Admissions Open • Year 2026/2027
PhD: Information Systems
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, July |
| Accreditation (EAC/BEM, MQA ref) | MQA/SWA9117; R/0611/8/0015 (03/28). 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 graduates and professionals who want to conduct original research at the intersection of technology, business and society, particularly in AI, data analytics, cybersecurity, cloud computing, enterprise systems, fintech, UX or information systems strategy.
What will I learn, year by year?
Year 1: Build research foundations, complete Research Methodology and develop/defend the research proposal.
Research stage: Conduct original research, produce semester progress papers and present at UTP's Biannual Postgraduate Conference.
Final stage: Complete the thesis, demonstrate the contribution to knowledge and defend it through Viva Voce.
Progression varies by research project.
Where do graduates work? Name employers and roles
Graduates can pursue academic, research and industry careers, including university lecturer/professor, academic researcher and research scientist. Other potential pathways include technology consulting, information systems management, cybersecurity, data/AI, enterprise systems, fintech and digital transformation. Specific UTP graduate employers should be verified through Alumni/CGS before publication.
One thing that makes it different at UTP
Research sits at the intersection of technology and business, with research spanning AI, data, cybersecurity, cloud, enterprise systems, blockchain, fintech, e-commerce, UX and information systems strategy — enabling research with both technical and organisational relevance.
The Research Behind It: Which area, centre and academics?
Research areas: Data Analytics & Business Intelligence; Cybersecurity & Information Assurance; Cloud Computing & Big Data; Enterprise Systems & Informatics; Blockchain; AI applications in IS; Information Governance & Compliance; Fintech/E-Commerce/E-Business; HCI/UX; Information Systems Strategy & Management. Research institute: UTP’s FAQ cites the Institute of Emerging Digital Technologies (EDiT) as a relevant research institute. Individual academics are not listed on the programme page; applicants are advised to identify a potential supervisor based on research interests.
Cost & Funding: Which scholarships and aid apply to this programme?
UTP Graduate Assistantship (GA): full-time PhD; tuition + first-attempt Research Methodology; RM3,000/month effective January 2026, subject to eligibility. GRA: full-time research students; tuition + first-attempt Research Methodology, with allowance subject to grant. GA/GRA recipients remain responsible for applicable resource/semester, registration, accommodation, transportation and Viva fees as specified by UTP.
Student Life: What should an applicant to this programme know?
A research-intensive PhD with substantial independent work. Students complete Research Methodology, Research Proposal Defence and semester progress assessments, then present at the Biannual Postgraduate Conference (BAPC). Students should identify a suitable supervisor and research topic early. Research attachment/collaboration with external universities, research groups and industry may be possible.
Next Intake + Application Deadline
Next listed intake: January 2027. The programme currently lists January and July intakes. Specific application deadline: confirm with CGS. GA deadlines should be checked separately because funding applications may close earlier than programme applications.
Placement or internship route for this programme
No compulsory internship/placement route is stated. However, UTP encourages research attachment and collaboration with external research groups, universities and industries, depending on the research topic, supervisor, collaboration and funding.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I research?
AI, data analytics, cybersecurity, cloud, blockchain, fintech, e-commerce, UX and more.
Can I study part-time?
Yes, 4–10 years.
Do I need a Computing background?
Applicants generally need a relevant Master’s and at least one earlier Computing-related degree, or 5 years’ relevant work experience; prerequisite programmes may apply to candidates from other disciplines.
Programme Lead