MBA From Malaysia: Top Universities, Fees, Admission, Scholarships, Apply Online

Obtaining an MBA (Master of Business Administration) in Malaysia can be a rewarding experience, as the country has a diverse business environment and a growing economy. MBA is one of the most versatile graduate degrees that is significant in building effective business management and leadership qualities, knowledge, and skills among students. 

MBA in Malaysia is designed to equip students with the tools and insights needed to excel in various aspects of business. MBA in Malaysia is for professionals seeking career advancement, entrepreneurs looking to start or manage their own ventures, or individuals looking to switch industries or enhance their business acumen.

MBA in Malaysia involves a range of business topics such as marketing, finance, human resources, operations, entrepreneurship, strategy, and more. The course curriculum helps students to master the tools and insights necessary to excel in the field of business. Management skills are the abilities that empower you to become a strong leader and coordinate the implementation of operations within a business.

Basically this MBA program in Malaysia is for professionals seeking career development, entrepreneurs, whether startups or already managing a business ventures of their own, or for individuals seeking to change industries for business enhancement.

Top MBA Universities for International Students in Malaysia

Getting a degree from Malaysia will be a transformative journey that empowers you for a lifetime that will shape your future and propel you toward success. There are several reputable universities from Kuala Lumpur to Penang, offering specialized MBA courses in Malaysia. Some of the top MBA Colleges are below:

Program Specializations of MBA education based on career aspirations and industry needs that individuals can pursue.

Full-Time MBA: This MBA is for talented individuals seeking a transformative business learning experience. Duration is two years and offers a wide range of core and elective courses.

1. Part-Time MBA: Designed for working professionals, which lets students balance their studies along with their job commitments. It offers flexibility in terms of class schedules and duration.
2. Online MBA: The best choice to access the convenience of remote learning. The course materials and lectures shall be accessed via online. This will be a flexible option for those who need to balance work, family and other responsibilities.
3. Executive MBA (EMBA): A postgraduate management program for professionals working in dignified positions to enhance strategic thinking and leadership skills. The curriculum covers concepts of general management and addressing business functions.
4. Dual Degree MBA: A dual MBA is a fast-track program for completing two master's programs at a time.  This allows students to pursue an MBA alongside another graduate degree, such as a Master's in Finance or Public Policy.
5. Specialized MBA: This is a specialized MBA program that focuses on specific areas of business like Healthcare Management, International Business, and Technology Management for individuals seeking proficiency in a particular sector.
6. Global MBA: A Global MBA emphasises greatly on global business environments and international management strategies. It helps students to achieve a strong impact on cross-cultural management, international markets and global strategy.
7. Joint MBA: Combined programs offered by several universities in Malaysia, where students can gain insights from diverse academic institutions and faculty.
8. Mini MBA: A top option for experienced professionals seeking to enhance specific business skills. It is shorter and focused program for professional development.
9. Accelerated MBA: Intensive programs that summarize the curriculum into a shorter duration and allows students to earn their degree faster. It helps to grow your business knowledge rapidly with intensive training.
10. Entrepreneurship MBA: Basically for those who need to start and run their own businesses. It is a pathway that focuses you to build entrepreneurial and leadership skills to develop a successful business.
11. MBA for Career Switchers: Mainly designed for individuals looking for a transformation to a new industry or function, this program provides the basic skills and knowledge desired for a successful career alteration.

Top MBA Courses in Malaysia for International Students

• Banking & Finance
• Corporate
• Entrepreneurship
• General Management
• Healthcare Management
• Hospital Management
• Human Resource Management
• International Business
• Management
• Marketing
• Master Of Business Administration
• Open Distance Learning
• Project Management

MBA Tuition Fees in Malaysia

• Public university: RM 18,000 – RM 35,000
• Private university: RM 26,000 – RM 80,000

Studying MBA in Malaysia is a great choice for those who seek to achieve a degree within a low cost and economical prices for food, clothing and housing. MBA fees in Malaysia is between 48,924 RM and 72,888 RM approx. which is much more inexpensive than other foreign destinations.

The fee structure may vary depending on the universities, type of institutions and different kinds of courses offered. The curriculum or reputation of the program also influences the fees of the MBA. There will be additional charges to access institution facilities and course materials.

Browse through the website and find out the best institution and MBA courses available in Malaysia that best fits for your skills and requirements. It is your choice to select an ideal option to exceed in your career. The exact tuition fees will also be mentioned for each university.

There are also branches of numerous high-ranking foreign universities in Malaysia. These institutions are a great opportunity for students who are keen on getting an MBA degree from an advanced nation like the UK, US that can be achieved in studying within campuses in Malaysia universities.

