Best universities in Malaysia for Accounting and Finance

Amongst the best universities around the globe, Malaysia boasts of fantastic courses in Accounting and Finance open to both local and international students. Studying this field in Malaysia will not only provide the student with a great platform for academics but also endow them with all the right skills and understanding to succeed in global finance operations.

This guide lists the top eight universities renowned for accounting and finance courses in detail of what makes them special, industry connections, and of course, academic excellence. Curricula provided at these institutions are all-inclusive, and professors have experience. State-of-the-art facilities will be there to get the students the best available education.

Learn about the top-ranked universities that are shaping the future professionals in Accounting and Finance. Understand what sets these colleges apart in this competitive arena of education.

Best Universities in Malaysia

1. Universiti Malaya

2. Taylor's University

3. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

4. Universiti Putra Malaysia

5. Universiti Sains Malaysia

6. Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM)

7. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

8. International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM)

 

Universiti Malaya (UM) Malaysia

Universiti Malaya (UM) is the highest-ranking public university for accounting and finance, according to the 2024 World University Rankings by Subject. UM’s degree programs are recognized nationally and internationally. The university’s faculty of business and accountancy also publishes 2 research journals, highlighting UM’s focus on advancing the field. Accounting and Finance are offered as 2 separate Bachelor degrees, while postgraduate programmes are available as well.

 

Level of Education	Fees (Approx.)	Duration	Intakes	Expected Salary  (Approx.)
Diploma	$2,100 - $3,200 per year	2 - 3 years	February, September	$420 - $730 per month
Undergraduate	$10,500 - $14,700 per year	3 - 4 years	February, September	$630 - $1,050 per month
Postgraduate (Master's)	$5,300 - $8,400 per year	1.5 - 2 years	February, September	$1,050 - $1,680 per month
PhD (Doctoral)	$4,200 - $7,400 per year	3 - 5 years	February, September	$1,680 - $2,520+ per month

 

Taylor's University

Some of the world's most elite programs for Accounts and Finance at Taylor's University have been designed to equip students with the very best possible financial skills and knowledge that are in existence within the field. It is aligned to international and global industry standards; it will therefore include topics such as accounting principles, financial analyses, investment strategies, and corporate finance. It does not only have the most talented peers as classmates but also a share in class time of visiting faculty from top international schools. The world-class facilities, international partnerships, and knowledgeable faculty provide a tremendous competitive edge in finance. The graduate of Taylor's is widely pursued by the leading companies around the world as the ideal launchpad for a successful career in accounting and finance.

Level of Education	Fees (Approx.)	Duration	Intakes	Expected Salary (Approx.)
Diploma	$3,500 - $5,000 per year	2 - 3 years	March, August, October	$420 - $730 per month
Undergraduate	$10,000 - $13,000 per year	3 - 4 years	March, August, October	$630 - $1,050 per month
Postgraduate (Master's)	$8,000 - $12,000 per year	1 - 2 years	January, March, August	$1,050 - $1,680 per month
PhD (Doctoral)	$7,000 - $9,000 per year	3 - 4 years	Rolling intakes	$1,680 - $2,520+ per month

 

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) places a strong emphasis on the quality of its programmes so that students are equipped with relevant and important skills for the demanding profession of accounting. UKM’s list of prominent alumni includes Datuk Che Pee Samsudin, who graduated with the university’s Bachelor of Accounting degree course. He went on to become the Accountant General of Malaysia!

Level of Education	Fees (Approx.)	Duration	Intakes	Expected Salary (Approx.)
Diploma	$2,000 - $3,500 per year	2 - 3 years	February, September	$420 - $730 per month
Undergraduate	$3,000 - $6,000 per year	3 - 4 years	February, September	$630 - $1,050 per month
Postgraduate (Master's)	$4,000 - $8,000 per year	1.5 - 2 years	February, September	$1,050 - $1,680 per month
PhD (Doctoral)	$4,000 - $7,000 per year	3 - 5 years	February, September	$1,680 - $2,520+ per month

 

Universiti Putra Malaysia

 

Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) accounting and finance department falls under its faculty of economics and management – the first university faculty in the country to achieve accreditation from the prestigious Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). This is no surprise, as the university is reputed for its academic excellence. Most of the faculty’s lecturers are Ph.D. holders, so students are really learning from the best and the most experienced.

