12 Top Foreign Universities In Malaysia 2025

Malaysia is one of the very few countries that is home to many foreign-branch universities from Australia, the United Kingdom, China and even the Netherlands.

This opens up opportunities for students, not just in Malaysia but the region to attain an international education at a fraction of the cost.

Here are the 12 best foreign universities with immaculate campuses set up in Malaysia.

#1 Monash University Malaysia

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 population	9,700
% of international students	30% from 70+ countries
Student-to-academic staff ratio	18:1
Graduate employability rate	#66 Global University Graduate Employability (QS World University Ranking)

Why Should You Study At Monash University in Malaysia?

• Monash University is ranked #37 in the QS World University Rankings 2025.

• Ranked #4 in the world under QS Subject Category for Pharmacy and Pharmacology. Business studies, accounting, finance, economics, psychology, engineering, and computer science are all in the Top 100.

• Monash is a recognisable brand worldwide as it is one of the Group of Eight universities in Australia.

• You will find student diversity on campus from countries such as China, Indonesia, Vietnam, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and more.

• You have transfer options to its 6 Australian campuses depending on what you’re studying.

• Unmatched research endeavours especially in Health Sciences.

Monash University Malaysia popular courses:

• Business and Commerce
• Medical Health Science
• Pharmacy
• Pharmaceutical Science
• Nutrition
• Engineering
• Data Science
• Food Science
• Nutrition
• Bioscience

Interested to learn more? Read our Complete Guide.

The 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 population	6,000
% of international students	30% from over 70 countries
Teaching faculty-to-student ratio	1:15, a healthy ratio (about 400 academic staff)
Academics with PhD	85%
Graduate employability rate %	90%, 6 months after graduation

Why Should You Study At The University Of Nottingham Malaysia?

• Ranks at #108 globally in 2025 based on the QS World University Rankings and ranks #12 for Pharmacy and Pharmacology Subject Category.

• Huge sprawling campus over a 125-acre site where multiple buildings are built for different faculties of the university.

• 30% of the student population are international students, allowing you to get a diverse exposure to global cultures even while you study in Malaysia.

• University of Nottingham is known for its research reputation and it is no different at the Malaysian campus with its academic team focusing on many fields such as palm oil forestry and nanotechnology.

• Offers many courses in Malaysia ranging from Business Analytics, Economics, Accounting, Performing Arts, Film & TV, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Engineering, Psychology, Pharmaceutical Science, Biomedical Science and many more.

Nottingham Malaysia popular courses:

• Pharmacy
• Engineering
• Science Studies
• Computing & IT
• Psychology
• Business

We’ve done the research for you about University of Nottingham Malaysia in our Complete Guide.

The Complete Review Of University of Nottingham Malaysia

Uni Enrol has successfully facilitated thousands of applications and placements of students in Malaysia and many popular countries such as the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland.

#3 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 population	2,000
% of international students	30%
Graduate employability rate %	95% in 6 months from graduation

Why Should You Study At Heriot-Watt Malaysia?

• Ranks #256 in 2025 on the QS World University Rankings and in the Top 150 and Top 200 for Architecture studies and Civil Engineering studies respectively based on the QS World Ranking by Subject.

• Ranked #15 on the QS World Subjects Ranking for the ”Engineering – Petroleum” category which is one of the largest industries in Malaysia with lucrative job prospects.

• Its Go Global programme gives you the flexibility to transfer to any of its UK and Dubai campuses for as short as 2 weeks (study programme) up to 2 years.

• Get a 20% waiver on your tuition fees if you choose to transfer after the first year of your degree.

Heriot-Watt Malaysia popular courses:

• Engineering Studies
• Construction Management
• Quantity Survey
• Business
• Actuarial Science
• Accounting & Finance

Check out our Complete Guide about this university with a beautiful campus.

