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Table of Contents
1. Introduction to First City University College
First City University College (formerly known as KBU International College) is a private higher education institution that started with humbled beginnings since 1990 and now serves thousands of students from Malaysia and internationally.
Its students have won multiple awards and the university has produced notable alumni who impacted the design, fashion, e-commerce and technology sectors. First City is currently providing studies in business, accounting, fashion, computing, interior designing, computing and hospitality.
First City is part of the Bandar Utama City Group that owns 2 hotels in Bandar Utama, namely One World Hotel and Avante Hotel which are both located near the university. Hospitality students have the option to get training there or even secure jobs upon graduation.
It also received recognition as a SETARA-rated institution administered by the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia which signifies the quality of education that the institution provides to students.
2. Student Life Review & Living Cost
2.1 First City University College Campus Review
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Location and Surrounding Vibe: The First City campus sits on a 13-acre site in the bustling hub of Bandar Utama township (Selangor). It offers full-fledged on-campus accommodation and a modern sports centre including a huge outdoor field. The British International School is also located right next to the campus.
There is a cafeteria where students can hang out and have their meals affordably. Right opposite the centre is a boutique commercial centre called Centre-Point which offers popular F&B outlets such as McDonalds, KFC, Starbucks, and hawker food. There are clinics and other services available there as well.
Bandar Utama is one of the most convenient areas of the greater Petaling Jaya district as shopping malls such as 1-Utama, The Curve and Ikea are located within a 1 km radius. 1-Utama is a family-focused shopping centre and has all kinds of recreational attractions aside from shopping such as Flowrider (indoor water surfing), Windlab (indoor skydiving), Cross Fire (arcade centre), Rainforest, Secret Garden, and a Performing Arts Centre.
Ease of Accessibility to Campus: Travelling to the nearby shopping malls is reachable by carpooling with your friends using e-hailing rides if you do not drive. Alternatively, if you are not rushed for time, you can take the free shuttle bus provided by First City to the nearby MRT, LRT or KTM stations, one of which is the Bandar Utama MRT station right next to 1-Utama shopping mall.
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2.2 Learning Resources
The university continuously pours investments into all its faculties in order for students to have the best education outcome.
General Learning Facilities
Other facilities include Creative Stove which serves as a commercial outlet to nurture entrepreneurship among students and a project exhibition gallery known as White Canvas.
Computing Facilities
What will you find here? Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT) & Sensor, CAD Laboratory, MAC Laboratory, Mobile App Development Laboratory, Software Development Laboratory, Electronic Computer-Aided Design Laboratory
Communication and Media Facilities
What will you find here? Broadcasting Studio, Photography Studio, Recording Studio, Audio Editing Laboratory, Video Editing Laboratory
Design Facilities
What will you find here? Design Studio, Fashion Studio, Macintosh Laboratory with Industry-Relevant Software, Material Laboratory, Photography Studio, Precision Prototyping 3D Printer, Precision Cutting & Engraving Laser Cutter, Print Workshop, Vacuum Forming Machine, Wood & Metal Workshop
Hospitality Service Facilities
What will you find here? Café De One – Training Restaurant, Garde Manger (Cold Kitchen), Hotel De One Front Office, Mock Hotel Room, Pastry Kitchen, Bar Counter, Training Kitchen with Individual Stations
2.3 Recreational Facilities & Student Activities
The Sports Centre offers various indoor and outdoor sports and recreational facilities for students e.g. football field, volleyball courts, futsal, table-tennis, badminton courts and basketball court.
There are also various happenings on campus such as festive celebrations, workshops, networking with alumni, field trips organised by respective faculties and many more.
2.4 Student Services
The First City administrative team provides support services that help students in their career readiness, personal challenges if any, physical accessibility, transfer matters and so forth.
If you ever need personal help, do not hesitate to reach out to your lecturers or dedicated personnel on campus.
2.5 First City University College Student Accommodation
On-Campus
First City Residences, is the on-campus student accommodation of First City. It is a 13-storey building with air-conditioned, 10 deluxe single, 92 standard single and 414 standard double rooms, with en-suite bathroom and basement carpark.
Common facilities include a coin-operated laundry, a common pantry, resident lounge, study lounge, 24/7 CCTV surveillance and security patrol.
