
Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU)
Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan (Federal Territory), Malaysia
- Established
- 1993
- Students
- ~13k+
- International
- 50%
At a glance
Visit official website- Top ranking
- QS World #597
- Established
- 1993
- Students
- ~13k+ students
- International
- 50%
- Campus city
- Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan (Federal Territory)
- Type
- Private
Founded as Asia Pacific Institute of Information Technology (APIIT) in 1993; attained University College status in 2004; granted full university status in 2012 as APU.
About this university
About Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU)
Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) is a leading technology-focused private university in Malaysia, based on a state-of-the-art, tech-driven campus in Technology Park Malaysia (TPM), Bukit Jalil — part of Kuala Lumpur, about 16 km from the Petronas Twin Towers and around 45 km from KLIA. APU began life as the Asia Pacific Institute of Information Technology (APIIT) in 1993, attained University College status in 2004, and was granted full university status in 2012. If you picture yourself studying technology at the heart of a major Asian city, surrounded by people from all over the world, APU is an easy place to feel at home.
APU's strengths lie in computing and IT, software engineering, cybersecurity, data science and engineering (with BOEM-accredited engineering programs), alongside business, design and creative-media courses such as game development and visual effects. It backs this with strong industry partnerships — Microsoft, IBM, Cisco and Oracle among them — and Premier Digital Tech University status from MDEC. APU's programmes are MQA accredited and recognised by the Ministry of Higher Education, and in 2024 it became the first Malaysian university to achieve UK QAA accreditation (May 2024). It is also the first Malaysian university to earn the QS 5 Stars Plus rating — one of around 24 institutions worldwide.
For international students, APU's appeal is hard to beat: it's ranked #1 in Malaysia and #16 in the world for international students (QS 2026), with more than half of its ~13,000-strong student body coming from over 130 countries — one of Asia's most multicultural campuses. The university also sits in the top 2% globally at #597 in the QS World University Rankings 2026, and was named Malaysia's Employers' Choice of University 2025 for a second year running. As a guide, bachelor's programs cost roughly RM 40,000–65,000 per year (IT and Engineering at the higher end), though fees change by intake and program. Whatever you'd like to study, YS Training & Consultancy can help you choose the right APU program, confirm the current official fees, and apply with confidence — talk to us free to get started.
A note on the numbers: rankings, fees and intake dates on this page are drawn from public sources and are accurate to the best of our knowledge, but they can change. We always confirm the current official figures with the university before you apply.
Why choose this university
Malaysia's #1 for international students
Ranked #1 in Malaysia and #16 in the world for international students (QS 2026), with students from 130+ countries on campus.
5 Stars Plus — a Malaysian first
The first Malaysian university to earn the QS 5 Stars Plus rating (one of around 24 institutions worldwide).
Ranked in the world's top 2%
#597 in the QS World University Rankings 2026 — placing APU among the top 2% of universities globally.
Built around technology and industry
A technology-focused university with strong industry partnerships including Microsoft, IBM, Cisco and Oracle, and Premier Digital Tech University status from MDEC.
First in Malaysia for QAA UK accreditation
In May 2024, APU became the first and only Malaysian university to achieve UK Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) accreditation.
Dual-award degrees with De Montfort University, UK
Eligible students can earn a UK De Montfort University award alongside their APU qualification.
Awards and recognition
Named Malaysia's Employers' Choice of University 2025 (second consecutive year) and recognised as a Champion in Computing & IT.
Rankings
World University Rankings (Top 2%)
International Students (World)
International Students in Malaysia
International Students Diversity (World)
Asia
Stars Rating — first Malaysian university to achieve it (among 24 worldwide)
Private University in Malaysia (ASEAN Private University Rankings)
Programs offered
Foundation
3 programs
Diploma
4 programs
Bachelor's
13 programs
Master's
4 programs
Tuition & fees
Foundation
≈ RM 22,000 – 28,300 (total programme, indicative)
From public sources / APU fee guide. Confirm current official fee with YSTC.
Diploma
≈ RM 45,800 – 51,600 (total programme, indicative)
Longer programmes with practical components. Confirm with YSTC.
Bachelor's
≈ RM 98,800 – 119,200 total (≈ RM 40,000 – 65,000 / year, indicative)
IT and Engineering programmes sit at the higher end due to lab/technical work. Confirm current official fee with YSTC.
