The 101 Guide to Study Data Science in Malaysia

This program provides advanced learning in big data analysis, which brings together computer science, statistics, and mathematics to analyze large data. In three years, students are trained in machine learning, data visualization, and big data technologies with the backup of APU and UTM. As such, graduating candidates can opt for employment in the capacities of data scientists, analysts, and machine learning engineers.
Visualization of data science concepts, including charts, graphs, and code snippets, showcasing the analysis and interpretation of complex datasets.
Country

Malaysia

Duration

3 Years

Fees

$7,500+ Yearly

Field

Computer Science

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Program Overview

Study data science in Malaysia because it is an interdisciplinary field of education encapsulating a range of exciting subjects such as computer sciences, statistical analysis, mathematics, etc. It is the study of learning techniques that can help extract meaningful insights from typically larger sets of data. With businesses becoming increasingly customer-centric, data and information have leveraged a critical position for companies aiming to target the right audience and deliver exactly what their customers demand. Therefore, the need and demand for data science professionals have simultaneously increased, making it a much-in-demand and beneficial field of education for students. Studying data science can help you gain the critical skills of analyzing complex data sets, developing predictive models, and making data-driven and well-informed decisions.

With the growing demand for data insights by almost every industry, the scope of data science is expanding progressively, offering many career opportunities for graduates in this field. Whether healthcare, finance, marketing, or technology – every industry requires data scientists capable of identifying market patterns and trends, predicting future market patterns, and optimizing operations to ensure an enhanced customer experience. The versatile nature of the field allows graduates to pursue different roles based on their interests and understanding, such as machine learning engineers, data analysts, business analysts, and so on.

The most commonly taught courses in the data sciences degree or diploma programs include Introduction to Data Science, programming for Data Science, Statistics for Data Science, Data Visualization, Big Data Technologies, Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Database Management, and Data Ethics and Privacy. The top universities of Malaysia offering either a degree or diploma program in Data Sciences can be listed as follows –

  1. 1.  APU
  2. 2. ⁠UTM
  3. 3. ⁠UKM
  4. 4. ⁠Nottingham Malaysia
  5. ⁠5. MMU

Why Study Data Sciences?

Data Sciences is an emerging field of education offering students an opportunity to gain knowledge and expertise in the demanded industrial sphere. It is a highly relevant subject for almost every industry and has significant applications around the globe. There are many reasons to study data science in Malaysia, and a few prominent among them can be described as follows :

High Demand for Data Scientists:

The growing significance of data in every industry around the globe has majorly given rise to the need for data scientists simultaneously. Businesses worldwide seek data science professionals who can help them extract critical insights from the larger sets of data they might have gathered and assist them in strategic yet informed decision-making. This increasing demand for graduates of Data Sciences opens up the gate for too many career opportunities in the field, making it a way too attractive academic choice for students interested in technology and advancement.

Impactful Work:

the skill sets and knowledge you gain as a data science professional are often noteworthy and impactful. If studied with concentration and practice with passion, you can certainly make an impact as a data science professional. It involves contributing to many different fields by solving real-world challenges and problems. For instance, data scientists in finance can help develop models that can detect fraudulent activities using their extracted insights. In contrast, those in healthcare can help enhance patient care outcomes with the help of predictive analysis.

Innovation and Technological Advancement: 

Data science is a foundational field providing the basis for technological innovation and advancement. Studying data science exposes you to top-notch and cutting-edge methods and techniques such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, big data, etc. This exposure can help enhance your technical skills and allow you to make significant contributions to the innovation and advancement of technology.

Problem-Solving and Analytical Skills:

Data sciences is an exciting field of education that will allow you to learn critical problem-solving and analysis skills. It will teach you the essential methods and techniques of collecting, processing, and analyzing data to extract insightful information from them. These analytical and problem-solving skills you can learn as a data science student are of great value and can be of help in almost every aspect of life. Therefore, studying data science ensures you a promising and lasting career.

Why Study Data Science in Malaysia?

