Diploma courses are versatile and is one of the quickest pathways students can consider after their SPM, IGCSE, and UEC.
Students also can continue with a related degree course after that if they wish. Instead of starting afresh, diploma students would enter the degree course in the second year.
Malaysia offers high-quality and affordable education, making it an attractive option for students from all over the world.
Private universities have been the main driver of the growth of diploma courses in Malaysia due to its increasing reputation for quality.
This is due to the continuous efforts of universities and colleges in Malaysia to work with industry experts to regularly review the curriculum of diploma courses.
Internships and other industry partnerships also became more widely available in diploma courses as part of the curriculum, further improving its relevance for future careers.
Top Diploma Courses in Malaysia
Diploma courses at private universities in Malaysia cover specific areas such as Accounting, Communication, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Culinary Arts, and many more.
In the past 3 years, over 1000 students have applied online through Uni Enrol to study diploma courses in Malaysia and below are the most popular field of studies.
Diploma in Business
Over 22% of our students chose to study business-related diploma courses.
For those looking to venture into business studies, business administration, business information systems, marketing, and entrepreneurship are all popular courses at Malaysian universities.
Business diploma courses are one of the most popular in Malaysia, as they offer students a quick path to a wide range of career after completing their secondary school education.
Diploma in Computing and IT
19% of our students chose to study IT-related diploma courses such as IT, ICT, Computer Science, Business Information System and Computer Studies.
Most of the IT diploma courses takes 2 years, with some requiring up to 3 years of studies.
Diploma in Allied Health Sciences
Over 13% of our students pursued a diploma in health sciences, most notably diploma in nursing.
Nursing diploma courses are in demand in Malaysia, due to the global shortage of health care workers.
In Malaysia, diploma courses for nursing offer students a pathway to a highly in-demand career. In addition to that, students also have the chance to secure a full scholarship for their nursing studies in Malaysia.
The courses are designed to provide students with a strong foundation in nursing theory and practice.
You will learn to provide care for patients with a variety of illnesses and conditions and also learn to provide care for patients in a variety of settings.
Other health science courses that our students have enrolled into are e.g. diploma in pharmacy, physiotherapy and medical lab technology.
Diploma in Communication and Media
Almost 15% of our students applied for communication and media-related courses such as Mass Communication, Multimedia, Animation and Graphic Design.
Instead of choosing pathways like Foundation or A-Level that will cover generic subjects, many of the students who are interested in this field prefer to directly dive into honing the hard skills and creatives in this area.
Diploma in Education
Over 7% of our diploma students ventured into the field of education. Almost all of them in Early Childhood Education that takes 2.5 years of studies.
Diploma in Hospitality and Services
Almost 6% of our diploma course applications are for this field, with a majority of them pursuing Diploma in Culinary Arts (60%).
Other popular diploma courses are Hotel Management and Hospitality Management.
Diploma in Accounting and Finance
Barely 5% of our diploma students are venturing into the accounting and finance field. Most of them are studying Diploma in Accounting, with just a fifth of them studying Diploma in Finance.
Even though this field is popular, many students would choose a foundation or pre-university course as a pathway to an accounting/finance degree.
Diploma in Architecture and Built Environment
Another 5% of our diploma students pursuing this field. With almost all of enrolled into Diploma in Interior Design/Architecture.
Diploma in Psychology and Languages
Over 2% of diploma applications are in this field, most notably for Psychology and for Chinese Studies.
Diploma in Engineering
If you’re interested in pursuing a career in engineering, there are plenty of great courses to choose from in Malaysia, including civil engineering, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering.
These engineering diploma courses take between 2.5 to 3 years to complete.
However, just 1.5% of our diploma students chose this field as this is not a preferred pathway to engineering degree.
Where to Study Diploma Courses in Malaysia
Depending on the priorities of the diploma students, some students may choose to study diploma e.g.:
- with lower course fees in an established institution first, before progressing to study degree in a different university.
- with cheaper cost in hometown or nearby states first, before progressing to degree in a different university
- in a high-ranking university or college first, for smoother progression to degree in the same/other top universities.
- in a specialised college that focuses on the field he/she is pursuing.
Below is a list of the 10 most popular private universities and colleges for diploma courses in Malaysia (in alphabetical order) based on the choices from our diploma students in the past years, i.e. those who have applied online through Uni Enrol.
UOW Malaysia KDU Diploma Courses
Examples of Diploma Courses in Malaysia
Many universities and colleges have a specialty when it comes to fields of study. However, they also offer popular courses to meet the demands of the industry.
Below are examples of the diploma courses offered by top private universities in Malaysia:
1. Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU)
APU is recognised as one of the Highest Rated Emerging Universities in Malaysia by the Ministry of Higher Education.
It also was awarded the Premier Digital Tech University status by Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC).
APU offers courses for:
Diploma in Business Administration
Diploma in Business with Information Technology
Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Diploma in Information & Communication Technology
Diploma in Information & Communications Technology with a Specialism in Data Informatics
Diploma in Information & Communications Technology with a Specialism in Software Engineering
Diploma in Information & Communications Technology with a Specialism in Interactive Technology
Diploma in International Studies
2. HELP University & Colleges
HELP’s educational goals have been to prepare students for fulfilling and productive lives.
It is known as a thought leader, an incubator of outstanding graduates, a model of selective excellence, and as a community-caring institution.
It offers courses for:
Diploma in Business Management
Diploma in Early Childhood Education
Diploma in Information Technology
3. Multimedia University
MMU is committed to delivering quality education in digital technology courses to supply the ever-growing demand for highly-skilled graduates needed by the digital economy, locally and globally.
It has 2 campuses, in Cyberjaya and Ayer Keroh, Melaka.
MMU has courses for:
Diploma in 3D Modelling and Animation
Diploma in Applied Communication
Diploma in Business Administration
Diploma in Creative Multimedia
Diploma in Digital Creative Producing
Diploma in Digital Motion Graphic
Diploma in Electronic Engineering
Diploma in Information Technology
Diploma in Mechanical Engineering
4. International Medical University (IMU)
IMU is Malaysia’s first and most established private medical and health sciences university.
To date it has produced over 5,000 alumni who are currently working as doctors and specialists, and another 3,000 serving as pharmacists, in Malaysia and around the world.
It has 2 campuses in Subang Jaya, Selangor and Ayer Keroh, Melaka. It offers course for:
Diploma courses are versatile and is one of the quickest pathways students can consider after their SPM, IGCSE, and UEC.
Students also can continue with a related degree course after that if they wish.
Instead of starting afresh, diploma students would enter the degree course in the second year.
Got questions? Ask our counsellors or test out our Pathway Match to get instant results on the best course and university that suit your needs.