Best Economics Universities in Malaysia

In Malaysia, economics is an important subject that attracts a large number of students to pursue higher education. Malaysian universities offer a diverse range of economics courses and programs, providing ample career opportunities and academic achievements. As economics becomes increasingly significant globally, many Malaysian universities are dedicated to improving their positions in international rankings. Here, we focus on the 2024 QS World University Rankings for economics and econometrics, analyzing the performance of Malaysian universities in this field.

1. Overview of Economics University Rankings in Malaysia

According to the 2024 QS World University Rankings for economics and econometrics, several Malaysian universities perform well in this field. These rankings provide a vital reference for universities globally, reflecting their overall performance in academic reputation, research quality, teaching standards, and internationalization. For students choosing to pursue economics, understanding these rankings helps them make informed decisions about their academic path.

In the 2024 QS rankings, the performance of Malaysian universities in economics and econometrics is as follows:

University of Malaya (UM) — Ranked 93rd globally

Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) — Ranked 134th globally

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) — Ranked 151-200th globally

Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) — Ranked 151-200th globally

Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) — Ranked 201-250th globally

Taylor's University — Ranked 151-200th globally

International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) — Ranked 351-400th globally

Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) — Ranked 351-400th globally

2. University of Malaya (UM)

The University of Malaya (UM) is the oldest and one of the most prestigious universities in Malaysia. In the 2024 QS rankings for economics and econometrics, it ranks 93rd globally, maintaining its position as one of the top universities in Malaysia for economics. As a comprehensive university, UM has a strong academic background and rich research resources, with its economics program holding a solid reputation in both Asia and globally.

UM's economics courses emphasize the integration of theory and practice, helping students develop analytical skills to understand economic phenomena in a globalized context. The university's economics department offers a wide range of specialized programs, including microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, and more. The university's research activities are closely connected to government agencies, international organizations, and multinational corporations, providing students with ample internship and career opportunities.

3. Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)

Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) ranks 134th in the 2024 QS economics and econometrics rankings, reflecting its strong performance in academic research and teaching. Known for its agricultural disciplines, UPM also offers a robust economics program that integrates traditional economics with agriculture economics, environmental economics, and other fields specific to the Malaysian context.

UPM's economics program provides students with numerous opportunities for research projects and international exchange programs. The university maintains close ties with both private enterprises and government institutions, ensuring that graduates have access to a wide range of employment prospects.

4. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), ranked 151-200th globally in the 2024 QS rankings, is another top university for economics in Malaysia. UKM’s economics program focuses on cultivating students' analytical thinking and decision-making skills, preparing them to navigate the complexities of the global economy.

UKM’s economics department is renowned for its research in macroeconomics, international economics, and development economics. The university collaborates with numerous economic research institutions and international universities, giving students opportunities for interdisciplinary learning and research.

5. Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)

Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) also ranks 151-200th globally in the 2024 QS rankings for economics and econometrics. USM’s economics program is known for its innovative approach, focusing on producing graduates with critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. The program emphasizes a blend of theory and application, enabling students to develop a deep understanding of economic issues in both local and global contexts.

USM encourages students to engage in cross-disciplinary studies, incorporating economics with fields like social sciences, environmental studies, and more, broadening their perspective and equipping them with the necessary skills to address complex challenges in the modern economy.

6. Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM)

Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) ranks 201-250th in the 2024 QS economics and econometrics rankings. UUM’s economics program is designed to be highly practical, focusing on developing students' skills for real-world applications in government, business, and non-governmental sectors. The university offers diverse economics courses that are geared toward producing graduates who can thrive in Malaysia's dynamic economy.

UUM’s economics department fosters industry partnerships, giving students access to internships and research opportunities with local and international companies. The practical nature of the program ensures that graduates are well-prepared to enter the workforce upon graduation.

7. Taylor’s University

Taylor's University, a private institution in Malaysia, ranks 151-200th globally in the 2024 QS rankings for economics and econometrics. Taylor’s is known for its high-quality education and international outlook. Its economics program integrates theoretical knowledge with practical experiences, providing students with ample opportunities to engage in global issues and economic trends.

The university offers a range of specialized economics courses, and students can participate in international exchange programs that enhance their understanding of global economic policies. Taylor’s University is highly regarded for its international student body and collaborative research projects with global institutions.

8. International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM)

The International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) ranks 351-400th in the 2024 QS economics and econometrics rankings. IIUM offers a unique approach to economics, combining traditional economic theories with Islamic economics, making it an ideal choice for students interested in pursuing a career in Islamic finance or understanding the economic models within Islamic frameworks.

IIUM’s economics department focuses on developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills, with an emphasis on ethical considerations and social responsibility. The university provides a diverse range of research opportunities and encourages students to engage in global economic issues from a multicultural perspective.

9. Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM)

Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) also ranks 351-400th globally in the 2024 QS economics rankings. UiTM is known for its practical-oriented economics program that focuses on real-world applications. The university offers a range of economics courses designed to help students gain the skills required to excel in the business, government, and financial sectors.

UiTM emphasizes practical experience, offering students various opportunities for internships and hands-on projects, which helps them transition smoothly into the workforce after graduation.

10. Conclusion

In conclusion, many Malaysian universities have performed well in the global rankings for economics and econometrics in 2024. These universities not only emphasize academic research and teaching excellence but also focus on developing students’ practical skills and employability. Whether it is the leading position of the University of Malaya or the unique offerings of other institutions, Malaysia’s higher education system provides a wide range of choices for students. By selecting the right university and program, students can lay a solid foundation for their future careers in economics.