Wawasan Open University
George Town, Malaysia • Founded 2006
Updated May 2026
Overview
The University was established in 2006 to deliver quality higher education via open distance learning (ODL) to working adults.
WOU welcomed its first intake of students in January 2007. It has since expanded to also offer on-campus degree programmes to school leavers and diploma holders at its main campus in Penang, Malaysia.
All WOU programmes are approved by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) and the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education.
Location & Contact
Need to mail, call, or visit Wawasan Open University? Address, phone, and digital contact options below. Religious and cultural accommodation queries route through specific student services.
Academic Details
The numbers below cover the academic side of Wawasan Open University. Academic calendar conventions vary — semester, trimester, or quarter systems each carry different teaching rhythms.
Degrees
One field of study may consist of multiple programmes offered. Visit https://www.wou.edu.my for full list of programmes offered at WOU.
Bachelor's 12 programs
Bachelor's programmes build foundational expertise, preparing graduates for entry-level professional roles and further postgraduate study.
- Banking
- Business Administration
- Computer Science
- English Studies
- Finance
- Human Resources
- Information Technology
- Management
- Marketing
- Psychology
- Software Engineering
- Telecommunications Services
Master's 4 programs
Master's programmes develop advanced specialised expertise, suited to senior industry positions and applied research.
- Business Administration
- Management
- Psychology
- Teacher Training
Doctoral 5 programs
Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.
- Arts and Humanities
- Business Administration
- Education
- Management
- Social Sciences
Diploma & Certificate 10 programs
Diploma and certificate routes deliver focused, applied training for fast entry into skilled occupations.
- Accountancy
- Administration
- Business Administration
- Electrical and Electronic Equipment and Maintenance
- Finance
- Information Technology
- Management
- Taxation
- Teacher Training
- Telecommunications Services
Faculties & Divisions
Subject coverage by faculty inside Wawasan Open University. Faculty groupings reflect both academic tradition and the institution's strategic positioning across disciplines.
Graduate Studies (Centre) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Arts and Humanities
- Business Administration
- Computer Science
- Education
- Social Sciences
Centre for Research and Innovation (Research Division) 30 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Arts and Humanities
- Business Administration
- Computer Networks
- Cultural Studies
- Development Studies
- Distance Education
- Education
- Educational Psychology
- Educational Research
- Educational Technology
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Electrical and Electronic Equipment and Maintenance
- English Studies
- Ethics
- Finance
- Human Resources
- Information Technology
- Management
- Management Systems
- Marketing
- Mechatronics
- Psychology
- Social Sciences
- Software Engineering
- Staff Development
- Teacher Training
- Technology
- Telecommunications Services
- Transport Management
Business and Administration (School) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Business Administration
- Finance
- Human Resources
- Social Sciences
- Transport Management
Common Career Paths
- Business Analyst
- Operations Manager
- Strategy Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Digital Technology (School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Business Administration
- Software Engineering
Education, Humanities and Social Sciences (School) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Arts and Humanities
- Education
- English
- Psychology
Common Career Paths
- Researcher
- Policy Analyst
- Social Worker
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Science and Technology (School) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Computer Networks
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Information Technology
- Mechatronics
- Software Engineering
- Technology
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Programs Offered
Every programme Wawasan Open University offers, searchable by name and grouped by level. Pathway programmes leading from foundation to bachelor entry are sometimes listed separately from full degree programmes.
48 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Malaysia
Bachelor's Degree 28 programmes
Showing 10 of 28.
Master's Degree 7 programmes
Doctorate 4 programmes
Certificate 2 programmes
Diploma 4 programmes
Postgraduate Diploma 2 programmes
How to apply to Wawasan Open University
Step-by-step guidance for applying to Wawasan Open University, covering the typical sequence from programme selection to admissions follow-up.
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1
Identify the right programme
Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. Wawasan Open University offers 48 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.
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2
Check entry requirements
Each programme at Wawasan Open University has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.
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3
Prepare your application documents
Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.
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4
Submit via the institution
Apply directly via Wawasan Open University's online portal at www.wou.edu.my. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.
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5
Get in touch with admissions
After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. You can reach the institution by email at [email protected] or by phone at +042180 333. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Wawasan Open University
Short Q&A on the institutional facts that matter most when shortlisting Wawasan Open University as a study destination.
When was Wawasan Open University founded?
Wawasan Open University was established in 2006 (approximately 20 years ago).
Where is Wawasan Open University located?
Wawasan Open University is located in George Town, Malaysia.
What is Wawasan Open University's control type?
It is a private higher-education institution.
What is the student enrolment at Wawasan Open University?
Student enrolment at Wawasan Open University is around 3,649.
What programmes are available at Wawasan Open University?
Wawasan Open University delivers bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes across its academic units.
Is Wawasan Open University officially recognised?
Yes, Wawasan Open University is recognised by Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE); Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).
What is Wawasan Open University's official website?
You can find Wawasan Open University online at www.wou.edu.my.
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