Study in Ipoh, Malaysia: List of Universities & Courses

When thinking about studying in Malaysia, most people picture Kuala Lumpur or Penang. But between these bustling hubs is Ipoh, a city that’s quietly becoming a preferred choice for higher education.

Known for its old-town feel, various local food, and peaceful environment, Ipoh offers students an affordable and wholesome university experience.

In this article, we’ll explore why you may want to study in Ipoh, which universities are located there, and what student life is like in this scenic city.

Why Study in Ipoh?

Study in Ipoh

Ipoh, the capital of Perak state, is often described as Malaysia’s hidden gem.

It's less hectic than larger cities, but still offers everything a student might need: modern amenities, historical architecture, and a welcoming local community.

Here's why it's worth considering studying in Ipoh Malaysia:

🏡 Affordable Living: Rent, food, and transportation in Ipoh are significantly cheaper than in Kuala Lumpur or Johor Bahru, making it easier on a student budget.
🎓 Growing Education Hub: While not as saturated as other cities, Ipoh is home to several quality universities and colleges offering accredited programs.
🧘‍♀️ Peaceful Environment: With a slower pace of life and plenty of green spaces, Ipoh offers a calm, distraction-free setting that supports focused learning.
🍛 Amazing Food Culture: From local hawker stalls to trendy cafes, Ipoh’s food scene is renowned—and student-friendly.

List of Universities in Ipoh, Malaysia

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Ipoh may not have a high number of universities, but the ones present are reputable and diverse. Here are some of the main institutions offering higher education in the city:

1. Quest International University (QIU)

Located in the heart of Ipoh, QIU is a private university known for its modern campus and global curriculum. It offers a wide range of programs in:

Business & Management
Medicine & Health Sciences
Engineering
Information Technology
Education & Social Sciences

QIU is especially popular among international students due to its English-medium instruction and international-friendly admission process.

2. Universiti Kuala Lumpur – Malaysian Spanish Institute (UniKL MSI)

A branch of the well-established UniKL, the Malaysian Spanish Institute in Ipoh focuses heavily on technical and engineering education. Programs are developed in collaboration with Spanish technology partners, which gives students a global edge—particularly in:

Mechatronics
Industrial Electronics
Automotive Engineering

UniKL MSI emphasizes hands-on learning and strong industry linkages, making its graduates highly employable.

3. Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) – Perak Branch

UiTM Perak, located in Seri Iskandar (within the greater Ipoh area), is one of Malaysia’s top public universities, specifically for Bumiputera students. The Perak campus is known for:

Architecture & Design
Civil Engineering
Applied Sciences

It provides a strong academic foundation along with access to UiTM’s national-level resources

4. Kolej Universiti Islam Perak (KUIP)

For those interested in Islamic education alongside professional training, KUIP is a well-respected institution in Ipoh. It offers programs in:

Islamic Studies
Shariah Law
Business Administration
Education

Courses here are grounded in Islamic values while also being career-relevant.

Admission Requirements

While each institution has its own admission process, here’s a general overview of what you’ll need:

✅ Diploma programs: Minimum SPM or equivalent with 3–5 credits
✅ Bachelor’s degrees: STPM, Matriculation, Foundation, A-Levels, or equivalent
✅ English proficiency: MUET, IELTS or TOEFL scores may be required, especially for international students
✅ Supporting documents: Academic transcripts, identity documents, passport copy (for international students), and application forms

To understand everything you need about Malaysian university admission, check out this detailed guide here.

Cost of Studying & Living in Ipoh

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One of the top reasons students choose Ipoh is its affordability. Here’s what you can generally expect:

Expense	Monthly Estimate (MYR)
Accommodation (rented room)	RM 300 – RM 600 (USD75-150)
Food & groceries	RM 400 – RM 700 (USD100-175)
Transportation	RM 100 – RM 200 (USD25-50)
Utilities & Internet	RM 100 – RM 150 (USD25-37)
Total (Monthly)	RM 900 – RM 1,650 (USD225-412)

Student Life in Ipoh

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Life in Ipoh is the perfect blend of study and serenity. Here’s what students love:

🧑‍🎓 Student-centered campuses: Universities offer libraries, labs, co-working spaces, and student clubs.
🚌 Public transport: Bus services and ride-sharing apps make getting around easy.
🍜 Food everywhere: Whether you’re craving Nasi Ganja, Ipoh white coffee, or vegetarian options, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
🌳 Nature escapes: Weekends can be spent hiking limestone hills, exploring caves, or chilling at waterfalls.

Plus, with fewer distractions compared to major cities, Ipoh gives you the space to focus on your studies and grow personally.

How to Apply to Study in Ipoh

Applying to study in Ipoh is simple. Here’s a general process:

Choose your university and program
Check entry requirements
Prepare your documents (academic transcripts, ID/passport, English test results)
Submit your application (online or through an education consultant)
Wait for offer letter
Accept offer and prepare for enrollment/visa (for international students)

Written by Shahd Ashraf

Updated 2 months ago | min read

Shahd Ashraf is a reader, a writer, an English teacher, and a lover of classical language. Her passion for language began when she joined a poetry club in college. Shahd’s writing extends beyond words and yearns to connect with the reader on a meaningful level.