Accounting in Malaysia | requirements and the best universities
Fatma el hadad

Fatma el hadad

Nov 21, 2025

Are you looking for a diverse, stimulating, and passionate career that can take you to different places in careers and entrepreneurship? Accounting in Malaysia meets your ambitions.

In this article, we will learn about studying accounting in Malaysia and the best Malaysian universities that offer this major.

What is the major of accounting in Malaysia ?

Accounting is a branch of economics. It focuses on the classification, analysis, and interpretation of financial transactions for both institutions and individuals.

This specialization aims to provide accurate financial information to aid in economic decision-making and strategic planning. Accounting encompasses multiple fields, including financial accounting, managerial accounting, tax accounting, auditing, and cost accounting.

The study materials for the accounting major in Malaysia include various subjects, such as accounting principles, financial systems, auditing, financial analysis, tax laws, and modern accounting techniques, such as the use of accounting software.

5 Advantages of Studying Accounting in Malaysia

  1. Malaysia is considered a safe and stable country, providing a comfortable environment for students to live and study.

  2. Practical training is available because Malaysian universities often have partnerships with major companies and institutions, providing good opportunities for practical training and employment after graduation. In addition, Malaysia has a diverse and growing economy, providing good job opportunities in the fields of accounting and finance.

  3. Malaysia's multicultural environment is home to students from all over the world, providing an opportunity to learn about diverse cultures and backgrounds. Additionally, the English language is the preferred language for international students.

  4. Average tuition and living costs compared to many Western countries. Tuition fees in Malaysia are very reasonable, and the costs of housing, transportation, and food in Malaysia are reasonable, making it an economical option for international students.

  5. High-quality education: Many Malaysian universities offer internationally recognized accounting programs and offer a variety of study programs, including bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, as well as internationally recognized professional certifications such as CPA and ACCA.

Read more: General information about studying in Malaysia

What are the subjects of study in accounting in Malaysia?

The subjects for an accounting major vary depending on the university and program the student will apply to in Malaysia. However, there are generally some core subjects for studying accounting in Malaysia , which are as follows:

  • Financial Accounting

  • Managerial Accounting

  • Cost

  • Auditing

  • Commercial Law

  • Financial Mathematics

  • Statistics

  • Information Technology in Accounting

What are the branches of accounting studies in Malaysia?

Accounting is a major that encompasses many sub-disciplines, allowing students to choose from a variety of sub-disciplines within the accounting major.

Here are the most important sub-disciplines within the accounting major in Malaysia :

  1. Financial accounting includes accounting principles, financial reporting, and financial statement analysis.

  2. Management accounting includes cost management, planning, control, and strategic decision-making.

  3. Governmental and public accounting: (public financial management, transparency and accountability, and government budget preparation).

  4. Forensic accounting: (financial investigations, court testimony, and financial statement analysis).

  5. Auditing includes internal auditing, external auditing, and internal control.

  6. Tax accounting includes: (tax laws, tax return preparation, and tax planning).

  7. Cost accounting includes cost analysis, cost allocation, and performance evaluation.

In addition to many other sub-specialties.

Duration of studying accounting in Malaysia

The duration of accounting studies in Malaysia depends on the academic degree the student wishes to pursue. Generally, the duration of accounting studies at Malaysian universities is as follows:

  • First, Bachelor's degree: The study period usually lasts between 3 and 4 years, depending on the university.

  • Second, Master's degree: The study period usually lasts between 1 and 2 years, depending on the research program.

  • Third, PhD: PhD Accounting programs range in duration from 3 to 5 years.

In addition, some universities offer accounting programs that combine bachelor's and master's degrees, which typically take only 4 to 5 academic years.

Requirements for studying accounting in Malaysia

To apply to a Malaysian university to study accounting, there are several requirements that vary depending on the academic level. 

Here are the most important requirements for studying accounting in Malaysia at each of the different academic levels:

Bachelor's Degree:

  • Secondary School Certificate: The student must have a high school diploma or equivalent.

  • Minimum score: Depends on the university, but generally requires good grades in core subjects such as mathematics and English.

  • English language: Students must have a good level of English. English language test scores are often required, such as: IELTS: A minimum score of 5.5 to 6.0 and TOEFL: A minimum score of 550 (PBT) or 80 (iBT).

Master's Degree:

  • Bachelor's Degree: The student must have a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field.

  • Minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 2.5 to 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (depending on the university).

  • CV and letter of recommendation.

  • English Language: IELTS: A minimum score of 6.0 to 6.5 and TOEFL: A minimum score of 550 (PBT) or 80 (iBT).

