DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN ACCOUTING (BY RESEARCH)

About the Course

The research programme leading up to the award of a PhD in Accounting/Finance aims for successful completion of a course of supervised investigation with the outcome of an original/independent critical thinking contributing to new knowledge in accounting or finance. You could be investigating accounting information systems or financial or managerial accounting by way of economics and econometrics, or doing a behavioural study of auditors and accountants through statistics, psychology, or sociology.

Duration

2-6 years

Courses Offered

• Advanced Research Methodology
• Graduate Seminar
• Thesis Writing

Career Prospects

• Academia
• Research
• Consulting
• Financial Analyst
• Forensic Accounting

ENTRANCE QUALIFICATION BASED ON PROGRAM STANDARD (ACCOUNTING) 2nd edition JUN 2024:

 *Doctoral Degree by Mixed Mode / Research

i. A Master’s degree (Level 7, MQF) in Accounting or related fields as accepted by the HEP Senate; OR
ii. A Master’s degree (Level 7, MQF) in non-accounting fields as accepted by the HEP Senate, subject to a minimum of 10 years of working experience in Accounting or related fields must undergo a thorough rigorous assessment as determined by the HEP to identify the appropriate prerequisite courses that equivalent to their working experience in the Accounting or related fields; OR
iii. Other qualifications equivalent to a Master’s degree (Level 7, MQF) in Accounting or related fields recognised by the Government of Malaysia as equivalent to the above requirement.

Notes:
*Applicable to all doctoral programmes, including doctoral degrees by retrospective or prior publication and TVET

ENGLISH COMPETENCY REQUIREMENT(INTERNATIONAL STUDENT)
Achieve a minimum of Band 4 in MUET or equivalent to CEFR (Mid B2).
If a student does not meet this requirement, the HEP must offer English proficiency courses to ensure that the student’s proficiency is sufficient to meet the needs of the programme
 

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