Planning to study Engineering in Malaysia? Before choosing a university, check whether your exact Engineering degree is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Council (EAC). EAC accreditation applies to a specific programme, campus and accreditation period — not automatically to every Engineering course offered by a university.
This guide focuses specifically on the 37 universities in the TJS StudySteps partner comparison. Of these, 27 currently have at least one EAC-accredited Engineering programme, two have Engineering programmes listed under provisional accreditation only, and eight do not currently have an EAC-accredited Engineering degree on the reviewed list.
The aim is simple: help you understand which universities offer accredited Engineering, what the accreditation year means, and what you should check before applying.
EAC Accreditation: Quick Summary
| Question | Quick Answer |
|---|---|
| What is EAC? | Engineering Accreditation Council |
| Professional body | Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) |
| What does EAC accredit? | Specific Engineering degree programmes |
| Is the whole university accredited? | No |
| Does the campus matter? | Yes |
| Does graduation year matter? | Yes |
| TJS partner universities reviewed | 37 |
| Partners with EAC-accredited Engineering | 27 |
| Provisional-only partners | 2 |
| No current EAC-accredited programme listed | 8 |
| Malaysia & Washington Accord | Full signatory since 2009 |
The easiest rule to remember is:
Check the exact degree, campus and expected graduation year — not only the university name.
THE FIELD
Studying Engineering in Malaysia
Malaysia gives international students a wide choice of Engineering degrees across public universities, private universities and international branch campuses.
Across TJS StudySteps partner universities, students can find established Engineering fields such as Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical & Electronic Engineering and Chemical Engineering, alongside areas such as Mechatronics, Robotics, Computer Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering and Energy Engineering.
This variety means students can compare universities not only by ranking or tuition fees, but also by specialisation, programme structure, location and professional accreditation.
For Engineering students, that last point matters. Two programmes with similar names may not have the same EAC status.
THE BASICS
What Is EAC Accreditation?
The Engineering Accreditation Council (EAC) accredits professional Engineering degree programmes in Malaysia under the Board of Engineers Malaysia.
For students, EAC accreditation means a particular Engineering programme has been assessed against the academic standards required for professional Engineering education.
The important word is programme.
A university can have several Engineering degrees with different statuses. For example, an established Mechanical Engineering programme may already be accredited while a newly introduced Mechatronics programme at the same university is still under provisional accreditation.
Accreditation also applies for published graduation periods, which is why your expected graduation year matters.
Why Does EAC Accreditation Matter?
For students planning to follow the professional Engineering pathway in Malaysia, an EAC-accredited degree provides the academic route used for Graduate Engineer registration with BEM.
Malaysia has also been a full Washington Accord signatory since 2009, supporting international recognition of accredited professional Engineering education.
However, international recognition does not automatically mean professional licensing in every country. Depending on where you plan to work, you may still need to meet separate requirements for degree equivalency, professional registration, licensing or work experience.
THE LIST
Which TJS StudySteps Partner Universities Offer EAC-Accredited Engineering?
Among the 37 universities reviewed, 27 currently offer at least one EAC-accredited Engineering programme.
Based on the programme counts in the reviewed dataset and updated UKM professional-accreditation records, these partners account for at least 148 full-time accredited Engineering programmes.
27 Partner Universities With EAC-Accredited Engineering
| University | Full-Time Programmes | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) | 20 across UTM + MJIIT | Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Petroleum, Nuclear |
| Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) | 13 | Biomedical, Civil, Mechatronics, Chemical Process |
| Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) | 11 | Aerospace, Chemical, Civil, Mechatronic, Polymer |
| UCSI University | 9 | Chemical, Civil, Petroleum, Energy, Computer Engineering (AI) |
| Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) | 8 | Aerospace, Chemical, Civil, E&E, Mechanical |
| Multimedia University (MMU) | 8 | Electrical, Electronics, Robotics & Automation, Mechanical |
| Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) | 7 | Chemical, Civil, E&E, Mechanical, Petroleum, Computer, Materials |
| University of Nottingham Malaysia | 6 MEng | Chemical, Civil, E&E, Mechanical, Mechatronic |
| Asia Pacific University (APU) | 5 | E&E, Telecommunication, Computer, Mechatronic, Petroleum |
| Monash University Malaysia | 5 | Chemical, Electrical & Computer Systems, Mechanical, Robotics & Mechatronics, Civil |
| Swinburne University Sarawak | 5 | Civil, E&E, Mechanical, Robotics & Mechatronics, Chemical |
| Universiti Malaya (UM) | 5 | Biomedical, Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Mechanical |
| Heriot-Watt University Malaysia | 4 MEng | Chemical, Mechanical, E&E, Civil |
| SEGi University | 4 | Civil, Mechanical, Chemical, E&E |
| Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN) | 4 | Civil, Electrical Power, E&E, Mechanical |
| Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) | 4 | Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical |
| Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) | 4 | Chemical, Civil, E&E, Mechanical |
| KLUST | 3 | Civil, Electronics, Mechanical |
| MAHSA University | 3 | E&E, Mechanical, Civil |
| MILA University | 3 | Chemical, Computer, Mechanical |
| Taylor’s University | 3 | Chemical, E&E, Mechanical |
| TAR UMT | 3 | E&E, Mechatronics, Mechanical |
| UOW Malaysia | 3 | E&E, Mechanical, Mechatronics |
| City University Malaysia | 2 | Mechanical, Civil |
| INTI International University | 2 | Civil, Mechanical |
| Sunway University | 2 | Chemical, Electronic & Electrical |
| Xiamen University Malaysia | 2 | Chemical, E&E |
For UKM, current MQA records show Civil Engineering, Electrical & Electronic Engineering and Chemical Engineering accredited through 2030, with Mechanical Engineering through 2028, so UKM is shown here with four programmes rather than the single programme in the older EAC PDF.
