Study in Malaysia

Why study in Malaysia

Malaysia attracts international students through its comparatively affordable tuition, lower living costs, and growing role as a regional higher education hub in Southeast Asia.

The country hosts branch campuses and academic partnerships with universities from the United Kingdom, Australia, and other international education systems, allowing students to access globally recognised qualifications at a lower overall cost.

Students also benefit from an English-friendly academic environment, multicultural society, and practical location within Asia, making Malaysia an accessible option for those seeking internationally oriented study opportunities with greater cost efficiency.

The education system of Malaysia

Malaysia’s higher education system consists of public universities, private universities, and international branch campuses.

Undergraduate programs typically take 3–4 years, while master’s programs usually take 1–2 years depending on the field of study.

Many institutions follow international curricula, particularly UK and Australian degree structures, making qualifications globally recognized.

Top universities in Malaysia

Malaysia is home to several well-ranked universities and international branch campuses.

• University of Malaya (UM)
• Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)
• Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)
• Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)
• Monash University Malaysia
• University of Nottingham Malaysia

These institutions are strong in engineering, business, medicine, and information technology.

Popular subjects in Malaysia

• Business and Management
• Information Technology and Computer Science
• Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical)
• Medicine and Health Sciences
• Hospitality and Tourism Management
• Mass Communication and Media Studies

Tuition fees and cost of study

Malaysia offers one of the most affordable higher education systems among English-speaking destinations.

• Undergraduate: MYR 20,000 – MYR 60,000 per year
• Postgraduate: MYR 25,000 – MYR 70,000 per year

Living costs are relatively low, typically ranging from MYR 1,500 to MYR 3,000 per month depending on lifestyle and city.

Scholarships and financial aid

Malaysia offers various scholarships for international students through government and universities.

• Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS)
• University merit-based scholarships
• Private institution scholarships

Entry requirements

• Recognized secondary school qualification for undergraduate entry
• Bachelor’s degree for postgraduate programs
• IELTS / TOEFL or equivalent English proficiency
• Program-specific academic requirements

Student visa

International students must obtain a Malaysian Student Pass before commencing studies.

• Offer letter from Malaysian institution
• Visa approval letter (VAL)
• Valid passport
• Medical screening requirements

Work opportunities

International students in Malaysia are allowed limited part-time work under specific conditions.

• Up to 20 hours per week during semester breaks
• Jobs in restaurants, hotels, and retail sectors
• Strong internship opportunities in multinational companies

Popular student cities in Malaysia

• Kuala Lumpur – capital and education hub
• Selangor – largest university concentration
• Penang – technology and cultural city
• Johor Bahru – growing education and industrial hub
• Malacca – historical and student-friendly city