Business & Management Courses in Malaysia

While starting a business seems like a one-person show, it takes a collective effort to make it flourish. 

If you are considering pursuing Business & Management studies, this guide will equip you with valuable insights. 

You will gain knowledge about the different branches of business and management studies.

10 Private Universities To Study Business & Management in Malaysia

1. Monash University Malaysia

2. Curtin University Malaysia

3. Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak

4. University of Nottingham Malaysia

5. Universiti Tenaga Nasional

6. Management and Science University

7. Sunway University

8. UCSI University

9. Taylor’s University

10. Heriot-Watt University 

You can choose from various fields of study alongside business management, like event management, international business, and logistics.

If you are interested in accounting or finance course, you may refer to this guide.

6 Top Public Universities in Malaysia Offering Business & Management Courses

The 6 universities from this list are acknowledged as some of the best in the world for this field by the QS World University Rankings (2023). Remember that your UPU application will determine your admission to these universities.

• Universiti Malaya (UM)
• Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)
• Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia  (UKM)
• Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)
• Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM)
• Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) 

Universiti Malaya

We can't miss out the country’s best-ranking university on this list – Universiti Malaya (UM)! UM is a well-known Malaysian university for business and management, ranking alongside institutions such as USA’s Princeton University, UK’s Lancaster University, Australia’s RMIT University and many other great ones worldwide.

Programmes include:

• Bachelor of Business Administration (estimated fees: RM 8,200)
• Master of Business Administration (estimated fees: RM 28,400)

Universiti Sains Malaysia

Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) follows closely in rank, being among the Top 200 globally in the QS rankings. USM offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses under its School of Management, where students can specialize in finance, marketing, operations management, organizational behavior, or international business.

Programmes include:

• Bachelor of Management (estimated fees: RM 4,400)
• Master of Arts, Management (estimated fees: RM 6,800 – RM 20,400 depending on duration of study)

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) combines the fields of economics, business management and accounting under its Faculty of Economics and Management. The faculty has four centres focused on inclusive and sustainable development, governance resilience and accountability, value creation and human well-being, as well as a global business and the digital economy.

Programmes include:

• Bachelor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation (estimated fees: RM 6,540)
• Bachelor of Business Administration (estimated annual fees: RM 20,900)

Universiti Putra Malaysia

Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) is another strong institution in this field. In addition to the university's full-time programs, UPM offers an executive program as an option for those already working but wishing to study part-time. Another highlight is that UPM is the first university in Malaysia to earn AACSB accreditation, which is a big plus point for any business organization.

Programmes include:

• Bachelor of Business Administration (estimated fees: RM 6,000)
• Executive programme, Bachelor of Business Administration (estimated fees: RM 2,250)

Universiti Teknologi MARA

Universiti Teknologi MARA’s (UiTM) undergraduate programmes are offered in 4 departments under the Faculty of Business and Management so that students can specialise in different areas of their choosing. These areas range from insurance and entrepreneurship to health administration and operations management. The Faculty has also received numerous awards for their banking and insurance, as well as retail programmes.

Programmes include:

• Diploma in Business Studies (estimated fees: RM 4,000)
• Bachelor of Business Administration (Hons) International Business (estimated fees: RM 5,000)

Universiti Utara Malaysia

Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) provides programs from the diploma to the doctorate level. The university's School of Business Management (SBM) is also very active, arranging events such as international conferences and talks by professors. 

Programmes include:

• Bachelor of Entrepreneurship with Honours (estimated fees: RM 4,000 - RM 5,000)

What are the entry requirements?

The average entry requirements in most places are stated below:

Foundation / Matriculation

• SPM: Pass with 5 credits in Bahasa Melayu, English, Mathematics and other two equivalent subjects / CGPA 2.00.
• O Level: Pass with 5 credits including in English.

Diploma

• SPM: Pass with 3 credits in Bahasa Melayu and other equivalent subjects.
• STPM: Pass with 2 credits or CGPA 2.00.

