AIMST University is registered with the Ministry of Higher Education, Government of Malaysia, as a tertiary educational institute under Sections 38 and 39 of the Private Higher Educational Institutions Act of 1996. It formally began its operations on 30 October 2001, coinciding with its registration with the Department of Private Education under the Ministry of Higher Education.

Imbued with the vision of its founders, AIMST aims to be a premier private sector university in the country and region catering to the needs of local and international students in providing quality technical education at an affordable price. The curricula for most of the degree programmes are drawn from the University of Bristol in the U.K.

Most components of the degree programmes include computer training, writing and research in order to prepare students for work and to provide them with the ability to apply technologies to all aspects of their education. Admission to the degree programmes requires the applicant to meet minimally the prescribed grades in the relevant subjects at the matriculation (local or overseas) level or possess other equivalent qualifications acceptable to AIMST University.

The medium of instruction for all courses is English, although the importance of the National Language will be emphasised in all activities of the University. AIMST University will provide language support for students before and during their degree studies to ensure an acceptable level of fluency.