Higher Education in Malaysia > The Private Higher Education Institutions
The Private Higher Education Management Sector
Organization Structure
The primary role of the Sector is to guide the development of private
higher education institutions in Malaysia so that the country will provide
quality education, be a centre for knowledge creation and a producer of
competitive human capital.
The Sector's roles are as follow:
1- Formulating of Policies and Directions of Private Higher
Education
This Sector formulates policies and sets the direction for the
development of private higher education in the country.
The Private Higher Education Institutions Act 1996 facilitates the establishment
of private colleges, universities, university colleges and foreign branch campus
universities in Malaysia. The Act provides the framework or scope for the
development of PHEIs in the country.
As a result, it enables private universities, university-colleges and foreign
branch campuses as well as selected private colleges that conduct foreign
universities' degree programmes entirely in Malaysia through collaborative
arrangements (3+0 foreign university degree programmes). The availability of
degree programmes by private universities and 3+0 foreign university degree
programmes by private colleges have provided students with alternatives in
getting education at affordable fees. Previously, students only had the option
of either studying at public universities or universities abroad.
Collaborative arrangements in addition to the '3+0' foreign university programme
also come in the forms of '2+1' (i.e. 2 years in Malaysia and one year at the
foreign host-university), '2+2' (i.e. 2 years in Malaysia and 2 years at the
foreign host-university) or '3+1' (i.e. 3 years in Malaysia and one year at the
foreign host- university), etc.
Besides collaborations with foreign universities, there are also collaborative
arrangements between PHEIs and the public universities for programmes leading to
the award of Certificate, Diploma and Bachelor's Degree qualifications. These
arrangements are also increasing yearly.
On top of that, the private universities and university colleges have come up
with their own home-grown programmes which are of high standards and are
recognized by many countries in the world
2- Ensuring Quality Private Higher Education Institutions
This Sector ensures that operators of private higher education provide
quality education. Any institution that fails to comply with the rules and
regulations stipulated under Act 555 will be given the advice to improve and
strengthen their operations. However, if there is any constructive follow-up
action, such institutions will face legal action, including closure of the
premises), cancellation of operating licenses and the withdrawal of approval.
To ensure the provision of quality education, thus safeguarding the interest of
the public, the Sector conducts regular monitoring which includes:
• Marketing and advertising of courses • Total education fees structure •
Premises and educational infrastructure • Registration validity • New programmes
/ courses of studies • Members of the Board of Governors and constitution of the
institution • A registered Chief Executive Officer (CEO) • Academic staff who
are duly appointed and registered.
3-Evaluating & Approving the Establishment of PHEI and Courses
This Sector scrutinizes and evaluates all applications for the
establishment of PHEIs according to standard procedures. Upon satisfactory
evaluation, the Minister of Higher Education will grant the approval for the
establishment. PHEIs also need recommendation from the Malaysian Qualifications
Agency MQA (formerly was National Accreditation Board, LAN) to receive approval
to conduct courses. Approval from the Minister of Higher Education will be given
upon receipt of MQA's recommendation.
4-Monitoring and Enforcing Legislations
There are provisions in the Private Higher Education Institutions Act
1996 which pertain to the quality of education offered by the PHEIs. The Private
Higher Education Institutions Act 1996 is the legislative tool for monitoring
and ensuring that PHEIs offer quality education.
5-Providing Advisory Services
The Private Higher Education Management Sector also provides information
to the general public which includes prospective students, parents and employers
regarding the status of institutions and courses of study. The Sector also
provides information to would- be providers regarding the procedures to
establish a higher educational institution.
6-Data and Information Centre
The PHEI Management Sector regularly collects data and updates
information about private higher education institutions. The Sector also
publishes both general and statistical information on private higher education
for the benefit of the public.