There are several reasons you should study data science in Malaysia; the best among them include the following:

Quality Education:

Malaysia is known for being home to all the highly accredited and globally renowned universities that offer the best AI courses. Each of these courses and programs is accredited by professional global bodies such as the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), which ensures that quality education is offered to students who meet international standards. The curriculum has been rigorously developed with the latest developments in the world’s economy and upcoming trends in mind.

Affordable Tuition Fee:

Unlike most educational institutions, Malaysia offers affordable fees. While ensuring that the best quality education is provided and that global standards are not compromised, Malaysian universities offer low-cost study options, making themselves an attractive destination for students with high-end academic dreams.

Strategic Location & International Exposure :

Located in the very central heart of Southeast Asia, Malaysia offers strategic access to almost every economically growing state. It is an easy-to-access study destination for students aiming to get a quality education abroad and simultaneously experience an international perspective of AI.

Vibrant Student Life:

Universities of Malaysia are known for offering vibrant campus lives for both local and international students. These all-inclusive educational centers welcome students from varying cultures and allow them to engage with each other, enjoy multicultural festivities, and experience a fun-loving study environment where their academics are always complemented with the best extra-curricular activities to ensure a balanced life.

Career Prospects

Data Science is a promising field of education with various career opportunities. A few prominent and high-paying career options for graduates of Data Science can be described as follows:

Data Scientist:

The key job role of a data scientist is to collect, process, and analyze large volumes of data to extract significant insights from them. They might also be responsible for using the extracted data patterns and insights to build predictive models and contribute to strategic yet informed decision-making for the businesses to perform for enhanced revenues and profits. The critical skills needed by a data scientist usually include machine learning, statistical analysis, data visualization, programming, data wrangling, etc. Top-tier industries such as healthcare, finance marketing, retail, and more often require these.

Data Analyst:

The core job responsibilities of a data analyst include interpreting larger sets of data to devise insightful information. They further utilize the analyzed information to create helpful reports and visualizations that can assist organizations in making strategic yet informed decisions. These professionals often work closely with the major stakeholders of a business to better understand their data-related needs and requirements. The skills required for this role usually include data visualization, SQL, Excel, and some basic knowledge of statistical tools.

Machine Learning Engineer:

The core job responsibilities of a machine learning engineer include designing, building, and deploying models and systems based on machine learning. They are responsible for developing models to optimize machine learning systems for better performance. The skills required by a machine learning engineer include software engineering, programming, and a decent understanding of machine learning frameworks. It is a high-paying role often required by top-tier industries, including automotive, technology, finance, healthcare, and more.

Business Intelligence Analyst: 

A BI Analyst’s core role is to analyze the data sets and extract insightful information to help businesses make strategic and vital decisions. They are often required to work on the performance metrics and dashboards. The critical skills needed for a BI Analyst might include Excel, SQL, business acumen, and a decent command of data visualization tools. They are high-demand professionals often required by top-tier industries such as finance, marketing, telecommunications, consulting retail, etc.

Program Duration

Undergraduate Programs

  1. 1. Bachelors in Data Science (3-4 years typically)

Postgraduate Programs

  1. 1. Master’s Degree in Data Science (1-2 years typically)
  2. 2. Doctorate (PhD) in Data Science (3-5 years typically)

Entry Requirements

The general entry requirements set by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) are implied and followed by every professional university in Malaysia. They can be described as follows:

Undergraduate Programs

Academic Qualifications :

  1. 1. A-Levels (at least two passes)
  2. 2. Matriculation/Foundation (at least 2.00 CGPA)
  3. 3. Diploma (a course-relevant diploma with at least a 2.00 CGPA)
  4. 4. Unified Examination Certificate (at least five Bs)
  5. 5. STPM (Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia) ( at least 2.00 CGPA)

English Language Proficiency:

  1. 1. At least one credit in SPM English or equivalent for Malaysian Nationals.
  2. 2. A minimum IELTS score of 5.5 or TOEFL score of 550 (paper-based) and 80 (internet-based) for international students.

Post Graduate Programs (Masters’ Degree)

Academic Qualifications :

1. A relevant bachelor’s degree with at least a 2.00 CGPA.

English Language Proficiency:

  1. 1. At least one credit in SPM English or equivalent for Malaysian Nationals.
  2. 2. A minimum IELTS score of 6.0 or TOEFL score of 550 (paper-based) and 80 (internet-based) for international students.

