Institute of Postgraduate Studies & Research

Generally, students are required to attend some compulsory modules as prescribed by the programme. However, research is the principal requirement for attaining a postgraduate degree.

Structure B

Coursework and Dissertation

(Mixed-mode)

Students are required to complete coursework credits and to submit a dissertation.

Structure C

Coursework and Project

Students are required to acquire a specified number of coursework credits. Generally, students are also required to submit a project report.

4. Are there any evening & weekend classes?

Classes for taught units (in structure B and Structure C) are usually conducted in the evening during weekdays from 6.30pm – 9.30pm. However, weekend classes may be arranged if there are sufficient numbers of students requesting for them.

6. What are the minimum requirements for entry to Postgraduate Programmes at UTAR?

Programme	Minimum Entry Requirements
Master’s · Coursework & Project · Coursework & Dissertation	A Bachelor’s Degree (Hons) or its equivalent in the related field^#1 A Bachelor’s Degree or its equivalent in the related field^#2 (applicable to certain taught-course programmes)
Master’s by Research	A Bachelor’s Degree (Hons) or its equivalent in the related field^#1
PhD	A Master’s Degree or its equivalent in the related field

Note:

^#1 - Preference will be given to applicants having CGPA 3.0 and above or its equivalent.

^#2 - Applicants having a Bachelor’s Degree(General degree) with a number of years of working experience in related field.

8. What are the Language Requirements of the University?

8.1 For postgraduate programme with English as the medium of instruction, an applicant is required to fulfill one of the following English Language requirement:

(a) a minimum overall score of 580 in TOEFL (paper-based) or 237 in TOEFL (computer-based) or 92 in TOEFL (internet-based testing);

(b) a minimum overall band score of 6.5 in IELTS;

(d) a minimum score of 980 in English Language Proficiency Test (ELPT);

(e) a minimum score of 500 in Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) (Critical Reading);

(f) a minimum score of 22 in American College Testing Assessment (ACT);

(g) a credit in English 1119;

(h) a minimum credit C4 in SPM English Language/“O” level English Language;

(i) a minimum overall band score of 4 in MUET; or

(j) any other qualification which is of equivalent level as determined by the Senate of the University.

UTAR Senate may, upon the recommendation of the Faculty, exempt a candidate from the English Language requirement if the candidate had obtained the Bachelor's or Master's degree using English as the sole medium of instruction or as one of the media of instruction.

8.2 For postgraduate programme with Chinese as the medium of instruction, an applicant is required to fulfill one of the following Chinese Language requirement:

(i) a credit in SPM Chinese Language;

(ii) a credit in “O” level Chinese Language;

(iii) a credit in UEC Chinese Language Examination;

(iv) a pass in STPM Chinese Language;

(v) minimum grade A (Level 8) in Chinese Proficiency Test: HSK (The Intermediate Certificate);

(vi) minmum level 5 in Test Of Proficiency - Huayu: TOP(Advanced level);

(vii) any other qualification which is of the equivalent level as determined by the Senate.

UTAR Senate may, upon the recommendation of the Faculty, exempt a candidate from the English requirement if the candidate had obtained the Bachelor's or Master's degree using Chinese language as the sole medium of instruction or as one of the media of instruction.

9. I have a Bachelor’s Degree with Honours with very good CGPA (above 3.75). Can I apply for direct entry to a related PhD programme?

At present, UTAR does not offer direct entry to PhD programme for holder of Bachelor’s Degree with Honours with very good CGPA. A Bachelor’s degree holder must first enroll to do a Master’s programme. With the requisite approval of his supervisor, he may at any time during the Eligible Period make an application for conversion from a Master’s degree candidature to a degree of the Doctor of Philosophy candidature. Upon the recommendation of the Faculty Board, UTAR Senate may permit a Master’s degree candidate to be admitted as a candidate for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy.

11. What is the mode of payment of course fees?

UTAR normally does not required students to pay their course fees in one lump sum. The total fees are usually spread over three or four billings. The amount for each billing depends on the numbers of units you signed up for that trimester, it may also include certain percentage of the fee for Research component (for those taking Structure A or Structure B).