A Note About Campuses
Some universities in the table combine more than one campus or institute.
For example, UTM includes its main Engineering programmes and MJIIT, UTAR has programmes at Sungai Long and Kampar, MMU has Cyberjaya and Melaka, and UniKL programmes are offered through different specialist institutes.
This is why checking the exact campus matters.
BY FIELD
Engineering Programmes at TJS Partner Universities
Rather than searching through a huge national list, you can narrow the 27 accredited partner universities down by Engineering field.
Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering is available at many TJS partner universities, including UTM, USM, UPM, UTP, Monash Malaysia, Swinburne Sarawak, Heriot-Watt Malaysia, SEGi, UNITEN, Taylor’s, UOW Malaysia, MAHSA, MILA, INTI and City University Malaysia, among others.
Civil Engineering
EAC-accredited Civil Engineering options appear at universities including UTM, UTAR, USM, UCSI, UPM, UTP, Nottingham Malaysia, Monash Malaysia, Swinburne Sarawak, Heriot-Watt Malaysia, SEGi, UNITEN, MAHSA, City University Malaysia, INTI and UKM.
Electrical & Electronic Engineering
Students can find accredited Electrical, Electronic or closely related programmes at universities including UTM, UCSI, UPM, MMU, UTP, Nottingham Malaysia, APU, Monash Malaysia, Swinburne Sarawak, Heriot-Watt Malaysia, SEGi, UNITEN, Taylor’s, TAR UMT, UOW Malaysia and Xiamen University Malaysia.
Chemical Engineering
Accredited Chemical Engineering options include programmes at UTM, UTAR, USM, UCSI, UPM, UTP, Nottingham Malaysia, Monash Malaysia, Swinburne Sarawak, Heriot-Watt Malaysia, SEGi, UniKL, MILA, Taylor’s, Sunway and Xiamen University Malaysia.
Mechatronics & Robotics
Students interested in automation and robotics can find accredited programmes such as Mechatronics Engineering, Robotics & Mechatronics Engineering and Electronics with Robotics & Automation at selected partner universities including UTAR, USM, MMU, Nottingham Malaysia, APU, Monash Malaysia, Swinburne Sarawak, TAR UMT and UOW Malaysia.
Computer Engineering
Computer Engineering options appear at universities such as UCSI, UTP, APU and MILA, with some programmes incorporating areas such as Artificial Intelligence, computer systems and telecommunications.
Petroleum Engineering
Students interested in Petroleum Engineering can find accredited options at partner universities including UTM, UCSI, UTP and APU.
THE YEAR
What Does the EAC Accreditation Year Mean?
You may see programmes written like Civil Engineering — 2030 or Mechanical Engineering — 2028.
The year refers to the graduation period currently covered by the published accreditation record.
Students should therefore compare the accreditation period with their expected graduation year, not simply their intake year.
For example, if you begin a four-year Engineering degree in 2027, you may expect to graduate in 2031. That expected graduation year should be considered when checking the accreditation record.
If a published accreditation period currently finishes before your expected graduation year, that does not automatically mean the programme will lose accreditation. It may simply be awaiting another accreditation cycle. This is particularly important for programmes where the currently published list is approaching its end date.
PROVISIONAL
Full EAC Accreditation vs Provisional Accreditation
A newer Engineering programme may first appear under provisional accreditation before progressing through the full accreditation process.
Students should not treat provisional accreditation and full EAC accreditation as the same status.
