a) Is mechatronics engineering right for you?
The Complete Guide to Studying Mechatronics Engineering in Malaysia
Mix the best of both mechanical and electronics engineering with an education in mechatronics engineering. Learn more about this field of the future here.
What do self-parking cars, robotic vacuum cleaners and high-speed bullet trains have in common? They’re all made possible thanks to mechatronics engineering!
A multidisciplinary field of study, mechatronics engineering is everywhere around us, from intelligent robots and electric vehicles to drones and high-tech wearables. If you enjoy problem-solving, designing innovative solutions and working with cutting-edge technology, this could be the perfect field for you.
In this course guide, you will learn what mechatronics engineering is, entry requirements, top universities in Malaysia, how much it costs and what your future will look like if you pursue this field.
#1. What Is Mechatronics Engineering?
Mechatronics engineering is a multidisciplinary field that combines knowledge from different fields of study including mechanical engineering, electronics engineering, computer engineering and information technology to design and develop automated machines, devices and systems to fulfil a variety of tasks.
Its influence can be seen everywhere from our car anti-lock braking systems and Roombas to the Mars rovers and Sophia the robot. The field has a vast range of applications across various industries from space exploration to manufacturing to healthcare.
Through studying mechatronics engineering, you will be equipped with core knowledge in a variety of fields including electronics, robotics, mechanical engineering and more. You will be able to draw from different fields of study and combine the knowledge to design and develop machines that can perform a range of tasks.
Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU)
Bachelor of Mechatronic Engineering (Hons)
#2. Entry Requirements for Mechatronics Engineering
a) What are the subjects required to study mechatronics engineering?
To study engineering, the required subjects at SPM or equivalent are:
- Mathematics
- Science
- English
Thereafter, the required subjects for engineering at A Level, STPM or equivalent are:
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Further Mathematics (recommended for A Level) or Specialist Mathematics (recommended for Australian Matriculation)
b) Mechatronics Engineering Diploma requirements
These are the general entry requirements for a Diploma in Mechatronics Engineering:
- SPM (or equivalent): Minimum 3Cs including Mathematics and a Science / Technical / Vocational subject as well as a pass in English
c) Mechatronics Engineering Degree requirements
To pursue a Degree in Mechatronics Engineering, you need to complete a pre-university programme and meet the following entry requirements:
- A Level: Minimum 2Ds including Mathematics and Physics
- STPM: Minimum 2Cs including Mathematics and Physics
- Foundation in Science or Foundation in Engineering: Minimum CGPA of 2.00
- Diploma: Minimum CGPA of 2.00
In addition, it is advisable to have at least a C in Mathematics and Physics/Chemistry as well as a pass in English at SPM level.
Important Note:
Entry requirements for some universities may be higher, so it’s important that you check the details carefully.
#3. Studying Mechatronics Engineering in Malaysia
a) What subjects will you study in a mechatronics engineering degree?
As part of your studies, you will be exposed to a variety of fields related to the mechatronics engineering field and how to combine them to design machines and systems that solve problems and perform tasks.
Here are some of the subjects you may cover during your study:
- Artificial intelligence
- Automation and robotics
- CNC and workshop technology
- Control engineering
- Electric and electronic systems
- Engineering drawing and CAD
- Engineering materials
- Engineering mathematics
- Fluid mechanics and hydraulics
- Microprocessor systems & embedded software
- Networking systems
- Programming
- Signals and linear systems
- Thermodynamics and heat transfer
On top of lectures and tutorials, you should expect your studies to include workshop visits, lab work, group and individual projects, and industrial training.
b) How long is a mechatronics engineering course?
A Degree in Mechatronics Engineering typically takes 4 years to complete.
c) How much does it cost to study mechatronics engineering in Malaysia?
A mechatronics engineering diploma programme ranges from around RM21,000 to RM49,200. Meanwhile, a Degree in Mechatronics Engineering can cost from RM44,700 to RM220,000.
#4. Your Education Pathway for Mechatronics Engineering
Your journey towards becoming a mechatronics engineer doesn’t stop the moment you graduate. There are still more steps you have to take after that in order to become a registered engineer in Malaysia. Here’s how your pathway should look like.
Step 1: First, complete a pre-university (e.g. A Levels, STPM) or a Foundation course (e.g. Foundation in Engineering, Foundation in Science) after SPM. This will typically take 1 – 2 years depending on the selected programme.
Alternatively, you also have the option of pursuing a Diploma which will usually take between 2.5 and 3 years. A diploma qualification will give you the option of either entering the workforce in relevant fields upon graduating or continuing with a Degree in Mechatronics Engineering, starting in Year 2.
Step 2: Subsequently, you can enrol into a Bachelor of Mechatronics Engineering. This programme may sometimes be offered under a general engineering programme or even together with robotics. This will take you 4 years of study. If you wish to gain professional status as a professional engineer in Malaysia, you must study a mechatronics engineering programme that is recognised by the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM).
Once you’ve completed your degree, you can proceed to look for employment as an engineer.
Step 3: To gain the status of a professional engineer, you must have at least 3 years of practical working experience and pass a Professional Assessment Examination by the Board of Engineers Malaysia.
In conclusion, it can take you at least 5 – 6 years from SPM to become an engineer and 8 – 9 years to become a registered professional engineer.
#5. Should You Study Mechatronics Engineering?
a) Is mechatronics engineering right for you?
Not sure if it’s the right field for you? Ask yourself these questions:
- Do you have good grades in mathematics and physics?
- Are you skilled at practical work?
- Do you have an interest in mechanical structures and electronics
- Do you enjoy building LEGO structures and circuit systems?
- Do you like to play around with machines and electronic devices?
- Can you think logically and solve complex mathematical problems?
- Are you able to work independently with little supervision?
- Can you think critically and creatively to solve complex problems?
If you answered yes to most of these questions, studying a Degree in Mechatronics Engineering may be the right choice for you.
b) Skills required to pursue mechatronics engineering
Here are some key skills a good mechatronics engineer should have:
- Critical thinking skills to solve complex problems
- Active listening skills
- Strong mechanical and technical skills
- High level of knowledge in a variety of engineering and engineering-related disciplines
- Creative and innovative thinking
- Keen attention to detail
- Organisational and management skills
#6. Jobs You Can Get with a Mechatronics Engineering Degree
A mechatronics engineering degree can lead you to plenty of occupational opportunities in a variety of fields. This includes working in development for fields such as manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, exploration and many more.
Here are some of the careers you can pursue with a mechatronics engineering qualification:
- Automation Engineer
- Service Engineer
- QA/QC Engineer
- R&D Engineer
- Manufacturing Engineer
- Robotics Engineer
- Plant Engineer
Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU)
Diploma in Mechatronic Engineering
#7. Best Institutions for Mechatronics Engineering in Malaysia
If mechatronics engineering is where your passion lies, then check out these institutions that are among some of the best offering the mechatronics engineering programme in Malaysia.
Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU)
Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur
Bachelor of Mechatronic Engineering (Hons)
Intake
Mar, Jul, Sep
Tuition Fees
RM118,800
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Want to learn more about your study options? Check out our comprehensive comparison tables for Mechatronics Engineering diplomas and degrees here!
