Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR)
Malaysia
# 801-850 | QS World University Rankings | |
82 | Undergraduate programs | |
46 | Postgraduate programs |
Overview
Institution type | Private |
Year established | 2002 |
Campus setting | Suburban |
Student population | Large (More than 10,000) |
foreign students | 4% |
Nationalities | 48 |
About Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR)
Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) was officially launched on 13 August 2002 as a not-for-profit private university providing affordable quality education. It is established under the UTAR Education Foundation and registered under the Malaysian Private Higher Educational Institutions Act 1996.
Guided by its vision to be a global university of educational excellence, UTAR is highly reputed as one of the top private universities in Malaysia with phenomenal growth in all aspects of its development since its inception. With the first intake of only 411 students in its Petaling Jaya campus in 2002, the University’s enrolment has now reached 20,000 students with campuses located in Kampar, Perak and Bandar Sungai Long, Selangor.
Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various fields, including business, engineering, creative industries, medicine, and social sciences. The university provides opportunities for students to pursue specialized studies in disciplines like Chinese studies and education, with all programs taught in English. Additionally, UTAR students can take foreign language courses as electives to enhance their global competence.
UTAR has graduated over 86,600 students since its inaugural convocation in 2005 and has made impressive strides in establishing a strong reputation as a comprehensive University with the dedication to achieving excellence in teaching and research. The University currently offers more than 130 academic programmes from Foundation Studies to Bachelor's, Master’s, and PhD degrees in the fields of Accounting, Business and Managerial Science, Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, Biological and Health Sciences, Computing and Mathematics, Engineering, Technology and Built Environment.
UTAR is an ideal choice for students seeking international exposure while studying in Malaysia. Students at UTAR have the opportunity to engage with a blend of Western, Chinese, Islamic, Indian, and Asian cultures, which enriches both their academic and personal experiences.
Admissions
IELTS | 5.0+ |
TOEFL | 500.0+ |
For admission requirements and intakes for each individual course/programme please refer to course details.
Or, contact us for more informationUniversiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) courses and fees 130
Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) offers Pre-university, Undergraduate and Postgraduate courses and programs. The list of courses and their fees are listed below.
Course name | Duration | Tuition fee |
Bachelor of Science (Honours) Agricultural Science |
3 years |
From S$ 21,600 |
Bachelor of Science (Honours) Agricultural Science 3 years From S$ 21,600 |
Course name | Duration | Tuition fee |
Foundation in Arts |
1 year |
From S$ 6,257 |
Foundation in Arts 1 year From S$ 6,257 |
||
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Digital Animation |
3 years |
From S$ 19,741 |
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Digital Animation 3 years From S$ 19,741 |
||
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Game Design |
3 years |
From S$ 19,877 |
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Game Design 3 years From S$ 19,877 |
||
Bachelor of Media and Creative Studies (Honours) |
3 years |
From S$ 19,877 |
Bachelor of Media and Creative Studies (Honours) 3 years From S$ 19,877 |
||
Bachelor of Science (Honours) Game Development |
3 years |
From S$ 19,605 |
Bachelor of Science (Honours) Game Development 3 years From S$ 19,605 |
Course name | Duration | Tuition fee |
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) English Education |
3 years |
From S$ 19,000 |
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) English Education 3 years From S$ 19,000 |
||
Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Honours) |
3 years |
From S$ 19,726 |
Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Honours) 3 years From S$ 19,726 |
||
Bachelor of Social Science (Honours) Guidance and Counselling |
4 years |
From S$ 20,572 |
Bachelor of Social Science (Honours) Guidance and Counselling 4 years From S$ 20,572 |
||
Master of Educational Technology by Mixed Mode |
18 months |
From S$ 7,043 |
Master of Educational Technology by Mixed Mode 18 months From S$ 7,043 |
||
Doctor of Philosophy (Education) by Research |
3 years |
From S$ 8,074 |
Doctor of Philosophy (Education) by Research 3 years From S$ 8,074 |
||
Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Technology |
1 year |
From S$ 7,784 |
Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Technology 1 year From S$ 7,784 |