The Complete Review Of Heriot-Watt University Malaysia

#4 University Of Wollongong (UOW Malaysia)

UOW Malaysia (formerly known as KDU University College) is part of the University of Wollongong Australia’s global network and has a long history of providing quality tertiary education to Malaysia. UOW also has campuses in Dubai and Hong Kong.

Here’s some key information about UOW Malaysia:

Total student population	6,000 across 3 campuses
% of international students	15% comprising students from SEA and beyond
Teaching faculty-to-student ratio	1 to 30 which is an acceptable ratio

Why Should You Study At UOW Malaysia?

• UOW has been steadily rising in its ranking and is currently ranked #167 globally in 2025 based on QS World University Rankings.

• 2 awesome flagship campuses located in Glenmarie (Selangor) and Batu Kawan (Penang) are certified as compliant with GBI (Green Building Index)

• One of the best game development courses in Malaysia as it has the full spectrum of specialisation from Game Art, Game Development to Game Technology.

• UOW is also popular and recognised for its Hospitality and Culinary courses with many of its students winning prestigious international competitions.

• The university is a Platinum seal ACCA Approved Learning Partners (ALP), the highest and most prestigious level of approval for universities and colleges globally.

UOW Malaysia popular courses:

• Hospitality
• Culinary Arts
• Game Development
• Business
• Accounting / ACCA
• Nursing
• Communications

There’s more to learn about UOW. Our Complete Guide has everything down pat.

The Complete Review Of University Of Wollongong In Malaysia (UOW Malaysia)

Uni Enrol has successfully facilitated thousands of applications and placements of students in Malaysia and many popular countries such as the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland.

#5 Swinburne University of Technology (Malaysia)

Another institution in Sarawak 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 population	3,000 students
% of international students	15% from over 60 countries
Teaching faculty-to-student ratio	1:20 which is an acceptable ratio
Graduate employability rate %	93%-95%, 6 months after graduation

Why Should You Study At Swinburne University Malaysia?

• Swinburne University has risen consistently in ranks to secure its highest ranking of #291 globally according to the QS World University Rankings.

• Top ranked for engineering studies including Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical & Electronics but also offers many types of disciplines.

• For Engineering degrees, that students can extend 1 more year to obtain an additional major in Computer Science or Business

• Focus on Computing courses and improving on facilities such as the dedicated labs with high performance GPUs and networking devices set up on campus such as the Artificial Intelligence Lab, Internet of Things Lab, Cyber Security Lab and Cisco Networking Lab.

• Spacious and well designed campus environment combined with the quintessential small town vibe of Kuching.

• So many nature excursions you can explore in Sarawak. You can create unforgettable memories you cannot replicate from a city campus.

Swinburne Malaysia popular courses:

• Engineering Studies
• Computing & IT Studies
• Business, Accounting, Finance
• Media Communications
• Multimedia Design

Comparing with Curtin University Malaysia? Well, read our Complete Guide first.

The Complete Review Of Swinburne University of Technology (Sarawak) Malaysia

#6 Curtin University (Malaysia)

Since 1999, Curtin University Malaysia has been one of the top private universities. Curtin University is a public university based in Perth, Australia and is the largest university in the state of Western Australia with close to 60,000 students on the Australian campuses and globally. 

Here’s some information about Curtin University Malaysia:

Total student population	2,000 students
% of international students	15% from over 40 countries
Teaching faculty-to-student ratio	1:13 which is a healthy ratio

Why Should You Study At Curtin University Malaysia?

• Curtin University has risen consistently in ranks to secure its highest ranking of #174 globally in 2025.

• Under the “One Curtin” model, the Malaysia campus is operated directly under Curtin University and certifications are conferred by Curtin University from Australia.

• If you want a serene study environment surrounded by lush greenery, man-made lakes and wildlife that flourish in the area.

• Sarawak being an oil & gas powered state complements Curtin University’s strength in engineering studies, for example, its Energy Engineering course.

• Beyond engineering, it has quite a lot of disciplines East Malaysian students can choose from such as Business, HR, Marketing, Accounting, Cybersecurity, Systems Network, Tourism, Occupational Health & Safety, Media Studies and more.

