Top 6 Reasons Malaysians Choose Sunway University

As a Malaysian student, you want a university that’s globally recognised, affordable, and sets you up for a good career and that’s exactly what Sunway University offers.

Ranked in the Top 500 worldwide (THE 2025), Top 75 in Asia (QS 2025), and named the #1 private university in ASEAN (AppliedHE 2023 & 2024), Sunway shows you don’t need to go overseas for world-class education.

It’s also ranked #1 in Malaysia for Graduate Employability (Talentbank 2022–2025), giving parents peace of mind and students the confidence that their degree will lead to real opportunities.

And it’s all happening in Sunway City Kuala Lumpur. For Malaysians, this means you get global opportunities, career-ready pathways, and an exciting campus lifestyle,  all while staying close to home.

Top 6 Reasons Malaysians Choose Sunway University

Choosing the right university is a big decision — but with Sunway, you get global recognition, career-ready skills, and all the perks of studying close to home. Here’s why Malaysians consistently rate Sunway among the best private universities in Malaysia:

1. Global Rankings & Recognition

When you’re deciding where to study in Malaysia, rankings matter. They reflect the quality of teaching, research, and how employers view your degree. Sunway University stands out with achievements that prove you don’t need to go abroad to get a world-class education.

• Times Higher Education (THE) 2025 → Ranked in the 401–500 band globally, alongside many established universities worldwide.
• QS Asia Rankings 2026 → Listed among the Top 75 universities in Asia, showing strong regional recognition.
• Shanghai ARWU → One of the only private universities in ASEAN to make the cut, an achievement usually dominated by public universities.
• Graduate Employability → Ranked #1 in Malaysia by Talentbank for four consecutive years (2022–2025), proving employers consistently value Sunway graduates.

2. A Truly International Campus

You don’t have to leave Malaysia to experience global exposure, Sunway brings the world to you. Studying here means gaining international connections, opportunities, and recognition, all while staying close to home.

🟦 Lancaster Dual Degree (UK + Sunway) → Graduate with two degrees, one from Sunway University and another from Lancaster University, UK, without the cost of studying full-time abroad.

🟦 Global partnerships → Collaborations with leading institutions like Harvard Medical School, University of Cambridge, and the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network mean you’re part of projects with worldwide impact.

🟦 International peers → With students from over 60 countries (17% of the student body international), you’ll build friendships and networks that cross borders, giving you the same multicultural environment you’d find overseas.

🟦 Exchange opportunities → Want to study abroad for a semester? Sunway’s partner universities make it possible, giving you international exposure on your own terms.

3. Career Support That Gets You Job-Ready in Malaysia

At the end of the day, most students (and parents!) want one thing — a clear path to a great career. Sunway University has built one of the strongest employability ecosystems in Malaysia to make sure you’re not just graduating with a degree, but with real industry experience.

🟦 CareerX Hub → Your go-to centre for internships, job placements, and career guidance. It connects you directly with industry so you don’t have to figure things out alone.

🟦 3-tier coaching model → From Day 1, you’ll have an Academic Success Coach. Later, you’ll be matched with an Industry Coach for insider advice, and finally, an Executive Coach to polish your career readiness before you graduate.

🟦 Internship opportunities → Work with top employers in Malaysia and beyond, including Grab, PwC, Deloitte, Maybank, and Sunway Group, giving you practical experience with the companies everyone wants to join.

🟦 #1 in Malaysia for Graduate Employability → Ranked by Talentbank four years running (2022–2025), Sunway graduates are consistently the most sought-after by employers nationwide.

4. Research & Innovation That Impacts Malaysia

At Sunway University, research is about solving real challenges that impact Malaysia and the region. Sunway’s projects are designed to make life better for Malaysians while building global recognition.

🟦 Healthcare & Genomics → In partnership with the University of Cambridge, Sunway is advancing genomics research that could improve how diseases are detected and treated in Malaysia. This means students in life sciences get hands-on exposure to projects shaping the future of healthcare.

🟦 Sustainability & Planetary Health → Hosting the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) Asia Headquarters, Sunway is driving initiatives that tackle climate change, food security, and community health.

🟦 AI & Digital Innovation → From artificial intelligence to digital media, Sunway’s research centres are preparing students for Malaysia’s fast-growing tech industry, giving you future-ready skills in demand by local and global employers.

