Studying for a UK degree in Malaysia

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You’ll find many great opportunities to study for a UK degree in Malaysia. So if you have caring, job or family commitments that prevent you from travelling to the United Kingdom, you can still gain your dream qualification. 

These Transnational Education (or TNE) courses are designed, delivered, and quality-assured to the UK’s own rigorous standards and each leads to a UK degree.

They can provide a pathway to the United Kingdom at a later date, either to continue your studies or to work, and you’re sure to benefit from their strong links with both UK and international business (just one of the reasons that graduates with UK degrees are among the most employable in the world). You may also find that studying for a UK TNE degree in Malaysia is more affordable than studying in the UK itself.

Eligibility

You can apply to study for a UK-awarded TNE programme in Malaysia if you have completed one of following qualifications:

• A-Levels
• Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM)
• International Baccalaureate (IB) or other pre-university courses

In addition, you must have evidence of English language proficiency, such as:

• Malaysian University English Test (MUET)
• IELTS

There may also be additional requirements, depending on the course you choose. So we always advise you to check with the UK university that will be awarding your degree, and with the partner institution in Malaysia where you will be studying.

Which degree should I choose?

A wide range of full time, UK-accredited degrees are on offer in Malaysia, and you’re certain to find a course that’s right for you. 

Every year, graduates in Malaysia complete Master’s degrees, Doctorates and Bachelor’s degrees in subjects ranging from Law to medicine to the arts. And each is awarded their prestigious degree from a UK university.

How will my degree be awarded?

There are two ways that your UK-accredited degree may be awarded in Malaysia.

Articulation agreements 

Many higher education institutions in Malaysia have partnerships with specific UK universities. This means that the UK university will recognise the credits that you have studied for in Malaysia. Furthermore, if your results meet the required threshold, and if you choose to do so, you may be able to transfer to the UK university to continue your studies. 

What degree am I awarded?

Depending on the agreement between the higher education institution (HEI) and the UK universities, upon successful completion of your studies (and without needing to leave Malaysia) you may be awarded:

1. A dual/joint award from both the Malaysian university and the UK university
2. A degree from just the UK university

For more information, we advise that you contact your chosen HEI in Malaysia, and enquire about its partnerships with UK universities.

Can I spend part of my degree at the university in the UK?

Yes, each university has a minimum amount of time that it requires you to study at the Malaysian campus, for example, you may need to study at the Malaysian campus for one semester to a year. After that, and subject to the university’s policies, you can apply to study part of your degree in the UK.

UK Branch Campus

Five universities have established branch campuses in Malaysia.

• University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus 
• Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia 
• University of Southampton Malaysia Campus 
• Heriot-Watt University Malaysia 
• University of Reading Malaysia 

These UK branch campuses award their own degree (undergraduate and postgraduate), diploma and foundation studies qualifications. Depending on the university and your course of study, there may also be opportunities to study for one or more semesters abroad. This may be at the home campus in the UK or at another partner university.

Universities with programmes in Malaysia

• Lancaster University and Sunway University  
• University of Hertfordshire and INTI University 
• Staffordshire University and Asia Pacific University (APU) 
• University of the West of England Bristol and International University of Malaya-Wales (IUMW)  [BROKEN LINK]
• University of the West of England Bristol and Taylor's University 
• Brickfields Asia College (BAC) [BROKEN LINK]
• University of Central Lancashire and SEGi University and Colleges 

Please note, the list above is not exhaustive. For more information on all approved TNE programmes in Malaysia, you can search the Malaysian Qualification Agency portal.

What degree am I awarded?

Upon successful completion of your studies, you will be awarded the same qualifications as these universities’ students in the UK.  

To find out more about your options with these universities in Malaysia, we advise that you contact these universities via their main UK campus.

Studying online

Depending on your work and home commitments, you may choose to study for your degree online. 

There are a number of these programs available in Malaysia which offer the same high standards of UK teaching and the same prestigious qualifications, while allowing for a greater amount of flexibility and schedules that better suit your needs.

To find out about these online degrees, we advise that you directly contact individual institutions in the UK. You can find a comprehensive list on the UK government website. 

Other relevant websites

• British Council Malaysia