Curtin Malaysia popular courses:

• Engineering Studies
• Construction Management
• Business, Accounting, Finance
• Management, HR, Marketing
• Computer Science, Cybersecurity
• Hospitality & Tourism

Thinking of experiencing campus life in East Malaysia? Read our Complete Guide about Curtin Malaysia.

The Complete Review Of Curtin University Malaysia

#7 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 population	6,000+
% of international students	15% from 30+ countries
Student-teacher-ratio	15:1
Teaching staff who holds PhD	80% of our academic staff
% of international academic staff	30% of professors from Xiamen University in China

Why Should You Study At Xiamen University Malaysia?

• Xiamen University is ranked #362 globally in the QS World University Rankings. It is ranked #50 among East Asia Universities based on QS.

• The university offers Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) studies. You will also gain hands-on experience through regular attachment at TCM providers. In the final 5th year, you will complete your course with an internship abroad in China for 48 weeks.

• Xiamen University even co-designed a journalism joint programme with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in the USA.

• As far as Engineering studies, there are many teaching and research collaborators under this programme including Australian National University, University of Cincinnati and National University of Singapore, and major industry players including EDRA ENERGY, +Plus Solar, Infineon, Petronas, China Southern Power Grid and Zhejiang Electric Power Construction Co. Ltd.

• For example, Xiamen Malaysia’s Chemical Engineering faculty is the first in Malaysia to have a Simulation Integrated Process Plant (SIPP) facility for the training of chemical engineering students especially in the fields of process safety, control and instrumentation Accreditated by the Engineering Accreditation Council (EAC) Malaysia and the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM)

Xiamen University Malaysia popular courses:

• Traditional Chinese Medicine
• Communications and Media
• Business and Accounting
• Engineering

Our team toured Xiamen Malaysia’s beautiful campus at Sepang, Selangor. See the video in this full review guide:

The Complete Review Of Xiamen University Malaysia

#8 University Of Reading (Malaysia)

The University of Reading‘s Malaysian campus opened its doors in 2015. It is famous locally for its business courses, under the Henley Business School and its Law course.

Here’s some information about Reading Malaysia:

Total student population	1,000
% of international students	5%
Teaching faculty-to-student ratio	1:25, an acceptable ratio (about 40 academic staff)
Graduate employability rate %	97%-100%, 6 months after graduation

Why Should You Study At Reading Malaysia?

• Rank #172 globally in 2025 on the QS World University Rankings.

• Many of its subjects are ranked in the top 150 and top 250 of the QS Subject Ranking, such as, Built Environment, Accounting (#101-#150) Business and Management (#131) and Law (#201-#250).

• 75% of the Business School academic faculty are PhD holders. Henley Business School is also recognised by the prestigious AACSB accreditation.

• Current head of the Henley Business School, Professor Teck Yong Eng, has taught in UK universities for almost 30 years.

• Graduates from its BSc (Honours) Accounting and Finance are also recognised by ICAEW and can get the Business and Finance Professional (BFP) designation.

• Malaysian students can transfer to the UK for a semester and enjoy living and studying in the UK.

Reading Malaysia popular courses:

• Business
• Accounting
• Real Estate
• Law
• Psychology

Discover more about Reading Malaysia from our Complete Guide.

The Complete Review Of University of Reading Malaysia

Uni Enrol has successfully facilitated thousands of applications and placements of students in Malaysia and many popular countries such as the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland.

#9 University of Southampton (Malaysia)

Speaking of top private universities in Johor, you must include the University of Southampton Malaysia. Malaysia is the university’s only foreign campus which means you get the privilege of graduating from a world-class Russel Group UK university at a fraction of the cost!

Here’s some information about Southampton Malaysia:

Total student population	1,000
% of international students	5%
Teaching faculty-to-student ratio	1:20 a healthy ratio (about 50 academic staff)
Graduate employability rate %	100%, 6 months after graduation

Why Should You Study At Southampton Malaysia?

