

The UNITEN KSHAS Campus serves a offers a smaller range of courses. It is represented by the following college/faculty:

• College of Business Management and Accountancy (COBA)
• College of Graduate Studies (COGS).

Location and Surrounding Vibe

UNITEN’s Kampus Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah (KSHAS) in Bandar Muadzam Shah, Rompin, Pahang, is a branch campus specializing in business management and accounting fields. 

Studying and living here brings you closer to the countryside where the pace is slower and your mind is calm and free from distractions.

There are many famous points of interest in Pahang that you must visit if you are not native to the state, such as  Tioman Island, Tasik Biru Bukit Ibam, Kuantan Art Street, Pantai Hiburan Rompin, Farm Fresh Milk Farm, and staying at homestays near orang asli villages and learn how to fish in streams and make blowpipes.

2.3 Learning Resources

The Putrajaya Campus is so vast that each discipline houses its own equipment and facility building. Most of the exciting facilities can be found here.

ENGINEERING FACILITIES 

You can expect to see these state-of-the-art equipment and laboratories:

COMPUTING FACILITIES

Specialisations taught at UNITEN are Computer science, Systems Networking Cyber Security and Graphics & Multimedia, all of which require strong processing computers. There are specialised computer labs like the Software Hub Lab and KLOC Lab.

DEDICATED RESEARCH INSTITUTES

As a distinguished world ranking university, UNITEN maintains various institutes to spearhead research initiatives. The activities are fuelled by academic faculties, students, industry, authorities, and a wide range of global collaborations.

More than RM100 million in research grants and consultancy projects have been secured by UNITEN’s researchers.

These are UNITEN’s research institutes:

• Innovation and Research Management Centre (iRMC)
• Institute of Energy Policy and Research (IEPRe)
• Institute of Power Engineering (IPE)
• Institute of Sustainable Energy (ISE)
• Institute of Energy Infrastructure (IEI)
• Institute of Informatics and Computing in Energy (IICE)

UNITEN LIBRARY @ PUTRAJAYA CAMPUS

The UNITEN library here is also regularly called The Information Resource Centre (IRC) which provides spacious study spaces for teachers, students, and researchers. When it first opened in 1997, it was considered the largest private university library in South East Asia.

These are some of the key features of the library

• 6 levels occupying a floor area of 18,645 square metres.
• Seating capacity for 2,634 people.
• 300 lockers.
• Open 24 hours.
• Various common study areas.
• Quiet study booths.
• E-Discussion rooms (sound proof rooms).
• 101,000 volumes, including books, periodicals, reports, standards, non-book materials, digital collection.
• The IRC Auditorium on Level 2, with a seating capacity of 250, is an ideal venue for events and functions.

2.4 Recreational Facilities

One thing you CAN brag to students from other universities is how big the recreational and sports facilities are!

Sports enthusiasts can use various facilities, including a 

• Mini stadium with 300 seat capacity
• Professional running tracks
• Field for football, hockey, rugby
• Olympic-sized swimming pool
• Sports arena meeting national-level athletic standards
• Courts for netball, futsal, sepaktakraw, basketball, volleyball, tennis, badminton

There are also so many non-sports recreational facilities to support hobbies and cultures

• Fitness gym
• Training room
• Jamming Room
• Costumes and accessories
• Cultural props and sets
• Traditional musical instruments
• Modern musical instruments

2.5 Student Activities

Students at UNITEN benefit from a vibrant array of over 50 clubs and societies, covering interests from music and dance to sports and cultural celebrations. These extracurricular options contribute to a diverse and engaging campus life, allowing students to explore their passions beyond academics.

There is even an international non-profit organisation that you can join called ENACTUS. Its objective is to generate human capital with a strong hands-on understanding of business principles, entrepreneurial skills, and ethical practices. 

ENACTUS’s initiatives have helped its members to be more competent and dynamic in terms of leadership and critical thinking. Students have the opportunity to experience international exposure and be a global citizen through competitions, networking engagements and various projects organised.

2.6 Student Services

You will find all the essential support and services available at UNITEN.

