Admissions Open • Year 2026/2027
PhD: Mechanical Engineering
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| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Level | Postgraduate (PhD) |
| Faculty | Faculty of Engineering – Department of Mechanical Engineering |
| Duration | 36–96 months FT / 48–120 PT |
| Intakes | January, May, September |
| Accreditation (EAC/BEM, MQA ref) | MQA A8419; R3/521/8/0040 (12/29). EAC/BEM not applicable to this research PhD. |
| Tuition (Total, Malaysian) | RM12,200/yr Eng & Geoscience · RM8,600 Mgmt · RM8,000 IS (Jan 2020 figures, UPDATE) |
Who is this programme for?
For engineers, researchers and technical professionals who want to develop original research and advanced solutions in mechanical engineering, particularly in mechanical systems, vehicles, engines, materials, manufacturing, energy, corrosion or reliability.
What will I learn, year by year?
Year 1: Define the research problem, conduct literature review, complete Research Methodology and develop the research proposal.
Research stage: Conduct independent research, validate findings, publish/present research and complete progress assessments.
Final stage: Complete the thesis, demonstrate an original contribution to knowledge and defend it through Viva Voce.
Progression varies by research project.
Where do graduates work? Name employers and roles
Career pathways include university professor/researcher, senior R&D specialist, engineering consultant, mechanical design/product development specialist and technical or engineering leader. UTP specifically identifies aerospace, automotive and energy industries as potential sectors. Specific UTP graduate employers should be verified through Alumni/CGS.
One thing that makes it different at UTP
Strong industry-driven mechanical engineering research, combining specialised laboratories, advanced engineering software and academic supervision with UTP's industry partnerships involving SIRIM, STRIDE, CELESTICA and PETRONAS.
The Research Behind It: Which area, centre and academics?
Core research areas: Mechanical Systems Design; Vehicle Design; Advanced Engine Development; Advanced Materials & Processing; Manufacturing System Optimization; Energy Systems; Corrosion & Reliability. Research connects with UTP research centres including the Centre for Corrosion Research and Centre of Flow Assurance, depending on topic. Relevant academics include Dr Kee Kok Eng (corrosion/reliability), Ts. Dr William King Soon Pao (flow assurance/computational mechanics) and other Mechanical Engineering researchers.
Cost & Funding: Which scholarships and aid apply to this programme?
UTP Graduate Assistantship (GA): full-time PhD research students; tuition + first-attempt Research Methodology, with RM3,000/month stipend subject to eligibility. GRA: full-time research students; tuition + first-attempt methodology, with allowance based on grant affordability. EPF withdrawal and other eligible funding routes may also apply. GA/GRA recipients remain responsible for applicable resource/semester, Viva, registration, accommodation and transportation costs.
Student life: What should an applicant to this programme know?
A research-intensive PhD with one-to-one supervision, laboratory work, workshops/seminars and access to advanced engineering software such as Altair, ANSYS and MATLAB. Students can receive online and on-campus support and work on collaborative, industry-driven research projects.
Next Intake + Application Deadline
Next intake: January 2027. UTP currently lists January, May and September intakes. Specific programme application deadline: confirm with CGS. For GA funding, the January intake deadline is 1st week of October 2026.
Placement or internship route for this programme
No compulsory internship/placement is stated. However, students may undertake research or industry-linked work through supervisor-led projects and collaborations. UTP specifically highlights industry-focused research with SIRIM, STRIDE, CELESTICA and PETRONAS, depending on research topic and collaboration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I research?
Mechanical systems, vehicles, engines, advanced materials, manufacturing, energy, corrosion and reliability.
Can I study part-time?
Yes, with a duration of 4–10 years.
Do I need a Mechanical Engineering background?
A relevant Master’s is required; applicants from different disciplines may need prerequisite programmes such as Dynamics and Heat Transfer.
Programme Lead