• The university ranks in the Top 100 at #81 on the QS World University Rankings and has been there consistently for more than a decade.

• Experience the EduCity Iskandar Puteri mixed development where students have access to a central sports stadium and facilities. For entertainment, the campus is also near the main city of Johor Bahru.

• Only few universities offering Aerospace studies and a chance to further studies in the United Kingdom and 7 specialisations to choose from.

• Organisations that have employed students from the university include Aston Martin, BAE Systems, Boeing, Dyson, Lockheed Martin, Rolls-Royce and more.

• Business course is accredited by Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) which only awards the top 5% of Business Schools in the world.

Southampton Malaysia popular courses:

• Aerospace Engineering
• Computer Science
• Business
• Actuarial Science
• Accounting & Finance

If you plan to fly to the skies, you best learn more about Southampton Malaysia in our Complete Guide.

The Complete Review Of University Of Southampton Malaysia

#10 RCSI & UCD Malaysia (RUMC)

RCSI & UCD or RUMC is a union between the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) and the University of Dublin (UCD) to form RCSI & UCD Malaysia Campus (RUMC). RUMC started as Malaysia’s first accredited private medical institution in 1996, known as Penang Medical Campus.

Throughout the years it has maintained its specialisation in only a few courses being

• Bachelor of Medicine
• Bachelor of Surgery
• Bachelor of Obstetrics
• Bachelor Medical Informatics

Here’s a virtual tour around the campus:

Why Should You Study At RUMC?

• UCD School of Medicine is one of Ireland’s leading medical schools. It was founded in 1855 and offers medical education. RCSI is ranked in the Top 1% by the Times Higher World University Rankings.

• RUMC’s intake is small. So you enjoy close attention from your lecturers and high exposure to real patient experience.

• The uniqueness of RUMC’s Medicine/Surgery/Obstetrics courses is that you start off your first 2.5 years in Ireland and complete the remaining 2.5 years back in Malaysia. This gives you a great immersion in a new culture early.

• The medical degree from RUMC is awarded by the National University of Ireland (NUI). Your qualification will be recognised by major international organisations like the ECFMG, FAIMER, and World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS), opening doors to practice medicine in countless countries around the globe.

• RUMC’s dual accreditation is accredited by Malaysian Medical Council (MMC) and the Irish Medical Council (IMC). It is also recognised in countries such as USA, the UK and Canada.

RUMC popular courses:

• Bachelor of Medicine
• Bachelor of Surgery

Uni Enrol has successfully facilitated thousands of applications and placements of students in Malaysia and many popular countries such as the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland.

#11 Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia (NUMed)

NUMed is a specialised offshoot of Newcastle University from the UK for medical studies only. It was established in Johor since 2011 and comes under the Newcastle University School of Medicine.

Newcastle University in the UK ranks #129 globally in 2025 on the QS World University Rankings.

NUMed’s MBBS programme is recognised by Great Medical Council UK, Malaysian Medical Council, Sri Lankan Medical Council, The Medical Council of Thailand and Medical Council of India

NUMed’s flagship courses:

• MBBS
• Biomedical Science

#12 Netherlands Maritime University College (NMUC)

NMUC is a Dutch-Malaysian private higher education institution specialising in maritime education, training, and consultancy services.

Its specialised nature means lectures are taught by industry experts and seasoned educationists with extensive experience in the industry.

Malaysia as a global oil & gas producer and geographically positioned in a busy maritime shipping route makes the courses from NMUC very relevant with good job prospects.

NMUC is popular for these fields of study:

• Shipping Management
• Port Management
• Maritime Transportation Management
• Maritime Logistics
• Maritime OSH
• Maritime Law

See More Uni Review Guides

If you are looking for other options outside, check out our full list of university reviews and ultimate course & fees listings too!

Complete Guide To Private Universities In Malaysia

Fees & Courses Of Private Universities In Malaysia