City University Malaysia

City University Malaysia (CUM) is an established private higher education institution, distinguished by a long history of academic expertise and a strong focus on meeting the requirements of the global job market. The university was founded with the aim of complementing national efforts in the higher education sector and has evolved into a multi-campus educational center, attracting a wide segment of local and international students seeking high-quality, affordable education in Malaysia.

Executive Summary and Strategic Location

Founding History and University Identity

City University's history dates back to April 1984, where it began its journey as the "Petaling Jaya Community College" (PJCC). Its founding coincided with an era of growing awareness regarding the necessity of private sector contribution to the national education system.

The institution underwent a significant transformation in its programs and structure, continuing its growth until 2016, the year it was granted "Full University Status," and officially became known as City University Malaysia. This extended history of over four decades demonstrates the institution's stability and reliability—crucial factors in building trust among international students.

Strategic Geographic Location and Reach

City University adopts a geographic dissemination strategy to enhance its national and regional reach and impact. The main administrative and academic headquarters are located in the Petaling Jaya area of Selangor state, within the Greater Kuala Lumpur scope, offering students a vibrant urban environment.

The university operates four key strategic branches serving different regions:

• Petaling Jaya: Main campus and administrative center.

• Cyberjaya: A strategic location in the Smart City and technology hub, reinforcing the university's focus on Information Technology (IT) and Engineering disciplines.

• Johor Bahru: Serves Southern Malaysia, offering geographical proximity to Singapore.

• Kota Kinabalu: Represents a gateway to serve the East Malaysian market (Sabah and Sarawak).

International Environment and Key Statistics

City University boasts an exceptionally international educational environment. The total student population is approximately 7,500 students. International students constitute a significant portion, exceeding 47% of the total, hailing from over 70 countries worldwide. This high focus on internationalization means the university is designed to serve the global community.

Accreditations and Global & Local Academic Rankings

City University's strong accreditations and rankings confirm the quality of its programs and their alignment with job market demands.

City University Malaysia: List of Bachelor Programs for International Students 2026

The following data represents a comprehensive table of the most important Bachelor (Honours) programs offered by City University Malaysia, designed to assist the international student in understanding the academic costs and competitive features of each program.

Specializations and Tuition Fees (The Best Economic Option)

City University Malaysia is characterized by offering highly competitive tuition fees compared to its high academic quality, making it an ideal economic choice for international students.

Currency Note: Total fees are estimated in Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) and converted to US Dollars (USD) based on an approximate exchange rate for illustrative purposes (1 USD ≈ 4.22 MYR).

First-Time University Administrative Fees

In addition to the academic fees mentioned above, the international student must settle a set of initial administrative fees. City University excels at providing substantial facilitations to international students through grants and exemptions.

City University Malaysia recognizes the importance of supporting international students. In this context, cooperation with Edubrink holds strategic value for the student.

Edubrink is not a traditional company but an advanced technical consultant that facilitates foreign students' access to education in Malaysia.

• Access to Reductions: International students applying through Edubrink can receive exclusive tuition discounts or assistance in securing higher percentages of the scholarships offered by the university (whose rates are not specified in this table).

• Ensuring Financial Transparency: Edubrink works to provide the student with a precise and detailed analysis of the costs after potential reductions, ensuring the highest level of value for the fees paid.

Summary of Key Specializations by Faculty

National Recognition and International Evaluations

National Recognition and QS Star Ratings

• National Recognition: Officially registered and licensed by the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), and all its programs are fully accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).

• QS Stars Rating: The university achieved an "Excellent 5-Star" rating in five vital categories, most notably:

  • Employability: 5 Stars, indicating the university's success in graduating individuals ready for the job market.

  • Online Learning: 5 Stars, showcasing its effectiveness in adopting Open and Distance Learning (ODL) models.

  • Inclusiveness: 5 Stars.

• Asian Ranking: City University achieved rank #=558 in the QS Asian University Rankings for 2026, placing it among the top 600 educational institutions on the continent.

Direct Professional and Industrial Accreditations

To ensure the validity of graduates' credentials for professional practice, the university has obtained accreditations from specific professional and industrial bodies:

• Architecture: Its programs are accredited by the Board of Architects Malaysia (LAM).

• Healthcare: Licensed by the Malaysian Ministry of Health (MOH) to offer Nursing programs.

• IT and Business: Recognized by global technology companies SAP and Oracle. This direct alignment with industry requirements gives its graduates a crucial competitive edge.

Strategic International Recognition

City University enjoys strategic international recognition that enhances its access to Asian markets, as its certificates are officially recognized by the Chinese Ministry of Education under a bilateral agreement signed in 2009. The university also collaborates with Chinese institutions within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative.

The Role of Edubrink in Facilitating Admission and Credentialing for Foreign Students

Edubrink is not a recruitment company or a traditional agency; it is an advanced technical consultant in higher education. For international students wishing to enroll at City University Malaysia, Edubrink undertakes vital tasks:

• Academic Alignment: Ensuring the foreign student's qualifications align precisely with MQA and MOHE requirements.

• Recognition Assurance: Leveraging deep knowledge of international recognitions to advise on the most beneficial academic pathways for students' home countries.

