Top 5 Universities for Accounting and Finance in Malaysia

As the world progresses along, spinning on its axis, demands and needs of industries slowly but surely begin to spin off theirs. The jobs that were in-demand 20 odd years ago are a stark contrast to the current, ever-changing needs of the nation. Mechatronic Engineering, for example, was unheard of, found in isolated institutions around the globe. The keyword there? Was. These days, however, the demand for this booming sub-discipline of Engineering only goes from strength to strength. Another field that has witnessed a total and utter change in trajectory is Accounting and Finance. 

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While the demand for this particular field was never in doubt, recent years has seen an exigency in the field, reflected in the new wave of students pursuing the very course at university. Of course, choosing the right course only wins you the battle, choosing the right university is what wins you the war. With the number of institutions offering Accounting and Finance course in Malaysia already high and rising by the year, it can be a head-scratching decision. As such, Afterschool.my thought it best to list down the five best Accounting and Finance universities in Malaysia. Keep in mind that each university has been assiduously picked due to an undeniable edge each one respectively possesses, so scroll down and let us help you win the war!

Curtin University Malaysia

Curtin Sarawak does come off as a dark horse on this list for one glaring reason, it simply isn’t as well known as the rest of its local compatriots. But this dark horse does gallop to the head of the que for multiple reasons, most notable of which are the double major programmes offered. In an age where securing a job is as laborious as it’s ever been, having not just one, but two majors inscribed onto your degree is simply an invaluable asset to have stowed away. Curtin Sarawak also offers Accounting & Finance courses at all study levels, a truly internal education lectured by teachers from over 15 countries gift wrapped with an international degree and numerous scholarships opportunities, as well as a student nirvana located in the heart of Miri make Curtin Sarawak a spectacular option to consider when looking at Accounting & Finance courses, and that’s without even taking a peek at their rankings. Curtin University is ranked in the top one percent of universities worldwide in the Academic Ranking of World Universities 2017. It is ranked 22nd in the world for universities under the age of 50 in the QS World University Rankings 2018 and has received a 5-star overall excellence rating in the QS Stars University Ratings 2015.

Curtin University Intake 

University of Malaya (UM)

Perhaps the most obvious choice is the first institution that takes a rung on our list. University of Malaya (UM), for those unaware, is Malaysia’s oldest institution, having been established way back in 1905, and is largely considered by many to be the ‘Holy Grail’ of universities locally. What’s special about University of Malaya (UM), you ask? News of University of Malaya’s surge up the rankings recently on the U.S. News Global University Rankings 2018 may have sparked critical acclaim, but that wasn’t the first time UM seared past many competitors on a compiled list of tertiary institutions. 

The University of Malaya was ranked no.59 on the Times Higher Education (THE) Asia University Rankings 2017, no.24 on the QS University Rankings 2018: Asia, and arguably the most impressive feat of the lot, placing no.114 on the QS World University Rankings 2018, rising a, scarcely believable, 53 places in the process. And while many consistently contend such numbers, ploughing their arguments with crude remarks on the ‘relevance’ of such rankings, UM has nonchalantly displayed unrivalled consistency in stamping its' mark on every list released, something that even the most ardent of naysayers will have to concede to. Their courses, of course, reflect the excellence that UM strives to cement, with their Business and Accounting courses no different, being ranked in the 101-150 bracket by QS for the subject of Accounting & Finance for two consecutive years (2016 & 2017), in addition to receiving the expected recognition, both locally and from foreign professional bodies including ACCA.

Courses offered:

• Bachelor of Accounting
• Bachelor of Business Administration
• Bachelor of Finance

QS Rankings by Subject 2017 for Accounting & Finance – 101-150 (maintaining their position from 2016)

Universiti Putra Malaysia

Located in Serdang, Universiti Putra Malaysia or UPM is a well-known public research university in Malaysia. Formerly known as Universiti Pertanian Malaysia, it specialises in Agriculture sector and Accounting. It has two campuses spread across Malaysia — Serdang, Sarawak.

UPM consists of a total of 16 faculties, 9 institutes and a Graduate School of Management that upholds the university’s high standard of scientific inquisition and research. It Is the first university in Malaysia to get accredited by the prestigious Association Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Also, the university is renowned for its academic excellence.

Sunway University

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An equally familiar name amongst the academic community, Sunway University has risen through the ranks and established itself as a hotspot for students, far surpassing the ‘cool’ label placed over its head since its inception. As cool as it may be, the strides taken by Sunway University has seen them build bridges with numerous institutions overseas as well as being bestowed the much sought after 5 stars by SETARA for 2017, the second best possible rating available. One course that has garnered great attention is the Certified Accounting Technician (CAT) course. Designed by ACCA, the CAT allows students to move directly to the Fundamental’s Level (Skills Module), shortening their respective journeys in becoming fully certified Chartered Accountants. Of course, sweetening the deal is the expansive Sunway University-College campus, the pristine, FIFA-certified football field, and the location right in the heart of Bandar Sunway, all the facets that brought up the ‘cool’ moniker in the first place, and deservedly so.

University of Nottingham

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Adding a little English flavour to the list is the famous University of Nottingham, taking shape in the form of its' Malaysia campus. Having the distinction of being the first British university to erect a campus on these shores, the University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus has now become one of the first names that come to mind whenever a student thinks of the words ‘world class’. Having taken to the branch campus like butter on toast, Nottingham’s gargantuan campus houses thousands of students and an array of courses, which include business-oriented ones, housed under the Nottingham University Business School (NUBS) faculty. With more than a decade of experience and sister campuses in China and the UK, quality is one thing that comes guaranteed for a student who opts for any of their courses. Still need convincing? The University of Nottingham broke the almost mythical top 100 barrier in the QS World University Rankings 2018, coming in no.84. Oh, and Prince Charles himself took time out of his understandably tight schedule to pay the campus a visit during his recent trip to our country. Quite the university then.