Postgraduate Programs (Doctorate – PhD)

Academic Qualifications :

  1. 1. A relevant master’s degree with at least a 3.00 CGPA.
  2. 2. A well-crafted and subject-relevant research proposal is to be submitted.

English Language Proficiency:

  1. 1. At least one credit in SPM English or equivalent for Malaysian Nationals.
  2. 2. A minimum IELTS score of 6.0 or TOEFL score of 550 (paper-based) and 80 (internet-based) for international students.

Fee and Costing

Study data science in Malaysia because it offers competitive tuition fees, making it an affordable option for quality education in the field. The fee structures for both undergraduate and postgraduate degree and diploma programs in Malaysia vary based on the program you’ve chosen, the institution you might be looking for, the duration of study, etc. However, the generic cost of a bachelor’s degree in Malaysia may be between 20,000 MYR and 70,000 MYR (an estimated 5,000 USD to 17,500 USD) a year.

Postgraduate programs, however, may cost a bit higher, ranging from 25,000 MYR to 80,000 MYR (an estimated 6,250 USD to 20,000 USD) a year. The range is often similar for both master’s and doctorate programs. However, the total expense of doctorate programs might vary based on the nature and duration of the research involved.
However, the good news is that most Malaysian universities offer scholarships and financial aid to help students needing financial assistance. Many flexible payment plans are also provided to help accommodate students without strong financial backgrounds but a will for bright academic careers.

Accommodation

Malaysian universities offer excellent and versatile accommodation facilities that suit each student’s diverse needs and requirements. Study data science in Malaysia bacuase it provides a range of accommodation options, from modern city apartments to tranquil rural retreats, catering to diverse preferences and budgets. As a foreign student landing in an entirely new destination for studies, accommodation could be a significant issue for you. But you need not worry because most Malaysian Universities offer a wide range of options, including hostels, dormitories, and even spacious apartment residences. You can pick what suits your needs and comes under your budget, and boom – enjoy all the excellent facilities they offer along with the comfortable and budget-friendly accommodation.

The shared facilities and amenities usually include :

  1. 1. Study desks
  2. 2. Beds
  3. 3. Attached bathrooms 
  4. 4. Fully functional kitchens or pantries include a microwave, electric kettle, stove, fridge, etc. 
  5. 5. Laundry rooms
  6. 6. Socializing areas
  7. 7. Recreational activities 
  8. 8. 24/7 security surveillance

Admission Procedure

The admission process for getting into Malaysian Universities typically comprises multiple steps, including submission of an application, verification of the documents, eligibility assessment, and, in some cases, entrance exams or interviews etc. While it can be overwhelming and tedious to handle all that pressure while preparing for your entrance exams and interviews, TJS Studysteps Education consultancy in Saudi Arabia can be your savior and simplify the admission process like never before. Here’s how the experts from TJS Studysteps can help during each stage of the admission procedure and ease you from the hassle!

  1. 1. We have added featured university and program guides on our website that experts from the industry have prepared. These guides can help you pick the finest universities and programs from a widespread palate as per your academic goals and aspirations. 
  2. 2. Filling out the lengthy application forms can be exhausting; our team’s experts know how to ease you from that hassle. They offer professional assistance to the students in filling out correct information and attaching the required documents with their applications without any error to ensure the admission process goes smoothly. 
  3. 3. TJS Studysteps also has documentation experts onboard who can help you gather all the required documents, such as transcripts, personal statements, certificates, and so on. 
  4. 4. We also track your applications on your behalf and inform you of their progress in real-time. 
  5. 5. If a university invites you to an interview or entrance exam, TJS can also assist you in your preparation and ensure you perform well and get selected.
  6. 6. Once you’ve secured admission at a university in Malaysia, the next step is to get a student Visa, and we also provide total guidance for the Visa application process. 
  7. 7. Last but not least, TJS Studysteps ensures your well-being abroad. From booking the best flights at affordable rates to assisting you with a city tour, we help you adjust to the city.
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