Admissions Open • Year 2026/2027
PhD: Information Technology
PETRONAS built a university because it needed leaders who can challenge the standard. UTP is Malaysia’s top-ranked private university — discover hands-on engineering, science and computing programs tailored for industry 4.0.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Level | Postgraduate (PhD) |
| Faculty | Faculty of Science, Management & Computing – Department of Computer and Information Sciences |
| Duration | 36–96 months FT / 48–120 PT |
| Intakes | January, May, September |
| Accreditation (EAC/BEM, MQA ref) | R3/482/8/0174 (02/30), MQA A8422. EAC/BEM not applicable. |
| Tuition (Total, Malaysian) | RM12,200/yr Eng & Geoscience · RM8,600 Mgmt · RM8,000 IS (Jan 2020 figures, UPDATE) |
Who is this programme for?
For computing professionals, researchers and graduates who want to develop original solutions to complex technology challenges in areas such as AI, data science, cybersecurity, software engineering, cloud computing, digital transformation and emerging technologies.
What will I learn, year by year?
Year 1: Establish the research problem, complete research methodology and develop the research proposal.
Research stage: Conduct independent research, develop and validate an original IT solution, publish/present findings and progress through research assessments.
Final stage: Complete the thesis, demonstrate the contribution to IT knowledge and defend the research through Viva Voce.
Where do graduates work? Name employers and roles
UTP identifies career paths including Data Scientist, IT Researcher, Software Engineer, Cybersecurity Analyst, Cloud Computing Specialist, Network Engineer, Database Administrator, Systems Analyst, IT Manager, Project Manager and Systems Architect, as well as academic careers. Specific UTP graduate employers should be verified through Alumni/CGS.
One thing that makes it different at UTP
100% online while remaining research-intensive, allowing IT professionals to pursue doctoral research without relocating to campus. Students can research emerging technologies while accessing UTP's computing, networking and data analytics facilities and industry/research collaborations.
The Research Behind It: Which area, centre and academics?
Research areas: Artificial Intelligence; Data Science; Cybersecurity; Governance, Risk & Compliance; Software Engineering; Cloud Computing; Big Data; Digital Innovation & Transformation; Enterprise Systems; Immersive Technologies; Digital Twin; Image Processing & Computer Vision; Human-Computer Interaction. Department: Computer & Information Sciences. Research facilities include computer, networking and data analytics labs.
Cost & Funding: Which scholarships and aid apply to this programme?
UTP Graduate Assistantship (GA): full-time PhD research students; tuition + first-attempt Research Methodology; RM3,000/month. Minimum CGPA 3.25/4.00 applies. GRA: full-time research students; tuition + first-attempt methodology; allowance based on grant affordability. EPF withdrawal and employer-sponsored HRDF support may also apply to eligible Malaysian students.
Student Life: What should an applicant to this programme know?
100% online, making it suitable for working professionals. However, it remains a research-intensive PhD requiring independent research, supervisor engagement, academic writing, research presentations and thesis development. Students should have reliable internet access and suitable computing resources. UTP also provides access to research software/tools such as AWS and Microsoft Azure.
Next Intake + Application Deadline
Next intake: January 2027. UTP currently lists January, May and September intakes. General programme application deadline: To confirm with CGS. For GA funding, the January intake deadline is 1st week of October 2026.
Placement or internship route for this programme
Yes, potentially. UTP explicitly encourages research and industrial attachments, including opportunities with partners such as PETRONAS, and students may discuss potential industry collaborations/internships with their supervisors. These are not stated as compulsory placements
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the programme fully online?
Yes, the programme is conducted 100% online.
What can I research?
Areas include AI, data science, cybersecurity, cloud, software engineering, digital twins, immersive technologies and HCI.
Can I do an industry attachment?
Yes, students may explore research/industrial attachments with supervisors, including collaborations with PETRONAS.
Programme Lead