Twinning degree programmes started in Malaysia about 20 years ago and have since been very popular with students as a way to achieve an international Bachelor's degree.

In a twinning programme, students can complete either 1 year; 1½ years; 2 years; or 2½ years in Malaysia, out of the 3-year degree programme before going to the partner university overseas to complete the degree. The Malaysian educational institutions normally collaborate with well-known universities from the United Kingdom, Australia, the United States, New Zealand, France as well as Germany for these modes of study.
Other unique features of these type of programmes are that students register with both the local institution as well as the overseas university (dual registration) and are guaranteed admission to the next level in the overseas twinning university. The curriculum and course materials are provided by the partner university although taught locally (for the number of years the students choose to study in Malaysia). However, in some cases, some local content are introduced to meet the local authority's requirements. The examination is set and marked by the overseas partner university and the result transcripts are issued by them. The degrees will also be awarded by the overseas partner university.

Students get to acquire a foreign degree qualification with substantial savings on tuition fees and living expenses for the number of years spent studying in Malaysia. They also acquire the learning experience of two countries. For example, for a Law degree, one can save up to RM50,000 on tuition fees (excluding living expenses) if one were to pursue a '2 + 1' twinning degree of a reputable UK university at an established private institution in Malaysia.