Part of the Malaysian government’s plan to improve higher education is to offer more distance learning programmes, improve options for continuous learning, allow more students to take on part-time studies at the undergraduate level. If you think you missed the boat and could never get an education from a public university, here is the opportunity that you have been waiting for. Working adults and professionals who seek to further their education, get back to their degree studies, study another degree, or get a professional certification in a particular subject or area, the following is a selection of public universities that could suit your needs:

1. University Putra Malaysia (UPM)

In its earlier years, UPM started off as University Pertanian Malaysia as it started off specialising in the agricultural sector

The university offers distance and part time programmes in diploma, bachelor and master’s level through UPM Holdings Sdn Bhd. Courses are limited to the following:

• Diploma Youth in Development Work
• Bachelor Science (Human Resource Development)
• Bachelor Science (Human Development)
• Bachelor Communications
• Bachelor Arts (English)
• Bachelor Education (Teaching English as a Second Language)
• Bachelor Arts (Malay Language and Linguistics)
• Bachelor Agricultural Sciences
• Master of Human Resource Development
• Master of Education (Educational Administration)
• Master of English
• Master of Education (Teaching English as a First Language)
• Master of Corporate Communications

2. University Sains Malaysia (USM)

USM has two campuses in Penang whereby the main campus is located in Penang Island while the other campus which focuses on engineering is located at Nibong Tebal

The Distance Learning Programme (RPJJ), initiated by Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) in 1971, is the premier distance learning programme offered in Malaysia. The courses offered under this programme are equivalent to those pursued by full-time students in the campus/university. The teaching materials consist of printed materials, tape recordings and a variety of other media paraphernalia.

Only the following courses are available:

• Bachelor of Science (Honours)
• Bachelor of Arts (Honours)

3. University of Malaya (UM) – UMCCed

The university’s Centre of Continuous Education offers diploma programmes, executive diploma programmes, professional certification and training programmes, short courses, and language proficiency programmes.

Courses offered are:

• Executive Diploma in Management (Administration and Operations)
• Executive Diploma in Management (Human Resource)
• Executive Diploma in Management (Business)
• Executive Diploma in Early Childhood Education
• Executive Diploma in Counselling
• Executive Diploma in Accounting Administration
• Executive Diploma in Information Technology

Additionally, there are 12 certified programmes and professional certificate, 13 training programmes and short courses, and 6 courses in hospitality and management.

All diploma courses have been fully accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).

4. University Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) – UTM SPACE

UTM is known for being the oldest engineering and technological public university in Malaysia

Due to an overwhelming demand for part-time educational programmes among workers in both private and public sectors, UTMSPACE took the initiative of offering mainstream academic programmes on a part-time basis starting from the academic year 1995/96. Currently, the Part-Time Academic Programmes offer the courses at Diploma and Undergraduate level, in line with the courses offered by the various Faculties in UTM. For customers’ convenience, the classes are conducted at 17 learning centres all over the country.

UTMSPACE Professional Programmes offer various soft skills and technical skills short courses.

• List of diploma programmes under UTMSPACE.
• List of degree programmes under UTMSPACE.

5. Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) – Advance Education

UMP academic programmesspecialise in engineering, technology and industrial sciences and has 17 departments ad 7 faculties

Formerly known as Centre for Continuing Education & Professional Development (CENFED). Its initial function was to coordinate the improvement of the skills development system for UMP students. However, UMP Advanced Education has expanded beyond just professional development and short courses and introduced part-time programmes.

The programmes are:

• Diploma in Mechanical Engineering
• Diploma in Chemical Engineering (Process Plant)
• Eng (Hons.) Electrical Engineering (Electronics)
• Bachelor of Occupational Safety & Health With Honours
• Bachelor of Computer Science (Computer Systems & Network) with Hons
• Master of Business Administration(MBA)

6. Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) – Centre for External Education

Being equipped with world-class facilities, UMS has its own Museums that feature exhibitions and impressive sports complex

UMS Centre for External Education (UCEE) offers Lifelong Learning Program which Degree (Coursework and Mixed Mode) and a Bachelor with Honours to candidates who qualified for take admission September each year.

7. Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) – Continuing Education Centre

The centre offers various opportunities and series of learning and professional development programmes.  All programmes are offered on education and trainings with the enhancement on technical and engineering areas.