Payment of fees can be made:-

(a) at the Division of Finance, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman

(b) by Bank draft/money order/cheque for the exact amount as stated on the student bill made payable to "Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman" and sent by mail. Do not remit cash.

(d) through Public Bank's e-Banking Service known as PBeBank.com

12. If I had missed the deadline to pay up the fees, can I still pay?

You are required to submit a written appeal for late registration to the Director of Institute of Postgraduate Studies and Research. The outcome of the appeal depends upon the availability of places.

13. Are there any scholarships and financial assistance?

Limited range of financial assistance is provided by the University and appropriate advice can be obtained from Institute of Postgraduate Studies and Research (IPSR).

14. Does the University help out in accommodation?

The Department of Student Affairs (DSA) assists students in obtaining accommodation in the manner as follows:

(i) DSA Accommodation List

DSA has compiled a list of available accommodation within the vicinity of the campuses, i.e. around the Petaling Jaya area (Section 17, Section 14, SS2 and Section 19), Setapak and Bandar Sungai Long etc. The accommodation includes single-storey and double-storey houses, flats, apartments and condominiums.

(ii) Estate Agents

DSA provides a list of Estate Agents, who may help you get your choice of accommodation.

· Log in "Accommodation" under "Student Services" tab at http://www.utar.edu.my/ for more information.

For International students

The Department of International Student Services (DISS) is specially set up to assist you in matters such as applying for Student Visa, looking for accomodation, etc

15. How many intakes a year are there in UTAR? When is the next intake?

In general, UTAR offers three intakes in a year, i.e. January, May and October intakes, for postgraduate programmes by Coursework (taught course). However, intake for postgraduate programmes by Research is open throughout the year.

For the latest information, kindly take note of our advertisements in major local newspapers. You may also obtain the latest information by accessing our website

16. How can I obtain the Admission Application Form?

The Admission Application Form can be obtained as follows:

(i) In person

The Admission Application Form can be purchased from the counters of Division of Finance in all UTAR campuses at RM10 per set.

(ii) By mail

You may request for it to be posted to you via mail by writing to Division of Finance, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman at PO Box 11384, 50744 Kuala Lumpur. You are to enclose a 15" X 10" self-addressed envelope affixed with RM1.00 stamp and a postal order/money order of RM10.00 in favour of "Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman" for each set of Application Form requested.

(iii) Download from UTAR website

You may also download the Admission Application Form from the University's website at http://www.utar.edu.my/ and log in "Admission Application Form" under "Admission" tab.

17. What documents are required for application?

Submit duly completed application form together with the following documents:

(i) Certified true copy of Identity Card (front and back)^#1 or 3 sets of certified true copy of your passport (all pages of the passport including blank pages)^#2;

(ii) Certified true copy of the full official transcript of your academic record and certificates for all studies at the undergraduate level, postgraduate level (if any), or other equivalent qualifications. Transcripts must show all subjects taken including failures, marks, and/or grades awarded with an explanation of the grading system;

(iii) Certified true copy of SPM certificate^#1 (for Malaysian applicant)

(iv) Certified true copy of the English Language Proficiency Test results (if any), such as MUET, TOEFL or IELTS;

(v) Certified true copy of membership of professional bodies (If applicable);

(vi) Research Proposal (only for Structure A programmes)

(vii) 4 passport-sized colour photographs^#1 / 6 passport-sized colour photographs^#2 (excluding the one affixed on the front page of the Application form);

(viii) Referee Forms from two referees (in sealed and signed envelopes);

(ix) Letter of scholarship/sponsorship, etc (If applicable);

(x) Medical report^#2;

(xi) Bank statement of the past 6 months^#2;

(xii) Institution Leaving Certificate/Testimonial, Release Letter, Results, Academic transcript and Attendance report (Applicable to International Applicant transferring from another University/College/Institute in Malaysia and holding a Student Pass or Dependent Pass);

(xiii) Two (2) self-addressed envelopes, one measuring 7” X 10” affixed with RM1.00 stamp and another measuring 3.5” X 6” affixed with RM0.50 stamp (for Malaysian applicant);

(xiv) A non-refundable processing fee of RM60 (for Malaysian applicant) or RM300/ USD100 (for International applicant) in Money/Postal Order/ Bankdraft or Banker’s cheque made payable to “Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman”.

