UNITAR International University

What UNITAR International University does

UNITAR International University is a private Malaysian higher education institution, owned and operated by UNITAR Education Sdn Bhd, founded as UNITAR College in 1991 and established as the First Virtual University in Southeast Asia in 1997. The group operates four wholly-owned sub-brands — UNITAR International University, UNITAR College, UNITAR Academy, and UNITAR University College Kuala Lumpur (UUCKL) — offering Foundation through Doctorate programmes across seven disciplines (Business & Entrepreneurship, Education, Art & Design, Information Technology, Psychology, Accounting & Finance, Tourism & Hospitality) delivered via conventional, online, and blended modes across 13 Malaysian campus locations plus a Butterworth resource centre, with 7,000+ students enrolled.

The institution's core technology differentiator is its virtual learning platform combining Face-to-Face, Online, and Customised Learning Environment (COLE) components, underpinned by the proprietary C.A.R.E. education methodology (Collaborative, Adaptive, Reflective, Entrepreneurial), APEL (Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning) for working professionals, and the Learning Resource Centre digital platform. All programmes carry Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) accreditation, supplemented by ASIC international accreditation and QS 5-Star Ratings across teaching, employability, inclusiveness, finance, and Online Learning categories — UNITAR being the first institution in Asia to receive the QS 5-Star Online Learning rating. Dedicated design studios (11,895 sqft) and tech integrations include CLO Virtual Fashion Software, Microsoft certifications, and AWS re/Start reskilling content.

UNITAR generates revenue primarily through tuition and programme fees across multi-year contracts (Diploma RM 15K-33K, Bachelor's RM 36K-60K, Master's RM 12K-25K, Doctorate RM 29K-40K), supplemented by pay-as-you-go micro-credentials (RM 2.5K-3.2K) and corporate training via UNITAR Academy serving 200+ government and corporate clients. Go-to-market is a hybrid direct-to-consumer model: prospective students are recruited via digital marketing, social media, education fairs, and a 13-campus national network, with PTPTN, EPF, and HRDF funding channels integrated into enrolment. Secondary distribution includes institutional partnerships (O.P. Jindal Global University, JNPI China, Kyoto Horikawa Senior High School) for transnational student flow and corporate L&D delivery. The institution claims a 98% graduate employability rate.

Name

UNITAR International University

Legal name

UNITAR Education Sdn Bhd

Website

https://unitar.my

Company type

Private

Founded year

1991

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

UNITAR International University is a Malaysian private higher education group operating four sub-brands across 13 campuses, delivering Foundation through Doctorate programmes in business, IT, education, design, and accounting to 7,000+ students via on-campus, online, and corporate training channels.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Private Higher Education

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Educational Support Services (611710), Computer Training (61142)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Fully Online Universities (Online-First, Degree-Granting) (EDAHALAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Online Technology & Computer Science Universities (EDAHALAH), University-Affiliated Pathway & Foundation Programs (EDAIAJAA), Online International & Cross-Border Universities (Global/Transnational Providers) (EDAHALAL)

Keywords

• Private higher education
• Virtual university learning
• Undergraduate postgraduate programmes
• Corporate training academy
• Professional micro-credentials

Headquarters

HQ city

Petaling Jaya

HQ country

Malaysia

HQ region

Asia

Offices14 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Infrastructure, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Tuition and Programme Fees: Revenue generated from tuition fees across certificate, diploma, bachelor's, master's, and doctorate programmes offered both conventionally and online. Fee structures vary by programme level and delivery mode, with scholarships and PTPTN financing available to students.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

UNITAR International University is a private Malaysian higher education institution that offers Foundation, Diploma, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctorate academic programmes plus micro-credentials and corporate training, delivered through conventional, online, and blended modes across 13 Malaysian campus locations. Operating under the UNITAR Education Group alongside UNITAR College, UNITAR Academy, and UUCKL, it is the first virtual university in Southeast Asia and serves over 7,000 students across seven academic disciplines.