Health and Wellness Facilities – UNITEN is committed to becoming a green campus in the country and has built a fully covered walkway and cycle path that connects all the main buildings. In addition, the university has state-of-the-art health and wellness facilities. 

Hospital and Clinic Services – The on-campus ILSAS (TNB) Dispensary provides first aid services during operating hours, supporting the health and well-being of students and staff. At Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Campus (KSHAS), medical treatment is available at the nearby Muadzam Shah Hospital.

Student Insurance Services – Local students benefit from ETIQA Takaful’s healthcare plan, offering compulsory coverage for sickness, accidents, and life. For international students, UNITEN provides compulsory sickness and accident insurance through reputable providers, including Etiqa Family Takaful Berhad, Great Eastern Takaful Berhad, and The Pacific Insurance Berhad.

Guidance and Counselling – Independent, impartial and professional counselling is available on-campus for students and observes strict confidentiality. The different types of counselling available are personal, academic and career related.

Personal Development – There are various programmes crafted by the UNITEN Student Development Implementation Committee (USDIC) to develop your personal strengths. Workshops and programmes are conducted to enhance soft-skills. 

Internship and Career – Students are able to look for internship and career opportunities through UNITEN’s career portal. There is also opportunity to intern in the campus through the UNITEN Student Internship Scheme (USIS).

2.7 UNITEN Putrajaya Student Hostel Accommodation

On-Campus

UNITEN’s on-campus apartment hostels are spread over 7 blocks and collectively have a capacity of over 5,000 students. Apartment units come complete with lounges, pantries, free internet and Wi-Fi and round-the-clock security. 

There are 6 types of room configurations to choose from RM270 to RM670 per room per month depending on options like air-conditioning, sharing or single, comfort level, and more. Premium rooms offer additional amenities like air-conditioning, fridge, and water heater, ensuring a comfortable living space.

Living Costs In UNITEN Putrajaya

General cost of living, excluding accommodation, for students studying and living within the compounds of UNITEN, typically ranges between RM700 and RM1,000 per month. This would cover expenses like food, transportation, books, and miscellaneous personal expenses. Please note, these are estimates and actual costs may vary based on individual lifestyle and choices.

2.8 UNITEN KSHAS Student Hostel Accommodation

On-Campus

There are 3 student apartment buildings that can house a total of 3,400 students comfortably. Students can enjoy free internet and Wi-Fi. There are 6 types of room configurations to choose ranging from single to twin sharing, and rooms with better amenities. Rental rates range from RM220 to RM500 per room per month.

Living Costs In UNITEN KSHAS

Cost of living in Pahang is generally lower compared to the capital city. You may only need between RM400 and RM700 per month. This would cover expenses like food, transportation, books, and miscellaneous personal expenses. Please note, these are estimates and actual costs may vary based on individual lifestyle and choices.

3. Courses Review, Fees & Scholarships

3.1 Courses You Can Study At UNITEN Putrajaya Campus

These are the well known areas of study and courses offered at UNITEN’s Putrajaya Campus. Click the respective area of study below to see all courses offered:

Foundation Foundation in Accounting, Business, Computer Science, Economics	Business Business and Economics
Accounting and Finance Accounting	Computing and IT Computer Science, Cyber Security, Systems Network, Software Engineering, Graphics Multimedia
Engineering Electrical & Electronics, Civil, Mechanical, Power Engineering

3.2 Courses You Can Study At UNITEN KSHAS Campus

These are the well known areas of study and courses offered at UNITEN’s Pahang KSHAS Campus. The KSHAS Campus has more accounting, finance and business study options compared to the Putrajaya Campus.

Click the respective area of study below to see all courses offered:

Foundation Foundation in Accounting, Business, Computer Science, Econs	Business Business Admin, Entrepreneurship, Marketing, Management, Economics, HRM, International Biz etc
Accounting and Finance Accounting, Finance, Fintech,

3.3 Course Fees At UNITEN

We have also saved you the hassle and compiled the full list of UNITEN’s detailed course fees into one article below. Check it out and share it!

