Study FAQ for January 2023 Intake

We have put together some key FAQs to guide you on the student journey in UTAR.

Last updated: 16 December 2022
1. Are UTAR programmes recognised? 

All UTAR programmes are approved by the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), and almost all have Full Accreditation status from the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA). MQA has also granted UTAR Self-Accreditation Status in 21 February 2017. This status enables UTAR to carry out self accreditation procedures for non-professional programmes in accordance with MQA accreditation requirements. 

UTAR has worked with Malaysian and international advisors, external examiners, industry leaders, and stringent certification and accreditation processes by over 20 international and Malaysian professional bodies to ensure the quality of its programmes. 

The MQA Accreditation Certificates for UTAR programmes can be found at MOHE/MQA Approvals and Accreditation of UTAR Programmes.

The accreditation/recognition from professional bodies can be found at Professional Recognition of UTAR Programmes. 

 Intake 
2. How many intakes in a year? 
Most academic programmes have 3 intakes per year, i.e. January, May/June and September/October. 
Some programmes have only 1 intake (e.g. M.B.B.S.) or 2 intakes (e.g. Nursing). 
 

3. When is the next intake? 

The next intake commences on 

Foundation                                                : 30 January 2023 

Undergraduate                                          : 30 January 2023  (Except for M.B.B.S. on October 2023)  

Postgraduate by Coursework/Mixed Mode: 16 January 2023 (Except for Master of Architecture on June 2023)  

Postgraduate by Research                       : Open throughout the year     


4. How many semesters in a year? 

3 trimesters in a year (Except 2 semesters for M.B.B.S) 
Please refer to the latest UTAR Academic Calendar for detailed study schedules, i.e. teaching weeks, study weeks, exam weeks and breaks. 


5. How long is the break in between each trimester? 
Usually 2-3 weeks. Please refer to the latest UTAR Academic Calendar for the dates.  
Pre-Application
6. How can I apply? 

Malaysian student: You can apply for the admission online at:

Foundation or Undergraduate Programmes via UTAR Online Application Portal

Postgraduate programmes via UTAR Postgraduate Online Application Portal

Malaysian students from Sarawak, Sabah and Labuan can apply by contacting our appointed recruitment representative, EduQuest Education Services, in Kota Kinabalu (012-862 3844), Sandakan (016-446 6230), Tawau (012-885 5238) or Kuching (013-820 0230). 

International student: You can apply for the admission online at:

Foundation and Undergraduate Programmes via UTAR International Online Application Portal

Postgraduate Programmes via UTAR Postgraduate Online Application Portal

Alternatively, you can make your application through UTAR Student Recruitment Representative (ISRR) at your home country. 


7. What is the general entry requirement? 

Admission to UTAR is solely based on merit. You are expected to satisfy the academic qualification and English Language requirement set by the University. 

Some programmes may have additional requirements such as submission of a drawing portfolio, and/or an interview before the University decides on the admission. Please see the specific programme entry requirements at: 

Foundation and Undergraduate Programmes 

Postgraduate Programmes 


8. When is the deadline for applicants? 

Malaysian student: You are advised to apply for admission as early as possible before the scheduled intake after you have carefully considered your choice as places for some programmes are limited. Currently, we have application deadline for M.B.B.S. degree programme. 

International student: You are advised to apply for admission 3 months in advance of a scheduled intake. 


9. How can I know my application status? 

Malaysian student: Division of Admissions and Credit Evaluation (DACE) will notify your application status by SMS within 7 working days after the receipt of duly completed application with the payment of RM60.00 and for straightforward case only. At the same time, we will update your application status at UTAR website under Admission Status Enquiry.  

If you do not receive any update from us, please email us at admission@utar.edu.my or call 6016-2233 562 (Kampar Campus)/6018-295 3100 (Sungai Long Campus).  

International student: Division of Admissions and Credit Evaluation (DACE) will notify your application status by email within 10 working days after the receipt of duly completed application with payment of USD100.00/RM400.00 and for straightforward case only. We will update your application status at UTAR website under Admission Status Enquiry. If you do not receive any update from us, please email us at admission@utar.edu.my. 

Post-Application
10. Where can I get my offer letter and student bills to make payment?
You can download the admission documents from UTAR website at Admission Status Enquiry.

11. What should I do if I wish to change programme/intake/campus during the application process?
Please send your official request by email to the Division of Admissions and Credit Evaluation (DACE) at admission@utar.edu.my.

Billing
12. How should I make the payment on student bill? 
Malaysian students: You can pay your fees through JomPay or Public Bank’s Internet Banking, in person at any Public Bank's branches, or at the Division of Finance in UTAR. You are not required to send the receipt to us once payment is done.

International students: You can pay your fees from your home country in your local currency and by credit card through Flywire. Please login to utartuition.flywire.com, select 'Student Bill Payment - New Student' and follow the instructions to complete the payment process. Flywire may take at least 3 working days from the delivered date to process the payment. Please email your payment recipient to diss@utar.edu.my once payment is done. 

