
Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM)
Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
- Established
- 1956
- Students
- 179.9k
- International
- 600
At a glance
Visit official website- Top ranking
- QS World 542nd globally
- Established
- 1956
- Students
- 179.9k students
- International
- 600
- Campus city
- Shah Alam, Selangor
- Type
- Public university
Founded in 1956 as the RIDA (Rural & Industrial Development Authority) Training Centre; upgraded to Universiti Teknologi MARA on 26 August 1999.
About this university
About Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM)
Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) is a public university anchored in Shah Alam, the capital of Selangor, within Malaysia's Klang Valley near Kuala Lumpur. Its roots reach back to 1956, when it was founded as the RIDA (Rural & Industrial Development Authority) Training Centre, before being upgraded to Universiti Teknologi MARA on 26 August 1999. Today it stands as Malaysia's largest institution of higher learning by student population, built around a network of 34 campuses — anchored by the main campus in Shah Alam and reaching every Malaysian state outside the Federal Territories — so wherever your studies take you, you're part of one of the country's biggest and most established university communities.
UiTM is especially celebrated as a pioneer of Fashion and Textile Technology education in Malaysia, having run a Diploma in the field since 1974, a degree since 2000, and Master's and PhD programs since. It's equally known for its highly regarded TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language) teacher-training programs — long established and in strong demand, with the foundation (Asasi) TESL programme alone drawing more than 7,000 applications every year — alongside strong engineering and technology specialisations spanning chemical, polymer, civil, electrical, electronics and telecommunications. The university holds MQA Self-Accreditation Status (since 2 January 2017), with its programs registered on the Malaysian Qualifications Register, and it hosts Centre of Excellence designations including the Accounting Research Institute, recognised as a Higher Education Centre of Excellence by Malaysia's Ministry of Higher Education.
For international students, UiTM offers dedicated support to help you settle in, including visa and immigration counseling, accommodation at the Kristal Residential College, a free airport pickup service and cultural adaptation counseling. The university is ranked in the Top 3 among Malaysia's public universities for Graduate Employability (2024 National Graduate Employability Index, Talentbank), with 39 fields of study earning 6-star employability ratings, and it appears among Malaysia's Employers' Preferred Universities 2025 — a strong signal for where a degree here can take you. One important note: UiTM has recently halted new postgraduate international student intake to prioritise Bumiputera education, so programs open to international applicants can change. Whatever you'd like to study, YS Training & Consultancy can help you check which courses are open to you, 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 largest university by student population
UiTM is Malaysia's largest institution of higher learning, with a network of 34 campuses — anchored by the main campus in Shah Alam and reaching every Malaysian state outside the Federal Territories.
Pioneer in Fashion & Textile Technology
A trailblazer in Fashion and Textile Technology education in Malaysia — running a Diploma since 1974, a degree since 2000, and Master's and PhD programs in the field.
Highly regarded TESL programs
UiTM's Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) teacher-training programs are long established and in strong demand — the foundation (Asasi) TESL programme alone draws more than 7,000 applications a year.
Strong engineering and technology focus
Well known for its engineering and technology specialisations, from chemical and polymer to civil, electrical, electronics and telecommunications.
Top-3 among Malaysia's public universities for graduate employability
Ranked in the Top 3 among Malaysia's public universities for Graduate Employability in the 2024 National Graduate Employability Index (Talentbank), with 39 fields of study earning 6-star Top-rated Employability Ratings.
An employers' preferred university
Named among Malaysia's Employers' Preferred Universities 2025 list, alongside UM, UTM, Sunway and UTAR.
Rankings
World
Asia
World University Rankings by Subject (listed in 20 subjects across all five broad subject areas)
World University Rankings (overall band; strongest in Law, ranked 301–400 by subject)
Programs offered
UiTM is Malaysia's largest university system by student population, offering programs from foundation and diploma through to bachelor's, master's and PhD across a network of 34 campuses nationwide, anchored by its main campus in Shah Alam. YSTC will confirm which programs are open to international applicants for your intake.
Foundation
2 programs
Diploma
4 programs
Bachelor's
5 programs
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
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: Shah Alam, the capital of Selangor, sits in Malaysia's Klang Valley near Kuala Lumpur, with student housing, food and transport options around the campuses; living costs are generally moderate. YSTC will give you a personalised monthly estimate for your shortlist.
Campus & student life
Campus setting
UiTM's main campus is in Shah Alam, the capital of Selangor, within Malaysia's Klang Valley near Kuala Lumpur — the anchor of a 34-campus network that reaches every Malaysian state outside the Federal Territories. YSTC can tell you which campus runs your chosen program.
Accommodation
International students can be hosted at the Kristal Residential College, with other housing options around the campuses. YSTC will walk you through the current residence choices, room types and costs for your intake.
Student life
With one of the largest student communities in the country, UiTM offers a busy, diverse campus life. International students get dedicated support including visa and immigration counseling, accommodation guidance and cultural adaptation counseling. Ask YSTC for the latest on campus activities that match your interests.
