Civil engineering is an engineering discipline related to design and construction. Learn about the most important reasons why students choose to study civil engineering in Malaysia, the top universities offering the major, and their admission requirements.

Study civil engineering in Malaysia

Studying civil engineering in Malaysia is an excellent choice for international students for several reasons, including:

Quality of education

Malaysian universities offer high-quality education in civil engineering across all its subfields. Many universities, such as Universiti Malaya (UM), rank highly in the QS World University Rankings for Civil Engineering. Upon completion, students receive degrees accredited by prestigious engineering bodies, both Malaysian and international.

Suitable tuition cost

In addition to high-quality education, Malaysian universities offer civil engineering studies at an affordable cost for international students compared to Western countries (such as the US or the UK).

Advanced Infrastructure

Malaysia boasts numerous mega engineering projects, providing students with excellent opportunities for field visits and practical training. Universities also have modern laboratories to enhance teaching efficiency and provide students with adequate professional experience.

Study in English

Malaysian universities offer all engineering fields, including civil engineering, taught in English, making it easier for international students to study and adjust to university life in Malaysia.

Excellent Job Opportunities

After graduation, graduates from various countries can work in Malaysia by obtaining a work permit in the construction sector and registering with the BEM to practice the profession. Graduates can also find job opportunities in various other countries, both Arab and foreign, as Malaysian degrees are internationally accredited and recognized.

Also read: Studying in Malaysia for international students 

Admission Requirements to Study Civil Engineering in Malaysia

The requirements for studying civil engineering in Malaysia vary depending on the level of study (Bachelor’s/Master’s/PhD) and the chosen university, as follows:

Undergraduate Degree

• Academic qualifications, including a high school diploma (or equivalent).

• Achieving a minimum grade of 70% or above in science subjects (mathematics, physics, chemistry).

• Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS score of 5.5–6.0 or TOEFL score of 60–80).

• Applicants whose first language is English or previously studied in English are exempt from the test.

• Some universities may require additional requirements, such as admission tests like the SAT or a test in relevant subjects (math/physics).

Master's Degree

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering with a GPA of 2.75-3.0.

• English language proficiency (IELTS 6.0-5.5 or TOEFL 80-90).

• Submitting a research proposal for a research master's degree. 

• Letter of recommendation.

PhD degree

• Master's degree in a civil engineering-related field with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

• English language proficiency (IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 90).

• Submission of a research proposal.

Required Documents:

• A copy of a valid passport.

• A personal photo.

• A transcript translated into English.

• A graduation certificate.

• A letter of recommendation and a CV (for master's/doctoral programs).

Best Universities to Study Civil Engineering in Malaysia

Many Malaysian universities offer civil engineering programs. Here are the Top 5 Universities for Civil Engineering in Malaysia.

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)

• UTM offers the best Civil Engineering Program in Malaysia.

• The university's Faculty of Civil Engineering includes geotechnical, transportation, construction, and complex materials engineering. The university is ranked #181 in the World

• Ranked #28 in Asia according to the 2025 QS World University Rankings. It is also ranked #13 in the "Top 50 Under 50"

• Asia Top 10 Young Universities, and 5 5-Star Overall Rating for the QS Star Rating Rankings.

• UTM offers an exciting journey through the Civil Engineering program, including innovation, practical projects, and a supportive community, preparing students for a promising career.

Universiti Malaya (UM)

• Universiti Malaya's Bachelor of Civil Engineering program provides a knowledge base that enables students to apply the fundamental principles of civil engineering, including project design and implementation, financing, and construction and maintenance management.

• UM has partnerships with the UM Industry Liaison Office (UM ILO), the International Relations Office (IRO), and UM Holdings.

• Universiti Malaya ranked #60 in QS World University Rankings 2025, and in third place in Southeast Asia.

Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)

• The Faculty of Civil Engineering at USM was established in 1989 as one of the oldest engineering faculties in Peninsular Malaysia.

• The School of Civil Engineering serves industry through consulting projects and community engagement.

• The college offers master's programs in structural engineering, environmental engineering, and fire safety engineering to enhance graduates' knowledge in these fields.

• USM ranked #146 in QS World University Rankings 2025, and had the accreditation of EAC/BEM.

Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)

• The four-year civil engineering program at UPM includes fields such as structural engineering, water and environmental engineering, geotechnical engineering, transportation and highway engineering, and project management. The program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Council (EAC) of Malaysia.

• The program aims to prepare comprehensive graduates who combine science, technology, and innovation.

• UPM ranked 2nd in Malaysia, 20th in Asia, and 4th in Southeast Asia.

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)

• UKM ranked #138 in the QS World University Ranking 2025, #26 in the QS Asian University Ranking.

• The Department of Civil Engineering at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia was established in 1984 as one of the departments under the Faculty of Engineering and Environment to offer Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees.

Departments of civil engineering in Malaysia

Malaysian universities offer several specializations in civil engineering, both at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, including the following:

• Structural Engineering: Focuses on the design and analysis of structures.

• Transportation and Traffic Engineering: Focuses on the planning of roads, airports, and intelligent transportation systems.

• Geotechnical Engineering: Studying the properties of soil and rock for the foundations of structures.

• Water Resources Engineering: Includes water management (dams, pipes, and sewage).

• Building and Construction Engineering: Project management and modern construction techniques.

• Environmental Engineering: Pollution remediation and waste management.

• Surveying and Geomatics Engineering: Geospatial measurements and geographic information systems (GIS).

• Coastal and port engineering: coastal protection and port design.

Programs of Study Civil Engineering in Malaysia

Civil engineering studies in Malaysian universities take 4 years to obtain a bachelor’s degree, during which the student studies the following programs:

• Introduction to Civil Engineering.

• Engineering Mechanics.

• Site Mechanics.

• Engineering Mathematics.

• Engineering Surveying.

• Engineering Drawing.

• Soil Mechanics.

• Differential Equations.

• Mechanical and Electrical Systems.

• Hydraulics.

• Geotechnics.

• Highway Engineering.

• Water Treatment.

• Mechanics of Materials and Structures.

• Engineering Geology and Rock Mechanics.

• Waste Water Engineering.

• Construction Technology, Contracts, and Estimating.

• Geotechnics.

• Reinforced Concrete Design.

• Steel and Timber Structure Design.

• Traffic Engineering.

• Environmental Management.

• Hydrology and Water Resources.

• Integrated Design.

• Structural Analysis.

Master's programs:

• Master of Civil Engineering.

• Master Construction Management.

• Master Environmental Management.

• Master of Structure.

• Master's in Geotechnical Engineering.

• Master of Engineering in Hydraulics and Hydrology.

• Master's in Transportation Engineering.

• Master of Forensic Engineering.

• Master of Project Management.

Costs to Study Civil Engineering in Malaysia

Civil engineering tuition fees vary depending on the university the student attends and the level of study they are pursuing. The following are examples of the cost of studying civil engineering at some Malaysian universities.

Career Opportunities for Civil Engineers

Civil engineering graduates have abundant job opportunities in Malaysia and around the world, both in the government and private sectors, such as:

• Construction Firms

• Government Agencies

• Housing & Building Development Companies

• Urban & City Planning Firms

Civil engineers hold leading positions, such as:

• Civil Engineer

• Consulting Engineer.

• Contractors.

• Developers.

• Entrepreneurs.

• Assistant Managers.

• Project Managers.

Conclusion

Studying civil engineering in Malaysia is an excellent choice, offering a unique combination of high-quality education at low costs, a safe and multicultural environment, and local and international job opportunities. Therefore, Malaysia is a distinguished study destination that balances quality and cost.

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