Room rates range from RM600 to RM1,000 per room, per month depending on various configurations.
Living Costs
General cost of living around Bandar Utama, excluding accommodation, for students studying on-campus typically ranges between RM1,200 and RM1,500 per month. This would cover expenses like food, transportation, books, and miscellaneous personal expenses. Subject to individual lifestyle.
Comfort At its Best
Uni Enrol helps sort out your accommodation arrangements as well, should you need one. We work with partners to assist students to find one in their budget.
3. Courses Review, Fees & Scholarships
3.1 Courses You Can Study At First City University College
These are well known areas of study offered by First City. Click the respective area of study below to see all courses offered:
 Foundation Foundation in Business, Arts & Design, Engineering, Science & Technology |  Business Business Management, Marketing, Business Admin |
 Accounting and Finance Accounting & Finance |  Architecture and Built Environment Interior Design, Interior Architecture |
 Communication and Media Studies Mass Communication, Graphic Design |  Creative Arts and Design Fashion Marketing, Furniture and Product Design |
 Computing and IT Computer Science, Information Systems, Networking & Security, Software Engineering |  Hospitality and Services Hospitality Management, Hotel Management |
3.2 Course Fees At First City University College
We have also saved you the hassle and compiled the full list of Reading Malaysia’s detailed course fees into one article below. Check it out and share it!
3.3 First City University College Scholarships
These are some of the popular scholarships offered by First City. Click here to see the full list of scholarships:
| First City UC Sports Scholarship | Up to RM13,500 in tuition fee waiver for state and national level. |
| First City UC Merit Scholarship | Up to 100% tuition fee waiver for high achieving students. |
| First City UC UEC Scholarship | Up to 100% tuition fee waiver for high achieving UEC students. |
| First City Bursary Award | Up to RM6,000 for students with excellent results. |
| First City Siblings Incentive | Up to RM2,000 award for students whose siblings are also enrolling into First City. |
| First City Special Tuition Grant | Up to RM6,000 award for tuition fee waiver for family income below RM10,000 a month. |
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 of 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%.
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3.4 Popular Courses Review At First City University College
First City University College is an all-rounded reputable higher education choice with relatively affordable fees considering its top-notch campus facilities.
Computing & IT Courses
First City’s computing studies are highly relevant areas of discipline in today’s advancing environment.
You have the degree options for
- Computer Science (Intelligent Systems)
- Information Technology (Networking and Security)
- Information Systems in Business Management
- Software Engineering
Intelligent Systems introduces you to concepts, principles, and theories relating to Artificial Intelligent Systems, data science & analytics, machine learning, internet-of-things and intelligent systems integration, natural language processing and mobile platform programming. You learn how to build and optimize the performance of Intelligent Systems.
Networking and security relate to areas such as cloud computing and cyber-securing networks that are increasingly more critical as we rely on so many things to work using wireless connectivity. In Software Engineering, you learn to build complex systems.
First City have been producing computing alumni for more than 2 decades and these graduates are successful e-commerce entrepreneurs, technology consultants, heads of strategies and chief technology officers in leading companies locally and abroad (see more in Section 6 below)
In 2022, the university launched 2 Future Tech Labs, the Robotics & AI Lab and IoT & Sensor Lab to enhance its education delivery to be in line with rapid developments of the tech industry.
Along with the launch, Memorandum of Understandings (MOUs) were also signed with industry partners to support practical learning such as UBTECH Robotics Corp Limited, TMAS Technologies Sdn Bhd, 3Particle Solution Sdn Bhd for collaboration in XR Technology and RTIST (ZEROO Sdn Bhd) for collaboration on design talent management.
Architecture and Interior Design Studies
Architecture and Interior Design studies are also one of First City’s strengths as its students have won many accolades over the years.
For example, its Interior Architecture students bagged the gold prize the inaugural IJM Land Designer Award organized by IJM Land in 2021. Another student won the silver award during the 15th Annual International Design Award in United States in 2021.
First City offers a degree in Interior Architecture or a diploma in Interior Design.
The faculty’s academic staff are industry members who have had many years of industry experience. Needless to say, the programmes provides you with not only the academic structure but also exposure from workshops, site visits, and meeting industry leaders in successful firms.
The BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design is accredited by the Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM), while the Diploma in Interior Design is recognised by the Malaysian Institute of Interior Designers (MIID).
Furniture & Product Design
Another course that First City is known for and is not offered elsewhere is its BA (Honours) Furniture and Product Design.
You will learn about materials and their properties, use industry-related software to cultivate design and conceptual thinking skills. You also get the opportunity to participate in furniture and product exhibitions and work on collaborative projects with the industry, in addition to undergoing internships at design companies or manufacturers.
This is a hands-based skill that can be applied anywhere whether with your future employers or creating your own furniture design business.
2 winners from First City secured the gold award at the International Furniture Design Innovation (IFDI) 2020 for their creation, “Switch”, a capsule wardrobe concept for young executives and “Bloc”, a multifunctional and flexible furniture set.
Hospitality Studies
As First City is a part of Bandar Utama City Group that owns and operates 2 hotels in Bandar Utama, namely One World Hotel and Avante Hotel, you will get first priority in industry placements and access to the best training standards.
With First City’s partnership with Hotel and Tourism Management Institute Switzerland (HTMi), you can spend your final year in Switzerland in the HTMi campus and obtain an external award from HTMi.
There is a paid internship training opportunity as well as employment opportunities overseas. Many graduating First City students have been offered employment in countries such as Switzerland, Japan and Maldives.
HTMi is ranked 18th on the QS World University Ranking for the Hospitality and Leisure Management category.
Business and Communications
You can find a variety of fundamental business courses at First City including business management, marketing, communications and accounting & finance.
Exam exemptions will be given to graduating students in the BSC (Hons) Accounting & Finance degree for professional qualifications in ACCA, CPA, ICAEW, CIMA and more.
Under the Marketing degree, you will also receive recognition from the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) and you can join its membership at a discounted rate.
As a communication student, First City again has access to facilities such as broadcasting studios, recording studio, audio and video editing lab and photography studio.
3.6 Industry Partners
Every faculty establishes links with their respective industries to ensure the curriculum is always relevant and packed with activities and projects that are experienced with industry participation.
3.7 University Partners
Close university partners that provide graduates with an additional award
4. Entry Requirements & Intake Dates
4.1 First City University College 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 2.00
- A-Level – 2E
- SACE/WACE – ATAR 65
- CPU – 55%
- IB Diploma – 24
- Foundation – CGPA 2.00
- 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.
4.2 First City University College Intake Periods For 2025
The intake periods for MAHSA University in 2025 are as follows:
- Foundation – Jan, May, Sep
- Diploma – Jan, May, Sep
- Degree – Jan, May, Sep
- Postgraduate – Jan, May, Sep
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
Check Eligibility With Uni Enrol
Talk to our experienced counsellors who will instantly let you know the requirements for your preferred courses!
5. Student Testimonials & Alumni
Here’s a glimpse of First City University College’s esteemed alumni, old and new, who have achieved many successes in their fields. Many have also gone on to start their own ventures and hold key positions at large international companies.
Matthew Lim, BA (Hons) Interior Design, now an entrepreneur
David Ooi, studied Computer Science and became a Solutions Development Consultant
Nga Hung Kait, Master of Business Administration, now in his dream job as a HR Manager
6. Summary Review
Here’s our view on First City:
Background, Status and Ranking: First City University College, situated in Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya, is a private institution offering a range of programs from foundation to postgraduate levels. While specific rankings aren’t mentioned, the university emphasizes industry-relevant education and has established collaborations with international partners to enhance its academic offerings. The institution is rated ‘Berdaya Saing (Competitive)’ in the latest SETARA rating.
Student Life: Located in the urban township of Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya, the campus offers a conducive environment with modern facilities, including indoor and outdoor sports amenities, on-campus accommodation, and 24-hour security. Its proximity to the 1 Utama Shopping Centre provides students with access to various recreational and lifestyle options.
Courses Offered: The university offers a diverse array of courses across various disciplines, including Business, Computing, Design & Built Environment, and Hospitality & Tourism. These courses are designed to equip students with practical skills and knowledge aligned with industry demands.
Popular Courses: Among its offerings, courses in Business Administration, Interior Design, Industrial Design, Product Design and Graphic Design are particularly popular, attracting students seeking comprehensive education and career readiness in these fields.
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