Safety & support
UiTM provides international student support services — including visa/immigration counseling, accommodation at Kristal Residential College, a free airport pickup service (Mon–Fri, 8am–4:30pm) and cultural adaptation counseling — to help you settle in. YSTC can share current student-support details before you arrive.
Facilities
- Engineering, science and technology labs
- Fashion and textile technology studios
- Library and learning spaces
- International student support services
- Residential college accommodation
Careers & outcomes
Ranked in the Top 3 among Malaysia's public universities for Graduate Employability (2024 National Graduate Employability Index, Talentbank)
- 39 fields of study received 6-star Top-rated Employability Ratings
- Named among Malaysia's Employers' Preferred Universities 2025, alongside UM, UTM, Sunway and UTAR
- Maintains the ICAN Graduate Employability Dashboard for tracking graduate outcomes
- Active careers and employability support — ask YSTC for the latest on services and graduate destinations
A specific graduate placement percentage was not available at the time of writing. Internship details and graduate destinations vary by program — YSTC will confirm what applies to your chosen course.
Accreditation & recognition
- MQA (Malaysian Qualifications Agency) Self-Accreditation Status (since 2 January 2017)
- Malaysian Qualifications Register (MQR) — all programs registered after quality assurance
- Centre of Excellence designations including the Accounting Research Institute (HICoE — Higher Education Centre of Excellence by the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education)
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
- Intake dates vary by program and level — confirm the next available intake with YSTC
English requirement
Typically IELTS or TOEFL or an accepted equivalent, with a pathway available if you don't yet meet the requirement — the exact band varies by program. YSTC will confirm what your course needs.
International students are issued a Malaysian Student Pass via EMGS (Education Malaysia Global Services). The university's international office handles the Student Pass application after you accept your offer; YSTC manages the process 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
Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia (main campus); branch campuses in every Malaysian state outside the Federal Territories.
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 Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) located?
UiTM's main campus is in Shah Alam, the capital of Selangor, within Malaysia's Klang Valley near Kuala Lumpur. It's also Malaysia's largest university system — a network of 34 campuses that reaches every Malaysian state outside the Federal Territories — so the campus running your program may differ. YSTC will confirm exactly where your chosen course is based.
How much does it cost to study at UiTM?
As a public university, UiTM's fees vary by program and level, and we don't want to quote figures that might be out of date. Your free consultation with YSTC includes a clear, up-to-date cost estimate for the courses on your shortlist, so you know exactly what to budget before you commit.
Is a UiTM degree recognised internationally?
UiTM is a public Malaysian university that holds MQA Self-Accreditation Status (since 2 January 2017), with its programs registered on the Malaysian Qualifications Register after quality assurance. It also hosts Centre of Excellence designations including the Accounting Research Institute, recognised as a Higher Education Centre of Excellence by Malaysia's Ministry of Higher Education. YSTC will confirm recognition for your specific country and goals.
What is UiTM known for?
UiTM is a pioneer in Fashion and Textile Technology education in Malaysia — running a Diploma since 1974, a degree since 2000, and Master's and PhD programs. It's also known for highly regarded TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language) teacher-training programs in strong demand — the foundation (Asasi) TESL programme alone draws more than 7,000 applications a year — plus strong engineering and technology specialisations, and being Malaysia's largest university by student population.
When can I start, and what are the intakes?
Intake dates at UiTM vary by program and level, so the best move is to check with YSTC for the next available intake. We'll confirm the exact dates and application deadlines for your chosen course at no cost.
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 UiTM?
Scholarship and financial-aid availability changes each intake and by program, so the best move is a free YSTC consultation, where we'll check what you may qualify for and help you apply at no cost — rather than rely on figures that could be out of date.
What are the English language requirements for UiTM?
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 usually available so you can still progress. YSTC will confirm exactly what your chosen course needs.
Are courses at UiTM taught in English?
UiTM runs many programs in English — including its long-established TESL teacher-training degrees and a wide range of engineering, technology and business courses. The language of instruction can vary by program, so YSTC will confirm that your chosen course is taught in English before you apply.
What accommodation options are there at UiTM?
International students can be hosted at UiTM's Kristal Residential College, with other housing options around the campuses. 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 Shah Alam as a student?
Living costs in Shah Alam and the wider Klang Valley are generally moderate and 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 UiTM?
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 support does UiTM offer international students?
UiTM provides international student support services including visa and immigration counseling, accommodation at the Kristal Residential College, a free airport pickup service (Monday to Friday, 8am to 4:30pm) and cultural adaptation counseling to help you settle in. Note that the university has recently halted new postgraduate international student intake to prioritise Bumiputera education, so YSTC will confirm which programs are currently open to you.
Does UiTM have a good graduate employability record?
Yes. UiTM is ranked in the Top 3 among Malaysia's public universities for Graduate Employability in the 2024 National Graduate Employability Index (Talentbank), with 39 fields of study earning 6-star Top-rated Employability Ratings, and it's named among Malaysia's Employers' Preferred Universities 2025 alongside UM, UTM, Sunway and UTAR. YSTC can connect your questions to the latest on careers support and graduate outcomes.
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