Study in Malaysia
Study in Malaysia – Malaysia has become an increasingly popular destination for international students seeking a high-quality education in a multicultural and diverse environment. The country is home to some of the top universities in Southeast Asia, offering a wide range of disciplines, from engineering and business to medicine and the arts. Malaysia’s education system is highly regarded, and many universities have partnerships with institutions around the world, providing opportunities for students to gain international experience. In this introduction to studying in Malaysia, we will explore the benefits of studying in Malaysia, the application process, and important considerations for international students.
Why study in Malaysia?
1. It’s affordable
Studying a Bachelor’s or Master’s programme at Malaysian public universities costs between 500 and 4,500 EUR per academic year. Medicine degrees are the main exception, with tuition fees of up to 27,000 EUR per year.
So for most disciplines, you’ll pay a lot less than you would at a university or college in the US, Canada, UK, or Australia.
2. English is widely spoken
Around 50 to 60% of Malaysians speak the English language, at least at conversational level. While this may not sound like much when compared to other nations, keep in mind that you’ll spend most of your time in major student cities, like Kuala Lumpur, where you won’t have to worry about language barriers.
3. Malaysian universities are among the best in Asia
Global university rankings, which are released each year, place universities in Malaysia among the best higher education institutions in Asia. This includes both public and private universities, and represents another great reasons to study here.
4. Enjoy peace and safety
Malaysia is one of the safest and most peaceful countries in the world according to recent rankings. It has a stable political environment, a growing economy, and a developing industry — key factors that contribute to the overall positive outlook of the local society.
5. It is home to UNESCO World Heritage Sites and natural beauty
The excellent weather, natural beauty, and unique cuisine make Malaysia one of the most popular tourist destinations in Asia.
While studying and living there, don’t forget to visit iconic buildings and places like Mount Kinabalu, the Batu Caves, Menara Kuala Lumpur, the Perhentian Islands, the Gunung Mulu National Park, etc.
What it is like to study in Malaysia?
One of the things Malaysia is known for is constantly celebrating different holidays. There is an endless array of festivals going on all through the year; and if you’re a student there, it may not be a requirement to join one, but you may as well.
The lucky thing is there are several languages and ethnic groups present in Malaysia. That means, no matter where you’re from, you’ll find people capable of speaking English to you, and who will happily help you get around.
And, of course, the same rules apply to your classes in Malaysia. Be prepared for every class, and study hard before you decide to join yet another festival this month.
How to Apply in Malaysia
If you’ve decided to study a Master’s degree at a university in Malaysia, you will have to gather the right documents to prove that you fit the university requirements. Provide complete personal information, previous qualifications, financial information, and a personal statement.
What documents do I need to provide to apply in Malaysia?
You’ll be asked to present supporting documents including:
- high school or Bachelor’s diploma;
- academic transcripts of previous studies;
- passport and/or birth certificate scan;
- CV;
- test scores (GRE, GMAT, GPA);
- proof of funds;
- letters of recommendation;
- portfolio and/or writing samples.
Prove your language skills
To show that you have the right English skills, you’ll have to also present an IELTS, TOEFL or C1 Advanced language certificate. If you don’t meet the minimum language scores you will have to improve them by taking an English preparation course.
Application deadlines for Malaysia
The deadlines for applying to a Master’s in Malaysia are usually during autumn (September- October), or in spring (May-June). Many universities have rolling applications, which means you can apply whenever you are ready.
Living in Malaysia
Let’s take a closer look at tuition and living expenses in Malaysia:
Tuition fees
In Malaysia, tuition fees vary based on a number of factors, such as: the type of university (public vs private), degree level (undergraduate vs postgraduate), length of studies (2–5 years), and so on.
Tuition at public universities
- Bachelor’s degrees: 2,000–4,500 EUR/year; some degrees in Medicine can cost as much as 27,000 EUR/year
- Master’s degrees: 500–4,000 EUR/year
Tuition at private universities
- Bachelor’s degrees: 1,350–9,300 EUR/year; some degrees in Medicine can cost as much as 19,850 EUR/year
- Master’s degrees: 1,500–3,000 EUR/year
The tuition fees we’ve listed here only serve a guiding role. You can find more expensive programmes and sometimes a few that are cheaper. The official university website is the best place to look for up-to-date information.
Cost of living in Malaysia
If you hope to have enough money for festivals, celebrations, and parties, you’re in luck!
Compared to most other locations, especially in South-East Asia, Malaysia is relatively affordable. Rent and food aren’t too expensive. In general, you should prepare 450–800 EUR/month for living costs.
Here is a breakdown of living expenses in Malaysia:
- Accommodation: 350–700 EUR/month depending on the type of housing
- Utilities: 50–70 EUR/month
- Food and groceries: 200–350 EUR/month
- Monthly transportation pass (train, metro, bus): 21 EUR
- Medical insurance: 210 EUR/year
- 3-course meal for 2 at a mid-range restaurant: 12 EUR
- Milk: 1.36 EUR
- Bread: 0.69 EUR
- Eggs: 1.14 EUR
- Cappuccino: 2.18 EUR
Work While Study In Malaysia
International students in Malaysia are permitted to work part-time while studying, subject to certain regulations. Here are some key things to keep in mind:
- Work permits: International students in Malaysia need to obtain a work permit before they can work part-time. The work permit is issued by the Immigration Department of Malaysia and can be obtained through the student’s university.
- Working hours: International students in Malaysia can work up to 20 hours per week during the semester and full-time during breaks (e.g., summer and winter vacations).
- Types of jobs: International students can work in various fields, including tutoring, language teaching, and internships. It’s also possible to find part-time jobs on campus, such as research assistants or library assistants.
- Minimum wage: Malaysia has a minimum wage that applies to all workers, including international students. The exact amount varies by region, but as of 2022, the average minimum wage in Malaysia is around 5.50 MYR (approximately 1.30 USD) per hour.
- Taxes: International students must pay income tax on their earnings. However, some tax exemptions may apply depending on the amount earned and the duration of the job.
It’s important to note that international students must prioritize their studies and ensure that their part-time work does not negatively impact their academic performance. Working too many hours can also have negative effects on their physical and mental health.
Overall, working part-time while studying in Malaysia can provide students with an opportunity to gain work experience, earn extra income, and immerse themselves in the local culture. However, it’s important to comply with all legal requirements and to balance work and studies effectively.
Malaysia At a Glance
| Course Duration | Intake | Application Fee | Requirements |
| 3/4 Years (Bachelors) 1/2 Years (Masters) | February, April, July, September | 100 to 400 (RM) | No IELTS Required Academics-Above 50% |
| Language Proficiency | Tution Fee (Yearly) | Living Cost (Yearly) | Visa Application |
| IELTS-5+, PTE-50+ Waiver Possible+ | 9000 to 40000 (RM) | 25000 to 45000 (RM) | 130 (RM) |
| Air Ticket | Processing Time | Part Time Work | Post Study Work Permit |
| 30000 to 70000 (BDT) | 3 Months | Can work during vacation only | None |
Our Affiliated University List
| Sr No | University Name | City |
| 1 | University of Kuala Lumpur, | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia |
| 2 | Manipal International University, | Malaysia |
| 3 | INTI International University & Colleges, | Nilai, Malaysia |
| 4 | Sunway Le Cordon Bleu, | Malaysia |
