
Sunway University
Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
- Established
- 2004
- Students
- 10k+
- International
- ~15%
At a glance
Visit official website- Top ranking
- QS World #410
- Established
- 2004
- Students
- 10k+ students
- International
- ~15%
- Campus city
- Bandar Sunway, Selangor
- Type
- Private (not-for-profit)
Established in 2004 by the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation; granted full university status in 2011. Operated on a not-for-profit basis.
About this university
About Sunway University
Sunway University is a young but fast-rising private university in Bandar Sunway, Selangor — a lively, self-contained township in Malaysia's Klang Valley, just outside Kuala Lumpur. Established in 2004 and granted full university status in 2011, it's run on a not-for-profit basis by the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation, and its modern, ~22-acre campus sits right beside shopping malls, restaurants, a theme park and direct public transport links — so student life is busy, safe and genuinely fun from day one.
In a short space of time, Sunway has earned a remarkable place among the world's ranked universities. It became the world's most-improved university in the QS World University Rankings 2026, climbing 129 places from #539 to #410 globally, and rose to #55 in Asia — among the top 20 in Southeast Asia. It's the only private university in ASEAN ranked across all three major global systems (QS, Times Higher Education and ShanghaiRanking). Sunway is especially well regarded for business — its school holds AACSB accreditation — along with hospitality, and a growing range of computing, science and engineering programs, and it offers dual award degrees with Lancaster University in the UK alongside partnerships with Le Cordon Bleu and Arizona State University. Everything is taught in English.
For international students — about 15% of the 10,000-plus student body, from dozens of countries — the draw is the combination of global recognition, a welcoming and diverse campus, and the affordability and lifestyle of studying in Malaysia. Sunway has also been named Malaysia's #1 university for graduate employability by Talentbank for four years running (2022–2025) — a strong signal for where a degree here can take you. As a guide, most bachelor's programs cost around RM 30,000–50,000 per year, though fees change by intake and program. Whatever you'd like to study, YS Training & Consultancy can help you choose the right Sunway 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
World's most-improved university (QS 2026)
Climbed 129 places from #539 to #410 in the QS World University Rankings 2026 — the single biggest jump of any university worldwide that year.
Top 100 in Asia
#55 in the QS Asia University Rankings 2026 (up 19 places), among the top 20 in Southeast Asia.
Malaysia's #1 for graduate employability
Ranked the country's top university for graduate employability by Talentbank for four years running (2022–2025).
Dual awards with Lancaster University (UK)
Graduate with a UK Lancaster University degree alongside your Sunway qualification on participating programs.
AACSB-accredited business school
Sunway Business School holds AACSB accreditation (2022) — a mark held by the world's top business schools.
Not-for-profit, mission-driven
Run on a not-for-profit basis by the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation, so surpluses are reinvested into education and research.
A campus in the heart of a township
A 22-acre, ~RM350 million campus in Bandar Sunway with malls, restaurants, a theme park and direct BRT/KTM links right at the doorstep.
Rankings
World
Asia
Hospitality & Leisure Management (World, by Subject)
World (band)
Impact Rankings (World)
Best Global Universities (5th in Malaysia)
National rating
World's most-improved university (QS 2026), up 129 places from #539 to #410
QS World trajectory
- 2024#586
- 2025#539
- 2026#410
Programs offered
Sunway offers roughly 55 undergraduate and 36 postgraduate programs. Pre-university and diploma courses are run via the separate Sunway College, creating a direct pathway into the university.
Bachelor's
9 programs
Master's
4 programs
PhD
1 program
Tuition & fees
Foundation / Pre-University
≈ RM 16,850 – 30,400 (total programme, indicative)
International pre-university can run higher (up to ≈ RM 54,400). Confirm current official fee with YSTC.
Diploma
≈ RM 25,000 – 60,000 (total programme, indicative)
Varies by program — confirm with YSTC.
Bachelor's
≈ RM 30,000 – 50,000 / year (≈ RM 90,000 – 150,000 total, indicative)
Medicine and some specialised degrees are higher (full-program totals up to ≈ RM 500,000). Confirm current official fee with YSTC.
Postgraduate (Master's / PhD)
≈ RM 40,000 – 80,000 (total programme, indicative)
Varies by research area — confirm with YSTC.
Professional (ACCA / ICAEW)
≈ RM 10,295 – 72,592 (indicative)
Confirm with YSTC.
Fees are indicative figures gathered from public education portals and can change each intake and by program. A one-off enrolment/registration fee (≈ RM 500–1,000) typically applies. International students at Malaysian private universities are also subject to the 6% service tax introduced in July 2025, plus EMGS Student Pass fees. We confirm the exact current official fee for your chosen course before you commit — for free.
Living costs: Bandar Sunway is a self-contained township in the Klang Valley with on- and off-campus housing, food and transport options; living costs are moderate. YSTC will give you a personalised monthly estimate for your shortlist.
