Loading…

MALAYSIA

Department of Architecture, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

public · Founded 1904 · Languages: English, Malay

In short

The Department of Architecture at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia is Malaysia's oldest architecture school, offering LAM-accredited bachelor's and master's programmes focused on tropical and sustainable design. It provides affordable tuition and a multicultural student environment on its Johor Bahru campus.

Key facts

Type: Public
Founded: 1904
Students: 600
International students: 60
Acceptance rate: 25%
Tuition (intl): €4–6k/yr
Languages: ENGLISH, MALAY
Location: Malaysia

The Department of Architecture at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) is the oldest school of architecture in Malaysia, founded in 1904 and now part of the Faculty of Built Environment and Surveying. It offers LAM-accredited bachelor's and master's programmes that pair intensive design studio work with strong grounding in building technology, sustainability and tropical design. Located on UTM's Johor Bahru campus, the department prepares students for professional registration as architects in Malaysia and beyond.

Why study here

Malaysia's oldest school of architecture, with a heritage dating to 1904.
Programmes accredited by the Board of Architects Malaysia (LAM), leading toward professional registration.
Strong emphasis on tropical, climate-responsive and sustainable design.
Part of UTM, a leading Malaysian public research university with modern studio and workshop facilities.
Affordable tuition compared with Western architecture schools, with a multicultural student community.

Student life

Students are based on UTM's large Johor Bahru campus, with access to design studios, fabrication workshops, libraries and on-campus residential colleges. Architecture students participate in design competitions, studio reviews, site visits and exhibitions, and benefit from UTM's wider sports, cultural and student-society activities. Johor Bahru's proximity to Singapore offers additional cultural and professional exposure.

Fees

InternationalApproximately EUR 3,500-6,000 per year for international students, depending on programme level.

HomeSubstantially subsidised for Malaysian citizens; typically a few thousand euros equivalent per year.

LivingAround EUR 3,000-5,000 per year in Johor Bahru, including accommodation, food and transport.

Fees vary between undergraduate and postgraduate architecture programmes. Check the Faculty of Built Environment and Surveying for current rates.

Admissions

Undergraduate entryCompletion of a recognised pre-university qualification (STPM, matriculation, foundation or equivalent) with strong results, plus a portfolio or aptitude assessment for design.

Postgraduate entryA recognised bachelor's degree in architecture or a related field, with the required minimum CGPA.

IELTS6.0 overall (typical requirement)

TOEFL iBT60+ (typical requirement)

Rankings

QS World University Rankings (UTM, institution)Around 150-200 globally

University scholarships

UTM Merit ScholarshipPartial to full tuition for high-achieving students

Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS)Government scholarship for selected international students

Accreditation

Architecture programmes are accredited by the Board of Architects Malaysia (Lembaga Akitek Malaysia, LAM). UTM is recognised by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).

Scholarships

for Malaysia

Browse all scholarships →

partial funding

Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia

Government of Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS)

Open to international postgraduate applicants from eligible countries who intend to pursue, or are enrolled in, full-time Master's or PhD study at Malaysian public universities or selected private institutions. Master's applicants must be under 40 and PhD applicants under 45, with a CGPA of 3.0 or a Second Class Upper (Honours), IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL PBT 550, and a research proposal of at least 1,000 words.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia

Malaysian Technical Cooperation Program (MTCP) Scholarship

Open to citizens of developing countries recognised by the Malaysian government, aged up to 45, with strong academic credentials meeting their chosen programme's requirements. Applicants must already hold admission to a participating public or private Malaysian university and provide proof of English proficiency such as an IELTS score or institutional certificate, and be in good health.

Multimedia University (MMU), Malaysia

International Scholarships at Multimedia University Malaysia

Open to international and domestic students holding an offer for a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate programme at Multimedia University Malaysia, awarded on academic merit and, for some schemes, financial need; undergraduate entrants need a high-school certificate and postgraduate entrants a first degree.

MAHSA University Blue Ribbon Scholarship (MBRS)

Open to local and international students of all nationalities who enrol full-time in a MAHSA Foundation programme (Science, Business or Arts) leading to a Bachelor's degree. Applicants must hold at least 5 SPM or O-Level credits in the relevant subjects, show good conduct, maintain attendance and academic standards, and provide evidence of financial need.

Wellcome Trust Fellowships and Grants (for international researchers)

For researchers at different career stages working on health-related science. Wellcome funds a family of fellowships and grants — early-career, career-development, and discovery awards, plus team and translational funding — each with its own eligibility, value, and call deadline. There is no single scholarship application; you apply to the specific scheme that fits your stage and project.

Wellcome International Training Fellowships

For early-career researchers based in low- and middle-income countries (outside the high-income world) who want protected time and support for research training in health, often including a PhD or postdoctoral research. Wellcome's scheme names and exact criteria change over time, so applicants should check the current relevant Wellcome funding scheme.

Frequently asked questions

What programmes does the Department of Architecture at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia offer?

The department offers LAM-accredited bachelor's and master's programmes in architecture. These programmes combine design studio work with building technology, sustainability, and tropical design.

What are the admission requirements for international students?

Undergraduate admission typically requires a recognised pre-university qualification with strong results, plus a design portfolio or aptitude assessment. Postgraduate admission needs a relevant bachelor's degree with a good CGPA.

What are the estimated tuition fees for international architecture students at UTM?

International student fees are approximately EUR 3,500-6,000 per year, varying by programme level. This is considered affordable compared to Western architecture schools.

Does UTM offer scholarships for international architecture students?

Yes, UTM offers the UTM Merit Scholarship for high-achieving students and international students may also be eligible for the Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS).

What is the language of instruction at the Department of Architecture?

English is the primary language of instruction. International students typically need an IELTS score of 6.0 or a TOEFL iBT score of 60+.

Last updated 30 June 2026