Notifications
Electrical and Electronics (E&E) engineering remains one of the most sought-after engineering disciplines in Malaysia, offering graduates exciting career opportunities in power systems, telecommunications, semiconductor manufacturing, and emerging fields like artificial intelligence and robotics. However, for prospective students and their families, understanding the financial investment required is a crucial first step in the decision-making process. This comprehensive guide explores tuition fees for E&E engineering programmes across Malaysian universities, helping you make an informed choice that balances quality education with your budget.
The cost of studying electrical and electronics engineering in Malaysia varies significantly depending on several factors, including whether you choose a public or private institution, the university's reputation and ranking, programme duration, and your citizenship status (Malaysian or international student). Generally, public universities offer the most affordable options for Malaysian students, while private universities and those with international partnerships command higher fees but provide globally recognised qualifications and extensive industry connections.
Public Universities receive government subsidies, making them highly accessible for Malaysian students. Programmes at institutions like Universiti Malaya (UM), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) typically charge between RM 5,600 and RM 15,000 for the entire four-year degree programme. However, international students pay considerably higher fees, often ranging from RM 40,000 to RM 60,000 total.
Private Universities operate without government subsidies, resulting in higher tuition fees. However, they often offer smaller class sizes, modern facilities, and stronger industry linkages. Fees at private institutions typically range from RM 50,000 to RM 180,000 for a complete undergraduate degree.
Foreign University Branch Campuses represent the premium segment of Malaysian higher education. Institutions like Monash University Malaysia, University of Nottingham Malaysia, and Heriot-Watt University Malaysia offer degrees identical to those awarded at their home campuses, with fees ranging from RM 160,000 to RM 260,000 for a four-year programme.
To provide a clearer picture of what to expect, here is a detailed examination of E&E engineering fees at several representative institutions.
As Malaysia's premier foreign university campus, Monash University Malaysia offers the Bachelor of Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering (Honours), a four-year programme that ranks 84th globally for electrical and electronic engineering according to QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025 .
For the 2026 intake, annual tuition fees are:
Malaysian students: RM 54,720 per year
International students: RM 64,800 per year
The total programme cost over four years amounts to approximately RM 218,880 for Malaysian students and RM 259,200 for international students .
Additional once-only fees include:
Application fee: RM 100
Registration fee: RM 200
General amenities fee: RM 100 per semester
The degree is accredited by Engineers Australia and the Engineering Accreditation Council Malaysia, and recognised under the Washington Accord, enabling graduates to work in any signatory country without requalification .
UTP, a private university established by PETRONAS, offers a Bachelor of Electrical and Electronics Engineering with Honours. For international students, the total tuition fee for the four-year engineering programme is RM 240,000 .
Additional fees for international students include:
Registration fee (one-time): RM 11,000
EMGS fee: Approximately RM 3,500 per year
Hostel fee: RM 280 to RM 1,000 per month, depending on room type
All tuition fees are subject to 6% Malaysian Sales and Service Tax (SST). UTP's programme emphasises strong foundations in physics, mathematics, and chemistry, with specialisations available in Computer and Communication, Instrumentation and Control, Power Systems Engineering, and Electronics & Devices .
Sunway University, ranked as a top Malaysian private university with a 5-star "excellent" rating by the Malaysian government, offers the Bachelor of Electronic and Electrical Engineering with Honours. The annual tuition fee is RM 28,860, resulting in a total programme cost of approximately RM 115,440 for the four-year duration .
Sunway University is ranked #1 ASEAN Private University (Applied HE Rankings) and #1 in Graduate Employability in Malaysia (Talentbank 2023), making it an attractive option for students prioritising career outcomes .
UTAR offers the Bachelor of Technology (Honours) in Electronic Systems, a three-year programme accredited by MQA and MBOT. This represents a shorter duration than traditional four-year engineering degrees, potentially reducing overall costs .
Total programme fees are:
Work-based Learning pathway: RM 50,050 (Malaysian), RM 70,700 (International)
Non Work-based Learning pathway: RM 52,800 (Malaysian), RM 74,000 (International)
The programme focuses on vision computing, process control and instrumentation, and embedded systems, with career prospects in embedded systems development, semiconductor manufacturing, and automated machine vision inspection .
According to education consultancy sources, SEGi University's Electrical and Electronic Engineering programme costs approximately RM 28,000 to RM 32,000 per year, totalling around RM 112,000 to RM 128,000 for a four-year degree . However, prospective students should verify current fees directly with the university.
