How to Verify Malaysian University Degrees: MQA Guide

Malaysia's higher education system

Malaysia's higher education quality is assured by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA). Malaysia has 20 public universities, numerous private universities, and international branch campuses. Notable institutions include Universiti Malaya (UM) (ranked in the global top 70), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), and branch campuses of Monash, Nottingham, and Heriot-Watt universities. The Malaysian Qualifications Framework (MQF) provides an 8-level framework.

Verification steps

1. Check MQA accreditation — Verify the institution and program have MQA accreditation. VerifyED includes MQA-accredited institutions.
2. MQR search — Use the Malaysian Qualifications Register (MQR) to verify program accreditation.
3. Contact the institution — Malaysian universities maintain registrar offices for verification.
4. Document authentication — Documents may need authentication through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Key considerations

• Universiti Malaya — Ranked in the global top 70, Malaysia's oldest and most prestigious university.
• Branch campuses — International branch campus degrees are issued by the home university.
• Bilingual credentials — Credentials may be in Malay and English.