Malaysia

Country overview

Malaysia is a federal constitutional monarchy located in Southeast Asia. It consists of the Peninsular Malaysia and two autonomous regions of Sabah and Sarawak on the neighboring island of Borneo. Malaysia is known for its diverse ethnic mix of Malays, Chinese, Indians, and indigenous peoples, an upper-middle-income developed economy, and its modern capital, Kuala Lumpur. Its political leadership has launched a campaign to promote Malaysia as a global education hub.
Capital: Kuala Lumpur
Official language: Malay (English is widely spoken)
Language of instruction: English is the primary language of instruction at most private and international universities
Currency: Malaysian Ringgit (MYR / RM)
Main intakes: February / March and September / October; some private institutions also open in June / July
Student Visa: Student Pass, Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS)

Why choose Malaysia

• Global recognition with local prices. Monash, Nottingham, Heriot-Watt and Curtin Universities to name a few have campuses in Malaysia offering the same degrees as their overseas counterparts, but at a fraction of the cost. According to Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) a 3-year engineering degree in the UK would set you back approximately RM 51000 in Malaysia compared to RM 144000 in the UK.
• Courses in English. Malaysia's private and international universities offer courses taught in English.
• One-stop international student agency. EMGS is the official government agency for attracting international students to Malaysia. It is fully owned by the Ministry of Higher Education and handles all student applications.
• A taste of home. Malaysia has a large Indian community so Indian food, restaurants, and festivals are common.

Education system

The Malaysian higher education system comprises public universities (e.g., Universiti Malaya, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Universiti Sains Malaysia), private universities and university colleges (e.g., Taylor's University, Sunway University, Asia Pacific University), and foreign university branch campuses (e.g., Monash University Malaysia, University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus). A wide range of qualifications is available from certificates, foundation and diploma programs through to undergraduate, postgraduate, and research degrees. Most private universities offer both local and international programs. Students enrolling in some of the private universities have the option of a twinning program or a program that allows them to do the first year(s) in Malaysia before they transfer to a university overseas to finish the degree. Programs are accredited by Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).

Cost of studying

Malaysia is one of the most affordable destinations for studying abroad in an English-speaking environment. Education Malaysia has created its own comprehensive guide to the costs of studying in Malaysia. According to the official Malaysia Study Guide, the approximate annual fees for international students are between USD 2500 – 5000 for a public university and USD 6000 – 9500 for private institutions and foreign university campuses. Professional programs such as medicine are likely to be more expensive. In addition to the tuition fees, students are also advised to budget for EMGS visa processing fees, medical examinations, and insurance. The average monthly cost of living is approximately USD 582 according to Education Malaysia's Student Budget Guide. It will vary depending on the city, type of accommodation, and lifestyle. The cost is lower in the satellite cities compared to the capital city of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. Costs in Penang tend to be slightly higher than in Johor or East Malaysia. The largest outlay for most students will be on accommodation, followed by food and transport. University hostels and guesthouses can often provide cheaper accommodation options.

Living expenses

Monthly living expenses typically run from USD 400 to USD 800, covering shared accommodation, food and local transport. Kuala Lumpur's public transport network and abundance of affordable food options make it easy to manage costs without sacrificing quality of life.

Culture and lifestyle

Malaysia's diverse ethnic mix has led to a fascinating blend of cultures. In addition to the numerous Hindu and Muslim festivals, major holidays such as Hari Raya, Chinese New Year, Deepavali, and Thaipusam are celebrated enthusiastically. As a result, students should not have any trouble finding Indian vegetarian restaurants or shopping in Indian supermarkets. The local variety of Chinese and Indian cuisine is famous for being among the best in Asia.
Malaysia offers modern shopping malls, rainforests, and beaches in the southern island of Langkawi and Penang. However, as Malaysia is a Muslim country, modest dressing is recommended, along with respect for local traditions, particularly in religious places.

Entry requirements

Academic requirements: International students applying for a Certificate, Foundation or Diploma program should have completed Class 10 or Class 12, depending on the course For Undergraduate students: Completed class 12 with the required grades for Postgraduate students: Completed any recognized bachelor's degree program English language proficiency: Most institutions require IELTS, TOEFL or PTE scores as proof of English language proficiency Student Pass requirements (EMGS and Immigration Department of Malaysia): Application for an offer letter from any of the Malaysian Institutions of Higher Learning that have been approved to enroll international students. Applicants must apply through Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS). The chosen Institution of Higher Learning will submit the student's file to EMGS for screening before requesting from Immigration Department for Visa Approval Letter (eVAL). Passport copies, transcripts, and other documentary evidence as requested by EMGS. Medical examination upon arrival in Malaysia; the Student Pass will then be endorsed in the passport by Immigration Department of Malaysia. It is mandatory for students to maintain at least a 2.0 Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) and 80% attendance to renew the Student Pass. Part-time work: International students are allowed to work for a maximum of 20 hours a week, during semester breaks or on holidays of more than seven days, in approved businesses and occupations. Pre-approval from Immigration Department is required for part-time work in restaurants, petrol kiosks or mini-markets, and hotels.

Available institutions

FAQs