DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN EDUCATION (BY RESEARCH)

About the Course

PhD in Education is designed for education practitioners who wish to build on and further expand their education knowledge. This programme aims to provide graduates with the ability to undertake scholarly research and be in the forefront of their specialised fields; become credible authorities and experts of the field. The graduate attributes of doctoral degree holders, include, the mastery of multidisciplinary and multiple intelligences and modes of thinking in educational and non-educational contexts, and, deep and broad understanding of multiculturalism and diversity. Furthermore, graduates of this programme will be well-equipped to practise both in Malaysia and overseas.

Duration

Minimum 2 years; Maximum 6 years.

Courses Offered

i. Research Methods in Education
ii. Statistical Analysis
iii. Research Proposal
iv. Thesis Writing

Career Prospects

• Academician
• Education Advisor
• Curriculum Developer

Entry Requirements

Doctoral degree by Coursework, Mixed Mode and Research
i. A Master’s degree in education field (Level 7, MQF) as accepted by the HEP Senate; OR
ii. A Master’s degree (non-education) must undergo ***prerequisite courses; OR
iii. Other relevant equivalent qualifications recognised by Malaysian government as equivalent to the above requirements.

ENGLISH COMPETENCY REQUIREMENTS (INTERNATIONAL STUDENT):
Achieve (MUET) or any English competency test equivalent to a Low B1 Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

Note:
***Pre-requisite courses: Common Core Education foundation.

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