The Council of MQA, established under the Malaysian Qualifications Agency Act 2007 (Act 679) has the following functions:

1. to approve plans and policies for the management of the Agency;
2. to approve any amendment or update of the Malaysian Qualifications Framework;
3. to approve policies and guidelines relating to accreditation of programmes, qualifications or higher education providers or institutional audit;
4. to approve any matter relating to the functions, powers, duties, remuneration, allowance, honorarium, benefits and code of conduct of officers, employees, agents and consultants of the Agency;
5. to receive and monitor reports, returns, statements and any other information relating to accreditation, institutional audit and evaluation;
6. to do all things reasonably necessary for the performance of its functions under this Act.

Members of the Council consist of the following:

1. a Chairman;
2. the Chief Executive Officer of the Malaysian Qualifications Agency;
3. the Secretary General of the Ministry of Higher Education or his/her representative;
4. the Secretary General of the Ministry of Education or his/her representative;
5. the Secretary General of the Ministry of Human Resource or his/her representative;
6. the Director General of the Public Service Department or his/her representative;
7. the Director General of the Higher Education Management Department or his/her representative;
8. the Secretary General of the Ministry of Education or his/her representative;
9. a representative of the public higher education providers;
10. a representative of the private higher education providers; and
11. eight other members who, in the opinion of the Minister, have special knowledge, experience and professionalism in matters relating to higher education or employment, at least two of whom shall be from a professional body.