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 was established on 30 October 2001, when it was registered with the Department of Private Education under the Ministry of Higher Education.

The founders of AIMST had the vision of making it a premier private sector university in the country and region, catering to the needs of both local and international students by providing quality technical education at an affordable price. The curricula for most of the degree programmes are based on the University of Bristol in the U.K. Most components of these degree programmes include computer training, writing and research, in order to equip students with the necessary skills for their career and enable them to apply technologies to different aspects of their education. To be eligible for admission to the degree programmes, applicants must meet the prescribed grades in the relevant subjects at the matriculation (local or overseas) level or have other equivalent qualifications accepted by AIMST University.

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