Product overview

UNITAR Education Group operates a multi-brand education portfolio comprising four distinct divisions: UNITAR International University (the core higher education institution), UNITAR College (skill-based certificate and diploma programmes), UNITAR Academy (training consultancy and micro-credentials), and UNITAR University College Kuala Lumpur (UUCKL, industry-focused programmes in the capital). Together they offer a unified academic pathway from Foundation through Doctorate across seven disciplines — Business & Entrepreneurship, Education, Art & Design, Information Technology, Psychology, Accounting & Finance, and Tourism & Hospitality — delivered through conventional, online, and blended modes across 13+ Malaysian locations. The portfolio is anchored by UNITAR's C.A.R.E. Education Methodology (Collaborative, Adaptive, Reflective, Entrepreneurial) and complemented by APEL (Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning), the Learning Resource Centre digital platform, the UNITAR Passport Programme, and UNITAR Academy's micro-credentials and corporate training services. The Master in Applied Artificial Intelligence represents a dedicated AI-focused programme within the broader postgraduate offerings.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• UNITAR International University Academic Programmes The flagship higher education institution offering Foundation, Diploma, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctorate programmes across seven disciplines (Business & Entrepreneurship, Education, Art & Design, Information Technology, Psychology, Accounting & Finance, Tourism & Hospitality) in both conventional and online delivery modes, for school-leavers, working professionals, and international students seeking MQA-accredited qualifications.
• UNITAR College Skill-Based Programmes Certificate and diploma-level programmes focused on preparing students for further academic qualifications or successful careers, including Accounting, Business Administration, Animation Design, Digital Graphic Design, Early Childhood Education, Fashion Design, Information Technology, Interior Design, Logistics Management, Occupational Safety & Health, and Psychology.
• UNITAR Academy Corporate Training and Micro-Credentials Training consultancy and professional development division delivering micro-credentials, short courses, corporate workshops, and C-Suite Masterclasses to 200+ government agencies and corporate organisations for upskilling, reskilling, and cross-skilling. Combines face-to-face, online, and customised learning environment delivery.
• UNITAR University College Kuala Lumpur (UUCKL) Industry-Focused Programmes Industry-focused learning institution in Kuala Lumpur offering Foundation, Diploma, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctorate programmes emphasising practical industry readiness, including Bachelor of Business Management, Bachelor of Human Resource Management, Diploma in Business Management, Diploma in Early Childhood Education, Diploma in Human Resource Management, Diploma in Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Foundation in Arts, MBA, PhD in Education, and PhD in Management.
• Master in Applied Artificial Intelligence Specialist postgraduate programme on applied artificial intelligence, available both on-campus (RM 23,800) and online (RM 19,125), preparing students to develop and deploy generative AI solutions across industry domains.
• APEL (Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning) Formal recognition programme that allows working professionals to receive credit transfers based on prior work experience, enabling reduced programme duration across UNITAR University, College, and UUCKL qualifications.
• Micro-Credential Programmes Stackable micro-learning courses drawn from Diploma, Bachelor, and Masters programmes, covering Accounting & Finance, Analytics (with Microsoft Joint Certification), Business Communication, Digital Business, Islamic Law of Contract, Strategic HRM, Educational Research, and more. Duration 6–10 weeks, priced RM 2,500–RM 3,200, HRDF-claimable, Perkeso EIS available, and PTPK loan funding applicable.
• Learning Resource Centre (LRC) Digital Platform Digital learning resource platform accessible at lrc.unitar.my, supporting student learning across all UNITAR programmes with online resources and study materials.
• Sino-Malaysia 'Silk-Road College' Modern Apprenticeship Joint Training Programme Modern Apprenticeship Joint Training Programme with JNPI (China) and Zhejiang Jingxing Paper Joint Stock Co Ltd., leading to a Diploma in Mechatronics Engineering and employment opportunity in Malaysia for graduates.

Quantifiable outcome

• 98% Graduate Employability rate
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