Doctoral Degree:

  • Master's Degree: The student must have a master's degree in accounting or a related field.

  • Research Proposal: A research proposal outlining the intended research topic is often required.

  • CV and letter of recommendation.

  • English Language: IELTS: A minimum score of 6.5 to 7.0 and TOEFL: A minimum score of 600 (PBT) or 100 (iBT).

Skills Needed to Study Accounting in Malaysia

There are a number of necessary skills that help students excel in their studies in the accounting major in Malaysia. The following are the most important basic skills needed to develop, and they are divided into the following skills:

Technical academic skills, including:

  • Accounting understanding, including knowledge of accounting principles and financial analysis.

  • Mathematical and numerical skills.

  • Accounting software, including QuickBooks, SAP, or Oracle.

  • Proficiency in using software such as Microsoft Excel to analyze data and create financial reports.

Analytical skills include:

  • Critical thinking, analysis, and problem solving.

  • Reviewing, proofreading, and detailing.

Communication skills include:

  • Effective communication.

  • Teamwork.

  • Time management.

Other diverse skills:

  • Professional ethics.

  • Professional development and continuing education.

  • Using and keeping up with technology developments.

What are the best universities to study accounting in Malaysia?

Malaysian universities are renowned for the quality of education they offer across all their academic programs. A number of universities are renowned for their accounting programs, the most important of which are:

  • University of Malaya (UM): The University of Malaya is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Malaysia, ranked highly in global rankings, and offers distinguished accounting programs at all academic levels.

  • Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM): A leading Malaysian university with a strong reputation for research, it offers comprehensive accounting programs that aim to develop students' practical and academic skills.

  • National University of Malaysia (UKM): Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) is one of Malaysia's leading universities with a strong reputation for academic programs, UKM offers a variety of accounting programs that focus on both theoretical and practical aspects.

  • Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR): A private university with a reputation for excellence in teaching and research, UTAR offers accounting programs that focus on developing technical and analytical skills.

  • University of Nottingham Malaysia (UNM): A branch campus of the University of Nottingham in the UK and considered one of Malaysia's leading universities, UTAR offers internationally recognized accounting programs, providing students with the opportunity to earn a globally recognized degree.

  • Monash University Malaysia: A branch of Australia's Monash University, Monash University is one of the world's most reputable universities, offering distinguished accounting programs that focus on innovation and critical thinking.

Accounting tuition fees in Malaysia

Tuition fees vary depending on the major and degree the student wishes to pursue, as well as the university at which the student will study.

Here are the tuition fees for accounting at Malaysian universities:

University

Specialization

Tuition Fee (MYR)

City University

Accounting

49250

MMU University

Accounting

96800

UCSI University

Accounting

81700

MSU University

Accounting

97419

Cyberjaya University

Accounting and Finance

69450

MAHSA University

Accounting

75970

INTI University

Accounting

93170

INTI University

Accounting and Finance

97455

Limkokwing University

Accounting

60380

UPM University

Accounting

75050

Uniten University

Accounting

83050

SEGL University

Accounting and Finance

79225

APU University

Accounting and Finance

103250

University of Lincoln

Business Administration in Accounting

$16,029

UTM University

Accounting

73949

IIUM University

Accounting

65699

UKM University

Accounting

70020

UM University

Accounting

89600

University of Nottingham

Finance, Accounting, and Management

151400

Job opportunities for accounting and finance graduates in Malaysia

The Accounting in Malaysia allows its graduates to work in a variety of different fields, including the following:

1. Accounting:

  • Financial Accounting.

  • Management Accounting.

  • Tax Accounting.

  • Internal Auditing.

2. Finance:

  • Personal Finance.

  • Corporate Finance.

  • Investment.

  • Risk Management.

3.Government or Public Sector.

4.Academia and Research.

5.Professional Consulting.

6.Fintech.

How can StudyFans help you apply to study accounting in Malaysia?

StudyFans offers several benefits when applying to study various majors in Malaysia, including accounting.

It provides you with the following services:

  • The ability to apply and obtain university admission without paying any additional fees.

  • Airport reception and safe housing for students.

  • Providing all necessary educational consultations for students from around the world.

  • Providing an integrated information system on various majors in both private and public universities.

If you wanted to know more or have any questions, we are here to help you and you can always contact us:

Phone: 00905437394024

Or via WhatsApp through this link.

  • Frequently asked questions about accounting in Malaysia

    • To be an accountant in Malaysia, the Chartered Accountants Act of 1967 stipulates that accountants must be members of the Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA). CPA Australia is a scheduled body of the MIA, meaning that CPA Australia members can directly enter the MIA.

Please Contact Us For any Request