Earn your foreign degree with the same esteem, at a lower cost! Just how much is the difference in costs?

* The tuition fees in the table above are for the entire duration of the course.

Cost of living in Malaysia for a MBA Student

The total monthly expense for international students in Malaysia would be around RM1500. Here’s a summary of the average monthly expenses in Malaysia. A single living student would spend:

The total monthly expense in Malaysia would be somewhere between RM3000 and RM4000.

MBA in Malaysia for Indian Students Fee Structure

MBA fees in Malaysia can be between 48,924 RM and 72,888 RM approx which is much cheaper than other foreign institutions.

Eligibility Requirement for admission to MBA in Malaysia

• A Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university with a CGPA of 2.50, preferably with adequate industry experience; those with a CGPA of less than 2.50 but with 5 years relevant working experience are also admissible.
• Non-degree holders (Malaysian) with at least a Diploma or STPM may obtain MQA Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) approval for programme admission.
• International applicants are required to fulfil a minimum score of 6.0 for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the equivalent.
• IELTS minimum Band 6.0
• TOEFL  (Internet-based) minimum 60
• Cambridge English Qualification and Test minimum score of 169
• Pearson Test of English minimum score 59
• MUET minimum Band 4

Under the Ministry of Higher Education regulations, admissions are offered for only those who have achieved the minimum requirement in the English Language proficiency assessment as specified above will be allowed to endure their studies in the main study programme.

Students who do not have the required English Language achievement must apply for a student visa on a conditional basis. They are allowed to enroll in an English Language Certification programme at APU upon arrival in Malaysia and, subsequently, need to appear for the IELTS/TOEFL/PTE/MUET assessment.
Students who are unable to obtain the required level of English Competency during the maximum 12-month period, will not be allowed to pursue their studies in the main programme and will have to return to their home country.

Students who are not able to attain the required English Competency level during the maximum period of 12 months, will not be allowed to pursue their studies and have to return back.

Students from English-speaking countries such as UK and US, and those with qualifications taught in English (previous Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree taught in English) are exempted from English requirements to study MBA in Malaysia.

MBA in Malaysia GMAT Requirements

GMAT may be required for some top MBA programs like the University of Nottingham MBA in Malaysia. Otherwise for most Universities GMAT score is not required in Malaysia. Submitting a valid GMAT score as part of your application can only help the Admissions Committee in your evaluation and granting of scholarships.

GMAT score is required in the following public universities of Malaysia:

• Universiti Putra Malaysia: Minimum GMAT of 550 required
• Universiti Malaysia Kelantan: Minimum GMAT of 550 required

GMAT scores though not mandatory are desirable at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia and Taylors University. Other universities emphasize more on the work experience and academic background of the candidate rather than on exams required to study in Malaysia.

Documents Required for MBA in Malaysia

• Academic Documents: Attested copies of all certificates of X, XII & Graduate Degree (if applicable), Mark Sheets. If you are currently studying the final year or final semester, the mark sheets can be submitted after completion.
• English Test Score: Proof of English Language proficiency e.g. [IELTS, TOEFL] etc. (if applicable). You can apply even if the tests are not taken yet.
• Transcript: Some universities may ask for a transcript from your degree college. A transcript is a consolidated mark sheet offered from your College.
• Photo: Two Passport sized photographs
• Recommendation Letters (LORs): Academic References as required by the Institute (Min. 2). These Letters should be from your teacher or employer from school or college. These must be on the letter head paper of your company / Institution.
• Statement of Purpose (SOP): An SOP is a 1.5 / 2 pages essay that includes
  • your interest in your previous academic journey
  • why a specific University
  • why MBA in Malaysia
  • your career goals
  • How will the course help you achieve your goals etc.
  • This statement could be submitted to us as a doc file and will be reviewed and edited for you.
• Resume: Preferably the resume should highlight your work experience, educational qualifications, additional courses, hobbies or activities you have done. Should be submitted in a word or pdf format.
• Application Fee: Draft for application fees, if applicable
• Extra-curricular Activities’ Certificates: Achievements & Certificates of Extracurricular Activities

Career Opportunities after MBA from Malaysia

Malaysia represents a country of opportunities. It is a newly industrialized nation having great infrastructure, prospect sectors and advanced technology. Being an advanced country Malaysia have great renovations in various fields such as online information services, telecommunications, e-commerce, telemedicine, digital broadcasting and many more. The government has been focusing to implement on Research, Development and Commercialization.

The economy of Malaysia is counted as the third-largest in Southeast Asia and the 28th-largest in the world. It has become one of the world's topmost venture destinations for offshore manufacturing. The banking and financial sectors also have the largest presence in the country.