Partner Universities With Provisional-Only Engineering Programmes
Two of the 37 universities reviewed currently appear in this category:
| University | Programme | Provisional Since |
|---|---|---|
| Lincoln University College | Civil Engineering | 2026 |
| University of Southampton Malaysia | MEng Mechanical Engineering | 2024 |
Newer Provisional Programmes at Already-Accredited Universities
Several partner universities that already have fully accredited programmes also have newer programmes under provisional accreditation. Examples include:
| University | Newer Programme | Provisional Since |
|---|---|---|
| UTM | Communication Engineering | 2026 |
| Xiamen University Malaysia | Robotics & Automation Engineering | 2024 |
| Sunway University | Civil Engineering | 2024 |
| Sunway University | Mechatronic Engineering (Robotics) | 2024 |
| UTP | Integrated Engineering | 2024 |
| Heriot-Watt University Malaysia | Robotic & Mechatronic Engineering MEng | 2024 |
| APU | Mechanical Engineering | 2023 |
| Sunway University | Mechanical Engineering | 2023 |
| Taylor’s University | Mechatronics Engineering | 2023 |
| SEGi University | Mechatronics Engineering | 2023 |
A provisional programme should be clearly described as provisionally accredited, not as already fully EAC-accredited.
NOT LISTED
Which TJS Partner Universities Do Not Currently Have an EAC-Accredited Engineering Degree?
Eight of the 37 universities reviewed do not currently have an EAC-accredited Engineering programme appearing on the reviewed list:
- HELP University
- IMU University
- Management and Science University (MSU)
- MDIS Malaysia
- UNITAR
- UNIRAZAK
- University of Cyberjaya
- University of Reading Malaysia
This does not necessarily mean they offer no Engineering-related study. For example, an institution may offer Engineering Technology rather than a professional Engineering degree. Engineering Technology follows a different professional accreditation route.
EAC vs ETAC
EAC vs ETAC: What Is the Difference?
This is one of the most important distinctions for students.
- EAC covers professional Engineering degree programmes.
- ETAC covers Engineering Technology and related technology programmes.
So these two qualifications should not automatically be treated as the same:
- Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering
- Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering Technology
They may lead to different accreditation and professional-registration pathways.
If your goal is the professional Engineer pathway, check the programme’s exact title and accreditation body before enrolling.
RECOGNITION
Is an EAC-Accredited Malaysian Engineering Degree Internationally Recognised?
Malaysia has been a full Washington Accord signatory since 2009. This supports international recognition of accredited professional Engineering education between participating accreditation bodies.
However, Washington Accord recognition does not mean automatic professional registration in every country. The country where you plan to work may still require its own degree equivalency, professional registration, licensing or work experience.
Is an EAC-Accredited Degree Recognised in Saudi Arabia?
Students planning to use their Malaysian Engineering degree in Saudi Arabia should check two things separately: university and degree recognition or equivalency, and professional registration requirements.
Saudi Arabia’s ETEC is identified in the reviewed research as a provisional Washington Accord member, so students should not assume automatic mutual professional recognition.
For students planning to return to Saudi Arabia, it is therefore important to check both the university and the specific Engineering degree before enrolling.
What About Qatar?
Students planning to use their Engineering degree in Qatar should check the current qualification-equivalency requirements and any applicable professional-registration conditions.
EAC programme accreditation and recognition of the university in Qatar are separate checks.
If you are applying from Saudi Arabia, Qatar or elsewhere in the GCC, TJS StudySteps can help you understand which checks are relevant before you choose your programme.
HOW TO CHECK
How Do I Check if an Engineering Degree Is EAC-Accredited?
Before applying:
- Find the exact university on the official EAC accredited-programme list.
- Make sure you are looking at the correct campus.
- Find the exact programme title.
- Check the accreditation period against your expected graduation year.
- If the programme is new, check whether it appears under provisional accreditation.
These are the same core checks used when compiling the programme comparison in this guide.
Not sure about your programme? Send TJS StudySteps the university and exact Engineering degree you are considering, and we can help you check the relevant programme information before you apply.
MISTAKES
Common Mistakes Students Make When Checking EAC Accreditation
Checking Only the University Name
Accreditation applies to a specific Engineering programme, not every degree offered by the university.
Ignoring the Campus
Universities such as UTM, UTAR, MMU and UniKL have Engineering programmes across different campuses or specialist institutes.
Ignoring the Graduation Year
The published accreditation period should be compared with when you expect to complete your degree.
Assuming Provisional Means Fully Accredited
A programme under provisional accreditation is not yet the same as a programme appearing on the fully accredited list.
Confusing Engineering With Engineering Technology
Engineering and Engineering Technology follow different professional accreditation routes.
Assuming International Recognition Is Automatic
Washington Accord participation supports recognition of accredited Engineering education, but individual countries can still apply their own registration and equivalency rules.
Cannot find your programme on the accredited list? contact TJS StudySteps and we will check its current EAC status before you accept an offer.
