Open University Malaysia
Open University Malaysia (OUM) stands as the nation's premier open and distance learning institution, pioneering flexible education that enables working adults and non-traditional students to pursue higher education without disrupting their careers or family responsibilities. Established in 2000 as Malaysia's seventh private university, OUM was founded by a consortium of eleven public universities with the mandate to democratize access to quality higher education through innovative delivery methods. This unique origin gives OUM both academic credibility and a deep understanding of Malaysia's educational landscape. OUM's founding philosophy recognizes that many capable individuals are unable to attend traditional universities due to work commitments, geographical limitations, family responsibilities, or financial constraints. The university embraces a learner-centered approach that combines self-managed learning materials, online platforms, and face-to-face tutorial sessions at learning centers nationwide. This blended learning model has earned OUM recognition as Asia's leading open university and has served as a model for distance education institutions across the region. The university operates under the vision of being the leader in flexible learning, committed to producing graduates who are competent, confident, and socially responsible. OUM has received numerous quality recognitions including ISO certifications and accreditation from the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) for its programs. With over 180,000 alumni and approximately 50,000 active learners, OUM has made significant contributions to Malaysia's human capital development, particularly in upgrading the qualifications of working professionals in education, business, healthcare, and public service sectors. The institution continues to evolve its technology-enhanced learning approaches to meet the changing needs of adult learners.
- Acceptance Rate
- 65.0%
- SAT Range
- 1050–1250
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.25
- Size
- N/A
- Type
- N/A
- Student:Faculty
- N/A
- Setting
- N/A
- Graduation Rate
- N/A
- Retention Rate
- N/A
- Tuition (In-State)
- N/A
- Tuition (Int'l)
- N/A
Student Life & Environment
Student life at OUM differs fundamentally from traditional universities since most learners are working professionals who study part-time. There are no dormitories, dining halls, or the usual campus social scene. Instead, community forms through different channels: online discussion forums, study groups organized around learning centers, and periodic face-to-face gatherings. The learning centers scattered across Malaysia serve as physical touchpoints where students meet tutors and classmates. These tutorials, held on weekends or evenings, become opportunities for networking and mutual support. Students often form informal study groups, meeting at coffee shops or online to work through challenging material together. OUM does organize student activities through its alumni association and student representative council. Academic seminars, convocation events, and networking sessions bring the community together periodically. The university also facilitates peer learning programs where experienced students mentor newer ones, creating connections across cohorts. For many OUM students, the social dimension comes from connecting with classmates who share similar life circumstances: juggling work, family, and studies simultaneously. The online forums become spaces where students share not just academic insights but also strategies for managing competing demands. This creates a different but meaningful form of community, united by the shared challenge of pursuing education while maintaining careers and other responsibilities.
Location & Surroundings
OUM's main campus sits in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's capital city and economic center. However, calling this the university's location somewhat misses the point since OUM operates as a distributed institution with learning centers across the country and beyond. Students interact with OUM primarily through their local learning center rather than the headquarters. Kuala Lumpur itself is a modern Southeast Asian metropolis known for its iconic Petronas Twin Towers, excellent public transportation, and mix of Malay, Chinese, and Indian cultures. The city serves as Malaysia's commercial hub, which means many OUM students work in the numerous corporations and government agencies based there. Learning centers operate in all Malaysian states, from Penang in the north to Johor Bahru in the south. This network allows students to attend tutorials without traveling far from home or work. International learning centers in countries like Yemen, Bahrain, and Vietnam extend OUM's reach to Malaysian expatriates and local students in those countries. Malaysia's tropical climate means consistent warmth year-round with monsoon seasons bringing heavy rains. The country offers a relatively low cost of living compared to Western nations, with excellent food culture and diverse landscapes from beaches to highlands. For international students considering OUM, the timezone (GMT+8) and English language instruction make it accessible from many Asian countries.
Costs & Career Outcomes
OUM positions itself as an affordable option for higher education, with tuition significantly lower than private universities while comparable to public university fees. Undergraduate programs typically cost between RM 30,000 to RM 45,000 total, spread across the program duration. Graduate programs range from RM 15,000 to RM 40,000 depending on the specific degree. These figures translate to roughly $7,000-15,000 USD for full programs. Payment plans allow students to spread costs across semesters rather than paying large sums upfront. Malaysian students can access study loans through PTPTN, the national student loan agency, and some employers sponsor employees pursuing relevant qualifications. Scholarships exist but are limited compared to traditional universities. Career outcomes for OUM graduates reflect the university's practical orientation. Most students already have jobs and pursue degrees to advance within their current organizations or transition to new roles. The credentials earned are recognized by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency and generally accepted by employers, though OUM degrees may carry less prestige than those from established public universities for competitive entry-level positions. The alumni network includes graduates working across Malaysian industry sectors, with strong representation in education, government, banking, and telecommunications. Alumni events and online communities facilitate networking, though the connections often prove most valuable within specific industries where OUM has strong enrollment. For working professionals seeking credentials without career interruption, OUM delivers solid return on investment in terms of time and money.
Campus Location
Explore More
See your match score for Open University Malaysia
Find out how you compare to admitted students with a personalized admission assessment.
See your match score — Sign up free