The Guide to Asia Pacific University (APU), Malaysia.

Asia Pacific University (APU Malaysia) is one of Malaysia's most renowned and premier universities. Located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur at Technology Park, APU offers world-class education to international students from over 170+ countries.

About the University

The Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU, Malaysia) is among Malaysia’s Premier Private Universities. With a fantastic state-of-the-art campus, on-campus accommodations, labs, and technology-driven facilities, students are immersed in a truly modern university with an unrivalled global reputation.

A unique fusion of technology, innovation, and creativity works effectively towards preparing graduates for significant roles in business and society globally.

APU Malaysia has earned an enviable reputation as an award-winning University through its achievements in winning a host of prestigious awards at national and international levels and an excellent track record in producing highly employable graduates who can immediately contribute to the industry upon Graduation.

Originally established as the Asia Pacific Institute of Information Technology (APIIT) in 1993 and the Asia Pacific University College of Technology & Innovation (UCTI) in 2004, APU’s sound approach to nurturing school leavers into qualified professionals has resulted in the graduates being highly sought after by employers. With an international student community from more than 130 countries studying on its Malaysian campus, APU offers a truly cosmopolitan learning environment that prepares students well for the global challenges ahead.

While technology forms a common core as an enabler across its academic programs, APU offers a broad range of programs encompassing areas such as Computing, Technology, and Engineering, as well as Business, Accounting, Banking & Finance, Design, and Communications and more.

You can view the complete university profile here: Asia Pacific University Profile.

Ranking & Recognition

5 Star Rated by Ministry of Education, Malaysia

APU is among the highest-rated emerging universities in Malaysia, being rated 5-STAR (Excellent Rating) under the latest SETARA Ratings by the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE). APU has maintained this Excellent Rating consecutively in the SETARA 2011, 2013, and 2017 and in the latest ratings announced on December 18, 2020. The SETARA rating system measures the performance of teaching and learning in universities in Malaysia.

QS 5 Stars Plus – The 1st and Only University in Malaysia.

In the latest QS Stars University Ratings officially announced at the QS Apple Conference on November 1, 2021, Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) attained a QS 5 Stars Plus university rating – the first in Malaysia.

Only 19 universities from around the world have achieved this rating.

Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) is the world’s leading provider of services, analytics, and insights to the global higher education sector.

In the methodology used by QS Stars, universities are awarded an overall Star result which ranges from 0 to 5+ Stars after the assessment, depending on the number of points achieved through the evaluation. A 5 Stars Plus institution must earn five stars across all categories and achieve the minimum highest benchmark score by the QS Stars rating system. The system evaluates universities across key performance indicators against established international standards and benchmarks.

APU earned five-star ratings in all nine categories: Teaching, Employability, Internationalisation, Academic Development, Facilities, Social Responsibility, Inclusiveness, Specialist criteria – Accounting & Finance, Online Learning, the maximum number possible. The requirements for these categories aim to provide higher learning institutions with an opportunity to stand out in their particular areas of excellence.

  • APU is among the Top 10 Private Universities in the latest QS Asia University Rankings 2021.
  • APU is ranked No.1 for International Students
  • APU is No.1 for Inbound Exchange
  • Top 50 Universities for International Faculty.
  • APU ranks among the Top 350 Universities in the QS Asia University Rankings 2021. 

Under the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) 2017 Ratings, APU was awarded 5-Stars in 4 categories of the QS Stars Ratings – Teaching, Employability, Facilities and Inclusiveness.

Premier Digital Tech University

APU was awarded the Premier Digital Tech University status by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC). APU is recognised for its commitment to offering top-notch digital technology courses and ensuring highly-skilled graduates continue to flourish and fill future digital job demands locally and globally. The Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia awarded Premier Digital Tech University status to the university. Premier Digital Tech Universities and Preferred Digital Tech Polytechnics (PDTIs) are Malaysia’s leading digital tech-focused tertiary institutions. The PDTIs have a proven track record in producing high-quality graduates for digital tech-based high-value jobs via cutting-edge research and education policies, strong industry linkages, and career development and placement services.

100% Employed by Graduation

According to the latest Annual Graduate Tracer Study by the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia, 100% of APU graduates were employed by Graduation.

School of Foundation

The Foundation program at APU is 12-month designed to prepare those with ‘O’ Levels or similar qualifications with the knowledge and skills to progress into the first year of a degree of their choice.

On completion of the Foundation Programme, you will make an informed decision about your interest and pursue your degree of choice.

During the Foundation Programme, you can choose different routes depending on your area of interest. This will allow you to progress onto a specific degree program at APU related to this area or other relevant areas based on your foundation experience.

The APU Foundation Programme lays the pathway toward professional tertiary education. T is a vital transformation point for students; soft skills, general knowledge, and preparatory subject fundamentals acquired at the Foundation lead to excellence in a student’s educational performance and career readiness as they eventually move on as global professionals. This is achieved through 4 key areas:

  • Leadership & Teamwork
  • Problem-Solving Skills
  • Social Skills & Responsibilities
  • Practical Skills

The unique support system at APU Foundation Programme consists of helpful academic mentors committed to ensuring academic achievements, providing pastoral care, advising, mentoring, and motivating students’ potential and performance to ensure that they undergo a smooth transition from secondary education to tertiary learning.