Campus & student life
Campus setting
A modern, ~22-acre campus in Bandar Sunway (Sunway City Kuala Lumpur), a self-contained township in Selangor's Klang Valley just outside KL — surrounded by shopping malls, restaurants, a theme park and direct BRT and KTM public-transport links. Campus-wide 24-hour Wi-Fi covers classrooms, halls, library and common areas.
Accommodation
Official residences can be applied for via sunwayhouse.com.my, with more housing options around the township. YSTC will walk you through the current residence choices, room types and costs for your intake.
Student life
A busy, diverse campus with student clubs, societies and events, set beside the wider Sunway township's shopping, dining and entertainment — so there's plenty to do beyond class. Ask YSTC for the latest on clubs that match your interests.
Safety & support
Bandar Sunway is a managed, gated township with on-site security; the campus is well connected and walkable. YSTC can share current student-support and safety details before you arrive.
Facilities
- Library & learning commons
- Science, computing & engineering labs
- Sports & recreation facilities
- Student lounges & study spaces
- Cafés & dining across the township
Careers & outcomes
Malaysia's #1 for graduate employability (Talentbank Graduate Employability Rankings, 2022–2025)
- Strong industry links across business, hospitality and technology
- Internship and placement opportunities built into many programs
- Dual-award routes with Lancaster University (UK) that strengthen global employability
- Active careers and employability support — ask YSTC for the latest on services and graduate destinations
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
- Recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE)
- 5-Star (Excellent) SETARA rating
- Lancaster University (UK) dual award degrees
- AACSB-accredited business school (2022)
- Partnerships incl. Le Cordon Bleu and Arizona State University
- Only private university in ASEAN ranked across QS, THE and ShanghaiRanking
- 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 (commonly January, April and September) — confirm exact dates per program with YSTC
English requirement
Typically IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL or equivalent, with an intensive English pathway available if you don't yet meet the requirement — exact band varies by program. YSTC will confirm what your course needs.
International students are issued a Malaysian Student Pass via EMGS. Sunway's International Office handles the Student Pass application after you accept your offer; offer letters are typically issued within a few working days of a complete application.
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
Sunway University, No. 5, Jalan Universiti, Bandar Sunway, 47500 Subang Jaya / Sunway City Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Malaysia
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 Sunway University located?
Sunway University is in Bandar Sunway (Sunway City Kuala Lumpur), Selangor — a vibrant, self-contained township in Malaysia's Klang Valley, close to Kuala Lumpur and well connected by the BRT and KTM lines, with shopping, dining and a theme park right next door.
How much does it cost to study at Sunway University?
As a guide, most bachelor's programs run around RM 30,000–50,000 per year (roughly RM 90,000–150,000 in total), with foundation programs lower and Medicine considerably higher. A small one-off enrolment fee also applies. These are indicative figures that change by intake and program — your free consultation with YSTC includes a clear, up-to-date cost estimate for the courses on your shortlist.
Is a Sunway University degree recognised internationally?
Yes. Sunway is MQA accredited and recognised by Malaysia's Ministry of Higher Education, holds a 5-Star SETARA rating, ranks among the world's universities in QS and THE, and offers dual award degrees with Lancaster University in the UK. It's the only private university in ASEAN ranked across QS, THE and ShanghaiRanking. YSTC will confirm recognition for your specific country and goals.
What is Sunway University known for?
Sunway is best known for business (its school is AACSB-accredited), hospitality and culinary arts, and a fast-growing range of computing, science and engineering programs. It's also Malaysia's
When can I start, and what are the intakes?
Sunway typically has several intakes a year, commonly around January, April and September. Exact dates depend on your program — YSTC will confirm the next available intake and the application deadlines for you.
How do I apply, 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 Sunway University?
Yes. Sunway offers a range of scholarships and tuition awards — typically merit-based (on your academic results) and some need-based or program-specific — for international students. Availability and amounts change each intake, so the best move is a free YSTC consultation, where we'll check which scholarships you qualify for and help you apply at no cost.
What are the English language requirements for Sunway University?
Most programs ask for IELTS 6.0, TOEFL, or an accepted equivalent, though the exact band varies by course (some, like Medicine, are higher). If you don't yet meet the requirement, Sunway offers an intensive English pathway so you can still progress. YSTC will confirm exactly what your chosen course needs.
Are courses at Sunway University taught in English?
Yes — all of Sunway University's programs are taught entirely in English, so international students can study world-class courses without learning Malay first. This also means your qualification is globally portable.
What accommodation options are there at Sunway University?
Sunway sits in a self-contained township, so there are on- and off-campus housing options within walking distance of the campus, plus food, transport and shopping right there. Costs depend on the room type and how you like to live — YSTC will walk you through the current options and a realistic monthly budget for your intake.
How much does it cost to live in Bandar Sunway as a student?
Living costs in the 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 Sunway University?
International students in Malaysia may be allowed to work part-time during semester breaks and holidays under specific conditions set by Immigration, usually with university approval. The rules can change, so we'll explain the current, accurate position for your situation during your free consultation rather than rely on outdated info.
Is Sunway University a good and safe place for international students?
Sunway is a popular choice for international students — it's set in a managed, gated township with on-site security, an active and diverse campus community, and Malaysia's
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