Challenges
In its pursuit to meet the aspiration of the Government to
fulfil the Vision 2020, the Sector has anticipated certain challenges such as:
• Ensuring quality and competitive curricula
• Ensuring good governance of Higher Education Institutions • Ensuring quality
lecturers • Attracting international students to study in Malaysia • Providing
guidance to encourage the development of the higher education sector
Private Higher Education Management Sector Ministry of Higher
Education Malaysia
The Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Higher Education, which
is also popularly known as Jabatan Pengajian Tinggi (JPT) has sectors, divisions
and an administrative unit which are concerned with higher education in
Malaysia. The sector which is designated with the jurisdiction over private
higher education in Malaysia is known as the Private Higher Education Management
Sector which is led by the Deputy Director-General.
The Private Higher Education Management Sector was previously called the
Department of Private Education (JPS) which was established on 1st October 1995.
The move to rename the department as Private Higher Education Management Sector
(Sektor Pengurusan IPTS) is to provide more focus on the provision of quality
education by private higher education institutions (PHEIs). It strives to ensure
that the private higher education sector in Malaysia is competitive and can
fulfill the manpower needs of the country. This sector is entrusted with
formulating plans and strategies for private tertiary education in order to meet
and address global challenges ahead including having a current and efficient
data and information system.
Private higher education is to be the catalyst for attaining high quality
knowledge, producing competitive human capital and providing education of
international standing.
Private Higher Education Management Sector Ministry of
Higher Education Malaysia
Its scope of responsibilities includes the following:
• To legislate, re-assess, check and establish policies
related to private higher education.
• To process all applications related to private higher education institutions (PHEI)
under the legal provision related to PHEI.
• To set standards for private higher education and to ensure that the standards
are adhered to.
• To monitor and to enforce regulations related to the management of private
higher education institutions under the private higher education legal
provision.
• To manage the collection of all fees related to PHEI and the Department of
Private Education Trustee Account.
• To provide advice, guidance, counseling and consultation (regarding private
higher education) to clients.
• To manage the collection of data and information related to private higher
education.
• To be the referral source for matters related to private higher education in
Malaysia.
The 2 Categories of PHEIs (Private Higher Educational Institutions)
Non-university | University |
Private colleges | Private universities |
Private institutions | Private university colleges |
Foreign university branch campuses |
Mission : To ensure private higher education is of the highest quality through
proper policy planning, legislation, facilitation, encouragement and excellent
service to produce knowledgeable individuals with strong ethics.
Functions : To grants approval for the establishment of private higher
educational institutions (PHEIs). Also conducts enforcement and monitoring of
PHEI's activities.
Private institution that provide foreign pre-university qualifications :
Taylor's University College | One of the world's
largest pre-university centers providing uncompromised British,
Australian and Canadian education. It has been acknowledged as the
biggest independent centre in the world for the Cambridge A Levels
and South Australian Matriculation programme. The university college also runs the largest and most successful South Australian Matriculation (SAM) programme besides offering the International Canadian Pre-University (ICPU) programme. |
HELP University College | Edexcel International accorded the Centre of Excellence award for the exceptional delivery of the London Examinations GCE A Levels. This is in recognition of HELP'S superior facilities, outstanding quality of teaching by qualified and experienced lecturers, and the excellent pastoral support available for their students. Currently, HELP is the largest centre for the London GCE A Level examination outside the UK. |
Sunway University College | The largest provider
of AUSMAT in Malaysia and also has the largest Year 12 student
population among all Western Australian schools providing students
with the internationally recognized TEE qualification for University
Entrance. Sunway University College is the only higher educational
institution in Malaysia to provide the MUFY (Monash University
Foundation Year) programme on behalf of Monash University,
Melbourne, Australia. Its students who pursued the Cambridge GCE A Levels are now studying at top universities and colleges such as: Cambridge, Oxford, Imperial College London, London School of Economics, Durham, Southampton, Harvard, Princeton, Duke, California Institute of Technology, Boston, Stanford, Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland, Monash, National University of Singapore and Osaka |
Kolej Tunku Abdul Rahman | A major providers of STPM (Malaysia's pre-university qualification). |
KBU International College | |
KDU College | |
Kolei Tunku Ja'afar | |
Institute of Science & Management, Tawau | One of the professional and distinguished private institutions in Tawau Town, Sabah, |
Sedaya International University College | |
Olympia College | |
Stamford College | |
INTI International University College | |
Kolej Yayasan UEM | |
Methodist College Kuala Lumpur |
7 types of pre-university programmes
There are 7 types of pre-university programmes available for students aiming
a Bachelor's degree at a university.