UNITEN Fees & Courses In 2025

3.4 UNITEN Scholarships

These are some of the popular scholarships offered by UNITEN. Click here to see the full list of scholarships:

Scholarships	Details
UNITEN Bright/Merit-YCU Scholarship 2024	50% tuition fee waiver for Foundation programmes. For students with excellent results and maintain CGPA 3.0 every semester.
YCU Access Scholarship for Diploma Students 2024	Up to RM10,000 tuition fee waiver (divided equally throughout study duration). For Diploma studies with SPM results of at least 3As.
UNITEN YCU Access Scholarship for Bachelor Students 2024 (B40 Only)	Up to RM20,000 tuition fee waiver (divided equally throughout study duration). For Foundation and Diploma studies with SPM results of at least 3As. B40 students only.

PTPTN Financial Aids

Malaysian students can apply for the National Higher Education Fund or PTPTN which is responsible for giving loans to students pursuing tertiary education. PTPTN falls under the purview of the Ministry of Higher Education.

You can borrow from RM3,400 to a maximum RM50,000 per annum depending on the level and type of course you are taking. PTPTN only charges an annual interest rate of about 1%.

For UNITEN, students can borrow for Foundation courses as well which is generally not an available option for most private universities.

3.5 Popular Courses Review At UNITEN

Engineering Courses – Electrical and Electronics, Mechanical and Civil

UNITEN’s Electrical and Electronic course is ranked within #301-350 in the QS World University Ranking by Subject. All its engineering field of study offers Diploma, Degree, Masters and PhD course levels.

In the final year, you get to choose several topics from technical electives to specialize in interest. There are also design projects (Integrated Design Project and Final Year Project) in the final year that will aid you in gaining experience of current technology and equipment usage as well as provide opportunities to apply engineering principles that you have acquired.

Towards the end of the final year, there will also be industrial training and research activities in to enhance practical skills and knowledge.

The course is endorsed and recognised by

• Engineering Accreditation Council (EAC) 
• Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM)
• The Institution of Engineers, Malaysia
• The Institution of Engineering & Technology (IET) from UK
• Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)
• Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE)
• UNITEN’s School of Engineering is also signatory to the Washington Accord

Electrical Power Engineering

Being backed by the national electricity provider of the country, Tenaga Nasional, UNITEN’s electrical power engineering course is undoubtedly top notch and filled with the latest understanding of the industry’s technology development.

You will learn electrical circuit analysis, electronics, digital system, microprocessor, electromagnetic fields, electrical machines and drives, power systems, power electronics and high voltage technology. 

Learning takes places in laboratories using electrical measurement techniques, application of non-linear devices, digital logic design, signal processing, microprocessor, electrical machines, and, computer aided engineering software as simulation and design tools.

The final year allows you to choose additional elective modules to learn from and work on final projects. Recognised by EAC and BEM.

Cybersecurity Course

You probably did not realise that UNITEN also provides studies in Cybersecurity. The Bachelor of Computer Science (Cyber Security) (Hons) covers computer science curricula with the emphasis on cyber security knowledge. You will be equipped with the fundamental application of computer science which include subjects on programming and software development, data communication and network, computer organization and operating systems.

Key skills you will pick up are cryptography, computer security, network security, secure programming, information security assurance, as well as network penetration and countermeasures. 

Given that UNITEN is a subsidiary of Tenaga Nasional Berhad, you will also be exposed to the niche domain knowledge of security for critical infrastructure such as the electricity and power grid infrastructure networks.

3.4 Industry Partners

Collaboration To Enrich Work Experience

Starting in 2023 onwards, UNITEN is incorporating a Work-Based-Learning (WBL) approach to its courses starting with its business related courses namely Business Administration, Marketing and Human Resource.

This means you will be placed to working environments and employers for a period of 1 year.  ‘Coaches’ or supervisors will be appointed to guide you and ensure there is progress. A WBL Unit is established to cater to all WBL activities.

To date, UNITEN has collaborated with 30 industry partnerships in various top industries to facilitate WBL opportunities.

