The Complete Guide To Asia Pacific University (APU) Malaysia
Table Of Contents
- APU Introduction & Rankings
- Student Life, Campus, Accommodation
- Fields of Study & Popular Courses
- Entry Requirements
- Course Fees & Scholarships
- Student Testimonial & Alumni
1. Introduction To APU Malaysia
1.1 Background
Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) was established in 1993 in Malaysia, originally as the Asia Pacific Institute of Information Technology (APIIT). The university was founded with the mission to be a leading provider of technology-based higher education, nurturing students with critical thinking skills and professional competency. In its early years, APU pioneered IT degrees in Malaysia, and was awarded university status in 2004 due to its significant growth and contribution to higher education.
APU has continuously achieved several milestones and recognitions throughout its existence. In 2017, the university was awarded the Premier Digital Tech Institutions status by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), recognizing its commitment to offering top-tier digital technology courses.
Since its humble beginnings, APU has grown into a household name with a student population of over 14,000 students, 6,000 of which are international students from more than 130 countries in its Malaysian campus. Moreover, it offers specialisations into many fields of study beyond its core technology and computing courses.
APU key snapshot statistics:
1.2 APU Rankings 2024
In 2021, APU became the only Malaysian university to achieve the double distinction of achieving the QS “5 Stars Plus” Rating as well as being ranked in the Top 2.2% of universities listed on the QS World University Ranking 2024.
Clinching the Five Stars Plus award is no small feat as institutions must achieve five star ratings across all categories in addition to achieving the minimum highest benchmark score by QS STARS. APU is amongst only 20 universities worldwide to achieve this honour. Rigorous independent audits on excellence and diversity of the institutions are also carried out as part of the process of determining and awarding the QS Stars to its recipients.
Other notable ranking achievements of APU are:
- Ranked # 621-630 in the world (Top 2.2% on QS Ranking)
- Ranked # 213 in QS Asia
- Ranked # 16 in the world for diversity and ratio of international students
- 5-Star Rating under the SETARA Ratings by the Ministry of Higher Education
2. Student Life
2.1 APU Malaysia Campus
Campus Tour! Here’s a campus tour of APU Malaysia’s vibrant and modern campus.
Location and Surrounding Vibe: The state-of-the-art university campus sits strategically within Technology Park Malaysia (TPM), Kuala Lumpur. APU’s Campus harmonizes technology, fusion, originality, and ingenuity within a single establishment. APU’s striking new campus isn’t just a place for higher education; it’s a vibrant communal hub where students can incubate fresh concepts, nurture intellectual advancement, and explore novel experiences.
The campus journey begins at The Spine - an exclusive feature extending from the campus entrance to its farthest edge. This architectural marvel seamlessly links educational hubs, courtyards, the central atrium, and living spaces while offering shelter from heat and rain. The Spine is more than a physical connector; it fosters a sense of community and integration among teachers and students.
Ease of Accessibility to Campus: Accessibility in and out of the campus is fairly convenient. Although the campus is not within walking distance to any public transportation such as the LRT train, APU does provide students a safe and regular shuttle bus service to the Bukit Jalil LRT train station and student accommodations managed by APU.
From the Bukit Jalil train station, students can easily take a 5 minute taxi or bus ride to the premier Bukit Jalil Pavilion Shopping Mall or connect to other LRT stations in the heart of Kuala Lumpur or other must-visit points of interest.
There are also various amenities around the campus such as the cafeteria, a clinic, a launderette, prayer rooms, convenience stores, ATM, printing and book stores, spacious lounge areas, disabled access and many indoor and outdoor car park bays.
Security on Campus: The campus is guarded with professional security around every perimeter to ensure the safety of students and staff. During the Covid pandemic period, the campus also enforced safety procedures to ensure students can smoothly continue their studies in a well mitigated environment.
Student Diversity: Almost half of the student community in APU are made up of international students from over 130 countries who have come through the campus grounds. Malaysian students can easily get an international exposure while studying locally and international students can taste the local culture while still being able to connect with students from their home country studying at APU.