The pre-university certificate is the basic qualification for grade 11 students
(SPM or GCE O Level school leavers) en route to the first year of a Bachelor's
degree programme. The duration of study is between one to two years.
Many students who pursued their Pre-University programme at private PHEIs have
gained placements in reputable universities around the world.
Only STPM qualifications and other Malaysian university foundation programmes
are accepted by Government's public universities. Other foreign pre-university
qualifications will not be accepted by government's universities unless special
approval is obtained.
Private Higher Education Institutions
PHEIs offer 7 type of Pre-university Programmes
Pre-University Qualification | Origin | |
1 | Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan | Malaysia |
2 | University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) for A and AS Levels | UK |
3 | Edexcel International for London Examination GCE A Levels | UK |
4 | South Australian Matriculation (SAM) | Australia |
5 | Western Australian Matriculation (AUSMAT) | Australia |
6 | New South Waies High School Certificate (Year 12) | Australia |
7 | Canadian Pre-Universally Programme (CPU) | Canada |
Education Levels of MQA
Levels of education in the higher education system detailed by Malaysian
Qualification Framework (MQF) :
Levels 1 to 3 Levels 1 to 3 include Skill Certificates awarded by skill training institutes, Vocational and Technical Certificates awarded by Community Colleges and Polytechnics as well as Certificates (Level 3 only) awarded by the Higher Education Sector. |
Levels 4 to 5 Levels 4 and 5 include Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas (General Degree) respectively, awarded by the Technical and Vocational Sector, the Skills Sector and the Higher Education Sector. |
Levels 6 to 8 Level 6 to 8 is for the first tertiary qualification, i.e. the Bachelor's Degree with Honous while Level 7 is for Master's Degrees and Level 8 for PhD / doctoral degrees. Under the lifelong learning category, there are graduate certificates and diplomas as well as postgraduate certificates and diplomas. |
Application to a PHEI
(PHEI - Private Higher Education Institutions)
PHEIs have been preparing students for tertiary education at top
universities worldwide since the 1970s. These private institutions offer a full
range of internationally recognized pre-university programmes.
PHEI offers Pre-university studies in Malaysia for upper secondary school
leavers with SPM (Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia) qualifications
Students with SPM / Senior Middle III / STPM / GCE 'O' Levels / GCE 'A' Levels
or other equivalent qualifications must APPLY DIRECTLY to the institutions
concerned. Unlike the enrolment into public universities at the diploma and
Bachelor's degree levels, there is no centralized enrolment agency that governs
the intake of students into private institutions. However, students are advised
to check with the governing authority of private higher education i.e. Sector of
Private Higher Education Management of MOHE as to whether the prospective
institution is authorized or approved by the Ministry. PHEIs' programmes are
offered to different levels of students and will lead to the award of a
Certificate, Diploma or Degree qualification. There are also a number of PHEIs
that conduct postgraduate degrees at Master's and PhD levels.
