Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), established under the UTAR Education Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation, was officially launched on 13 August 2002.

The establishment was timely with the recognition of the private education industry by the Government of Malaysia as a vital engine in stimulating and sustaining the growth of intellectual capital to meet the complex needs of an increasingly knowledge-based and innovation-driven economy.

Guided by its vision to be a premier University for the advancement and dissemination of knowledge and expertise while emphasising on the holistic development of individuals for nation building, UTAR has made impressive strides in establishing a strong reputation as a comprehensive University with dedication to achieving excellence in teaching and research.