For those considering advanced studies, Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM) provides a detailed fee breakdown for the Master of Electronic Engineering. Total programme fees are:
Malaysian students: RM 8,710
International students: RM 14,710
This includes registration fees (RM 1,780 for local, RM 3,280 for international), service fees (RM 930 over three semesters), and tuition fees calculated at RM 150 per credit hour for local students and RM 262.50 per credit hour for international students (total 40 credit hours) .
| University | Programme Duration | Total Fees (Malaysian) | Total Fees (International) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monash University Malaysia | 4 years | RM 218,880 | RM 259,200 | Annual fees: RM54,720 (local), RM64,800 (int'l) |
| Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS | 4 years | Not specified | RM 240,000 | Plus RM11,000 registration, RM3,500/year EMGS |
| Sunway University | 4 years | ~RM 115,440 | Not specified | RM28,860 per year |
| UTAR (Electronic Systems) | 3 years | RM 50,050 - RM 52,800 | RM 70,700 - RM 74,000 | Work-based learning option available |
| SEGi University | 4 years | ~RM 112,000 - RM 128,000 | Not specified | Estimated RM28,000-32,000/year |
| UTeM (Master's) | 3 semesters | RM 8,710 | RM 14,710 | Per-credit fee: RM150 (local), RM262.50 (int'l) |
Understanding why fees vary helps contextualise the numbers presented above.
Most E&E engineering programmes in Malaysia span four years, but some universities offer three-year technology-focused degrees (like UTAR's Electronic Systems programme) that provide alternative pathways into the industry at lower total cost .
Public universities receive substantial government subsidies, keeping fees low for Malaysian students. Private institutions must cover all operational costs through tuition, resulting in higher fees. Foreign branch campuses additionally bear the cost of maintaining standards equivalent to their home campuses.
Universities with specialised laboratories, industry-standard equipment, and strong corporate partnerships (like UTP's connection to PETRONAS) often command premium fees justified by enhanced learning experiences and internship opportunities.
Degrees accredited under the Washington Accord (like Monash's programme) allow graduates to work internationally without requalification, adding significant long-term value that justifies higher upfront costs .
Beyond tuition fees, students should budget for several additional expenses:
Application fees: RM 50 to RM 200 depending on institution
Registration fees: RM 200 to RM 11,000 (significantly higher for international students at some universities)
Student activities and amenities: RM 100 to RM 500 per semester
Health and medical insurance: Required for international students
International student pass: Annual fee for non-Malaysian students
Accommodation: RM 280 to RM 1,000 per month depending on location and room type
Food and transportation: Approximately RM 800 to RM 1,500 per month
Books and supplies: RM 500 to RM 1,000 per year
Many Malaysian universities offer financial assistance to deserving students. Monash University Malaysia provides various scholarships based on academic excellence, while public universities offer PTPTN loans for eligible Malaysian students. Private institutions frequently have merit-based scholarships that can significantly reduce the financial burden.
Prospective students should contact university financial aid offices directly or visit their websites for detailed information on available scholarships and application procedures.
E&E engineering tuition fees in Malaysia vary widely based on university type. Public universities charge Malaysian students approximately RM 5,600 to RM 15,000 for the entire four-year programme. Private universities range from RM 50,000 to RM 180,000 total. Foreign university branch campuses like Monash Malaysia charge between RM 160,000 and RM 260,000 for complete degrees .
Yes. Students should budget for one-time fees including application (RM 50-200) and registration (RM 200-11,000). Recurring fees include student activities (RM 100-500/semester), accommodation (RM 280-1,000/month), and living expenses (RM 800-1,500/month). International students face additional costs for EMGS fees (approximately RM 3,500/year) and student pass applications .
Monash Malaysia is a branch campus of Monash University, ranked 37th globally and 84th worldwide for electrical engineering . Students receive the same prestigious degree as Australian peers, access to international faculty, and recognition under the Washington Accord enabling global career mobility. These factors justify the premium pricing of approximately RM 54,720 per year for Malaysian students .
Yes, public universities like UM, USM, and UTM offer highly affordable E&E engineering programmes for Malaysian students, typically ranging from RM 5,600 to RM 15,000 total. However, international students pay significantly higher fees (often RM 40,000-60,000 total). Admission to these programmes is competitive, requiring excellent STPM or Matriculation results.
Yes, some institutions offer three-year technology-focused degrees. UTAR's Bachelor of Technology (Honours) in Electronic Systems costs RM 50,050 to RM 52,800 for Malaysian students and is accredited by MBOT . These programmes prepare graduates for technologist roles rather than professional engineer positions, offering faster entry into the workforce at lower cost.
Investing in an electrical and electronics engineering degree in Malaysia requires careful consideration of tuition fees, additional costs, and long-term value. From the affordable public university pathway to the premium international education offered by Monash University Malaysia, there are options for every budget and career aspiration.
When making your decision, look beyond the price tag to consider programme accreditation, industry connections, facilities, and graduate employment outcomes. A more expensive degree may prove more valuable if it opens doors to international careers or provides superior industry exposure. Conversely, an affordable public university education combined with excellent academic performance can launch equally successful careers.
Ultimately, the right choice balances your financial situation with your academic goals and career ambitions. By understanding the fee landscape presented in this guide, you are better equipped to make an informed investment in your future as an electrical and electronics engineer.
Want to learn more? Read: A complete guide to electrical and electronics engineering study in malaysia