Course name | Duration | Tuition fee |
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) English Language |
3 years |
From S$ 19,091 |
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) English Language 3 years From S$ 19,091 |
Course name | Duration | Tuition fee |
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Chinese Studies |
3 years |
From S$ 19,333 |
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Chinese Studies 3 years From S$ 19,333 |
||
Bachelor of Social Science (Honours) Psychology |
3 years |
From S$ 20,073 |
Bachelor of Social Science (Honours) Psychology 3 years From S$ 20,073 |
||
Master of Chinese Studies by Mixed Mode |
18 months |
From S$ 5,804 |
Master of Chinese Studies by Mixed Mode 18 months From S$ 5,804 |
||
Master of Philosophy (Social Science) by Research |
2 years |
From S$ 5,713 |
Master of Philosophy (Social Science) by Research 2 years From S$ 5,713 |
||
Master of Psychology (Industrial & Organisational Psychology) by Mixed Mode |
18 months |
From S$ 7,043 |
Master of Psychology (Industrial & Organisational Psychology) by Mixed Mode 18 months From S$ 7,043 |
||
Doctor of Philosophy (Social Science) by Research |
3 years |
From S$ 7,557 |
Doctor of Philosophy (Social Science) by Research 3 years From S$ 7,557 |
Course name | Duration | Tuition fee |
Bachelor of Public Administration (Honours) |
3 years |
From S$ 19,378 |
Bachelor of Public Administration (Honours) 3 years From S$ 19,378 |
Course name | Duration | Tuition fee |
Master of Arts (Chinese Studies) by Research |
2 years |
From S$ 5,471 |
Master of Arts (Chinese Studies) by Research 2 years From S$ 5,471 |
||
Doctor of Philosophy (Chinese Studies) by Research |
3 years |
From S$ 8,253 |
Doctor of Philosophy (Chinese Studies) by Research 3 years From S$ 8,253 |
Tuition and application fees
S$ 3,023 - S$ 15,115 per year
Estimated tuition fees as reported by the institution.
Application fee (local students) | S$ 30 |
Application fee (foreign students) | S$ 181 |
Student visa fee (foreign students) | S$ 725 |
Living cost
S$ 302 per month
Average living cost in Malaysia
The amount is indicated taking into account the average cost of food, accommodation, etc in Malaysia for 2024
Food | S$ 181 |
Accommodation | S$ 90 |
Others | Data not available |
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Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) rankings
Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) is ranked in the #801-850 range in the QS World University Rankings for 2025 and holds the #29 position in the Southeast Asia region.
Additionally, it is recognized in the 1001-1200 range in the 2025 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings.
# 801-850 | QS World University Rankings 2025 |
# 801-850 | QS World University Rankings 2024 |
# 801-1000 | QS World University Rankings 2023 |
Accommodation
The Department of Student Affairs (DSA) has compiled a list of accommodation options within the vicinity of the campuses. This includes single and double-storey houses, flats, apartments and condominiums. DSA staff will assist the students in obtaining the above mentioned accommodation upon request.
Residential zones in the vicinity of UTAR campuses are as follows:
Sungai Long Campus
- Bandar Sungai Long
- Bandar Mahkota Cheras
- Bandar Tun Hussien Onn
- Balakong
- Kajang
Perak Campus
- Danish House (Westlake Homes)
- Taman Mahsuri Impian
- Taman Kampar Perdana
- The Trails of Kampar
- Hostel Huting.com
- KT Management
- Danish House (Westlake Villa)
- Westcity
Campus
UTAR was founded with a mission to provide quality education to all. To serve a large portion of the populace, the University has two campuses, namely the UTAR Kampar Campus in Perak, and the UTAR Sungai Long Campus in the Klang Valley. The two campuses house 9 faculties, 3 institutes and 4 centres of studies.
UTAR Kampar Campus (Perak)
The Kampar Campus in the state of Perak is conveniently located off the North-South Highway, a 190-kilometres or 2-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur. Known as a former tin mining town, Kampar is a district within Perak's Kinta Valley, which is historically rich with tin reserves. Today, Kampar is a bustling education hub following the establishment of the Kampar Campus.
The award-winning Kampar Campus is flanked by picturesque mountains and scenic lakes, offering a naturally peaceful environment that is conducive for learning teaching and research.
Sungai Long Campus (Selangor)
The Sungai Long Campus located in Bandar Sungai Long, a main township in Kajang, Selangor, is a state-of-the-art, purpose-built campus. Its location within the Bandar Sungai Long residential township near Kuala Lumpur city provides the best of both worlds. It offers the tranquil learning environment of a suburban setting and the conveniences of a big city such as plentiful housing, affordable eateries, banking facilities and diverse entertainment.