2.2 Learning Resources
Faculty Learning Resources & Facilities: Being focused in computing and technology studies, APU is never short on IT workstations and computer labs which are equipped with Macintosh computers. The university also heavily invests in facilities for its other courses in order for students to gain a superior learning experience such as Engineering Labs, Green Screen Studio, Design & Drawing Studio, Advertising Studio, Animation & VFX Studios, Cybersecurity Zone, Games Development Studio, Psychology Centre, Industrial Design Workshops, and its XR Studio for augmented and virtual reality learning.
General Learning Resources & Facilities: Needless to say APU is fully fitted with the essential and spacious lecture theatres, a comfortable and inviting central library and even dedicated collaborative spaces for postgraduate students to interact and exchange ideas.
2.3 Recreational Facilities
International Culture Night At APU
There are a ton of activities on-campus and off-campus through the many clubs and societies run by the students of APU.
But what is unique about APU is the many cultural events and festivals held by the diverse group of international students studying and staying on-campus. These events are always followed by eclectic music, dances, new culinary experiences, and displays of colourful cultural outfits. International students of APU come from regions such as Asia, Central Asia, Middle East, Africa, Europe and Oceania countries.
2.5 Student Services
Counselling Service: If you ever need someone confidential to talk to, APU provides personal counselling whether on academic concern or emotional matters. There are all kinds of support especially for international students from the time they arrive to settling down. APU staff will pick you up at the airport and help apply for your Student Pass.
Career Placement: The Career Centre at APU provides comprehensive job placement services, actively linking student profiles to potential employers. In terms of career development, the team routinely organises campus events such as career discussions, resume crafting workshops, and interviews, along with personal career path consultations.
Part Time Work: International Students have opportunities to work on and off campus as well. There are jobs such as library assistant, IT labs technical assistant, programmer, multimedia developer, and Student Ambassadors depending on availability. For off-campus part time jobs, international students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week.
2.6 APU Malaysia Student Accommodation
On-Campus: APU’s On-Campus Residence and Satellite Campus Residence are located next to the university campus. Facilities provided include communal kitchen pantry to residence’s lounge areas. The on-campus accommodation is just a short walk to the campus grounds. On-Campus Residence have better amenities while the Satellite Campus Residence is a budget alternative for students. There are plenty of options ranging from triple to twin sharing rooms with and without air-conditioning.
Off-Campus: APU also provides fully-managed off-campus residences at nearby apartment buildings namely M Vertica and Fortune Park which are close to the campus with free shuttle bus service. The facilities available at the apartments include launderettes, convenient stores, restaurants, and 24-hour security.
Accommodation Costs: APU’s on-campus rooms under On-Campus Residence range from RM900 to RM1,600 per month depending on the room configuration that ranges from basic to premium and vary based on single or twin living. Satellite Campus Residence on the other hand costs between RM400 and RM800 per month. The off-campus options cost between RM800 and RM1,600 based on various living preferences students can choose from.
Living Cost: General cost of living, excluding accommodation, for students studying on-campus typically ranges between RM800 and RM1,200 per month. This would cover expenses like food, transportation, books, and miscellaneous personal expenses. Please note, these are estimates and actual costs may vary based on individual lifestyle and choices.
How much $$ is the food at APU?
3. Fields Of Study & Courses
3.1 What Can You Study At APU Malaysia
These are well known areas of study and courses offered by Asia Pacific University. Click the respective area of study below to see all courses offered:
Foundation
Business
Accounting and Finance
Communication and Media Studies
Computing and IT
Creative Arts and Design
Engineering
Hospitality and Services
Language and Social StudiesThe university offers Foundation, Diploma, Degree, Masters and PhD courses.
3.2 What Are The Popular Courses At APU
Computing & IT Courses
APU was founded on the vision that computing knowledge will play a big role in the advancement of technology and society. Building on that foundation for many years, APU is able to offer a diverse option of courses that many other universities do not have the capabilities and facilities to offer.
Courses in Software Engineering, Internet-of-Things, Cyber Security, Financial Technology, Mobile Technology, Game Development, Cloud Computing, Data Analytics, and Artificial Intelligence are industries that will only continue to grow tremendously and provide students with lucrative careers.
APU has set up a full-fledged cyber security operations centre with a military grade cyber-defense system (The Cyber Range) where students can simulate highly complex cyber-attacks in a hyper realistic environment. APU works with CISCO and KPMG to provide students with the latest hands-on digital skills training.