Bachelor’s Degree

• SPM: Pass with 3 credits in any equivalent subjects.
• Pre-university education or diploma in a related area with CGPA of 3.00 or above, credit in English at SPM level or its equivalent.

How long is the duration of study?

The duration of study in Malaysia for foundation, diploma and bachelor’s degree are usually the same among the institutions. The duration may differ according to your study mode and type of course.

The average duration of study for business and management qualifications are as follows:

• Foundation - 1 year

• Diploma - 2 - 3 years

• Bachelor’s Degree - 3 - 4 years

For your information, some universities offer fast-track degree programs, allowing you to finish the degree in a shorter period. Universiti Teknologi MARA, for example, lessens the credit hours for your degree course as an alternative to shorten the duration of study; by having most of the credit hours covered during diploma.

What are the main subjects in Business & Management courses?

Since business studies have many branches, the elective subjects change with your course choice but the core disciplines are still compulsory to enhance your skills and develop your business knowledge. Some of the core subjects are:

• Fundamental of Business

• Introduction to Marketing

• Human Resource Management

• International Business

• Entrepreneurship

• Accounting

What are the necessary skills for the business field?

Entrepreneurs are the owners of businesses they create to gain profits from selling products, providing services or doing trades.

On the other hand, a businessman is a market player who starts a business based on a common concept. Here is a list of the necessary skills required in the business field:

• Optimism – A good employer/employee sees failures as opportunities which can be worked on and solved, as being optimistic guides them to focus on the initial plan and reach for goals.
• Self-discipline – Self-discipline has many benefits, especially in maintaining businesses in the long run. By showing persistence through difficulties, you can retain and expand a business globally.
• Creativity – Creativity is the essence of problem-solving skills. Every stage in business requires creativity in brainstorming ideas, planning strategies and establishing a business entity.
• Leadership – A great leader must be able to admit mistakes, show the best examples and inspire others to reach for organizational goals. Having a good moral compass also builds trust between the employer and employees and gives room for improvement.
• Empathy - Humanity means nothing without empathy. Apart from striving for personal goals, an entrepreneur should be capable of helping employees reach for their goals and eventually contribute to a healthy workplace environment.

Career prospects in Business & Management field

There are many job opportunities in business and management as the number of businesses is increasing, especially in online shopping and e-commerce.
You can create opportunities depending on your skills by working for others or on your own.

The job descriptions for some careers and salaries are based on PayScale below.

1. Accountant

The financial operations of a business are taken care of by accountants and also auditors. They work on enhancing revenues, maintaining financial records and computing taxes.

Estimated yearly income: RM 48, 746 

2. Sales Executive

The product or service of a business needs a sales executive to reach its potential customers. Sales executives are behind closed sales, identifying new markets and evaluating market needs.

Estimated yearly income: RM 36,206

3. Event Manager

Event managers are responsible for ensuring the successful organization of events from start to finish, which includes negotiating contracts and collaborating with clients to fulfill their expectations.

Estimated yearly income: RM 57,239

4. Logistics Manager

Some companies supply products instead of services, so logistics managers must coordinate the distribution of purchases, control the shipping and receiving departments, and train personnel.

Estimated yearly income: RM 84,763

5. Marketing Manager

Marketing is important to make products and services known to people and, most importantly, potential customers. Marketing executives and managers are tasked with planning budgets, leading the team, and finding marketing methods for the specific product.

Estimated yearly income: RM 82,303

6. Business Consultant

Business consultants' duties are based on a contract basis to advise new or developing businesses. If you are interested in being one, you also need to be ready to provide expertise in the development and performance of businesses.

Estimated yearly income: RM 50,788

7. Human Resources & Admin Executive

Some human resources and admin executive responsibilities are conducting interviews, recruiting employment, controlling employers' and employees' rights, ensuring their salary payments are made on schedule, and managing disciplinary, absence, and more.

Estimated yearly income: RM 31,082

If you are interested and have what it takes to pursue Business and Management studies, you can contact our educational counselor now!