13. How to use Jompay to pay my student bill? 

If you have online or mobile banking facility at your bank in Malaysia, you can pay your student bill through JomPay. Please enter the JomPay Biller Code and Reference Number (Ref-1) stated on your student bill form your Current, Savings or Credit Card account.  

  

Please take note that the bank takes 3 working days (including transaction day) to process the payment. No service fee will be charged by the bank.   

14. How about payment through Public Bank's Internet Banking Service? 

If you have Public Bank’s internet banking service, please log on to www.pbebank.com.my for instruction and payment. Please click ‘Payment’, then ‘Bill Payment’ and select ‘UTAR-Bill Payment’ from the ‘Corporate Code’ drop-down menu. Enter the information printed on the physical UTAR Student Bill under ‘Bank Ref (1)’ and ‘Bank Ref (2)’ headings in the ‘Bank Reference 1’ and ‘Bank Reference 2’ fields respectively. You will be able to view more details of your student bill and to proceed for payment.


Please take note that the bank takes 2 working days (including transaction day) to process the payment. A service fee will be charged by the Bank.    


15. If I have missed the deadline for the payment of fees. Can I still pay?  
You can send in your appeal for late registration to admission@utar.edu.my. The outcome of the appeals depends upon the availability of places. 

16. Can I get my fees refunded if I wish to withdraw from UTAR?  

If you withdraw from your programme of study before the commencement date of the programme, there will be a 70% refund of tuition fees and full refund of Caution Money and Bond Deposit for international students.

If you have paid and registered on and after the commencement date of programme, there is no refund of all fees, except full refund of Caution Money - and Bond Deposit for international students - upon withdrawal from your programme. 

The University will process the refund of the related fees to you only if we have received your completed  “Notification of Withdraw from the University”.

E-learning resources
17. Where can I get my student ID?
Student ID will be generated at  Admission Status Enquiry for all successful payment after 3 working days.
Student ID guideline: HERE

18. What should I do after getting my student ID?
You can log in to the student portal to create a UTAR email account, and complete the student verification process. The timetable and financial aid application will be available in the student portal.
Student portal: HERE

19. What is Web Based Learning Environment (WBLE)?
It is a web-based learning tool that allows students to access course materials and engage in discussions with academic staff and peers. WBLE allows you to download lecture notes, course materials and assignments. Students can access WBLE by entering their username and password at wble.utar.edu.my.
WBLE: HERE

20. How to access Microsoft team?
Once your email ID has been activated, you can access the Microsoft Team for online learning. 
Please install Microsoft Teams software and/or smartphone application for the online learning. 
Download Microsoft Teams Desktop and Mobile Apps at https://www.microsoft.com/en-my/microsoft-365/microsoft-teams/download-app
Guideline: HERE
Orientation
21. When is my orientation?

For October 2022 intake 
The orientation programmes will be conducted on campus in physical mode from 15 October 2022 onwards. Freshmen may join the physical orientation programmes on-campus from 15 October 2022 onwards. 

UTAR e-Orientation website: HERE will be released from 12 September 2022, 8:30am onwards. All freshmen may access the e-orientation website and browse through the information/essential materials/briefing videos by administrative Departments and Faculties. 

If you need any assistance, please email to Department of Student Affairs at dsa@utar.edu.my or call hotlines: 016-2100864 (Kampar campus) or 016-2100862 (Sg. Long Campus) 

22. How to submit orientation document?
Submit the documents of The Declaration form and Withdrawal from Studies and Fee Refund Policy form during Orientation or within the first 4 weeks from the Commencement Date at Division of Admissions and Credit Evaluation from 8.30 am – 5.30 pm (Monday – Friday) except Public Holidays: 
a) KB Block, Ground Floor (Room KB001), UTAR Sungai Long campus. 
b) Heritage Hall, Ground floor (A006), UTAR Kampar campus, 


Instalment plan
23. Can I pay my student bill by instalment? 
Yes, we provide Fee Instalment Plan to all new Malaysian students for the September/October 2022 intake for first trimester only. This applies for all foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. You do not need to apply for paying fees by instalment as such plan will be given to you automatically once you have been given the offer letter of admission. 

24. How does the fees instalment plan work? 
Following fee instalment is available for September/October intake only, University will update the information for January 2023 intake soon. 

When we give you the offer letter of admission, we will give you a total of 4 student bills. The 1st bill is Full Payment Student Bill that allows you to opt for Full Payment Plan - pay in full amount within the payment due date stated on the bill, AND the 2nd-4th bills are 3 Instalment Payment Student Bills that allow you to opt for Instalment Payment Plan and pay within the payment due date stated on each bill: 

1st tranche - RM1,209.00 for all programmes except RM2,109 for Chinese Medicine. Payment due date is stated on your student bill.
2nd tranche - 50% of Tuition Fees (payment due date: end of Week 6, foundation level; end of week 4, bachelor degree level)
3rd tranche - 50% of Tuition Fees (payment due date: end of Week 8, foundation level; end of week 6, bachelor degree level)

Further elaboration in fee instalment for each categories, kindly refer to HERE

Note: If you decide to pay you fees by instalment plan, please discard the Full Payment Student Bill or vice versa. 