Level of Education	Fees (Approx.)	Duration	Intakes	Expected Salary (Approx.)
Diploma	$2,000 - $4,000 per year	2 - 3 years	September, February	$420 - $730 per month
Undergraduate	$3,000 - $7,000 per year	3 - 4 years	September, February	$630 - $1,050 per month
Postgraduate (Master's)	$4,000 - $8,000 per year	1 - 2 years	September, February	$1,050 - $1,680 per month
PhD (Doctoral)	$4,000 - $7,000 per year	3 - 5 years	September, February	$1,680 - $2,520+ per month

 

Universiti Sains Malaysia

 

Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) ensures that the study of research and innovation are at the center of the university, meaning that students graduate with the latest finance technologies and trends, including fintech, sustainable finance, and risk management, to name a few. The graduates are very much in demand by the biggest multinational corporations, government agencies, as well as financial institutions, because of the practical knowledge and research-driven insights they bring to the table. Therefore, the road to becoming a very successful accountant and finance professional becomes available to USM students through expert faculty, modern facilities, and many opportunities for networking.

Level of Education	Fees (Approx.)	Duration	Intakes	Expected Salary (Approx.)
Diploma	$2,000 - $4,000 per year	2 - 3 years	September, February	$420 - $730 per month
Undergraduate	$3,000 - $6,000 per year	3 - 4 years	September, February	$630 - $1,050 per month
Postgraduate (Master's)	$4,000 - $8,000 per year	1 - 2 years	September, February	$1,050 - $1,680 per month
PhD (Doctoral)	$4,000 - $7,000 per year	3 - 5 years	September, February	$1,680 - $2,520+ per month

 

Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM)

 

Universiti Utara Malaysia or UUM for short, is, by and large, with its considerable expertise in the field of education sectors within businesses, one of the outstanding accounts and finance programs in the region. The curriculum encompasses the main programs at Universiti Utara Malaysia across a broad scope of financial accounting, corporate finance, auditing, taxation, and financial analysis. Universiti Utara Malaysia focuses particularly on real-world applications to prepare students to meet the most complex financial challenges in the fast-moving global economy today.

A recognized AACSB-accredited College of Business at UUM ensures standard education anywhere in the world. At the end of UUM's Accounts and Finance programs, students graduate armed with analytical skills combined with ethical leadership qualities and a high-caliber grasp of the latest financial technologies and the provisions of regulatory laws. UUM offers gateway opportunities into distinguished careers in auditing, financial consulting, investment banking, and corporate finance.

Level of Education	Fees (Approx.)	Duration	Intakes	Expected Salary (Approx.)
Diploma	$2,000 - $4,000 per year	2 - 3 years	September, October, February	$420 - $730 per month
Undergraduate	$3,000 - $7,000 per year	3 - 4 years	September, October, February	$630 - $1,050 per month
Postgraduate (Master's)	$4,000 - $8,000 per year	1 - 2 years	September, October, February	$1,050 - $1,680 per month
PhD (Doctoral)	$4,000 - $7,000 per year	3 - 5 years	Rolling intakes	$1,680 - $2,520+ per month

 

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

 

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) is not only another recipient of SETARA’s 6 Star: Outstanding award, but is also classified as one of Malaysia’s mature universities. At this top institution, students can pursue accounting in the university’s business school - the Azman Hashim International Business School. Some core courses include principles of microeconomics, business mathematics and financial management.

Level of Education	Fees (Approx.)	Duration	Intakes	Expected Salary (Approx.)
Diploma	$2,500 - $4,500 per year	2 - 3 years	September, February	$420 - $730 per month
Undergraduate	$4,000 - $8,000 per year	3 - 4 years	September, February	$630 - $1,050 per month
Postgraduate (Master's)	$5,000 - $10,000 per year	1 - 2 years	September, February	$1,050 - $1,680 per month
PhD (Doctoral)	$4,500 - $8,000 per year	3 - 5 years	September, February	$1,680 - $2,520+ per month

 

International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM)

 

International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) offers excellent Programs in Accounts and Finance, where principles of Islamic finance are embedded with modern financial practices. IIUM prepares its students for successful careers in various financial sectors with an expanded curriculum on core areas such as financial accounting, auditing, taxation, and investment analysis. Coupled with these, ethics-based decision-making and critical thinking - two values that constantly come in demand in today's dynamic financial environment- are the foundation for these programmes to assure successful transitions into productive careers among graduates.

