Raffles University

What Raffles University does

Raffles University is a private higher education institution established in 2013 as a joint venture between Raffles Education (Singapore) and the Malaysian Government, operating from its main campus in EduCity, Iskandar Puteri, Johor, with approximately 192 employees. The university operates six faculties covering AI & Robotics, Arts & Design, Business, Built Environment & Regenerative Design, Social Sciences, and Postgraduate Studies, offering programmes from foundation through diploma, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. Delivery occurs through on-campus instruction, Open Distance Learning (ODL), and a TVET Centre for vocational qualifications, serving both domestic Malaysian students and international cohorts recruited through overseas representatives. The institution is part of the broader Raffles Education global network with affiliated campuses in Singapore, Jakarta, Milano, Mumbai, and Riyadh, supporting cross-campus exchange and credit transfer.

Revenue is generated predominantly from tuition fees collected as multi-year subscriptions, with indicative bachelor's tuition ranging from RM80,900 (Malaysian) to RM90,900 (international) and total programme fees between RM65,000 and RM110,000 depending on programme and student origin. Supplementary revenue streams include application and admission fees (one-time), TVET programmes with government and private funding, Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses, and Micro-Credential offerings. All fees are denominated in Malaysian Ringgit and subject to 6% SST from 1st September 2025. Go-to-market relies on direct enrollment via the website, campus visits, education consultants, and international representative networks, with marketing spanning social media, open days, and student portfolio showcases.

The technology stack integrates Adobe Creative Suite, Gen-AI tools, digital design software, and the proprietary brainwave/brain-controlled robotics technology developed by the AI & Robotics Faculty. Dedicated sub-brands include the RU AI Research Institute (AIRI), Centre for Professional Development, Micro-Credentials Courses, TVET Centre, and RU Psychological Wellness Centre. Faculty expertise spans computer vision, NLP, generative AI, predictive analytics, and human-computer interaction, supported by senior academics with international PhDs and industry credentials. The university holds multiple MQA programme accreditations (MQA/FA 11904, MQA/FA 2201, MQA/FA 0541, MQA/FA 2200), MQF Level 2 and 3 certifications for TVET programmes, and a QS 4-star rating with 5-star ratings in Employability, Teaching, Online Learning, and Inclusiveness. Operational compliance includes Personal Data Protection Act 2010 and the Anti-Bribery and Corruption (ABC) Policy aligned with MACC Section 17A.

Name

Raffles University

Legal name

Raffles University (Managed by Raffles Iskandar Sdn Bhd)

Website

https://raffles-university.edu.my

Company type

Private

Founded year

2013

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Raffles University is a private Malaysian higher education institution in Iskandar Puteri, Johor, offering foundation to PhD programmes across AI & Robotics, Arts & Design, Business, Built Environment, and Social Sciences faculties, serving domestic and international students via on-campus and Open Distance Learning delivery.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Higher Education

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (61131)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

STEM-Focused Research Universities (Engineering & Applied Sciences) (EDAHABAB)

akta.pro secondary industry

Advanced Project-Based Learning & Portfolio Mentoring (STEM/arts portfolios, maker projects) (EDANAKAI)

Keywords

• Higher education services
• University degree programs
• Vocational training courses
• AI education programs
• Design education programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Iskandar Puteri

HQ country

Malaysia

HQ region

Asia

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Tuition Fees: Primary revenue stream from tuition fees across diploma, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programmes. International students pay higher fees than domestic students.
2. Application and Admission Fees: One-time fees charged for application processing and admission acceptance.
3. TVET Programmes: Technical and Vocational Education and Training courses with government and private funding options.
4. Professional Development (CPD): Continuing professional development courses for industry professionals.
5. Micro-Credential Courses: Short-term credential courses for skill development and lifelong learning.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Raffles University is a private higher education institution offering diploma, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs across five faculties: AI & Robotics, Arts & Design, Business, Built Environment & Regenerative Design, and Social Sciences. It delivers academic instruction through on-campus study at its EduCity campus in Iskandar Puteri, Johor, alongside Open Distance Learning (ODL), a TVET Centre, a Centre of Professional Development (CPD), and Micro-Credential Courses. Specialized research is conducted through the RU AI Research Institute (AIRI), with academic programs MQA-accredited.