Collaboration Commercialize Research

UNITEN through its Uniten Research & Development (URND) Unit focuses on partnership with clients and stakeholders to accelerate IP commercialisation, build capacity, and develop capabilities. URND also provides consultancy to industries and support inventors and technopreneurs via the provision of grants and support.

These are just some of the non-exhaustive list of clients, government agency partners and international partners:

4. Entry Requirements & Intake Dates

4.1 UNITEN Entry Requirements 2025

Minimum entry requirements for Foundation:

• SPM – 5 credits
• IGCSE – 5 credits

(Including credit for Maths and English)

Minimum entry requirements for Diploma:

• SPM – 3 credits
• IGCSE – 3 credits

(Including pass for Maths and English)

Minimum entry requirements for Degree:

• UEC – 5B
• STPM – CGPA of 2.33
• A-Level – 2C
• SACE/WACE – ATAR 70
• IB Diploma – 24
• Foundation – CGPA 2.50
• Diploma – CGPA 2.00

Please note that the entry requirements may vary depending on the chosen field of study as certain courses may have higher or specific qualifying conditions especially for courses in Engineering or Computing.

4.2 UNITEN Intake Periods For 2025

The intake periods for UNITEN in 2025 are as follows:

• Foundation – Feb, Jun, Sep
• Diploma – Feb, Jun, Sep
• Degree – Jan, Jun, Sep
• Postgraduate – Feb, Jul

Please note that the intake periods may vary depending on the courses. For specific intake periods and dates, consult Uni Enrol’s counsellors.

4.3 Learn How To Choose The Right University

When you need life-changing advice, we often consult professionals such as teachers, lawyers, and bankers. However, many students are not aware that education consultants like Uni Enrol can help you choose the right education path to secure your future prospects.

Check out some articles on what education consultants do and the benefits:

• 7 Vital Questions To Ask Before Choosing Your Educational Consultant
• Top 10 Benefits Of Engaging A Higher Education Consultant

5. Student Testimonials & Alumni

Hear about UNITEN from some of their Malaysian and international ex-students!

Abdarazik Faisal

Heezam Roslan

Shaza Liyana

Mohd Hasril Bin Abdul Hamid

6. Summary Review

Background, Status and Ranking: UNITEN, established in 1997 as a subsidiary of Tenaga Nasional Berhad, has evolved into a reputable institution specializing in engineering, computing, and business education. With a student population of approximately 7,000, including 10% international students from over 30 countries, the university boasts a commendable graduate employability rate of 96.8% within 6 months of graduation. In the 2025 QS World University Rankings, UNITEN is positioned within the #641–650 bracket globally and ranks #36 in Southeast Asia. The university has also achieved a 5-Star SETARA rating awarded by the Ministry of Higher Education of Malaysia.

Student Life: UNITEN’s main campus in Putrajaya spans 483 acres, offering a vibrant and well-rounded student life with world-class facilities. The campus houses various colleges, each with its own building and facilities, fostering a conducive learning environment. Students can engage in over 50 clubs and societies, ranging from music and dance to sports and cultural celebrations, contributing to a diverse and engaging campus life. The campus’s strategic location provides easy access to Kuala Lumpur International Airport, enhancing its appeal to international students.

Courses Offered: UNITEN offers a comprehensive range of courses across disciplines such as Engineering, Computing, Business Management, and Accountancy. The university provides education from Foundation through to Bachelor’s Degrees and Postgraduate programs, all designed to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in their respective fields.

Popular Courses: UNITEN’s courses have achieved commendable positions in the QS Subject Rankings. Notably, Engineering – Electrical and Electronic is ranked within the #351–400 bracket, Engineering – Mechanical within #501–575, and Computer Science & Information Systems within #551–700. These rankings reflect the university’s academic strength in these areas.

SEE OTHER UNI GUIDES

We took the liberty to compile all our University Guides and Course Fees Guides so you don’t have to go anywhere else!

And if you’re still not sure what to study, we have many Course Guide articles that will shed more light on the subject matter. Share with your friends!

Complete Guide To Private Universities In Malaysia

Fees & Courses Of Private Universities In Malaysia

Popular Courses To Study In Malaysia | Apply With Uni Enrol