Studying Civil Engineering in Malaysia: Every Pathway You Need to Know About
Afterschool
August 4, 2025
Civil engineering is the backbone of modern infrastructure, covering everything from highways and bridges to water systems and buildings.
If you plan to pursue a career in civil engineering in Malaysia, this guide will walk you through the major pathways available to you. Whether you are aiming for a fully local degree, looking to transfer overseas, or considering a foreign university right here in Malaysia, we have broken down your options to help you make the best possible decision for your future.
- Degree duration is typically 4 years and includes mandatory industrial training, usually lasting one semester or more.
- Make sure the programme is accredited by the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) so you can register as a Graduate Engineer and eventually apply for Professional Engineer (Ir.) status.
- You can study civil engineering fully in Malaysia, through a twinning or dual award programme, or at a foreign branch campus depending on your preferences and budget.
- Tuition fees range widely, from around RM 65,000 at more affordable local universities to over RM 220,000 at top international branch campuses.
- If you’re aiming to work abroad, check if the programme is recognised under international frameworks like the Washington Accord to avoid extra certification hurdles.
In Malaysia, most civil engineering degrees are awarded as either a Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) or a Bachelor of Science (BSc), depending on the university.
Typically, civil engineering degrees take four years to complete and include mandatory industrial training, usually one semester or more.
Click here to learn about why studying engineering for 4 years is by far the best option.
One of the most important things to check is whether the programme is accredited by the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM), as this ensures you can register as a Graduate Engineer and eventually apply for Professional Engineer (Ir.) status.
Local Private Universities (Fully in Malaysia)
Many private institutions in Malaysia offer complete civil engineering degrees that are fully accredited by BEM.
| University | Local Student Tuition Fees (Estimated) | International Student Tuition Fees (Estimated) |
|---|---|---|
UCSI University | RM 99,440 | RM 116,315 |
UTAR | RM 65,100 | RM 95,300 |
UNITEN | RM 95,000 | RM 98,000 |
INTI | RM 90,783 | RM 90,783 |
SEGi University | RM 83,475 | RM 85,475 |
MAHSA | RM 74,100 | RM 78,500 |
IUKL | RM 79,800 | RM 88,200 |
Twinning & Dual Award Programmes (2+2, 3+1, 4+0)
Many private universities in Malaysia offer civil engineering programmes through academic partnerships with overseas universities. These are known as twinning or dual award programs, and they typically fall into one of the following formats:
- 2+2: Two years in Malaysia, followed by two years at a partner university abroad
- 3+1: Three years in Malaysia, and then the final year abroad
- 4+0: All four years in Malaysia, but the degree is awarded by the partner university
| University | Partner University | Programme Type | Local Student Tuition Fees (Estimated) | International Student Tuition Fees (Estimated) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
UCSI University | University of Queensland | 2+2.5 | AUD 51,200 | AUD 51,200 |
Foreign University Branch Campuses in Malaysia
Malaysia is home to several branch campuses of foreign universities, which offer civil engineering programmes identical to those at their home campuses abroad. These degrees are often recognised internationally and come with strong brand reputations.
| University | Home Country | Local Student Tuition Fees (Estimated) | International Student Tuition Fees (Estimated) |
|---|---|---|---|
Monash University | Australia | RM 213,120 | RM 251,520 |
Curtin University | Australia | RM 135,600 | RM 202,400 |
Swinesburne University of Technology | Australia | RM 152,000 | RM 192,640 |
Herriot-Watt University | UK | RM 180,000 | RM 216,000 |
University of Nottingham Malaysia | UK | RM 220,000 | RM 260,000 |
Accreditation and Why It Matters
Choosing a programme accredited by the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) is essential if you plan to work as an engineer in Malaysia. Graduating from a BEM-accredited programme means you can register as a Graduate Engineer, which is the first step toward becoming a Professional Engineer (Ir.).
If you're considering studying overseas (or in a twinning or branch programme), you should also check whether the qualification is recognised under international frameworks such as the Washington Accord. This can impact your ability to work in countries such as the UK, Australia, Canada, and the US without obtaining additional certifications.
Final Thoughts
Civil engineering is a field that blends technical knowledge with real-world impact, offering careers in construction, infrastructure, environmental solutions, and more. Whether you choose to study locally or pursue an international route, the key is to pick a programme that aligns with your goals and provides the recognition you need for future licensing.
A well-informed choice now will set the foundation for your entire engineering career.
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