Product overview

Raffles University is a higher education institution offering a comprehensive portfolio of academic programs across six faculties: AI & Robotics, Arts & Design, Business, Built Environment & Regenerative Design, Social Sciences, and Postgraduate Studies. The university operates as a multi-module educational platform with core academic degree and diploma programs (Bachelor, Master, PhD levels), supplemented by specialized sub-brands including the RU AI Research Institute for AI research, TVET Centre for vocational training, Centre of Professional Development (CPD) for industry courses, Micro-Credentials Courses for skill certification, and APEL for prior learning recognition. The institution provides multiple delivery modes including traditional on-campus, Open Distance Learning (ODL), and English language preparation programs. Programs span technology (AI, Data Science, IT), creative disciplines (Fashion, Graphic, Multimedia Design), business fields, built environment, and social sciences. The university holds MQA accreditation for programs and QS star ratings (4-star overall, 5-star in Employability, Teaching, Online Learning, and Inclusiveness). RU Psychological Wellness Centre provides student support services.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Raffles University TVET Centre: Technical and Vocational Education and Training centre offering practical skills programmes including Ladies Garment Making, Computer System Operation, and more.
• Raffles University Centre of Professional Development
• RU AI Research Institute

Products and services

• AI & Robotics Programs Higher education programs in AI, Data Science, and Information Technology covering Bachelor of Information Systems (Honours) in Artificial Intelligence, Bachelor in Data Science (Honours), Bachelor in Information Technology (Honours), Diploma in Information Technology, Master of Computer Science, and Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science. Targeted at prospective undergraduate, master's, and doctoral students seeking AI and IT credentials.
• Arts & Design Programs Higher education programs in fashion design, graphic design, multimedia design, digital game art, visual communication, and screen media from diploma to master's level, including Bachelor in Fashion Design (Honours), Bachelor in Graphic Design (Honours), Bachelor in Multimedia Design (Honours), Diploma in Fashion Design, Diploma in Visual Communication, Diploma in Digital Game Art, Diploma in Screen Media, and Master of Design (ODL). Targeted at design students seeking portfolio-based training.
• Business Programs Higher education programs in accountancy, business administration, supply chain management, sports management, and human resource management from diploma to PhD levels, including Bachelor in Business (Accountancy) (Honours), Bachelor in Business Administration (Honours), Bachelor in Supply Chain Management (Honours), Bachelor of Business in Sports Management with Honours, Diploma in Business Studies, Diploma in Human Resource Management, Master of Business Administration, and Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration. Targeted at students and working professionals seeking business credentials.
• Built Environment & Regenerative Design Programs Higher education programs in interior design and sustainable built environment focusing on eco-friendly and regenerative design practices, including Bachelor of Interior Design (Honours), Bachelor in Sustainable Built Environment (Honours), and Diploma in Interior Design. Targeted at students pursuing interior design and sustainability careers.
• Social Sciences Programs Higher education programs in psychology and education including Bachelor of Psychology (Honours), Diploma in Psychology, Master of Education (on-campus and ODL), and Doctor of Philosophy in Education. Targeted at students seeking psychology and education credentials.
• Foundation Programmes Pre-university Foundation in Business and Foundation in Liberal Arts programs preparing secondary school graduates for entry into diploma and bachelor's degree programmes. Targeted at students who have completed SPM/O-Level or equivalent.
• English Language Programme English preparation and language development including the Concurrent English Language Programme (CELP) and English Preparation Programme (EPP). Targeted at domestic and international students requiring English proficiency support.
• Open Distance Learning (ODL) Remote learning delivery for MBA, Master of Education, Master of Design, Data Science, and PhD programs allowing flexibility for working professionals. Targeted at working professionals and learners needing flexible study modes.
• Raffles University TVET Centre Technical and Vocational Education and Training programs including Ladies Garment Making (MQF Level 2) and Computer System Operation (MQF Level 3), with upcoming programmes in food preparation, front desk operation, architectural draughting, and digital graphic design. Targeted at learners seeking job-ready vocational skills and certifications.
• Centre of Professional Development (CPD) Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses and training programmes for industry professionals and career advancement. Targeted at working professionals seeking upskilling and lifelong learning.
• Micro-Credentials Courses Short, focused skill-based courses allowing students to earn recognized credentials in specific competency areas. Targeted at individuals seeking targeted skill certification without committing to a full degree.
• APEL (Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning) Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) providing recognition of prior learning and experiential learning for academic credit and programme entry. Targeted at working professionals and adult learners seeking entry or credit into degree programmes.