Private institutions (PHEIs) |
Public universities |
No centralized enrolment agency | Centralized enrolment agency that governs the intake of students into Government's Universities |
PHEIs provide a wide range of courses and award qualifications ranging from
Certificate, Diploma to Degree:
Private Colleges | Private Universities and University Colleges | Branch Campuses of Foreign Universities |
Private Colleges 1) Pre-university programmes (internal and external qualifications) 2) Internal or self-designed certificate and diploma qualifications 3) Foreign university degree programmes in collaboration with partner-universities 4) External professional and semi-professional examinations |
Private Universities and University Colleges 1) University foundation courses 2) Internal diploma and degree qualifications as well as foreign university degrees progrommes in collaboration with partner-universities |
Branch Campuses of Foreign Universities 1) Degree qualifications identical to that of the foreign university |
Academic Qualifications Required in Gaining Admission into
PHEIs
PHEIs will require some basic academic qualifications from applicants
beforeconsidering their applications for the respective study programmes. The
general entry requirement to pursue Diploma programmes is SPM or GCSE O Level
with a minimum of 3 credits, whereas students with STPM qualifications or its
equivalent such as GCE A Levels, University Foundation Programme, SAM, and CPU
are allowed to enter Year 1 of an undergraduate programme.
English Proficiency Standard for admission into PHEIs
English Proficiency Requirement
Proficiency in the English language is a basic requirement by PHEIs. Students
ore expected to have adequate knowledge and understanding of English, as this is
the language of instruction at the private colleges and universities. Various
international examinations such as GCE 1119, MUET (Malaysia University English
Test), TOEFL and IELTS are generally accepted for Bachelor's degree programmes.
Proficiency Test | Minimum Scores for First Degree Programmes |
TOEFL | 173 to 250 on a new computer administered test (equivalent to o score of 500 to 600 on the old paper-based test format) |
IELTS | 6.0 to 7.0 |
MUET | Band 3 to 6 |
PHEIs play a significant role in fulfilling the needs of tertiary education
for many local and international students. The courses offered are open to
Malaysian and international students that possess SPM / Senior Middle III / STPM
/ GCE O Levels / STPM / GCE A-Levels or other equivalent foreign qualifications.
Students can also select either the conventional full-time or part-time study or
the distonce learning mode in obtaining their qualification at reasonable costs.
Private Higher Educational Institutions (PHEIs) or Institut Pengajian Tinggi
Swasta (IPTS) have been playing a role as public universities in the provision
of tertiary education in Malaysia since the early 1980s.
Private higher educational institutions are non-government aided and
fully-funded by the private sector. Some are also listed on the Bursa Malaysia
(formerly known as Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange, KLSE). These institutions of
higher learning are under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE]
(Kemenlerian Pengojiion Tinggi Malaysia) and are stringently governed by various
legislations to ensure provision of quality education.
The four foreign university branch campuses offer internationally-recognized
foreign degree qualifications whilst the 32 private universities offer
home-grown degree programmes and 3 + 0 foreign university degree programmes.
There ore some 30 non-university status PHEIs (i.e. private colleges) that
conduct 3+0 foreign university degree programmes in collaboration with overseas
host universities, besides awarding their own certificate and diploma levels
qualifications to students.
Many of these Private Institutions have twinning degree arrangements with
reputable foreign universities all over the world. At the beginning of 2007,
there were more than 320,000 students studying in PHEIs and about 35,000
(approximately 10% of the total) were international students pursuing tertiary
programmes and English language courses.
Malaysia's private higher education is unique and renowned because it offers
students a wide variety of study options and a choice of both local and foreign
university qualifications of International standing to suit individual
preferences.
Private higher educational institutions (PHEIs) which offer tertiary education
must be approved by the Ministry of Higher Education (www. mohe.edu.my) as
required by Malaysian laws.
In addition to obtaining the approval to operate, the courses offered by PHEIs
need to be endorsed by the national quality assurance agency i.e. Malaysian
Qualifications Agency (MQA). Without the endorsement of MQA, any qualification
awarded to students by PHEIs is considered a breach of Malaysian education law
and the provider can be charged. Therefore, it is advisable for students to
check with the institution concerned whether the intended course of study is
endorsed by MQA.
An important point to note is that not all PHEIs in Malaysia, although approved
by the Ministry of Higher Education as education providers, are allowed to
enroll international students. In order to do so, PHEIs require an additional
license or approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs Malaysia (Immigration
Department).
RELATED TOPICS
Higher Education Management Sectors in Malaysia |