UNITAR International University
Petaling Jaya (Kelana Jaya), Selangor, Malaysia
- Established
- 1997
- Students
- 8k
At a glance
Visit official website- Top ranking
- QS Asian University Rankings 1001-1100
- Established
- 1997
- Students
- 8k students
- Campus city
- Petaling Jaya (Kelana Jaya), Selangor
- Type
- Private University
Founded in 1997 as University of Management and Technology (UMTECH), later rebranded as UNITAR International University. The first virtual university in Southeast Asia and among the earliest private universities in Malaysia. Currently owned and managed by Ekuiti Nasional Berhad (EKUINAS), a government-linked private equity company.
About this university
About UNITAR International University
UNITAR International University is a pioneering private university based in Kelana Jaya, Petaling Jaya, in Selangor — an urban, well-connected part of Malaysia's Klang Valley. Founded in 1997 as the University of Management and Technology (UMTECH) and later rebranded, it became the first virtual university in Southeast Asia and stands among the earliest private universities in the country. Its modern 15-storey main campus is just the centre of a wide network: UNITAR also runs 11 additional campuses and regional centres across West and East Malaysia, from Penang and Ipoh to Johor Bahru, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu, and it's owned and managed by EKUINAS, a government-linked private equity company.
What really sets UNITAR apart is its flexible, technology-driven approach to learning. It was the first university in Asia to receive a QS 5-Star Rating for Online Learning, and its 5-Star recognition also extends to teaching, employability, inclusiveness and specialist criteria — particularly in Accounting and Finance. You can study through a blend of online distance learning (ODL) and physical classroom formats, choosing the mode that fits your life, across programs that run from foundation and diploma right up to bachelor's honours, master's and doctorate level in fields like business, IT, design, education, psychology and communication. All of it is delivered in English.
For international students, UNITAR offers a welcoming, supportive setup: a dedicated International Student Admissions office, flexible January, May and September intakes, and hands-on help with your Malaysian Immigration Approval Letter and Student Pass. Just as importantly, UNITAR is built around graduate outcomes — it reports a 91% graduate marketability rate and an over-90% graduate employability rate, supported by 118+ industry partnerships and a curriculum shaped with industry input and aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Whatever you'd like to study, YS Training & Consultancy can help you choose the right UNITAR 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
First in Asia for online learning
The first university in Asia to receive a QS 5-Star Rating for Online Learning — a strong signal for flexible, high-quality digital study.
A pioneer of virtual learning
Founded in 1997 and the first virtual university in Southeast Asia, with a long track record in flexible, technology-driven education.
Strong graduate employability
A 91% graduate marketability rate and an over-90% graduate employability rate (per UNITAR), supported by 118+ industry partnerships.
Flexible ways to study
Combines online distance learning (ODL) and physical classroom formats, so you can choose the mode that fits your life.
Broad QS 5-Star recognition
QS 5-Star ratings also cover teaching, employability, inclusiveness and specialist criteria, particularly Accounting and Finance.
Government-linked backing
Owned and managed by Ekuiti Nasional Berhad (EKUINAS), a government-linked private equity company.
A wide campus network
A modern Kelana Jaya main campus plus 11 additional independent campuses and regional centres across West and East Malaysia.
Rankings
Asian University Rankings
5-Star Rating (Online Learning) — first in Asia
5-Star Rating (Teaching, Employability, Inclusiveness, Specialist)
Malaysian Higher Education Rating
Programs offered
UNITAR offers programs from foundation through doctorate across business, IT, design, education, psychology and communication, delivered through flexible online distance learning (ODL) and physical classroom formats. YSTC will confirm the current course list and delivery options for your intake.
Foundation
1 program
Diploma
11 programs
Bachelor's Honours
12 programs
- Accounting (Honours)
- Animation Design with Game Art (Honours)
- Business Administration (Honours)
- Education (Honours)
- Education - Early Childhood Education (Honours)
- Fashion Design with Marketing (Honours)
- Finance (Fintech) (Honours)
- Human Resource Management (Honours)
- Information Technology (Honours)
- International Business (Honours)
- Mass Communication (Honours)
- Psychology (Honours)
Master's
1 program
Tuition & fees
Foundation
Indicative only; YSTC to fill with official figures
Diploma
Indicative only; YSTC to fill with official figures
Bachelor's
Indicative only; YSTC to fill with official figures
Master's
Indicative only; YSTC to fill with official figures
Doctorate (PhD)
Indicative only; YSTC to fill with official figures
Fees are indicative figures gathered from public sources and can change each intake and by program. We confirm the exact current official fee for your chosen course before you commit — for free.
