DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (PhD)

Programme Overview
The Doctor of Philosophy at UNIRAZAK is designed for ambitious thinkers who want to go beyond learning existing knowledge. This programme trains you to create it. It’s built to develop independent researchers and scholars who can generate original, critical, and creative ideas that push the boundaries of knowledge in business and management research.
As a PhD candidate, you’ll be supported to explore complex issues deeply, contribute meaningful insights to your field, and produce research that makes a real impact on academia, industry, and society. Throughout your journey, you’ll learn how to design rigorous research, utilise advanced methods, and communicate your findings clearly, both in writing and presentations.
Whether you are aiming for a career in academia, policy development, or strategic research roles, this programme equips you with the expertise and confidence to lead and innovate in your chosen field.

Duration of Study
Full Time: 3 years (minimum)
Part Time: 4 years (minimum)

Programme Courses
Taught Courses
Research Methodology
Research Seminar
Qualitative Research Methods
Project
PhD Proposal
PhD Thesis

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Doctor of Philosophy programme are equipped to shape the future of knowledge and practice across academia, industry, and government. You could find yourself:

Leading groundbreaking research as an academic or thought leader, influencing your field with innovative insights.

Driving strategic decisions as an industry expert, helping organisations navigate complex challenges and seize new opportunities.

Shaping public policy as a trusted advisor, contributing to evidence-based solutions that impact society on a national or global scale.

Consulting and advising for think tanks, international organisations, or research institutions, translating deep expertise into actionable strategies.

This programme opens doors to roles where your ideas and research don’t just inform, they transform.
 

Entry Requirements

Academic Requirements (International & Local):
A Master's degree from Universiti Tun Abdul Razak or its equivalent from an institution of higher learning recognised by the Malaysian Government or any other equivalent qualification recognised by the University Senate.

There shall be no direct entry from bachelor's degree level to doctoral degree level.

Candidates with bachelor's degree qualifications may apply to convert their candidacy to the doctoral degree programmes after a year enrollment of master's degree subjected to:

• Having shown competency and capability in conducting research at doctoral degree level:
• Rigorous internal assessment by the University;
• Approval by the University Senate

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

All international applicants are required to attain any of the following before they are accepted for admission into the programme:

A minimum score of Band 6.0 in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS)*; or

A minimum score of 60 for an Internet Based Total (IBFT) for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)*; or

A minimum score of B2 (168) in CEFR; or

A minimum score of 59 in Pearson Test of English (PTE); or

A minimum score of 169 in Cambridge English Qualifications and Tests; or

Band 4 in Malaysian University English Test (MUET)

A recognized first degree undertaken in English medium; or

Successful attainment of CEFR aligned Exams conducted by the Centre for Continuing Education (CCE) within 24 months from the date of entry with conditional offer letter.

*Note: The validity period for IELTS and TOEFL is two years from the date awarded.

English Language Requirement:
• IELTS minimum band 6
• TOEFL/IELTS scores are valid for two (2) years from the date of award.
• A conditional offer may be issued to international students who have not yet met the English requirement; the student must achieve the required English proficiency within 12 months of enrolment. 

STUDENT PASS / VISA REQUIREMENTS (INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS)

All international students who plan to study full-time in Malaysia are required to obtain a Student Pass (Student Visa) before starting their studies.

• You must receive an official Offer Letter from the university before applying for a student pass

• The university will submit your Student Pass application through Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) on your behalf

• A Visa Approval Letter (VAL / eVAL) is required before travelling to Malaysia

• Studying on a tourist or social visit visa is not permitted

• Your passport must be valid for at least 18 months from your intended intake date

• Visa processing time depends on EMGS and Malaysian Immigration approval

• After arriving in Malaysia, all students must complete a medical check-up at an EMGS-registered clinic

• Your Student Pass will be issued only after medical clearance and document verification

• Continuing students must renew their Student Pass before it expires

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR STUDENT PASS APPLICATION

The following documents are commonly required for all international students:

• Valid passport (clear scanned copy of all pages, including blank pages)

• Passport-size photograph with a white background

• Official Offer Letter from the university

• Academic certificates and transcripts related to your programme

• English language proficiency certificate (IELTS / TOEFL or equivalent), if required

• Proof of acceptance or tuition fee payment (if requested by the university)

• Student Pass / Visa processing fee as determined by EMGS

• Completed EMGS Health Declaration Form (if applicable)

Please note: All documents not originally in English must be submitted together with certified English translations.

ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS (IF APPLICABLE)

Some students may be asked to provide extra documents depending on their situation:

• Release Letter and Visa Cancellation Letter (for students transferring from another institution in Malaysia)

• School Leaving Certificate (for foundation or diploma applicants)

• Sponsorship or Scholarship Letter (if your studies are funded)

• Proof of financial support to cover tuition fees and living expenses

• Statutory Declaration (if there are name differences across documents)

• Resume or Character Reference Letter (commonly required for applicants above 23 years old)

• Police Clearance Certificate (if requested by EMGS or embassy authorities)

• Copy of previous Malaysian visa or Resident Pass (if applicable)

AFTER ARRIVING IN MALAYSIA

Once you arrive in Malaysia, you will need to:

• Complete a medical examination at an EMGS-approved clinic

• Submit your passport for Student Pass endorsement

• Receive a temporary Special Pass (if applicable) while your Student Pass is being processed

• Collect your Student Pass and complete university registration

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

• Student Pass requirements are set by Malaysian Immigration and EMGS and may vary by nationality
• The university’s International Office will guide you through each step of the process
• Students are strongly advised to prepare documents at least 2–3 months before intake
• Requirements may change, so always follow the latest instructions provided by the university