Plenty of opportunities are available for an MBA degrees in Malaysia and anywhere in Asia due to the massive economic growth, especially in Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand. The Malaysian government has newly launched a series of schemes to make Malaysia a global powerhouse. The level of competition for jobs is known to be hard in Malaysia. A student pursuing an MBA abroad from Malaysia generally aims to venture anywhere in Asia.

Classes for MBA in Malaysia generally starts in September of every year. Admission portals are open throughout the year and admissions are done on a rolling basis.

MBA Specializations in Malaysia

Pursuing an MBA can be a little confusing with several specializations being offered by the B-schools. Here are some of the top specializations of MBA which are presently in high demand.

Malaysia offers an extensive range of specializations to cater to diverse career interests and industries. Here are the top 10 specializations of MBA in Malaysia based on demand, industry relevance, and career prospects:

1. Finance: An MBA with a specialization in Finance equips students with the skills and knowledge required to excel in financial management, investment analysis, and banking roles.
2. Marketing: This specialization focuses on developing expertise in marketing strategies, market research, and brand management, preparing students for roles in marketing and advertising.
3. Human Resource Management: HRM MBA programs concentrate on talent acquisition, employee development, labor relations, and organizational behaviour, making graduates suitable for HR leadership positions.
4. Entrepreneurship: Malaysia's growing startup ecosystem makes entrepreneurship an attractive specialization, providing students with the skills needed to start and manage their businesses.
5. International Business: This specialization prepares students for careers in global business environments, emphasizing cross-cultural management, international trade, and global strategy.
6. Supply Chain Management: With Malaysia's position as a regional logistics hub, supply chain management MBA programs are valuable for those interested in logistics, procurement, and operations management.
7. Information Technology (IT) Management: This specialization combines business and technology knowledge, training students for leadership roles in IT departments and technology-related industries.
8. Hospitality and Tourism Management: Given Malaysia's vibrant tourism industry, this specialization is ideal for those interested in careers in hotel management, tourism marketing, and event management.
9. Health Care Management: As mentioned earlier, healthcare management is an emerging field in Malaysia, and an MBA with this specialization prepares individuals for leadership roles in healthcare organizations.
10. Environmental Management: In a world increasingly focused on sustainability, an MBA in Environmental Management equips students to address environmental challenges and work in roles related to sustainable business practices.

When choosing an MBA specialization in Malaysia, consider your career goals, interests, and the industry's demand for professionals in that field. Additionally, research the specific programs and institutions that offer the specialization to ensure they align with your educational and career objectives.

Benefits of Studying MBA From in Malaysia:

On successful completion of this MBA program, you will be able to:

• Demonstrate academic and practical skills and knowledge within the business and strategic management environment.
• Demonstrate advanced problem-solving skills that are capable of tackling global business management matters. 
• Gain necessary knowledge and understanding about contemporary business and management theory, research, and professional practice locally and globally.
• Validate the ability to learn independently and to take responsibility for continuing professional development.
• Demonstrate the capability to devise and apply research and investigative methods within major business research paradigms.
• Understand and critically analyze the contemporary business management environment.
• Efficiently communicate with diverse audiences and circumstances through a variety of communication methods.
• Demonstrate personal effectiveness through effective self-management within the professional environment.

MBA Scholarship in Malaysia for International Students

International students have access to various scholarships in Malaysia for MBA Degree, and financial assistance provided by the universities in Malaysia and other organizations/bodies. Here is the list of scholarships in Malaysia awarded by the Government, Universities, and various other bodies.

List of Top 10 MBA Universities in Malaysia

1. Universiti Malaya

The University of Malaya (UM) was honoured with the prestigious 4 Palmes of Excellence award in the 2021 Eduniversal Best Masters Ranking for the Far East Asia region. Furthermore, UM's MBA program has garnered full accreditation from the Association of MBAs (AMBA), underscoring its international recognition and esteemed status.

• Duration: 3 – 8 semesters, 1.5 – 2.5 years  
• Intakes: February and September 
• Estimated fees: RM770 (Admission) & RM28, 400 (Tuition) 
• Entry requirements: A bachelor’s degree (min. CGPA 3.00), min. 3 years full-time work experience after completing first degree, or a minimum of IELTS score 6.0 or TOEFL score 550 (paper) / 213 (computer).

2. Universiti Sains Malaysia

The MBA program at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) comprises essential and optional courses, along with a research project and a viva voce session.
Another notable feature is USM's collaborative MBA Dual Degree program with Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), offering a specialization in ASEAN Business.