Master's
≈ RM 32,000 – 48,000 (total programme, indicative)
Varies by specialisation. Confirm with YSTC.
PhD
Varies by research area.
Fees are indicative figures from public sources and APU's published fee guide, and can change each intake and by program. International students also pay a one-off Event Resource Fee (≈ RM 2,600, covers uniform, name tag and lab/practical fees), a refundable Personal Bond (≈ RM 1,000), and the 6% service tax introduced in July 2025. We confirm the exact current official fee for your chosen course before you commit — for free.
Living costs: APU sits in Bukit Jalil, part of Kuala Lumpur in the Klang Valley, where living costs (accommodation, food and transport) are moderate and generally far lower than in the UK, US or Australia. On-campus single-room accommodation has been publicly reported around USD 100–200/month. Your exact budget depends on your lifestyle and housing choice — YSTC will give you a personalised monthly estimate alongside your tuition figures, free of charge.
Campus & student life
Campus setting
APU's state-of-the-art, tech-driven campus is located in Technology Park Malaysia (TPM), Bukit Jalil, in Kuala Lumpur — about 16 km from the Petronas Twin Towers and around 45 km from KLIA. It's accessible via major highways, the LRT and public transport, so getting around the city is straightforward.
Accommodation
APU offers student accommodation in and around the Bukit Jalil campus (single-room options publicly reported around USD 100–200/month), with further housing in the surrounding area. YSTC will walk you through the current residence choices, room types and costs for your intake.
Student life
With more than 50% of students coming from over 130 countries, APU is one of Asia's most multicultural campuses — so you'll be part of a genuinely global community from day one. Ask YSTC for the latest on clubs and activities that match your interests.
Safety & support
APU's campus sits within Technology Park Malaysia in Bukit Jalil, a well-connected and well-served part of Kuala Lumpur. YSTC can share current student-support and safety details before you arrive.
Facilities
- Technology-driven campus with computing and IT labs
- Cybersecurity and data science facilities
- Engineering labs (Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics)
- Game development and visual effects studios
- Library, learning spaces and student common areas
Careers & outcomes
APU reports very strong graduate employment outcomes in Malaysia's Ministry of Higher Education Graduate Tracer Study — confirm the latest exact figure with YSTC.
- Strong industry partnerships including Microsoft, IBM, Cisco and Oracle
- Named Malaysia's Employers' Choice of University 2025 (second consecutive year)
- Recognised as a Champion in Computing & IT
- A large global network of alumni working worldwide
Specific employer partners, internship details and graduate-destination figures vary by program — YSTC will confirm what applies to your chosen course.
Accreditation & recognition
- MQA accredited — academic programmes approved and accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency
- Recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) — MyQUEST 6-Star rating
- SETARA 5-Star (Excellent) rating
- QAA UK accreditation — first and only Malaysian university to achieve it (May 2024)
- ISO 21001:2018 (Educational Organisation Management System)
- MSC Malaysia status; Premier Digital Tech University (MDEC, since 2016)
- Dual-award degrees with De Montfort University, UK
- BOEM accreditation for Engineering programs
- Programmes taught in English
Admissions
Entry requirements
- Recognised pre-university qualification (e.g. STPM, A-Levels, foundation, diploma, or equivalent) — requirements vary by program
- Meet the minimum subject grades for your chosen course
- Meet the English language requirement (see below)
Intakes
- Multiple intakes per year — confirm the exact dates for your program with YSTC
English requirement
Indicative bands (confirm per program): Foundation IELTS 5.0 / TOEFL ~500; Bachelor's IELTS 5.5 / TOEFL ~513; Postgraduate IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL ~550. MUET is also accepted. An intensive English pathway is available if you don't yet meet the requirement. YSTC will confirm what your course needs.
International students are issued a Malaysian Student Pass via EMGS (Education Malaysia Global Services). APU's International Office handles the Student Pass application after you accept your offer — YSTC will manage this with you from start to finish.
How YSTC helps you apply
From shortlisting to your offer letter and student visa, we guide you through every step — and getting started is completely free.
Location
Address
No. 11, Jalan Teknologi 5, Taman Teknologi Malaysia, Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
What's nearby
Ask us about accommodation, transport links and student life around the campus — we'll give you the full picture.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Asia Pacific University (APU) located?
