A Handbook for International Students on MARA and MQA Accreditation
12 August 2025
Begin your studies in Malaysia with confidence. BCES Admissions Abroad comprehends the great challenges entailed in selecting an International University. Thus, we produced this guide for you to understand the significance of MARA and MQA accreditation so that you can make sound and stress-free choices.
The Importance of Accreditation to Individuals
In choosing a Malaysian university or college, accreditation is not a piece of paper—it’s your guarantee of academic quality. International students are lucky to learn in institutions accredited by reputable organizations because it:
- Guarantees that programs remain nationally compliant.
- Guarantees that your qualification will be recognized worldwide.
- Enables freer avenues for those who plan to seek employment or study abroad.
What Is MARA and What It Means for You
Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) is a Malaysian government agency dedicated to developing educational and entrepreneurial capability among Bumiputera communities. MARA does not directly award degree accreditation similar to the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), but several MARA-sponsored institutions have an excellent reputation and often match or outdo MQA standards. A university with MARA affiliation generally indicates government trust and considerable infrastructure.
MQA Accreditation: The Gold Standard
Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) is the statutory agency that verifies diploma, degree, and postgraduate qualifications that are consistent with Malaysia’s national education standards. Following are the reasons why MQA accreditation is necessary:
Credibility: An official MQA seal notifies employers and institutions around the world that your qualification is authentic.
Quality assurance: MQA has continuing monitoring of curriculum, faculty quality, facilities, and graduate outcomes.
Mobility: MQA qualifications are becoming more widely accepted by other education systems and professional institutions, making it simpler to transfer should further education or careers be pursued overseas.
Recent Trends in Accreditation Developments
Until 2025, Malaysia is still streamlining its accreditation process:
- More and more institutions are adopting online submission portals for MQA evaluations, making review processes more efficient.
- There is also emphasis on outcome-based education, wherein students’ problem-solving ability and practical skills are examined, as opposed to mere theoretical knowledge.
- MQA cooperation with global networks of accreditation is increasing, accrediting and endorsing one another’s qualifications.
- These enhancements lead to faster processing times, greater transparency for quality levels, and greater international recognition of your degree.
With MARA financing and MQA quality, this is an intelligent choice.
Selecting an institution that is funded by MARA and accredited by MQA is a blend of financial stability with academic validity. It is a wise decision that emphasizes the strength of the institution, ensures scholarly dedication, and enhances your international reputation.
Choosing where to study abroad is an important decision. BCES Admissions Abroad is your partner in navigating MARA-related institutions, verifying MQA accreditation, and taking you through applications, visas, and scholarships. For personal advice, you can always call us at +91-9319996330.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A: MQA accreditation assures you that your degree is up to Malaysia’s national standards of education. It increases employer and institution acceptability locally and internationally, thus making your degree more valuable and highly sought after.
A: No. MARA affiliation can provide support or reputation benefit but never substitute MQA’s formal academic quality assurance. Always ensure that the program is MQA accredited.
A: To find out the program’s current recognition status, one should visit the official MQA website and use their accreditation search tool.
A: Malaysia has begun digital-inclined assessments for MQA, increased cooperation with overseas accreditors, and transitioned towards outcome-based assessments for quality improvement in education and international alignment.
A: Yes. We assist in evaluating the validity of programs, walk you through the application and paperwork procedures, and assist you at every step—until you are comfortably settled in Malaysia.