• Duration: 4 – 10 semesters, 2 – 5 years
• Intakes: April and October 
• Estimated fees: RM310.00 (Admission) & RM23, 760.00 (Tuition)
• Entry requirements: A bachelor’s degree recognised by USM’s Senate, min. CGPA 2.75, min. 1 year working experience, or min. CGPA 3.50 (without working experience), or pass the interview.

3. Management & Science University (MSU)

MSU is one of the top private universities in Malaysia.

• Duration: 1.5 - 5 years
• Intakes: October, January and April
• Estimated fees: RM 18,200 
• Entry requirements: A bachelor’s degree with a minimum CGPA of 2.50 (or its equivalent qualifications as accepted by the HEP senate), or a minimum CGPA of 2.50 subject to a minimum of 5 years of working experience in a relevant field.

4. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) has partnered closely with industry leaders to co-develop its MBA program, ensuring a strong industry focus. This approach ensures that students receive highly pertinent content aligned with contemporary business demands. The program includes specialized and elective courses, with a particular emphasis on fostering action-based learning and leadership development.

• Duration: 1 year (full-time) or 2 years (every alternate weekend)
• Intakes: October and March
• Estimated fees: RM 30,820 - RM 41,160
• Entry requirements: A bachelor's degree, CGPA 3.00 and above (without working experience), CGPA 2.00 – 2.49 (min. 5 years working experience), or CGPA 2.50- 2.99 (min. 2 years working experience).

5. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

As a fellow recipient of Eduniversal's 3 Palmes of Excellence award, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) stands as an excellent choice for students seeking to pursue an MBA. In contrast to other institutions, UTM provides a broader range of distinctive specialization areas, including aviation management, Islamic finance, and even techno-entrepreneurship.

• Duration: 3 - 4semesters
• Intakes: February and September
• Estimated fees: RM22, 150 (Full time) or RM25, 500 (ODL) 
• Entry requirements: A recognised Bachelor's Degree, min. CGPA 2.5.

6. UCSI University

UCSI University's MBA program stands out in Malaysia for its exclusive foundation in the renowned Blue Ocean Strategy framework. Notably, it is the sole program of its kind in the country. The university maintains small class sizes to nurture a highly interactive learning environment for its students.

• Duration: Minimum 1 year
• Intakes: January, May and September
• Estimated fees: RM36,500 (Local) & RM55,960 (International) 
• Entry requirements: A bachelor's degree, min. CGPA 2.00 (subject to rigorous internal assessment).

7. Putra Business School

Putra Business School nourishes various MBA specialization programs for students to pursue in their studies, including finance, marketing, and human potential management.

• Duration: 1 year 4 months - 2 years (full time) or 2 years 8 months - 3 years (part-time)
• Intakes: January, May and September
• Estimated fees: RM32,000 (full time) or RM35,000, RM37, 600 (international) 
• Entry requirements: A bachelor's degree, min. CGPA 2.00 (subject to rigorous internal assessment and without working experience), or min CGPA 2.5 accepted by the HEP Senate. 

8. Taylor’s University

Taylor's University offers an MBA program that focuses on coursework, incorporating the most up-to-date insights from industry experts. Additionally, elective modules are continually evaluated to align with market trends. This MBA curriculum delivers fundamental business knowledge while also striving to offer personalized leadership development opportunities for its students.

• Duration: min. 1 year (full-time) or max. 5 years (part-time)
• Intakes: January, March and August
• Estimated fees: RM 49,920
• Entry requirement: A bachelor's degree, min. CGPA 2.75, CGPA between 2.75 and 2.50 (2 years working experience and interview), or CGPA less than 2.5 (min. 5 years working experience)

9. University of Kelantan Malaysia UMK

The Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK; English: University of Malaysia, Kelantan) is a public university in Kelantan, Malaysia. The formation of the university was mooted during the tabling of the Ninth Malaysia Plan and approved by the cabinet of Malaysia on 14 June 2006.

• Duration: 1 year (full time) or 2 – 4 years (part time)
• Intakes: February, June and September
• Estimated fees: RM 64,500 (local) or RM68,365 (international)
• Entry requirements: A relevant second class honours degree (or international equivalent), or a relevant professional qualification equivalent to a first degree with honours, plus min. 3 years or more full-time management or leadership work experience.

10. Heriot-Watt University

The MBA program at Heriot-Watt University is a cornerstone of their offerings. Seminars are conducted not only by leading academics in Asia but also by faculty members from the university's UK campus who frequently visit Malaysia to keep students abreast of the latest trends and industry practices. For those seeking more details, students can attend one of the university's MBA previews.

• Duration: 2 years (part-time)
• Intake: January, May and September 
• Estimated fees: RM 58,050
• Entry requirements: A bachelor's degree (min. 2 years working experience)