Best Universities for Architecture in Malaysia: Your Guide to Courses & Jobs

Architecture has always been one of the most sought after programme in Malaysia. For many Malaysians dreaming of becoming an architect, their passion might stem from the endless list of inspiring local architecture that decks the Malaysian landscape. What better way to realise this dream than to study architecture here locally in Malaysia.

It’s vital to understand what you’re about to enter. Although it also comes with a trail of challenges - long hours, huge chunks of workload and critical focus on details - having an architecture degree can be rewarding.

An architecture degree focuses more on the concept and ideation of the design on paper. It is a mixture of art and construction engineering that involves planning, surveying, construction, and even decorations.

Architecture also involves other disciplines, such as interior design, landscape, and urban planning. Hence, architecture is regarded as a field that can give you skills for a wide range of careers.

What is architecture all about?

Architecture blends creativity, technology, and sustainability, empowering you to design spaces that are functional, aesthetic, and future-focused. By developing technical and problem-solving skills, you’ll learn to shape environments that meet modern needs.

This course not only prepares you for a rewarding career in architecture but also opens pathways to related fields such as Interior Design, Landscape Architecture, and Urban Planning, where you can explore specialized aspects of designing the built environment.

Why Study Architecture in Malaysia?

Are you still confused whether Malaysia is the right destination to study architecture course? Well, here is why it is!

Top-ranked Universities: Malaysian universities are increasingly ranking in the QS World University Rankings, with top institutions like Universiti Malaya (UM), Taylor's University, and UCSI University gaining recognition for their robust architecture programs. Their architecture courses emphasize innovative design and sustainable practices, equipping graduates with the skills needed to excel in a competitive field.

Innovative Learning: Architecture courses in Malaysia focus on innovative, project-based learning. This hands-on approach lets students explore real-world challenges, blending creativity with essential technical skills. By working on actual projects, students gain valuable experience that prepares them for their future careers. 

Growing Industry: The Malaysian construction market is projected to grow at over 5% annually from 2025 to 2028. This growth, fueled by increased exports and investments in manufacturing and housing, creates numerous job opportunities for architecture graduates in design, urban planning, and sustainable development. As demand for skilled professionals rises, fresh graduates can look forward to grow in the expanding industry.

Sustainable Focus: Many architecture programs in Malaysia are now emphasizing sustainable design principles, reflecting global trends towards eco-friendly practices. This focus prepares students to address the growing need for environmentally responsible architecture solutions. By integrating sustainability into their curriculum, these programs help future architects with the skills to create buildings that minimize environmental impact while enhancing functionality and aesthetics.

Affordability: Malaysia offers competitive tuition fees compared to Western countries. For instance, a Bachelor's degree in architecture can cost around RM 30,000 to RM 50,000, making it a budget-friendly option for international students.

For comprehensive insights on your study options, check out Top 25 Malaysian Universities QS Ranking.

10 Best Ranked Universities offering architecture courses in Malaysia

Now that you have more knowledge about studying architecture in Malaysia, below are ten recognised institutions offering this course in Malaysia.

Each university offers different LAM recognition level. So, be sure to do your research!

1. University of Malaya (UM)

Universiti Malaya (UM) is an internationally and locally recognised university. It is one of the top university in Asia, ranking 65th in the QS World University Rankings 2022. Its faculty of Built Environment offers a wide range of comprehensive bachelor’s degree and master's degree that are recognised by a relevant local and international professional organisation.

The faculty is known to emphasise academic excellence and at the same time providing opportunities for international participation.

2. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia is a locally and internationally recognised institution, their Faculty of Built Environment and Surveying offers undergraduates architectural programmes. Their programmes offer the LAM part I recognition. The faculty have won numerous awards such as the 21st Pacific Association of Quantity Surveyors 2017 for Best Paper Award, 11th International Symposium on Architectural Interchanges in Asia (ISAIA) Special Chief Jury Award and its students receiving awards from the Asia Young Designer Awards (AYDA) 2020 organised by Nippon Paint. With that, It is considered one of the top architecture schools in Malaysia.

3. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) is an internationally and locally recognised university ranking in Top 150 in the QS World University Rankings 2022. Its faculty of Engineering and Built Environment offers a wide range of undergraduate programmes.

Its Bachelor of Science with Honours (Architecture) is a LAM part I recognised the programme. The faculty emphasizes on controlling the quality of its education through continuous assessments while striving towards realising its mission; which is to be ahead in terms of educational development and moral upbringing.

