Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR)

Institution Overview

Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) was officially launched on 13 August 2002 as a not-for-profit private university providing affordable quality education. It is established under the UTAR Education Foundation and registered under the Malaysian Private Higher Educational Institutions Act 1996.

Guided by its vision to be a global university of educational excellence, UTAR is highly reputed as one of the fastest growing private higher education institutions in the country with phenomenal growth in all aspects of its development since its inception. With the first intake of only 411 students in its Petaling Jaya campus in 2002, the University’s enrolment has now reached more than 20,000 students with campuses located in Kampar, Perak and Bandar Sungai Long, Selangor.

UTAR has graduated more than 80,000 students since its inaugural convocation in 2005 and has made impressive strides in establishing a strong reputation as a comprehensive University with dedication to achieving excellence in teaching and research.

Programme Outline

The University currently offers more than 130 academic programmes from Foundation Studies to Bachelor's, Postgraduate Diploma, Master’s, and PhD degrees in the fields of Accounting, Business and Economics, Actuarial Science, Mathematics and Process Management, Agriculture and Food Science, Arts, Social Sciences and Education, Chinese Studies, Creative Industries and Design, Engineering, Technology and Built Environment, Information and Communication Technology, Life and Physical Sciences, and Medicine and Health Sciences.

Academic resources and facilities

There are more than 3,000 computers installed in practical, project and research laboratories on Windows, UNIX and Apple OS platform. Over 120+ types of software available range from standard office applications to course-specific applications. 

Wireless internet available in 2 campuses. Web-based Learning Environment (WBLE)

allowing students to access lecture notes, tutorial and assignment questions, course materials, and a discussion platform among students and faculty members.

To date, the Main Library and Mary Kuok Library provides more than 308,800 of books and 6.3 million volume of eBook, e-Journals and online database (including theses and dissertations). Library patrons are able to access these online resources 24/7 from campus as well as off-campus.

There are more than 120 Laboratories and Workshops cater for Architectural, Art, Audio, Biochemistry, Engineering (all sorts including Industry Sponsor Laboratories), Construction Management, Design Room, Early Childhood, Bioscience, iMac, Internet/Online Radio, Journalism, PC, Photography, Simulation Ward, TCM Centre and other areas.

Student (local and International) support services

1. Orientation: For new students commencing studies at UTAR, the campus experience starts with our orientation programme which aims to facilitate a smooth transition into university life.
2. Peer Mentoring Programme: Our ‘peer-to-peer’ programme offers a connecting bridge between seniors and university freshmen. 
3. Accommodation: Students can find decent accommodations within walking distance of UTAR Kampar and Sungai Long campuses. 
4. Cafeteria: The cafeterias in our campuses offer a variety of affordable food options in a comfortable setting. Students also have access to nearby food stalls, restaurants, and amenities within walking distance from campuses. 
5. Bus Service: UTAR provides regular bus services that provide convenient transportation between campuses, KTM train stations, MRT stations, bus stops and housing areas. This is in addition to the public bus transports available within the vicinity of the campuses. 
6. University Bookstore: There are bookstores in UTAR Kampar Campus and Sungai Long Campus where academic books, stationery supplies, photocopying, book-binding, postal and other services are available.
7. Places of Worship: Surau or Muslim prayer rooms are available in all our campuses.
8. Medical and Healthcare Services: Medical and healthcare services are conveniently available near our campuses. The UTAR Hospital is located within the Kampar Campus compound and the Sungai Long Specialist Hospital Kajang is situated adjacent to the Sungai Long Campus. 
9. Centre for Healthy Minds and Wellbeing: The Centre offer holistic support, including mindfulness and positive psychology, to enhance mental, emotional and physical wellbeing. The aim is to empower staff and students, build resilience and foster compassion. 
10. Sports facilities: There are gymnasium at both campuses. In addition, there is a Sports Complex at the UTAR Kampar Campus with facilities for basketball, futsal, netball, tennis, volleyball and badminton. At the Sungai Long Campus, UTAR has partnered with nearby sports centres, allowing students and staff to access their facilities for free or at discounted rates. 
11. Clubs and Societies: In addition to sports activities, UTAR offers students the opportunity to join over 80 student clubs and societies on campus, providing a wide range of interests and activities for students to engage in.