APU's campus is in Technology Park Malaysia (TPM), Bukit Jalil, in Kuala Lumpur — about 16 km from the Petronas Twin Towers and around 45 km from KLIA. It's accessible via major highways, the LRT and public transport, so the city and airport are both easy to reach.
How much does it cost to study at Asia Pacific University (APU)?
As a guide, bachelor's programs run roughly RM 98,800–119,200 in total (about RM 40,000–65,000 per year), with foundation lower and IT/Engineering at the higher end. International students also pay a one-off Event Resource Fee (≈ RM 2,600) and a refundable Personal Bond (≈ RM 1,000). These are indicative figures that change by intake — your free YSTC consultation includes the exact current official fee for your shortlist.
Is an Asia Pacific University (APU) degree recognised internationally?
Yes. APU's programmes are MQA accredited and recognised by Malaysia's Ministry of Higher Education (MyQUEST 6-Star), and APU was the first Malaysian university to gain UK QAA accreditation. It also holds ISO 21001:2018 and MSC Malaysia status, ranks in the QS World University Rankings (#597, 2026), and offers dual awards with De Montfort University, UK. YSTC will confirm recognition for your specific country and goals.
What is Asia Pacific University (APU) known for?
APU is best known as a leading technology-focused university in Malaysia, with strong programs in computer science, software engineering, cybersecurity, data science and engineering, and close partnerships with tech companies like Microsoft, IBM, Cisco and Oracle. It's also ranked Malaysia's
When can I start at Asia Pacific University (APU), and what are the intakes?
APU has multiple intakes throughout the year. The exact dates depend on your program, so YSTC will confirm the next available intake and the application deadlines that apply to you.
How do I apply to Asia Pacific University (APU), and can YSTC help?
Yes — and getting started is completely free. We'll help you choose the right course, prepare and submit your application and documents, confirm the current fees, and manage your Malaysian Student Pass (visa) via EMGS from start to finish.
Are there scholarships for international students at Asia Pacific University (APU)?
Yes — APU offers merit-based scholarships and tuition waivers for international students (publicly reported at up to around 30–50% depending on the award and your results). Availability and amounts change each intake, so the simplest way to find what you qualify for is a free YSTC consultation — we'll check the current scholarships and help you apply at no cost.
What are the English language requirements for Asia Pacific University (APU)?
As a guide, foundation programs ask for around IELTS 5.0, bachelor's around IELTS 5.5, and postgraduate around IELTS 6.0 (TOEFL and MUET are also accepted), with the exact band depending on your course. If you don't yet meet it, an English pathway is available so you can still begin. YSTC will confirm precisely what your chosen program requires.
Are courses at Asia Pacific University (APU) taught in English?
Yes — APU's programs are delivered in English, so international students can study without learning Malay first and graduate with a globally recognised, English-medium qualification.
What is the campus and accommodation like at Asia Pacific University (APU)?
APU's state-of-the-art, technology-driven campus is in Technology Park Malaysia, Bukit Jalil, with computing, engineering and creative-media facilities, and one of Asia's most multicultural student communities. APU offers student accommodation in and around the campus (single rooms publicly reported around USD 100–200/month) — YSTC will walk you through the current residence choices, room types and costs for your intake.
How much does it cost to live in Kuala Lumpur as a student?
Living costs in Kuala Lumpur and the wider Klang Valley are moderate and generally far lower than in the UK, US or Australia — covering accommodation, food and transport. Your exact budget depends on your lifestyle and housing choice, so YSTC will give you a personalised monthly estimate alongside your tuition figures, free of charge.
Can international students work while studying at Asia Pacific University (APU)?
International students in Malaysia may be permitted to work part-time during semester breaks and holidays under conditions set by Immigration, usually with university approval. Because these rules can change, we'll explain the current, accurate position for your situation during your free consultation rather than rely on outdated info.
How good are graduate job prospects from Asia Pacific University (APU)?
Very strong — APU reports excellent graduate employment outcomes in the Ministry of Higher Education's Graduate Tracer Study, backed by partnerships with companies like Microsoft, IBM, Cisco and Oracle, and a large global alumni network. It was also named Malaysia's Employers' Choice of University 2025. YSTC can talk you through outcomes for your specific course.
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