3 reasons to consider private institutions

80,000 or 40 per cent of the 200,000 applications were offered placement in public universities this year. If you're among those who didn't get the offer from UPU or offered a course that you don't like -  don't worry! You can always go to private institutions.

Here are reasons why you should consider private institutions.

1. New culture

Students interested to be immersed in a diverse cultural experience may want to consider private institutions. Compared to studying overseas, having your education in a private institution will allow you to work and learn with students and even professors from all walks of life. Universities such as Limkokwing University and Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation are known to have the highest percentage of foreign students.

2. Smaller class size

No need to play musical chairs to ensure a better seat. Even at larger private institutions the class size is contained. There are still lecture halls, but typically, fewer teaching assistants and more professors. At small private colleges classes can be as small as 10 or 12 students.

3. Top-notch professors and lecturers

Contrary to popular belief, the professors at private universities are as good as the professors at public universities. These professors have proven track records of their academic achievements and research output. The Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) helps ensure programs offered by private institutions are up to the mark by providing accreditation to programs offered. MQA also rates public and private institutions in Malaysia based on 6-tier rating system called SETARA. Check here for 2011 SETARA rating.

4. Safer and more relaxed campus environmentThere is no such thing as a crime-free campus but campuses of private institutions come very  close. Sufficient budget for security and surveillance equipment combined with the school's close-knit community, make crimes such as theft and trespassing less likely to happen. Aside from security, some institutions have imbibed a more relaxed environment which educators believe could impact the success of a student's study.

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Written by Lyn Cacha