Best Private Universities in Malaysia for Social Sciences – International Student Guide 2025

Looking for a budget-friendly, globally recognized social sciences degree? 

Malaysia is fast becoming a top destination. As of 2025, more than 139,000 international students from over 160 countries160 countries have already chosen Malaysia for its affordable tuition, diverse culture, and globally recognized private universities.

From psychology labs to media studios, you’ll find social sciences programs taught fully in English, with plenty of internship and networking opportunities along the way. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best private universities in Malaysia for social sciences in 2025, so you can pick the right pathway for your future.

Why Choose Private Universities for Social Sciences in Malaysia

If you’re planning to study social sciences abroad, Malaysia’s private universities offer the perfect balance of affordability, quality, and global recognition. Programs are taught in English, so you don’t need to worry about language barriers, and degrees from top institutions like Taylor’s, Sunway, Monash Malaysia, and UCSI are widely recognized worldwide.

• Smaller Class Sizes: You’ll get more one-on-one time with lecturers and a more engaging classroom experience compared to large public universities.
• Globally Relevant Curriculum: Private universities in Malaysia design programs with international standards in mind, especially in psychology, communication, public relations, and international relations.
• Strong Employability Support: Most private universities have a 100% graduate employability rate (2021–22), with career services that help connect you to internships and jobs across Asia and beyond.
• Scholarships for International Students: Many private universities offer merit-based scholarships, tuition discounts, and foundation-to-degree fee reductions for international students.
• Industry Partnerships: From multinational companies in Kuala Lumpur to NGOs and schools, students gain practical exposure through internships, co-op placements, and industry-driven projects.

With lower tuition compared to the US, UK, or Australia and the same global recognition, studying social sciences in Malaysia is a smart choice for international students seeking career-ready degrees.

How We Ranked the Best Social Sciences Programs in Malaysia

To help you make an informed choice, we ranked universities based on these key factors:

This balanced approach ensures the rankings reflect not just academic quality, but also real-world relevance and outcomes for students in Malaysia.

Top Private Universities in Malaysia for Social Sciences (2025)

→ For more detailed information on scholarships, read Scholarships in Malaysia for International Students 2025

1) Taylor’s University 

If you’re comparing private universities in Malaysia for social sciences, Taylor’s is a strong all-rounder for international students. Taylor’s is ranked #253 in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and sits Top 150 globally for Social Sciences & Management with Communication & Media Studies ranked 201–250 (QS by Subject). 

For social sciences specifically (Psychology, Communication, International Relations), you’ll find industry-linked coursework and media labs. International students benefit from Taylor’s reputation in employer surveys (QS Employer Reputation rank #92), plus strong mobility options and student support services.

2) Sunway University 

Sunway’s Psychology, Communication, and International Relations come with dual-award opportunities with Lancaster University (UK) and an international campus ecosystem (Sunway City) that’s easy to live and study in. Sunway is ranked #410 in QS WUR 2026, #74 in QS Asia 2025, and is featured across multiple QS Subject rankings relevant to social sciences and arts/humanities.

For international students, the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation underwrites generous scholarships, and the university emphasizes internships and career coaching, handy if you want practical exposure while you study in Malaysia.

3) HELP University

If Psychology is your priority, HELP is one of Malaysia’s pioneers and largest providers. The Faculty of Behavioural Sciences has EEG and VR labs, a Centre for Neuropsychology, and a long track record of industry placements with 300+ partner organisations, great for applied experience in clinical, counselling, and I-O contexts.

For international students comparing private universities in Malaysia for social sciences, HELP’s strength is focus: deep psychology curricula, supervised practicums, and strong professional links that help you translate classroom learning into employable skills.

4) UCSI University

UCSI combines Psychology and Communication with a broader health-sciences environment. It boasts 100% graduate employability in 2021 & 2022. Its signature Co-Operative Education (Co-Op) Programme places students with industry for at least two months of work placement each academic year.

For international students, that means predictable, structured exposure to Malaysian employers across sectors (media, healthcare, NGOs, corporates). 

5) INTI International University

INTI emphasizes Communication, Digital Media, and PR with strong industry-embedded learning (live projects, agency-style briefs, and brand collaborations). On the rankings front, INTI is ranked in QS Asia University Rankings 2025 at #170 and appears in the QS World University Rankings 2026.

INTI University network across creative, digital, and corporate communications helps with internships and portfolio-building, practical if you’re targeting roles in content, branding, marketing, or media strategy after your degree. 

6) SEGi University & Colleges 

SEGi is a budget-friendly option that carries global validation: it is one of only two Malaysian institutions rated QS 5 Stars Plus, and it’s listed in QS WUR 2026 (band 731–740). Programs in Psychology, Social Work, and Early Childhood Education are built around community engagement.

