Admissions Open • Year 2026/2027
PhD: Chemical Engineering
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 Engineering, Chemical Engineering Department |
| Duration | 36–96 months FT / 48–120 PT |
| Intakes | January, May, September. Applications are accepted year-round (research-based programmes have no fixed closing date) and applicants are placed into whichever intake fits best. |
| Accreditation (EAC/BEM, MQA ref) | R3/524/8/0018 (12/29); MQA Ref: A8418. |
| Tuition (Total, Malaysian) | RM12,200/yr Eng & Geoscience · RM8,600 Mgmt · RM8,000 IS (Jan 2020 figures, UPDATE) |
Who is this programme for?
For candidates with a Master's degree (or an outstanding Bachelor's, CGPA ≥3.65, via internal assessment) who want to conduct independent research in areas like carbon capture, biomass/biofuels, nanomaterials, hydrogen production, or process modelling and control.
What will I learn, year by year?
Early stage — literature review and (if needed) prerequisite programmes in Principles of Chemical Engineering and Process Safety.
Core years — independent research in your specialisation (e.g. CO2 capture, waste-to-energy, hydrogen production), with regular progress reviews and a completion seminar.
Final stage — thesis writing, submission, and Viva Voce.
Full-time: 3–8 years; part-time: 4–10 years.
Where do graduates work? Name employers and roles
University professor/researcher roles; senior R&D positions in Oil & Gas and Energy; leadership roles in engineering consultancy; entrepreneurial ventures in chemical engineering technology. Named industry partners include PETRONAS, ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, PTT Exploration and Production, Lynas, and Yokogawa
One thing that makes it different at UTP
Ten active research tracks (from CO2 capture to hydrogen production) backed by an international academic network (Kyushu, Texas A&M, University of Calgary, and others) and direct industry ties to PETRONAS and ExxonMobil.
The Research Behind It: Which area, centre and academics?
UTP Graduate Assistantship (GA) — PhD-level only, can cover tuition for full-time research students in exchange for teaching-assistant duties and ~22 research days/month. Also: EPF withdrawal option; industry-sponsored funding via supervisors' research grants. MyBrain 2.0
Cost & Funding: Which scholarships and aid apply to this programme?
UTP Graduate Assistantship (GA) — PhD-level only, can cover tuition for full-time research students in exchange for teaching-assistant duties and ~22 research days/month. Also: EPF withdrawal option; industry-sponsored funding via supervisors' research grants.
Student Life: What should an applicant to this programme know?
24/7 health centre, sports and recreation complex, 50+ student societies, accessible campus facilities, and student development/transportation support.
Next Intake + Application Deadline
January, May, September. Applications for PhD (research-based) are open all year with no fixed deadline — accepted candidates are slotted into the nearest suitable intake.
Placement or internship route for this programme
Not a formal internship (research degree). GA/GRA positions and named industry-collaboration partners (PETRONAS, ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, etc.)
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find a topic and a potential supervisor?
Contact prospective supervisors in the Chemical Engineering Department directly, based on their expertise area.
What is the tuition fee for the PhD programme?
Varies for local/international students; see the Postgraduate Tuition Fees page.
Are there any financial aid options available?
Yes: research assistantships and industry-sponsored funding (see Financial Aid page).
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
Programme Lead
More than 70% of UTP students receive financial sponsorship, study loans, or merit scholarships from PETRONAS, governmental bodies, or corporate partners.
Program Leader, PhD: Chemical Engineering
Dr Wan Zaireen Nisa Bt Yahya
zaireen.yahya@utp.edu.my (+6053687584)
Target: Straight A SPM / IGCSE
Academic Executive
Ms Nur Nadiah binti Muhamad Suffi
Target: Straight A SPM / IGCSE