PhD in Computing (ODL)
Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation · Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
QS World University Ranking: N/A
Quick Overview
Apply Now📘 Program Overview
APU’s PhD in Computing (ODL) is an Open & Distance Learning (ODL) doctorate designed to build theoretical, practical, and scientific research skills that contribute new knowledge in computing.
As an ODL student, you study online at your own pace using tools such as Microsoft Teams and Moodle, complete Research Methods module(s), and then produce your dissertation, with assessment including an oral and written evaluation and a viva voce.
🎯 Course & Curriculum
Course structure
- Work with a potential supervisor to develop a PhD proposal.
- Engage in the ODL learning approach with supervision and monitoring via Microsoft Teams and Moodle.
- Complete the Research Methods Modules required for ODL PhD students.
- Participate in online research seminars/colloquiums/conferences during the research period.
- Produce the Dissertation as the final research output for the award.
- Final assessment includes viva voce and the dissertation.
- For PhD in Computing/Technology, publish 1 journal article (indexed) as a requirement for the PhD award.
Curriculum
| Semester | No. of modules | Module / subject category | credit hours | Semester total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | Research methods (if required for students without a research background) | Research Methods module | ||
| Semesters 2–Final | PhD research, seminars, assessment, and dissertation | Dissertation | ||
| Viva Voce | ||||
| Journal article (indexed) requirement for PhD award |
Career outcomes
- You build advanced expertise in high-impact computing research areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, Data Mining, Big Data Analytics, and Cloud Computing, aligning your profile with roles that value research depth.
- Your degree structure includes research methods and a dissertation, helping you develop strong skills in academic research planning, technical investigation, and formal research writing for senior technical career paths.
- The program requires the submission of a dissertation and includes a viva voce assessment, preparing you for professional communication and technical leadership expectations in research and industry settings.
- ODL supervision through Microsoft Teams and Moodle supports consistent progress on a long-term research project while keeping your learning flexible for working professionals and internationally mobile students.
- You graduate with a PhD qualification supported by a published-indexed journal article requirement for the award, helping strengthen your academic and research portfolio for future opportunities.
Employability rate
Graduates of computing PhD programs in Malaysia typically see an employability rate of around 80% and an unemployment rate of about 20%, reflecting that advanced research credentials are highly valued but hiring can be role-specific.
Together, these figures point to a generally stable outlook for candidates who target research, engineering, and specialist technical positions aligned to their dissertation area.
✅ Entry Requirements
Academic qualification
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Master's degree (or equivalent) | International applicants must have a Masters degree in a related field accepted by the APU Senate, or other qualifications equivalent to a Masters degree that are accepted by the APU Senate. |
Language requirements
International applicants must meet the programme’s published minimum English requirement for admission to the PhD in Computing (ODL).
IELTS Academic
MOI (Medium of Instruction)
MOI waiver details are not published for this programme. See the English test requirements above.
💶 Fees & Funding
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | MYR 42800 / total program | Total for international students: RM42,800 for PhD in Computing (ODL). Fees indicated exclude the 6% Sales and Service Tax (SST) for international students, and fees stated here do not include deposits and other miscellaneous fees. |
Proof of financial resources
You must be able to fund your tuition and living costs for your studies in Malaysia. APU indicates that its published fees may exclude deposits and other miscellaneous fees, and for international students fees exclude the 6% Sales and Service Tax (SST).
- Proof that you can pay tuition and any required deposits and miscellaneous fees (if applicable).
- Budget for tuition and living costs in Malaysia, noting that APU states international fees exclude 6% Sales and Service Tax (SST) and deposits/miscellaneous fees may apply.
Important dates
Application window
| Milestone | August - Summer intake | September - Summer intake | October - Winter intake | November - Winter intake | December - Winter intake |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Application portal opens | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Application deadline (final submit) | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Application deadline (EU students) | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Application deadline (Non-EU students) | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Recommended apply-by | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Semester begins | August 04, 2026 | September 01, 2026 | October 06, 2026 | November 03, 2026 | December 01, 2026 |
Pre-application & reviews
| Milestone | August - Summer intake | September - Summer intake | October - Winter intake | November - Winter intake | December - Winter intake |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VPD request - recommended | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| VPD result expected | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| APS - recommended | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Start eligibility check | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Document submission deadlines
| Milestone | August - Summer intake | September - Summer intake | October - Winter intake | November - Winter intake | December - Winter intake |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Application submission deadline | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Document submission deadline (EU students) | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Document submission deadline (Non-EU students) | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Language certificate deadline | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Official transcripts deadline | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Certified translations deadline | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Postal / hard-copy documents deadline | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Missing documents (if requested) | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
📝 How to Apply
Prepare your proposal and align with supervision areas
Review the programme’s specialist doctoral topics for supervision and identify a research proposal direction. APU indicates that applicants ideally work with potential supervisors to develop a proposal. Use this time to ensure your academic background and intended research area are a strong match for the programme.
Submit your online application
Submit your application during the published intake period using APU’s official application channel. Upload your required documents, ensuring your academic records support your Masters qualification. Double-check that your submission is complete before the intake commencement date.
Complete any admissions follow-up items
Respond promptly to any requests from the university during the evaluation process. Ensure your English test documentation is available for verification against the published minimum requirement. Keep copies of your submitted documents for your records.