Quantifiable outcome

• 4-star QS rating with 5-star ratings in Employability, Teaching, Online Learning, and Inclusiveness
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration6 records

AI capability14 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• KOTAJAILcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 April 2026Collaboration for (Un)Seen JB Town Stories design showcase at KOTAJAIL, Ayer Molek. Students conducted field research in Johor Bahru and translated findings into visual responses, aligning with UN SDGs.
• Sunway Big Box Retail ParkflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration for Chinese New Year celebrations creating the largest Angpao Origami Horse replica, achieving Malaysia Book of Records. Students created life-sized horse statue and decorative installations.
• Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational co-host for INSPIRE Collab 2026 conference - a one-day online conference for interdisciplinary academic collaboration.
• Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational co-host for INSPIRE Collab 2026 conference for interdisciplinary academic collaboration.
• Mila UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational partner university for INSPIRE Collab 2026 conference.
• Chung Hua UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational partner university from Taiwan for INSPIRE Collab 2026 conference.
• Mapua Malayan College LagunacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational partner university from Philippines for INSPIRE Collab 2026 conference.
• UniRazakcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMalaysian partner university for INSPIRE Collab 2026 conference.
• Universitas Islam 45 BekasicoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational partner university from Indonesia for INSPIRE Collab 2026 conference.
• EcoWorldminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerID Design Challenge collaboration with EcoWorld for Built Environment & Regenerative Design faculty students.
• DaikinminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDaikin Youth Design Competition for interior design students, including field trips to Daikin facilities.
• Bursa MalaysiaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFinancial institution visited by Business Faculty students for investment and financial instruments education.
• MaerskminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupply chain field trip partnership with Maersk for Business Faculty students.
• PromiseLand Independent SingaporeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBusiness field trip destination for Supply Chain Management students.
• Sunway Business SchoolminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPMgr Dr. Wong Kong San, CEO of Sunway Malls (Southern Region), serves as Adjunct Professor of Practice at Sunway Business School and keynote speaker at INSPIRE Collab 2026.
• Raffles Education CorporationflagshipOthersParent organization with global network of campuses in Singapore, Jakarta, Milano, Mumbai, and Riyadh. Provides brand, curriculum standards, and international exchange opportunities.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• UCSI University: Malaysian private university with significant programs in engineering, business, IT, and creative arts. Comparable in size, multi-faculty structure, and reliance on international student enrollment.
• Sunway University: Malaysian private university offering a broad portfolio of business, design, technology, and postgraduate programs to domestic and international students. Comparable in size band, international recruitment focus, and partnership-led model (Sunway Group ecosystem).
• Multimedia University (MMU): Malaysian private university with strong emphasis on information technology, multimedia, and creative digital programs. Directly comparable to Raffles University in target market (Malaysian private higher-education students), program mix (IT, multimedia, engineering), and delivery model including ODL.
• INTI International University: Malaysian private university group with a strong international student recruitment focus and broad business/IT program offerings. Closely comparable GTM motion (overseas reps, multi-campus, ODL partnerships).
• Taylor's University: Malaysian private university with leading design, hospitality, business, and medicine programs and a strong international student intake. Directly comparable on program breadth (especially design), international student recruitment model, and brand positioning in the Malaysian private higher-education segment.
• SEGi University: Malaysian private university offering diploma-to-PhD programs in business, IT, health sciences, and creative fields. Comparable in size and program breadth, targeting similar domestic and international student segments.
• Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP): Malaysian private STEM-focused research university with engineering and applied sciences specialisation. Comparable on STEM research intensity and corporate-backed positioning, though larger in scale than Raffles University.
• HELP University: Malaysian private university with strong business, psychology, and education programs and significant international student intake. Comparable on postgraduate program emphasis and internationalization strategy.

Regional players

• Management Development Institute of Singapore (MDIS): Singapore-based private education institution with programmes across business, technology, and design, including partnerships with overseas universities. Comparable as a Southeast Asian private higher-education peer focused on international students, though operating primarily in Singapore rather than Malaysia.
• James Cook University Singapore: Singapore campus of an Australian university offering business, IT, psychology, and design programs. Comparable as an Asia-based private international branch-campus model — same geographic competitor pool for Malaysian and international students in Southeast Asia, even though not directly competing inside Malaysia.

Market position

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks3 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC5OnvOWll-BLAPLEvXibdbg
• Facebookfacebook.com/Raffles.University.Iskandar
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/school/rafflesuniversity
• Instagraminstagram.com/raffles_iskandar

Compliance9 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Subsidiaries5 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 Raffles University