Being at the forefront of technology research, APU through its School of Computing and School of Engineering maintains dedicated research centres to develop useful industry accepted applications:
- Asia Pacific Centre for Analytics (APCA) - Data Science, Artificial Intelligence
- Asia Pacific Centre Of Robotics Engineering (APCORE) - Robotics Technology
- Centre for Research and Development of IoT (CREDIT) - Internet of Things (IoT)
- Forensic and Cyber Security Research Centre (FSec) - Cyber Security Forensics
APU students have won many accolades and competitions. One such that stands out is Tan Wei Siang, a final year Software Engineering student who with his team clinched 4th place at the Global Case Competition (GCC) 2023. 300 teams and 1,000 participants from various top universities worldwide were part of the competition organised by High Bridge Academy.
Surprise! We paid a visit to APU to check out their Cybersecurity set-up.
Engineering
The engineering courses offered at APU are closely tied to the progress of computing advancements as they go hand in hand. You can find specialisations in electrical & electronics, mechatronic (robotics), telecommunications, and computing engineering. APU’s engineering qualifications are fully accredited by the Board of Engineers Malaysia.
All final year students are also required to complete an industrial training for about 4 months with industry partners such as MIMOS Wireless Innovation Lab, Neruti Technology Sdn Bhd, REDtone, Signal Transmission (M) Sdn Bhd and Top Glove Sdn Bhd. In 2023, APU added KEENON Robotics Co. Ltd., an artificial intelligence (AI) enterprise committed to providing intelligent robotics automation in the supply chain sector, as a new industry partner.
Accounting and Finance
Besides the core Accounting, Banking and Finance courses at APU, there are also unique specialisations such as Forensic Accounting, Forex & Investments and Accounting Technology to keep up with the evolution of accounting practice and technology.
APU’s accounting degree will allow you 9 out of 13 papers exemption for ACCA. On top of this you have the option to complete the remaining 4 ACCA papers simultaneously during your degree. There are also exemptions given for other professional accounting accreditation such as CPA, ICAEW, CIMA etc.
All Banking & Finance Programmes are accredited by the professional body partner, the Asian Institute of Chartered Bankers (AICB)
Students get the chance to make a trip to the Big 4 audit firms, namely PwC Malaysia, to learn not just about audit but also its taxation and advisory divisions. Contrary to what many say, the accounting and finance field is so dynamic that it is always in high demand and is not easily replaceable with AI.
Actuarial Science
APU’s Actuarial Science course is the first & only from a Malaysian university that has all the 6 preliminary exams for SOA exemption so you can save on time and fees from external exam papers.
Students graduating with this degree are fully accredited by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries IFoA (UK). The syllabus is also structured to be in compliance with the IFoA (UK) and the Society of Actuaries (SOA) US.
Psychology
APU also offers a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Psychology. APU’s Psychology Centre is filled with industry-simulated patient rooms and the latest technology.
You can expect to hone your skills through facilities like Eye-Tracking Laboratory, Psychobiological Laboratory, Therapy Suites (for both Individual & Group therapy), Psychological Testing and Measurement Room, Psychology Group Observation Suite (complete with one-way mirror and AV capture equipment), Activity and Discussion Rooms and teaching classrooms.
Students have the option to opt-in for the APU & De Montfort University (DMU) UK Dual Degree Scheme. Under this scheme, students will receive 2 Degree Certificates & Transcripts upon graduation, 1 from APU and 1 from DMU.
Did you know APU also provides Psychology studies? Come see!
3.3 Industry Partners
APU has built strong government and industry partnerships over the years, namely with the likes of MDEC, Amazon Web Services, Tecforte, CISCO, Salesforce, Materialise, Cyber Test Systems, KPMG Advisory, HILTI, ISACA, SAS, Microsoft, Oracle, Astro, F-Secure and many more.
Industry partner links are incorporated into the fabric of APU’s courses in the form of industry expert lectures, workshops, industry visits, internships and joint final year projects.
APU is an approved partner of Digital Marketing Institute (DMI) that has a network of over 200,000 members worldwide including Google, Facebook, Microsoft, and LinkedIn. DMI is the gold standard in providing digital marketing courses and also setting the framework that bridges the digital skills gap and ensuring APU’s curriculum is up-to-date and meets the real employability needs. Graduates of related APU degrees will also receive a Certified Digital Marketing Associate (CDMA) certification from DMI.
