Best universities in Malaysia for Accounting and Finance

1. Universiti Malaya

2. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

3. Universiti Putra Malaysia

4. Universiti Teknologi MARA – UiTM

5. Monash University Malaysia

6. Universiti Sains Malaysia

7. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

8. University of Nottingham Malaysia

1. Universiti Malaya (UM) Malaysia Best Accounting University

Universiti Malaya (UM) is the highest-ranking public university for accounting and finance, according to the 2018 World University Rankings by Subject. UM’s degree programs are recognized nationally and internationally. The university’s faculty of business and accountancy also publishes 2 research journals, highlighting UM’s focus on advancing the field. Accounting and Finance are offered as 2 separate Bachelor degrees, while postgraduate programmes are available as well.

2. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) places a strong emphasis on the quality of its programmes so that students are equipped with relevant and important skills for the demanding profession of accounting. UKM’s list of prominent alumni includes Datuk Che Pee Samsudin, who graduated with the university’s Bachelor of Accounting degree course. He went on to become the Accountant General of Malaysia!

3. Universiti Putra Malaysia

Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) accounting and finance department falls under its faculty of economics and management – the first university faculty in the country to achieve accreditation from the prestigious Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). This is no surprise, as the university is reputed for its academic excellence. Most of the faculty’s lecturers are Ph.D. holders, so students are really learning from the best and the most experienced.

4. Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM)

 

UiTM is one of the top universities in Asia, ranking within the Top 150 out of almost 500 universities in the region, according to 2020 QS rankings.  The university offers various specializations in accounting, such as a Diploma In Accounting Information System and the unique Master In Forensic Accounting And Financial Criminology. That’s right – you could be a Forensic Accountant, which is just one of the coolest jobs ever. 

5. Monash University Malaysia

Australia’s Monash University ranked at number 23 in the global QS scale for accounting and finance. At Monash University Malaysia (the university’s Malaysian campus), students get to experience the same world-class education, at a cheaper price! The university’s department of Accounting and Finance is the largest in its School of Business, with staff that is very active in the research community. Accounting or Banking and Finance are offered as majors for undergraduate students of business and commerce.

6. Universiti Sains Malaysia

Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) received the 6 Star: Outstanding award, which is the highest level of quality a university can be rated for in the SETARA system. USM offers a Bachelor of Accounting course under its School of Management, while finance is one of the major academic areas in the university’s Bachelor of Management.

7. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) is not only another recipient of SETARA’s 6 Star: Outstanding award, but is also classified as one of Malaysia’s mature universities. At this top institution, students can pursue accounting in the university’s business school - the Azman Hashim International Business School. Some core courses include principles of microeconomics, business mathematics and financial management.

8. University of Nottingham Malaysia

Ranked with the 5 Star: Excellent award, the Malaysian campus of UK’s distinguished University of Nottingham is one of the country’s best higher learning institutions. Finance, accounting and management are offered as one programme for undergraduate students, while postgraduate students can pursue a Masters in Finance and Investment, or finance as an MBA specialisation.

What subjects will be studied?

There are many interesting topics you will cover throughout your programme. Here are some examples:

• Business Law

• Marketing

• Investment Analysis

• Economic Principles

• Quantitative Methods

• Taxation and Auditing

• Management Strategies

• Accounting Information Systems

Course structure differs between universities, but typically the programme will have core and elective modules, as well as industrial training for undergraduate students. Postgraduate students usually have to complete a dissertation or thesis as part of their studies.

Read: Top Engineering Universities in Malaysia

What are the career options?

If you’re wondering about post-study job opportunities, the answer to that is plenty! As mentioned before, accounting and finance play a very important role in any business, so recruiters are always on the lookout for people like you. This table will show you just some of your potential future careers and how much you will earn for each of them:

Job	Estimated average monthly income
Accountant	RM 4,700
Bank Manager	RM 8,000
Financial Controller	RM 14,250
Chief Financial Officer	RM 25,000

Why study accounting and finance in Malaysia?

Besides being able to study at some of the world’s best universities, students in Malaysia also get to:

• Spend less on excellent education

• Earn internationally recognized qualifications