The faculty is known for its research and publications works by their profound academicians and integrating the knowledge of local culture into their teachings.

4. Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)

Universiti Sains Malaysia is one of the leading university in Asia, it ranks at 147 in the QS World University Rankings 2022. It is the only APEX (Accelerated Programs for Excellence) university in Malaysia. For such reason, USM is known as a world-class entity. Its qualification is recognised locally and internationally. USM is an autonomous university that is fully funded by the government.

It is also known as the most sustainable university in the region and is currently working their way towards earning a GLOBAL most sustainable university status. Its School of Housing, Building and Planning offers a wide variety of programmes ranging from short courses to postgraduate programmes that are recognised as LAM part I and II.

The faculty is best known for their academic staff which are made up of remarkable researchers and practitioners in the industry.

5. Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM)

Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) is one of the top universities in Malaysia. With campuses spread out across the country, UiTM is considered one of the biggest tertiary education provider in Malaysia. Their Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying offers programmes ranging from diploma to postgraduate programmes and which are considered as LAM part I and II recognitions. The faculty is best known for their research and publication works.

6. Taylor's University

Taylor’s University is one of the leading international universities in Asia. Its School of Architecture, Building and Design is accredited by the Board of Architects Malaysia, Board of Quantity Surveyors Malaysia, Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and Pacific Association of Quantity Surveyors. It offers a wide range of undergraduate programmes and a postgraduate programme that is tailored to bring out only the best professional practice in architecture.

These programmes are recognised as LAM part I and II qualifications. The faculty emphasises dynamic teaching and extensive industry exposure to the students. All in all, the faculty has won numerous awards and recognition, from various local and international competition.

7. UCSI University Kuala Lumpur

UCSI University Kuala Lumpur is one of the leading university in Malaysia. It ranks 347th in the QS World University Rankings 2022. It is known to introduce industry-relevant programmes and has been listed as a tier 5 university in the SETARA university ranking.

Its Faculty of Engineering, Technology and Built Environment offers bachelor programmes for architecture that meet the requirements of the Malaysia Board of Architects and Malaysia Qualification Agency. The programmes offered are recognised LAM part I qualifications. The faculty is known for its excellent teaching, learning and research works.

8. Infrastructure University Kuala Lumpur (IUKL)

Infrastructure University Kuala Lumpur (IUKL) is one of Malaysia’s leading private institutions well known for offering courses that integrate the physical and soft aspect of infrastructure as well as its geo-disaster research centre.

Its Faculty of Architecture and Built Environment offers programmes ranging from foundation to postgraduate. Their Bachelor of Science (Architectural Studies) is a LAM part I recognised qualification.

9. Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR)

Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) is another recommended university with a Bachelor of Science (Hons) Architecture programme recognised by both local and international professional bodies and is a recognised LAM part I qualification.

The programme is known for its student-centred learning and well-equipped facilities. It emphasises giving industry-relevant skills and knowledge.

10. LimKokWing University of Creative Technology (LUCT)

LimkokWing University of Creative Technology is an international private institution with its main campus located in Malaysia. It is one of the leading arts and design university in Malaysia and it is also the first college in the country to be recognised as a university college.

Its Faculty of Architecture and The Built Environment offers programmes ranging from pre-university to undergraduate programmes and is known for its partnership with noteworthy organisations such as TV3 and Terengganu State Government. Its Bachelor in Architectural Studies is a recognised LAM part I qualification.

What are the entry requirements for architecture programmes in Malaysia?

Each university has different entry requirements and the list below does not generalise the entry requirement of universities in Malaysia as a whole.

Undergraduate

• STPM: With min. Grade C for 2 subjects including Maths
• English: IELTS (min. 5.5 - 6.0 overall), TOEFL (minimum 500 or 60)
• A-Level: Min. CDD or equivalent of min. 200 points
• UEC: Pass with min. 5Bs including English and Mathematics
• Diploma or Foundation: Min. CGPA 2.50
• Canadian Pre-U: Min. average of 65% in 6 subjects
• Additional Prerequisites: Pass School of Architecture, Building and Design Aptitude Assessment (for some universities)
• Supporting Document: Design and art portfolio

Postgraduate

• Bachelor’s Degree: Min. CGPA of 2.5 - 3.0
• Board of Architectures Malaysia: Must obtain LAM Part l exemption or recognition prior to joining the programme
• Working Experience: Min. 6 months (vary on the universities)
• English: IELTS (minimum 5.5 - 7.0 overall), TOEFL (minimum 410 or 42)
• Additional Prerequisites: Pass interview which includes a review of Design Portfolio and Personal Statement (for some universities)
• Supporting Documents: Recommendation letter, updated CV and design & art portfolio

How long does it take to become architect in Malaysia?