Admission Requirements

  • 5 Credits (Grade C & above) in at least 5 subjects at IGCSE/O-Levels
  • 3 Credits (Grade B & above) in at least 3 subjects in UEC
  • Engineering  Programmes require a Credit in Mathematics and Physics or Chemistry at SPM/IGCSE/O-Level or equivalent.
  • A qualification that APU accepts as equivalent to the above.

School of Diploma

The Diploma programs are designed to develop and equip students with professional and practical skills for entry to degree level of study, leading to employment prospects in Computing, Engineering, Accounting, Design, Media, International Studies, and Business.

Admission Requirements

  • 3 Credits (Grade C & above) in at least 3 subjects at IGCSE/O-Levels.
  • Mathematics is mandatory for admission into Diploma in IT Programs.
  • Mathematics + Science, Physics, or Chemistry is compulsory to enter into Diploma in Engineering Programs.
  • A qualification that APU accepts as equivalent to the above.

School of Business

In an era of global transformation, the demands placed upon business leaders to provide leadership and insights have become imperative. The Business School at APU prepares students for a role that gives them an industry-relevant edge. The School of Business & Management at APU continually demonstrate a high-quality international curriculum through the portfolio of Business Management, Accounting, and Finance Degrees at both undergraduate and post-graduate levels. With a mission to develop global-ready graduates, the teaching faculty engages in industry-relevant research that embodies academic rigour and forward-thinking to prepare the graduates for a rewarding career.

Program Recognition

Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)

Upon successful completion of BA (Hons) in Business Management and BA (Hons) in International Business Management, graduates are entitled to a 4-paper exemption out of 16 papers from the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). IMA is the world’s largest professional body of management accountants. Its unique blend of management accounting, financial accounting and business-focused subjects produces competent and confident Chartered Global Management Accountants who can lead their organisations to sustainable success.

Admission Requirements

  • A-Level: 2 Passes in A-Level with a Pass in English and Mathematics at O-Level/ IGCSE or its equivalent. 
  • UEC: 5 Grade B’s in UEC with a Pass in Mathematics and English.
  • Matriculation/ Foundation: Passed Foundation program (minimum CGPA of 2.0).

School of Computing

The Computing & Technology programs at APU are a part of the university’s oldest and most established school. The school’s strong presence in the industry is an obvious choice among the students. PU offers a wide variety of specialised programs that are very industry-driven and relevant; over the years, the university has produced global citizens and industry-ready professionals.

Alumni of the School have progressed into many meaningful careers in leading multinational technology-based companies. In line with APU’s vision, the school aims to be a leading provider of high-quality computing and technology education and contribute to research at the national and international levels. It is emphasised by APU’s mission to provide high-quality, internationally recognised and benchmarked technology education through modern teaching methods and educational activities.

APU was awarded the Premier Digital Tech University status by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC). PU is recognised for its commitment to offering top-notch digital technology courses and ensuring highly-skilled graduates continue to flourish and fill future digital job demands locally and globally. The Minister of Higher Education Malaysia awarded Premier Digital Tech University status. he Green Lane Enrolment Policy is for students enrolling for Digital Tech Careers as identified by MDEC.

Admission Requirements

  • A-Level: 2 Passes in A-Level with a Pass in English and Mathematics at O-Level/ IGCSE or its equivalent. 
  • UEC: 5 Grade B’s in UEC with a Pass in Mathematics and English.
  • Matriculation/ Foundation: Passed Foundation program (minimum CGPA of 2.0).

School of Engineering

APU’s Engineering Programmes are current in teaching modern technology programs, are market-driven, and thus have excellent employment opportunities. Apart from technical knowledge, the program modules enable students to build leadership skills and communication skills, and these skills prepare them for the workplace as professional and confident engineers. APU Engineering Degrees are fully accredited by the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM), a signatory to the Washington Accord.

The school’s vision is to be a leading provider of Engineering and Technology-based education with innovative approaches to enhancing lifelong career opportunities. This is emphasised by the mission to provide engineering education based on a theoretical, experimental, and ethical foundation and enhanced by opportunities for participation in research, internships, and interdisciplinary study.

For all degrees within the School, APU links with industry help provide internship training placements for students. Internships are compulsory for all students as per the requirement of the Board of Engineers Malaysia.

Global Recognition with Washington Accord

APU Engineering Degrees are fully accredited by the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM), a signatory to the Washington Accord.

This accreditation ensures that APU Engineering Graduates will have the following benefits in countries that are signatories of the Washington Accord:

  • Opportunities to register as a Graduate Engineer with the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) or the relevant professional bodies in other countries that are signatories under the Washington Accord.
  • Pathways to becoming a Professional or Chartered Engineer.
  • Assurance that graduates have met international academic standards for engineering practice.