Sarawak Drone Project → Sunway researchers are using drones and AI to monitor mangrove health in Sarawak, helping indigenous communities replant forests and strengthen eco-tourism.

5. Life at Sunway City Kuala Lumpur

Studying at Sunway University means you’re right in the heart of Sunway City Kuala Lumpur (SCKL), Malaysia’s first fully integrated green smart city. It’s more than just a campus; it’s a lifestyle designed to make student life safe,convenient, and exciting.

🟦 Student-friendly housing → Whether you’re from Klang Valley or another state, Sunway’s on-campus and nearby residences make student living easy and affordable, with everything you need within walking distance.

🟦 Green & smart township → SCKL is designed with sustainability in mind, featuring eco-friendly infrastructure, a cashless ecosystem, and smart city planning that makes life smoother for students.

🟦 World-class healthcare & safety → For students coming from out of town, living in Sunway’s residences means peace of mind. With 24/7 security and the Sunway Medical Centre just minutes away, both students and parents can feel assured that health, safety, and support are always close at hand.

🟦 Clubs, sports & lifestyle perks → More than 80 student clubs and societies, plus access to sports facilities, events, and community activities, make it easy to balance academics with a vibrant social life.

6. Scholarships & Financial Aid for Malaysian Students

i. Jeffrey Cheah Entrance Scholarships (Pre-U, Diploma & Degree)

ii. Jeffrey Cheah ACE Progression Scholarships (Sunway Students Only) 

iii. Postgraduate Scholarships for Malaysians

iv. Other Financial Aid Options for Malaysians 

Why Malaysian Students Choose Sunway University

For many Malaysians, the big question is: “Do I need to go overseas to get a world-class degree?” The answer is no, and Sunway University proves it.

🔷 English-medium teaching for global careers → All programmes at Sunway are taught in English, which means you’ll graduate ready for both local and international job markets without worrying about language barriers.

🔷 Global recognition, local convenience → With rankings in the Top 500 universities worldwide (THE 2025) and a dual degree option with Lancaster University (UK), you get international credentials while staying close to family in Malaysia.

🔷 Affordable alternative to studying abroad → Compared to tuition and living costs in the UK, US, or Australia, studying at Sunway gives you the same global recognition at a fraction of the cost.

🔷 Global connections at your doorstep → Sunway hosts international partnerships with world-class institutions like Lancaster University, Cambridge, and Harvard, giving Malaysian students access to global opportunities.

🔷 A campus that feels like home → While you’re getting international exposure, you’re still in a familiar environment — Malaysian food, culture, and community are right outside your door, making the transition to university life smoother.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Sunway good for Malaysian students?

Yes! Sunway University has been named #1 in Malaysia for Graduate Employability by Talentbank (2022–2025). With strong industry partnerships and global recognition, you’re getting international quality right here at home.

2. Does Sunway offer scholarships for Malaysians?

Definitely. Malaysians can apply for Jeffrey Cheah Foundation scholarships, Jeffrey Cheah ACE Scholarships (progression from Pre-U, Diploma, or Foundation), and various entrance awards. These can cover up to 100% of tuition fees, making high-quality education more accessible.

3. Can Malaysians get a dual degree?

Yes! Sunway offers a dual degree with Lancaster University, UK. That means you graduate with two certificates, one from Sunway and one from Lancaster.

4. How employable are Sunway graduates in Malaysia?

Sunway graduates are known for being work-ready from day one. With internship opportunities at leading companies like Grab, PwC, Deloitte, and Sunway Group, students gain real industry experience before graduating. That’s why employers see Sunway grads as confident, skilled, and ready to contribute to Malaysia's job market.

5. Is Sunway University better than studying abroad?

For many Malaysians, yes. You get a world-ranked degree with international recognition, dual degree options, and industry links, all while staying close to home and saving significantly on costs.

6. How much does it cost to study at Sunway compared to overseas?

Studying at Sunway is far more affordable. Tuition fees and living costs in Malaysia are a fraction of what you’d pay in the UK, US, or Australia. On average, Malaysian students spend RM1,200–2,000 per month on living expenses, making Sunway a smart, cost-effective choice.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Thousands of Malaysian students have already chosen Sunway University for its world-class degrees, career-ready pathways, and affordable education that rivals overseas options. Whether you’re looking at a dual degree or scholarships that make studying more accessible, Sunway is one of the best Universities in Malaysia.