(Please note that personal cheque or cash is NOT accepted)

[Remark #1 – for Malaysian student; #2 – for International student]

18. I have just submitted my application for admission to a particular postgraduate programme, but would like to change it to another postgraduate programme. What should I do?

As long as you fulfill the Minimum Entry Requirement and Language Requirement for the new postgraduate programme, and your Admission Application Form has not been forwarded to the Faculty concerned for recommendation, you can change your choice of programme. All you need to do is to inform the programme officer in Institute of Postgraduate Studies and Research (IPSR) immediately.

19. How do I know whether my application is complete?

Where an applicantion received is found to be incomplete, the dedicated programme officer in IPSR would inform the applicant through

(a) e-mail, or

(b) phone call.

20. How do I check the status of my application?

You may check the status of your admission application by sending an e-mail or making a phone call to the dedicated programme officer in IPSR.

21. How do I apply for leave of absence from my study?

You are required to submit a duly completed Application for Leave of Absence Form obtainable from the Department of Admissions and Credit Evaluation (DACE) or Institute of Postgraduate Studies and research (IPSR). Approval for such applications is not automatic but determined by the University on a case-to-case basis

22. Can I transfer the fees paid for the current trimester to the trimester where I resume my course?

Where an application is made for leave of absence before the fifth week of a trimester, all fees paid is transferable to the trimester the student rejoins his course.

For application made after the above deadline, all fees paid are non-transferable except under extenuating circumstances approved by the University on a case-to-case basis .

23. If I wished to withdraw from the University, what is the procedure on withdrawal? Will my fees be refunded?

You are to submit a completed Notification to Withdraw from the University form obtainable from the Department of Admissions and Credit Evaluation (DACE) or or Institute of Postgraduate Studies and research (IPSR).

Where a student withdraws before the commencement of the trimester, there will be a 70% refund of tuition fees and full refund on Caution Money upon a written request. For withdrawal after the commencement of the trimester, only the Caution Money will be refunded upon the written request.

24. If I had withdrawn from the Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman and now I would like to be reinstated as a student of the University, what should I do?

You will be required to submit a duly completed Application for Reinstatement Form obtainable from the Department of Admissions and Credit Evaluation (DACE) or Institute of Postgraduate Studies and Research (IPSR). Reinstatement is not automatic but shall be determined by the University on a case-to-case basis .

25. I had just started on my course but would like to transfer to another postgraduate course at UTAR. Can I do that? If yes, then what should I do?

The University does not encourage you to do that. However, if you must, then you must present some very strong reasons which are acceptable to the University. Besides, you must:

(i) have paid the full fees and registered as a student of the University in the course stated in the offer letter; and

(ii) meet the minimum entry requirements of the course which you wish to transfer to.

Completed application form must be submitted to Institute of Postgraduate Studies and Research (IPSR). The closing date for submission of such applications is normally at the end of the second week post commencement of the trimester for new students. Approval for Course Transfer is not automatic but shall be determined by the University on a case-to-case basis.

Successful applicants who wish to accept the course transfer are required to pay the course transfer fee (compulsory) and difference in tuition fees (where applicable).

You are only allowed to commence your study in the course applied for upon official notification from the University to the effect that your application for course transfer is successful.

27. I am currently, for example, in Year 1 Trimester 2 of Master of Information Systems and I would like to transfer to Master of Computer Science. Can I do that?

You are required to apply for a course transfer by submitting the Course Transfer by Existing Students form, certified true copy of your entry qualification and all Notifications of Result of all your examination sittings at UTAR. Applications are considered on a case-by-case basis.

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