• Credential File Preparation: Accurate and fast electronic documentation of all professional and industrial admission requirements to ensure smooth and efficient acceptance.

Academic Structure and Detailed Specialized Programs

City University's academic structure is built around eight specialized faculties and centers, covering vital disciplines focused on technology, management, and applied skills.

Featured University Faculties and Pathways

The faculties offer programs across various levels (Foundation, Diploma, Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral):

• Faculty of Information Technology: Vital programs in Software Engineering, Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence), and Cyber Security.

• Faculty of Business and Management: Covers Accounting, Human Resource Management, Office Administration, and Islamic Banking.

• Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment: Programs in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Architectural Design, and Interior Design.

• Faculty of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences: Programs in Nursing, Occupational Health and Safety, and Medical Laboratory Technology.

• Faculty of Creative Industries: Includes Arts and Design, Mass Communication, Journalism, and Fashion Design.

Postgraduate Pathways and Flexible Learning

• Postgraduate Studies and Research: Managed through the "City Graduate School (CGS)," offering Doctoral programs (PhD & DBA) in key areas such as Business Administration, Information Technology, and Design.

• Flexible Learning (ODL): The university provides Open and Distance Learning (ODL) options for students unable to study full-time, including Bachelor's and Master's programs in Business Administration and Education, which supports its high 5-star rating in the Online Learning category.

Admission, Fees, and Financial Support (Economic Value)

City University is distinguished by offering high-quality education at an affordable cost compared to international standards, making it an attractive economic choice.

Admission Requirements and English Language Proficiency

The academic records of international students are subject to review and recognition by MQA. The university requires proof of English language proficiency via recognized tests such as:

Tuition Fee Analysis and Total Cost

City University is known for its competitive fees, as the basic cost of academic education is very low.

• Estimated Annual Gross Fee Ranges:

  • Bachelor's Programs: Range between MYR 24,000 and MYR 35,000 annually.

  • Postgraduate Programs: Range between MYR 25,000 and MYR 40,000 annually.

• Superior Economic Value: The net academic fees for specific programs are very low; for instance, the fees for Bachelor of Software Engineering or Information Technology are about MYR 13,200 annually.

Scholarships and Financial Support

The university provides various options for financial support to attract talent, including:

• High Achiever Scholarships: May reach a 100% full tuition fee waiver for one year for Bachelor's and Diploma students.

• Academic Commitment Grants: A 100% full fee waiver for Foundation Year programs for students who continue their Bachelor's study at City University.

The Role of Edubrink in Maximizing Fee and Scholarship Benefits

As an advanced technical consultant, Edubrink plays a crucial role in achieving maximum economic value for foreign students:

• Total Cost Analysis: Providing a detailed and transparent analysis separating the net academic fees from logistical costs (visa, insurance, etc.) for an informed financial decision.

• Scholarship File Development: Offering advanced guidance on how to build strong files for international students applying for scholarships, increasing their chances of obtaining additional tuition reductions or fee waivers.

Student Life and Logistics Services (The Major Competitive Advantage)

The quality of student life and the availability of logistics services are crucial factors for international students, especially in the Greater Kuala Lumpur region.

Physical and Academic Facilities

City University's facilities are designed to provide a learning environment that simulates real-world practice, including:

• Advanced Computer and Science Laboratories.

• Specialized Photography and Fashion Studios, and Culinary Arts Kitchens.

• Modern Library and Lecture Halls.

University Accommodation and Transportation (Inclusiveness Advantage)

City University offers a rare logistical competitive advantage in the Kuala Lumpur area:

• Affordable Accommodation: Providing off-campus housing in apartments (Damai Court Apartment) at an extremely economical monthly cost, amounting to about MYR 250 per month, which significantly reduces the overall financial burden on international students.

• Free Transportation: Providing regular free transportation services between the Damai Court residence and the campus using its private fleet.

This combination of token monthly rent and the provision of free transportation directly reinforces the university's 5-star rating in the "Inclusiveness" category by QS, as it removes cost barriers and ensures access for students from diverse economic backgrounds.

Conclusion and Strategic Recommendations

City University Malaysia offers a unique model in Malaysian private higher education, combining a solid institutional history, extensive professional recognition, and exceptional economic value.

Key Competitive Advantages

• Experience and Reliability: Four decades of history and full accreditation from MQA and MOHE.

• Employability and Industrial Accreditations: 5-star rating in Employability and direct accreditations from professional bodies (LAM, MOH, SAP, Oracle).

• Superior Economic Value: Very low basic tuition fees, supported by the privilege of near-token accommodation (MYR 250 per month) and free transportation.

Final Recommendations for International Students

City University Malaysia is an excellent strategic choice for international students who are focused on a professional career path and wish to limit living expenses without sacrificing the quality of education. Students are advised to consider specializations that hold specific professional accreditations, such as Nursing, Architecture, Business Administration, and Information Technology.

Edubrink: The Advanced Technical Consultant for Studying in Malaysia

Edubrink is your strategic partner in your educational journey in Malaysia. As an advanced technical consultant, Edubrink ensures that the foreign student benefits from City University's exclusive advantages (including affordable accommodation and free transportation) with the highest efficiency, focusing on resolving complex logistical challenges and providing added value to the student.