Entry qualification may vary depending on the university, hence you should check the admission criteria from the university you are applying for admission. It is required that the university offering architecture is a recognised university by the Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM).

Normally, it takes approximately 3 years to obtain a fully accredited degree in architecture. As for the master's degree, it usually takes between 1-4 years.

However, in order to become a practising architect, you need to acquire additional qualifications as described below.

Additional qualifications to practice architecture in Malaysia

Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM), the Board of Architects Malaysia, sets out qualification level for all architects. Basically, the level of the qualifications are LAM Part I, II and III:

1. LAM Part I - you become an Assistant Architect
2. LAM Part II - you are referred to as Graduate Architect
3. LAM Part III - entitles you to register as an Architect with the board and qualify you as a Professional Architect.

To obtain LAM Part I qualification you need to do one of the following three:

• Sit for individual LAM qualification exams if you have a non-accredited architecture degree, OR
• Obtain a fully accredited architecture degree, OR
• Have a minimum of 10 years of relevant working experience in the field of architecture

To obtain Part II certification, you must study for another two to four years equivalent to a Master’s degree in Architecture.

In order to acquire LAM Part III, you are required to have two years of experience as a practising architect and meet all the project requirements set by LAM.

How much does it cost to study architecture in Malaysia?

The cost of studying Architecture in Malaysia is much more economical as compared to other countries. The cost of architecture programmes may vary for each qualification level and from one university to the other. Below are the estimated fees for each programme:

• Diploma: RM 17,000 - RM 54,000
• Bachelor's Degree: RM 10,000 - RM 120,000
• Master's Degree: RM 15,000 - RM 52,000

The fee above only covers the tuition fee and not other additional fees nor living expenses.

Living expenses of students in Malaysia depend on the location of the university and the city that you live in.

Related: Cost of Living in Malaysia

Career prospects for architecture graduates

The career opportunities for this major can always be found across industries and sectors.

Here are some of the career options that you can consider as a graduate:

• Technical architect
• Design architect
• Building Information Modeling (BIM) manager
• Specifications (specs) writer
• Project manager
• Workplace consultant
• Interior designer
• Sustainability consultant
• Urban designer
• Feng shui consultant
• Sole proprietor

The wage that you will make while working in this field in Malaysia is comparatively high, but it is not the same across, depending on the occupation.

Here are some career options for architecture graduates in Malaysia and their monthly average salaries.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are there scholarships available for architecture students in Malaysia?

Yes, many universities in Malaysia offer scholarships for architecture students based on academic merit and financial need. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and support living expenses. Students are encouraged to check with their respective universities for specific scholarship opportunities.

2. What is the difference between a Bachelor of Architecture and a Diploma in Architecture in Malaysia?

A Bachelor of Architecture is a four to five-year degree that provides in-depth knowledge and skills needed for professional practice. In contrast, a Diploma in Architecture usually takes three years and focuses on practical skills and foundational knowledge. Students with a diploma may need to pursue further studies to become fully qualified architects.

3. What subjects are important for studying architecture in Malaysia?

Key subjects for architecture students include mathematics, physics, and art, as they provide essential skills for design and construction. Additionally, subjects like design fundamentals and computer-aided design (CAD) are crucial for developing technical expertise. 

4. Is studying architecture in Malaysia recognized internationally?

Yes, many architecture programs in Malaysia are accredited and recognized by international bodies. This recognition allows graduates to work in various countries, enhancing their career prospects. However, students should verify the specific accreditation of their chosen program for global recognition.

5. What is the student life like for architecture students in Malaysia?

Student life for architecture students in Malaysia is often vibrant and dynamic, with a focus on collaboration and creativity. They participate in studio-based learning, group projects, and design competitions, fostering a strong sense of community. Additionally, students can enjoy various extracurricular activities and cultural experiences outside the classroom.

Wrap Up

Choosing the right architecture courses is important for your future. By looking into the best architecture programs in Malaysia, you can find options that match your interests and career goals. These courses offer hands-on learning, creative design, and support to help you succeed in your studies.

Are you ready to start your journey in architecture? Talk to our advisor for help in finding the best university for you!