AI capability1 record

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• KakatoocoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 July 2026UNITAR partnered with Kakatoo to strengthen graduate employability and develop industry-ready talent. This partnership aims to bridge the gap between academic qualifications and industry requirements.
• O.P Jindal Global University (JGU), IndiacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 April 2024UNITAR signed an exclusive Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with O.P Jindal Global University (JGU), India on 30 April 2024 at UNITAR's flagship campus in Kelana Jaya. The partnership aims to spread education excellence across the globe and foster cooperation between the two institutions.
• Kyoto Municipal Horikawa Senior High School, JapanminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2024Cultural exchange programme with Kyoto Municipal Horikawa Senior High School, Japan. Over 93 participants visited UNITAR's Main Campus in Kelana Jaya on 14 March 2024 for cultural exchange activities between Malaysian and Japanese students and educators.
• Jiaxing Nanyang Polytechnic Institute (JNPI), ChinacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2024UNITAR partnered with JNPI (China) and Zhejiang Jingxing Paper Joint Stock Co Ltd. to launch the Sino-Malaysia 'Silk-Road College' Modern Apprenticeship Joint Training Programme. Students earn a Diploma in Mechatronics Engineering upon completion with employment opportunity in Malaysia.
• Zhejiang Jingxing Paper Joint Stock Co Ltd. (Jingxing Holdings Sdn. Bhd.)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2024Industry partner in the Sino-Malaysia 'Silk-Road College' Modern Apprenticeship Joint Training Programme. Provides employment opportunities for programme graduates in Malaysia.
• Tabung Amanah Zakat UNITARminorOthers · 1 March 2024Collaborates with UNITAR's Student Experience Department to distribute free meals (Ramadan Food Pack Distribution) to students during the Holy Month of Ramadan, demonstrating community social responsibility.
• AWS (Amazon Web Services) re/Start ProgrammecoreTechnology or IntegrationUNITAR Academy delivers the AWS re/Start programme — a reskilling initiative for individuals with limited IT knowledge, covering cloud computing skills with AWS certifications. Participants receive training to become Cloud Practitioners and secure IT employment.
• 200+ Government Agencies and Corporate OrganisationscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUNITAR Academy has established partnerships with over 200 government agencies and corporate organisations for employee training, upskilling, reskilling, and cross-skilling programmes. Services include corporate workshops, C-Suite Masterclasses, and custom L&D solutions.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Multimedia University (MMU): Malaysian private university with strong specialisation in IT, engineering and creative multimedia. Directly comparable to UNITAR's IT and applied AI programmes and overlapping Malaysian student market.
• SEGi University: Mid-sized Malaysian private university offering Foundation, Diploma, Bachelor's and Master's programmes across multiple disciplines with multi-campus presence. Comparable scale, pricing tier and programme mix to UNITAR, competing for the same Malaysian school-leaver and working professional segments.
• Open University Malaysia (OUM): Malaysia's flagship open and distance learning university, offering flexible Foundation through PhD programmes primarily via online and blended delivery. OUM is the closest direct competitor to UNITAR's virtual-first model and overlapping Malaysian adult-learner segment.
• Taylor's University: One of Malaysia's leading private universities with comprehensive multi-disciplinary programmes (Business, Hospitality, Engineering, Design, Medicine). Larger and more established than UNITAR, Taylor's competes for the same Malaysian student base but with stronger brand and broader programme portfolio.
• UCSI University: Malaysian private university with multi-campus operations and broad disciplinary coverage (Business, IT, Health Sciences, Engineering, etc.). Competes head-to-head with UNITAR for Malaysian students across Diploma to Doctorate tiers.
• Management and Science University (MSU): Malaysian private university offering diploma-to-doctoral programmes across multiple fields with strong industry-linked programmes. Similar mid-market positioning, multi-campus footprint and pricing band to UNITAR, particularly competing for working-adult and TVET learners.
• Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR): Large Malaysian not-for-profit private university offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across multiple campuses. Competes with UNITAR for Malaysian students across similar discipline areas at generally lower tuition price points.

Broad incumbents

• Sunway University: Well-established Malaysian private university with comprehensive multi-disciplinary programmes and strong international partnerships. Larger and broader than UNITAR, Sunway is a broad incumbent in the same category with overlapping undergraduate and postgraduate offerings.

Regional players

• Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS): Singapore's autonomous university focused on working adults and lifelong learners, offering flexible part-time and online programmes from undergraduate to doctoral levels. Comparable in target audience (adult learners) and flexible online delivery model to UNITAR, but operating in Singapore rather than competing directly in Malaysia.

Emerging players

• University of the People: Tuition-free, online-first accredited global university offering Associate, Bachelor's and Master's degrees. Shares UNITAR's online-first degree-granting model and serves a comparable adult-learner demographic, but operates at global scale and with significantly lower price points.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/unitarofficial
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC92xy9paAosptepjMxtHvsQ
• Facebookfacebook.com/myunitar
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/school/unitar-international-university
• Instagraminstagram.com/myUNITAR
• TikToktiktok.com/@myunitar

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Subsidiaries4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about UNITAR International University