An engaging learning environment comes from experienced faculty as well as state-of-the-art facilities, while the strong industry connections by the university provide networking opportunities for its students. The comprehensive knowledge and unique perspective on finance are why graduates of IIUM's Accounts and Finance programs become high prospects for employers in both local and international settings. Join IIUM for a rewarding journey in accounting and finance with a global outlook.

Level of Education	Fees (Approx.)	Duration	Intakes	Expected Salary (Approx.)
Diploma	$2,000 - $4,000 per year	2 - 3 years	March, September	$420 - $730 per month
Undergraduate	$3,000 - $7,000 per year	3 - 4 years	March, September	$630 - $1,050 per month
Postgraduate (Master's)	$4,000 - $8,000 per year	1 - 2 years	March, September	$1,050 - $1,680 per month
PhD (Doctoral)	$4,500 - $8,500 per year	3 - 5 years	March, September	$1,680 - $2,520+ per month

 

What subjects will be studied?

There are many interesting topics you will cover throughout your programme. Here are some examples:

• Business Law
• Marketing
• Investment Analysis
• Economic Principles
• Quantitative Methods
• Taxation and Auditing
• Management Strategies
• Accounting Information Systems

Course structure differs between universities, but typically the programme will have core and elective modules, as well as industrial training for undergraduate students. Postgraduate students usually have to complete a dissertation or thesis as part of their studies.

Also Read:

Top Engineering Universities in Malaysia

Malaysia: A Rising Destination for International Students

What are the career options?

If you’re wondering about post-study job opportunities, the answer to that is plenty! As mentioned before, accounting and finance play a very important role in any business, so recruiters are always on the lookout for people like you. This table will show you just some of your potential future careers and how much you will earn for each of them:

Job	Estimated average monthly income
Accountant	RM 5,000
Bank Manager	RM 8,000
Financial Controller	RM 14,250
Chief Financial Officer	RM 25,000

Why study accounting and finance in Malaysia?

Besides being able to study at some of the world’s best universities, students in Malaysia also get to:

• Spend less on excellent education
• Earn internationally recognized qualifications
• Experience a multicultural environment

FAQS

1. Which are the best Malaysian universities that provide study in Accounting and Finance?
Best universities are Universiti Malaya (UM), Taylor's University, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), and International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM).

2. Why should one study Accounting and Finance in Malaysia?
A Malaysian education offers quality assurance, which is very affordable, recognized overseas, modern, and multicultural environment. Malaysian universities are ranked top in the world for Accounting and Finance.

3. Does a Malaysian Accounting and Finance degree carry good globally?
Yes. All levels of Malaysia's top universities, like UM, UPM, and UUM are reputable everywhere else in the world. Most institutions have excellent accreditations from associations such as the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

 4. What are your post-graduation job opportunities for Accounting and Finance in the Malaysia campus?
Graduates may pursue careers as accountants, financial analysts, auditors, bank managers, controllers of finances, or even a Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Options are diverse in employers: international, finance, government, and the corresponding agencies.

5. What specialisations does an Accounting and Finance course offered by a Malaysian university entail?
Some specializations are financial accounting, corporate finance, auditing, taxation, forensic accounting, financial criminology, Islamic finance, and fintech.

6. Does the university offer practical training or industry exposure while the course is going on?
Yes most of the universities offer industrial training, internships and have close relations with the industry to ensure the students are given hands-on experience as well as an opportunity for networking

7. What is average salary for Accounting and Finance graduates in Malaysia?
Salaries will differ according to jobs. An accountant would earn about RM 5,000 per month while a CFO could reach up to RM 25,000 per month.

8. What are the entry requirements of Malaysian universities in Accounting and Finance courses?
Admission differs from university and course, but the undergraduate courses would call only for a high level of mathematical and economic background, whereas postgraduate courses might require a bachelor's degree in any field relevant with the corresponding work experience.

9. Financial aids or scholarships offered to international students?
Most of the Malaysian universities award scholarships along with financial aids to foreign students on merit or according to students' financial requirement and academic performance. Some even collaborate with foreign institutions providing scholarship programs.

10. Malaysia would be able to study both Islamic finance and modern finance simultaneously?
Of course, a few universities, such as IIUM, offer a curriculum of harmonizing the Islamic finance principles with that of modern practices in a harmonious way: the overall knowledge of two systems that, together, can easily be comprehended.

Discover the top 8 universities in Malaysia for Accounting and Finance, offering world-class education and career opportunities for aspiring finance professionals.