Living costs: Kelana Jaya, Petaling Jaya is an urban Klang Valley location well connected by LRT, buses and highways, with a range of 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 15-storey main campus with 280,000 sq ft of built-up area in urban Kelana Jaya, Petaling Jaya — well connected to public transport by LRT, buses and highways. The campus includes computer labs, wireless connectivity and a Knowledge Management Centre with e-books and databases. UNITAR also operates 11 additional independent campuses and regional centres across West and East Malaysia, including Alor Setar, Ipoh, Johor Bahru, Kota Bharu, Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Terengganu, Kuching, Melaka, Penang and Sungai Petani.
Accommodation
Two student hostels are available, Parklane and Grand. YSTC will walk you through the current accommodation choices, room types and costs for your intake.
Student life
Study spans flexible online and on-campus formats across a wide campus network, with an emphasis on creating employable, entrepreneurial global citizens aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Ask YSTC for the latest on student activities that match your interests.
Safety & support
The Kelana Jaya main campus is in a well-connected urban area of Petaling Jaya. YSTC can share current student-support and safety details before you arrive.
Facilities
- Computer labs
- Campus-wide wireless connectivity
- Knowledge Management Centre with e-books & databases
- Online distance learning (ODL) platforms
- Two student hostels (Parklane & Grand)
Careers & outcomes
91% graduate marketability rate and an over-90% graduate employability rate (per UNITAR), with a QS 5-Star rating in the employability category
- 118+ industry partnerships supporting job placement
- Curriculum designed with industry input, focused on real-world skills
- Emphasis on employable, entrepreneurial graduates aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals
- Active 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
- Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA)
- Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) approved
- Accreditation Service for International Schools, Colleges and Universities (ASIC)
- APEL (Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning) Centre
- Recognized professional accreditations in Accounting and Finance programs
- Employer's Top Choice recognition (Talentbank 2021)
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 (January, May and September) — confirm exact dates per program with YSTC
English requirement
Typically IELTS / TOEFL or an accepted equivalent, with a 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. UNITAR's International Student Admissions office assists with the Malaysian Immigration Approval Letter and Student Pass/Visa processing after you accept your offer.
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
Tierra Crest, Jalan SS6/3, Kelana Jaya, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, 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 UNITAR International University located?
UNITAR's main campus is in Kelana Jaya, Petaling Jaya, in Selangor — an urban part of Malaysia's Klang Valley that's well connected by LRT, buses and highways. The university also operates 11 additional campuses and regional centres across West and East Malaysia, from Penang and Ipoh to Johor Bahru, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu.
How much does it cost to study at UNITAR International University?
Tuition varies by level and program, and official fees change each intake. We don't want to publish a figure that might be out of date for your course, so your free consultation with YSTC includes a clear, up-to-date cost estimate for the programs on your shortlist before you commit to anything.
Is a UNITAR International University degree recognised?
Yes. UNITAR is accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) and approved by Malaysia's Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), and it also holds international accreditation from ASIC. It was the first university in Asia to earn a QS 5-Star Rating for Online Learning. YSTC will confirm recognition for your specific country and goals.
What is UNITAR International University known for?
UNITAR is best known as a pioneer of flexible, online learning — it was the first virtual university in Southeast Asia and the first in Asia to receive a QS 5-Star Rating for Online Learning. It's also recognised for strong graduate employability, with a 91% graduate marketability rate and an over-90% graduate employability rate (per UNITAR) backed by 118+ industry partnerships.
When can I start, and what are the intakes?
UNITAR offers flexible enrolment with intakes in January, May 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 UNITAR International University?
Scholarship and financial-aid availability changes from intake to intake, so rather than rely on outdated information, the best move is a free YSTC consultation. We'll check which current awards you may qualify for and help you apply at no cost.
What are the English language requirements for UNITAR International University?
Most programs ask for IELTS, TOEFL, or an accepted equivalent, though the exact band varies by course. If you don't yet meet the requirement, a pathway is generally available so you can still progress. YSTC will confirm exactly what your chosen course needs.
Are courses at UNITAR International University taught in English?
Yes — UNITAR's programs are delivered in English, so international students can study without learning Malay first. This also means your qualification is globally portable. YSTC will confirm the language of instruction for your specific course.
What accommodation options are there at UNITAR International University?
UNITAR has two student hostels, Parklane and Grand, and there are further housing options around the urban Kelana Jaya area. 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 Petaling Jaya 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 UNITAR International 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.
What are graduate outcomes like at UNITAR International University?
UNITAR reports a 91% graduate marketability rate and an over-90% graduate employability rate, supported by 118+ industry partnerships and a curriculum designed with industry input. It also holds a QS 5-Star rating for employability. YSTC can share current employability support details and connect your questions to real student experiences.
Interested in UNITAR International University? Talk to us free.
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