Students can gain hands-on experience with schools, NGOs, and clinics while you study in Malaysia. International students also benefit from SEGi’s on-campus clinics and “industry-into-classroom” activities, which add applied hours and local context to your learning. 

7) Monash University Malaysia 

As Monash’s branch campus, you earn an Australian degree while studying in Malaysia, often at a lower total cost of attendance than in Australia. Globally, Monash ranks #58 in THE World University Rankings 2025 and is top-100 worldwide in Psychology and Social Sciences (THE 2025). 

The Malaysia campus mirrors Monash standards with research-active staff and Industry-Based Learning options. The Career Gateway portal and employer links in KL help international students find internships and build networks across Southeast Asia, a growing hub for media, tech, and policy work.

8) Heriot-Watt University Malaysia 

If you want a UK degree, Heriot-Watt University Malaysia lets you study in Malaysia while earning a Heriot-Watt (UK) award, a tidy option for international students looking for global recognition at lower cost. It offers social-science relevant programmes such as BSc (Hons) Psychology alongside postgraduate options in sustainability and policy, and it runs research and PhD pathways in social and behavioural sciences. 

Heriot-Watt’s Malaysia campus is also notable for its sustainability focus which helps with international recognition. For students interested in urban policy, sustainability, or psychology at a private university in Malaysia for social sciences, Heriot-Watt is a great option. 

Popular Social Sciences Courses in Malaysia for International Students

From psychology to communication and international relations, private universities in Malaysia offer globally recognized degrees, industry exposure, and strong career pathways. 

Notes for International Students

• Psychology is one of the most popular social sciences in Malaysia, with growing demand for graduates in clinical, counseling, and organizational psychology across Asia.
• Media & Communication and Public Relations are trending due to Malaysia’s rapidly growing digital economy, offering strong industry links and internship opportunities.
• International Relations & Political Science attract students aiming for careers in global policy, diplomacy, or NGOs, with programs offered at universities ranked in QS World University Rankings.
• Early Childhood Education (ECE) is in high demand due to Malaysia’s booming network of private and international schools, providing excellent employability for graduates.

Tuition Fees & Scholarships for International Students in Malaysia

For international students, tuition fees at Malaysia’s top private universities for social sciences typically range between USD 6,500 – 10,000 per year. Programs like Psychology, Communication, and International Relations fall within this range, while specialized programs such as dual-award degrees or Early Childhood Education may cost more, around USD 8,000 – 12,000 annually.

What scholarships are available for international students?

International students can apply for:

Merit-based scholarships: Full/partial tuition fee waivers for students with strong academic results.

International student discounts: Some universities offer early birds discounts or special promos on specific programs.

How to Choose the Right University for Social Sciences in Malaysia (For International Students)

If you’re an international student planning to study social sciences in Malaysia, choosing the right university goes beyond rankings, it’s about finding a program that matches your career goals, budget, and future plans.

Here’s what you should keep in mind:

1. Match programs with your interests: Look for universities strong in psychology, communication, public relations, or international relations, depending on your career aspirations.

2. Internship and employability opportunities: Many private universities in Malaysia offer industry-linked internships and have solid graduate employability records — something international students should always check.

3. Accreditation matters: If you’re interested in psychology, confirm whether the program is recognized and accredited, especially if you aim to work in clinical or counseling fields.

4. Understand costs: Tuition fees at private universities range between RM18,000–30,000 per year (USD 3,800–6,300), depending on the program and university. In addition, you should factor in living expenses of about RM1,500–2,500 per month (USD 320–530), which covers accommodation, food, transport, and personal costs. This brings the total annual cost to roughly RM36,000–60,000 (USD 7,600–12,600). 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which private universities in Malaysia are best for psychology and communication for international students?

Top private universities for psychology and communication include Taylor’s University, Sunway University, HELP University, Monash University Malaysia, and INTI International University. These universities offer strong industry links, global partnerships, and English-taught programs tailored for international students.

2. Are Malaysian degrees recognized internationally?

Yes, Malaysian degrees from accredited private universities are widely recognized, especially those with dual-degree or twinning programs linked to universities in the UK, Australia, and the US. Graduates can pursue further studies or careers abroad without issue.

3. Do private universities in Malaysia teach social sciences in English?

Yes, most private universities in Malaysia conduct social sciences programs entirely in English. This makes it easier for international students to adapt and study without needing to learn an additional language.

4. How to apply for a student visa in Malaysia?

International students must first secure an offer letter from a Malaysian private university. The visa application is processed through EMGS (Education Malaysia Global Services) and usually takes around 4–6 weeks. To avoid delays and confusion, you can use EasyUni’s free support to guide you through university selection and the visa application process.

5. Is Malaysia safe and student-friendly for international students?

Yes, Malaysia is generally considered safe and welcoming for international students, with a multicultural society and affordable living costs. Universities also provide student support services, making it easier to adjust.