To complement its teaching, learning and research experience, the campus is equipped with a library, laboratories, computers and medical equipment.
Student population
Large (More than 10,000)
Total population
Undergraduate students | 18000 |
Postgraduate students | 2000 |
foreign students | Data not available |
Additional Information
The mission of Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) is to advance knowledge and learning through quality education and impactful research. UTAR strives to produce competent, ethical, and socially responsible graduates equipped with the skills to contribute to the global community. By embracing multiculturalism and fostering international collaboration, the university aims to be a hub of academic excellence and innovation.
Awards & Recognition
- Top 3 in Graduate Employability in Malaysia at the Talentbank National Graduate Employability Index 2024 (Among Public & Private Universities)
- Gold Award under Education and Learning category at the Putra Aria Brand Awards 2023
- Outstanding Educational Institutions Award at the Nanyang Education Award 2022
- Rated Competitive in the "Mature University" Category under the Rating System for Malaysian Higher Education Institutions (SETARA) 2022
- Sin Chew Education Award 2018/2019, Outstanding Educational Institution (Private Universities/Colleges Category)
- Premier Digital Tech University status awarded by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) since 2019
- MQA Self Accreditation 2017
- 2013 PAM Malaysia (Malaysian Institute of Architects) Gold Award (Education Category) for architectural excellence for UTAR Kampar Campus
UTAR University Schlorships
1. UTAR Top Achievers Scholarship (100%)
- Eligibility: Open to local and international students with exceptional academic achievements.
- Open To: Undergraduate students in all fields except Medicine & Health Sciences.
- Scholarship: Full tuition fee waiver.
- Requirements: Submission of academic transcripts.
2. UTAR Top Achievers Scholarship (50%)
- Eligibility: Available for local and international students with strong academic results.
- Open To: Undergraduate programs in all fields (except Medicine & Health Sciences).
- Scholarship Details: 50% tuition fee waiver.
- Requirements: Proof of high academic performance. No interview required.
3. UTAR Foundation Scholarship (100%)
- Eligibility: Open to local students only, including those applying with forecast results.
- Open To: All foundation programs.
- Scholarship Details: Full tuition fee waiver.
- Requirements: Excellent SPM or equivalent results.
4. UTAR Health Sciences Scholarship (50%)
- Eligibility: Open to local and international students demonstrating academic excellence in health sciences.
- Open To: Undergraduate students in Health Sciences (except MBBS).
- Scholarship Details: 50% tuition fee waiver.
- Requirements: Academic transcripts with strong results. No interview required.
5. UTAR MBBS Scholarship (15%)
- Eligibility: Open to local students with strong academic results and household income below RM 4,200.
- Open To: Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) students.
- Scholarship Details: 15% tuition fee waiver.
- Requirements: Proof of financial need and academic transcripts.
FAQ
1. What is UTAR famous for?
Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) is known for its strong programs in engineering, business, health sciences, and IT, making it a top choice for students in Malaysia. It stands out for its affordable tuition fees, internationally recognized degrees, and a high graduate employability rate. UTAR is also committed to research and innovation, offering diverse courses that cater to both local and international students in a multicultural learning environment. These qualities make it one of the most respected private universities in Malaysia.
2. What is the ranking of UTAR university?
Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) is one of Malaysia’s top private universities. It is ranked highly in the QS World University Rankings for its strong performance in teaching and research. Additionally, UTAR was recognized in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2022, where it ranked among the Top 301+ out of 1,406 international institutions and stood out as one of the best in Malaysia for its sustainability and community-driven initiatives.
3. Is UTAR internationally recognized?
Yes, UTAR’s degree programs are internationally recognized and accredited by global education bodies. The university collaborates with over 250 institutions worldwide, ensuring its graduates are well-prepared to excel in international careers. Its focus on quality education and research has made it a top choice for both local and international students.
4. Is UTAR university a private or government university?
UTAR is a private university established under the UTAR Education Foundation. Although it is privately funded, it operates as a not-for-profit institution, reinvesting its resources to enhance academic quality and facilities for students.
5. Is Malaysia a good country to study?
Yes, Malaysia is an excellent choice for international students, offering world-class education at affordable costs. With a multicultural society, students can enjoy a unique blend of cultures, languages, and cuisines while pursuing their studies. Additionally, Malaysia's universities, like UTAR, are internationally recognized, providing opportunities for global exposure and career advancement.