3.4 University Partners
APU has a unique Dual-Degree Scheme with De Montfort University UK (DMU) where students who are taking an undergraduate degree with APU have the option to opt-in for this scheme. Upon graduation, students will receive 2 Degree Certificates & Transcripts from APU and DMU. Best of all, there is no need to extend the course duration to earn the additional dual certification.
APU also presents its second year or final year degree students the opportunity to transfer smoothly into collaborating universities in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Myanmar and Korea. These universities include top ranking institutions such as De Montfort University, University of Huddersfield, University of Westminster, Griffith University, Queensland University of Technology, Massey University, Technological University Dublin, Dongseo University and more.
Note that these are transfer partners and not twinning. Transfers with collaborating partners are generally smoother but will still require a review of your APU academic transcript.
4. Admission Process and Requirements
4.1 APU Malaysia Entry Requirements 2024
Minimum entry requirements for Foundation:
- SPM - 5 credits
- IGCSE - 5 credits
(Including credit for Maths and English)
Minimum entry requirements for Diploma:
- SPM - 3 credits
- IGCSE - 3 credits
(Including pass for Maths and English)
Minimum entry requirements for Degree:
- UEC - 5B
- STPM - CGPA of 2.00
- A-Level - 2D
- SACE/WACE - ATAR 60
- IB Diploma - 24 points in 6 subjects
- Foundation - CGPA 2.50
- Diploma - CGPA 2.50
Please note that the entry requirements may vary depending on the chosen field of study as certain courses may have higher or specific qualifying conditions.
4.2 APU Malaysia Intake Periods For 2024
The intake periods for APU Malaysia in 2024 are as follows:
- Foundation - February, July, August, September, November
- Diploma - July, August, September, November
- Degree - February, April, September, November
- Postgraduate - September, October, November
Please note that the intake periods may vary depending on the course but the majority of the intake periods will fall in the months shown above. For specific intake dates, click here
4.3 Learn How To Choose The Right University
When you need life-changing advice, we often consult professionals such as teachers, lawyers, and bankers. However, many students are not aware that education consultants like Uni Enrol can help you choose the right education path to secure your future prospects.
Check out some articles on what education consultants do and the benefits:
- 7 Vital Questions To Ask Before Choosing Your Educational Consultant
- Top 10 Benefits Of Engaging A Higher Education Consultant
5. Course Fees And Scholarships
5.1 APU Malaysia Course Fees For 2024
The following are approximate fee ranges of courses offered by APU. The fee ranges below reflect foundation, diploma and degree courses only. Click each field of study to find out the full list of course fees including post-graduate courses.
Note that the fees above is BEFORE scholarship deduction! You could be saving more if you qualify. Click below and use Uni Enrol’s Pathway Match to instantly find out how much scholarship you qualify for based on your exam results and other criteria.
5.2 APU Malaysia Scholarships For 2024
These are some of the popular scholarships offered by APU. Click here to see the full list of scholarships:
5.3 Financial Aids
Malaysian students can apply for the National Higher Education Fund or PTPTN which is responsible for giving loans to students pursuing tertiary education. PTPTN falls under the purview of the Ministry of Higher Education.
You can borrow from RM3,400 to a maximum RM50,000 per annum depending on the level and type of course you are taking. PTPTN only charges an annual interest rate of about 1%.
6. Student Testimonials & Alumni
Digital media helps us get a greater sense of our potential study experience without needing to set foot in the campus. Watch these videos and book a campus tour session through Uni Enrol’s counsellors.
Why I Love APU
My APU Story - Divya Woodhun Dhandevi
My APU Story - Sharafunnisa
Immerse In The Student Diversity Of APU
7. Conclusion
In conclusion, Asia Pacific University offers an all-encompassing academic platform where you are nurtured to become well-rounded individuals. This holistic approach to education, combined with the university’s commitment to diversity and innovation, not only equips you with industry-relevant skills but also prepares you to navigate the ever changing world. What is certain is that technological advancement will only become more intertwined with all kinds of careers in the future and APU will be one of the top universities to prepare you for the future.
Link nội dung: https://mozart.edu.vn/apu-malaysia-a9180.html