25. Am I eligible for the fees instalment plan if I am awarded a 100% UTAR Scholarship for Top Achievers? 

The fee instalment plan is not applicable to 100% scholarship recipients. 
Class mode
26. How will the classes be conducted? 
Following class mode is available for September/October intake only.

For the academic course delivery, the following are the planned arrangements: 

i. All Lecture Classes / Tutorials / Practical Classes / Project / Assignment / Learning Activities by default shall be conducted via physical mode in campus starting from Week 1 of all programmes.

The conduct of all physical classes and activities in the University premises and the use of campus infrastructures and facilities, where relevant, shall follow all the health and safety SOPs of MOHE and physical distancing SOPs issued by the University.

Students who are unable to attend physical classes with strong justification MUST APPLY via the Student Portal for approval to attend classes in hybrid mode, preferably TWO (s) working days prior to the classes applied for. This includes being tested positive (e.g. MySejahtera Home surveillance Order (HSO), RTK image), showing symptoms, being notified or confirmed as a close contact, practicing quarantine or self-isolation as per UTAR Bilik Gerakan, MOH instruction or MySejahtera notification and other special cases. After the approved period, students must re-join the physical classes.

For the updates on Academic Study Arrangement, please click here. 


27. How will the final exam be conducted? 
All Final Examination (FE) shall be conducted physically in campus, by adhering to MOHE instructions on the safety / health SOPs and subject to latest COVID-19 changing situation.

Replacement Final Examination: Students who are unable to sit for physical FE due to unavoidable circumstances must immediately apply to your respective Dean / Director with strong justification for approval. Replacement FE in the physical mode that meet all the requirements, conduct and academic expectations of physical FE shall be further arranged.


28. How to apply for leave of absence?  
Students who are unable to return to campus for physical classes for the entire May/June 2022 Trimester must apply to your respective Dean or Director with relevant justification for further arrangement or apply for Leave of Absence (LOA). Please contact your respective Dean / Director for such requirements.

29. Vaccination status for student  
Returning students must complete full vaccination process as required, or else must immediately report to your respective Faculty / Institute / Centre for further advice as per requirement of MOHE. Students with booster doses are required to update your latest vaccination status in the Student Portal by clicking the Vaccination Status button / icon.
Student Visa (For International student)

30. What should I do after I have received the offer of admission and student bill? 
In order to register as a UTAR student, you need to accept the offer of admission by paying the fees in full amount as stipulated on the student bill on or before the due date. Once your fee payment has been successfully received by the University, the Department of International Student Services (DISS) will apply for student visa through the Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) in Malaysia. 

31. Can I change my programme of study? 
We advise that you carefully consider your choice of programme before submitting your application for admission to UTAR. You should avoid changing your programme after accepting an offer and paying for the 1st Student Bill, as this will affect your student electronic visa approval letter (eVAL) application. Should you decide to change your programme, you are required to reapply for the new eVAL, pay all the relevant EMGS and immigration charges again, and contact UTAR Department of International Student Services (DISS) at diss@utar.edu.my. 

32. How long it takes to get my eVAL? 
Generally, it should take 3 weeks after receiving a complete application and payment. The eVAL application is subject to the Immigration Department's approval.  

33. Can I enter to Malaysia during this pandemic situation?

All international student must return to campus by Week 1 of respective programmes. 

Please contact the Department of International Student Services (DISS) if you need further information.

International students who are fully vaccinated in following categories are allowed entry into Malaysia:

a) All existing and new international students except those who come from countries listed in the banned list (please refer: https://covid-19.moh.gov.my/semasa-kkm/); and

Medical Screening Requirements 

All international applicants must submit a complete set of the Health Declaration Form to apply for a student visa in Malaysia. 

All international students are required to attend a medical screening at the registered Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) Panel Clinics in Malaysia within 7 working days of their arrival date. 

If international students are diagnosed with any condition that deems them UNFIT for studies, they must bear the cost of leaving Malaysia, comply with the immigration requirements on the entry pass and exit Malaysia before the pass expires, or any deadline provided to them, whichever is earlier.

If international students are diagnosed with a condition that does not require removal from Malaysia but does require medical treatment and they choose to remain in Malaysia to continue their studies, they are responsible for all costs related to the medical management of their medical condition, whether directly or indirectly. 

Please refer to the Health Criteria for Entry of International Student HERE

b) International students participating in Mobility and Edutourism programmes.

You are required to consult with UTAR Department of International Student Services (DISS) before purchasing air tickets. The preferred arrival time in Malaysia is either morning or afternoon during working days. You shall email a copy of the flight itinerary to UTAR DISS at least 10 days prior to arrival in Malaysia, in order for UTAR DISS to arrange airport pickup and immigration clearance at the international airport. 

Please inform UTAR DISS if there are any changes to the flight schedule. Due to the pandemic and the current situation, the entrance to Malaysia may vary depending on the situation, please contact UTAR DISS for more information.


IMPORTANT: Due to many uncertainties on COVID-19 pandemic situation, please communicate with UTAR Department of International Services (DISS) before purchasing your flight ticket. 
Note: The information stated above may be subject to change. Updates will be done when necessary and where relevant.