APU Engineering Degrees are Accredited Professionally by the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) and are recognised internationally under the Washington Accord. Recognition under the Washington Accord allows for APU engineering programmes to be recognised by countries such as Australia, Canada, China, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Peru, Russia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States who are all signatories of the accord.

This allows APU graduates to be recognised in these countries for career opportunities to achieve Professional/Chartered Engineer status or further education. Furthermore, many countries not yet signatories to the Washington Accord also use this as a benchmark in recognising Engineering Degrees.

With this achievement, recognition under the Washington Accord enables APU Engineering graduates to work in any country that is also a signatory to the accord without the need to re-qualify. The recognition is of utmost importance to engineering education in Malaysia as graduates from accredited engineering degree programmes from Washington Accord signatory countries are considered to meet the academic standard for international engineering practices.

Admission Requirements

  • A-Level: 2 Passes in A-Level with a Pass in English and Mathematics at O-Level/ IGCSE or its equivalent. 
  • UEC: 5 Grade B’s in UEC with a Pass in Mathematics and English.
  • Matriculation/ Foundation: Passed Foundation program (minimum CGPA of 2.0).

School of Finance

APU’s Accounting, Banking, Finance & Actuarial programmes are excellent springboards for individuals who wish to launch a professional career. The programmes are well established and are designed to provide a thorough understanding of accounting, banking, finance, actuarial principles and related subjects.

Students on the course have the flexibility of developing and building their specialist knowledge, whether in industry or public service. The awards cover an in-depth understanding of the core areas, equipping students with the necessary skills for the future. Them with practical employment skills. The primary objective of these programmes is to develop knowledgeable and capable students to secure key positions in the financial services sector.

Recognition

Upon completion, students are eligible for exemptions from the below Professional bodies as they accredit the Accounting and Finance degrees:

  • ACCA – 9 papers exemptions out of 13 total papers
  • ICAEW – 8 papers exemptions out of 15 papers
  • CPA – 6 papers exemption out of 16 papers
  • CIMA – 6 papers exempted out of 16 papers
  • AICB – 6 papers exemptions out of 16 papers

Admission Requirements (One of the following)

  • A-Level: 2 Passes in A-Level with a Pass in English and Mathematics at O-Level/ IGCSE or its equivalent. 
  • UEC: 5 Grade B’s in UEC with a Pass in Mathematics and English.
  • Matriculation/ Foundation: Passed Foundation program (minimum CGPA of 2.0).

School of Design

The Design, Advertising & Animation Degrees at APU cater for creative minds like you! s you enrol into the programmes, be prepared to embark on a highly industry-relevant journey that can enhance your practical knowledge in various areas of media & design. Significant hands-on experience will be nurtured throughout your years of study, ensuring that you create your own story through an impressive creative portfolio showcasing various projects completed in your specialisms.

APU has established strong partnerships with key industry players and exposed students to these live projects. Students get to experience working on commercial projects with guidance from academic staff. Similarly, they are involved in active learning experiences through field trips to studios, galleries, exhibitions, and participation in events and activities. PU aims for its graduates to be all-rounders, not just equipped with technical skills as designers but as great thinkers, inspiring leaders, convincing presenters, supportive team players and academic researchers.

Admission Requirements

  • A-Level: 2 Passes in A-Level with a Pass in English and Mathematics at O-Level/ IGCSE or its equivalent. 
  • UEC: 5 Grade B’s in UEC with a Pass in Mathematics and English.
  • Matriculation/ Foundation: Passed Foundation program (minimum CGPA of 2.0).

School of Media

These programmes are designed for students interested in learning more about how humans communicate with each other, how to voice out to solve global problems and how to dwell down on human behaviours & study the human minds. These human-centric programmes are set to equip you with strong communication & listening skills, an in-depth understanding of human communication & behaviour, and to shape you into future world leaders.

Admission Requirements

  • A-Level: 2 Passes in A-Level with a Pass in English and Mathematics at O-Level/ IGCSE or its equivalent.
  • UEC: 5 Grade B’s in UEC with a Pass in Mathematics and English.
  • Matriculation/ Foundation: Passed Foundation program (minimum CGPA of 2.0).

Internships

Before starting the final year of study, APU students will do an internship or industrial training for 12 weeks. This is to enable students to gain industrial or professional learning experiences to develop transferable employability skills to enhance their future value to employers. Familiarity with all standard processes is essential, and exposure at a practical level to a wide variety of techniques is required at a level appropriate to young professionals. While students should get a feel for the skills involved, the central aim is to achieve appreciation. Industrial training is a critical component of learning in an integrated academic curriculum.

Taking this exposure as an essential element in the curriculum, APU ensures the smooth process of facilitation by starting the process a semester by guiding and nurturing the students via workshops and classes dedicated to;

  1. Development of a CV
  2. Attending Interviews
  3. Working professionally and ethically at an organisation

APU also has dedicated Internship Officers per school and a pool of companies from which students can choose regarding writing or direct placements.

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