Student development activities for employability

1. UTAR Explore the World Programme: The Programme offers UTAR students global networking opportunities, cultural experiences and foreign language learning through short-term student exchanges. Academic exchange and internship opportunities are available for undergraduate and postgraduate students. 
2. UTAR Soft Skills Development Certificate (USSDC): The USSDC is a certification programmes offered by UTAR that aims to develop students with essential soft skills required in the 21st century. The certification prepares students to meet the challenges and demands of the modern job market
3. UTAR Community and Voluntary Engagement (CARE) Programme: The UTAR CARE programme promotes community engagement through voluntary activities, fostering social responsibility and empathy among students. It offers opportunities for students to participate in various community projects, making a positive impact on society and developing their character. 
4. UTAR SDG Initiatives: UTAR SDG Initiatives extend beyond the provision of quality and affordable education. Over the years, UTAR has taken a leading role in spearheading sustainable initiatives that not only broaden the horizons of current students but also have a lasting impact on their lives and future generations. These initiatives aim to create a tangible and positive transformation in individuals and contribute towards a better world.
5. Unovate Centre: The Unovate Centre aims to foster an entrepreneurial culture on campus. It also aspires to nurture and accelerate the successful development of young businesses or start-ups during their early years.

The student experience

1. Student Exchange Programme: The academic exchange programme is open to students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate programmes. Students may choose to join our partner institutions/universities in overseas for a semester or up to one academic year.
2. Educational Tours: With both leisure and guided experiential learning combined, the educational tour packages cater to the public and international community demands for a more holistic approach that may come in the form of short trips, study abroad experiences, seminar vacations, skill enhancement holidays or educational cruises.
3. Research Attachment and Mutual Credit Recognition Programmes: The Research Attachment allows students to conduct research activities related to their research project at UTAR’s MoU Partner University or research collaborator’s institution. The duration of attachment is usually around 3-6 months, depending on the research plan.

Recognition and accreditation

1. Top 3 in Graduate Employability (among private universities in Malaysia) by Talentbank 2023
2. #5 in Private Higher Education Category for the Most Preferred Graduate Employers to Work For 2023 by Talentbank Graduates' Choice of Employer
3. #13 in Best Global Universities in Malaysia 2022-2023 in U.S. News Best Global
4. #174 in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Asia University Rankings 2023
5. #201-300 in Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2022 Top 300

Scholarships and financial aid

UTAR offers a range of scholarships, financial aid and study grants to support students in pursuing their tertiary education. These initiatives aim to make education more accessible and affordable for deserving students. Scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence, sport/artistic talent and other criteria. Additionally, UTAR provides student loans to help students who may face financial challenges. Through these programmes, UTAR strives to empower students and enable them to achieve their educational goals. To date, UTAR has offered over RM187 million in scholarships and loans benefiting more than 18,000 deserving students.

Why study in our institution

1. Embracing a holistic approach to education, with focus on personal character development and soft skills
2. Cultivating independent and self-direct learners with a thirst for knowledge, research and innovation
3. Academics who are dedicated and passionate, backed up cutting-edge facilities
4. A vibrant campus life with diverse range of student club activities
5. Developing global perspectives and communication abilities through international exchange programmes
6. Collaborating with industries to provide experimental learning and career opportunities
7. UTAR graduates are highly regarded, paving the way for diverse opportunities for further education and career
8. Academic qualifications that are highly recognised and accredit by renowned professional bodies
9. Realising educational dreams with affordable fees
10. Variety of government and private financial aid available for application through UTAR 

Rankings & Awards

SETARA/D-SETARA/ MyQUEST/QS/THE/Others