Study in Malaysia
Why Study in Malaysia?
- Affordable tuition fees and living costs, making it one of the most cost-effective study destinations in Asia.
- Home to branch campuses of top universities (e.g., Monash University, University of Nottingham, Curtin University).
- Growing reputation in Engineering, Business, IT, Medicine, and Islamic Finance.
- Strategic location in Southeast Asia with exposure to a multicultural, multilingual society.
- Degrees from foreign branch campuses are globally recognized.
- English is widely spoken, making it easier for international students to adapt.
Top Universities & Global Rankings
University | QS World Ranking (2025) | Known For |
Universiti Malaya (UM) | #65 | Engineering, Medicine, Research |
Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) | #158 | Agriculture, Science, Technology |
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) | #159 | Social Sciences, Business, Medicine |
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) | #207 | Engineering, Pharmacy |
Monash University Malaysia | Top 100 (parent ranking) | Business, IT, Engineering |
University of Nottingham Malaysia | Top 100 (parent ranking) | Law, Engineering, Social Sciences |
Malaysia is a hub for transnational education, offering UK, Australian, and US degree pathways at lower costs.
Intakes & Application Deadlines
- February/April – Available for many universities.
- July – Major intake with most programs open.
- September/October – Widely available across public and private institutions.
Deadlines vary by university but usually 3–4 months before intake.
Tuition Fees & Living Costs
- Undergraduate Tuition: USD $4,000 – $7,000 per year
- Postgraduate Tuition: USD $5,000 – $10,000 per year
- Medicine/Dentistry: USD $15,000 – $25,000 per year
- Living Costs: USD $3,500 – $5,000 per year (approx. USD $300–400/month)
Malaysia is cheaper than Australia, UK, and USA, while still offering quality international degrees.
Language Proficiency Requirements – IELTS / TOEFL
- Undergraduate: IELTS 5.5 – 6.0 / TOEFL iBT 60–78
- Postgraduate: IELTS 6.0 – 6.5 / TOEFL iBT 80–90
- Many private universities accept English Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificates instead of IELTS/TOEFL.
Standardized Tests
- Generally no SAT/ACT required for undergraduate admission.
- No GRE/GMAT required for most postgraduate programs (except MBA at some universities).
- Medicine/Dentistry applicants may need entrance exams or interviews.
Application Process & Timeline
- 6–12 months before intake: Research universities on official portals (studyinmalaysia.gov.my).
- Prepare Documents: Academic transcripts, passport, IELTS/TOEFL/MOI, SOP, LORs, CV.
- Submit Application: Online via university portals or agents.
- Receive Offer Letter: Conditional/unconditional offer issued within 2–8 weeks.
- Apply for Student Pass (Visa Approval Letter, VAL) through university’s International Office.
- Travel to Malaysia: Collect visa sticker on arrival and complete medical check-up.
Malaysia Student Visa – Requirements & Documents
- Visa Type: Student Pass (issued by EMGS – Education Malaysia Global Services)
- Application Fee: Approx. USD $300 – $500 (varies by university & program)
- Required Documents:
- Offer Letter from university
- Valid passport
- Academic transcripts & certificates
- English test results (or MOI)
- Health/medical examination report
- Proof of financial support (bank statement/sponsor letter)
Processing time: 6–8 weeks via EMGS.
Work While Studying & Post-Graduation
- Work Rights During Study: Up to 20 hours per week, only during semester breaks (not during classes).
- Post-Graduation: Malaysia does not offer a standard post-study work visa. Graduates must secure a job offer to switch to an Employment Pass.
Many students use Malaysia as a pathway to other countries (UK, Australia, Canada) after completing foundation or partial degree studies.
List of Universities & Colleges
- Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation
- Curtin University, Sarawak (Malaysia Campus)
- Geomatika University College
- IUM (International Islamic University Malaysia)
- INTI International University
- Limkokwing University, Selangor
- Monash University (Malaysia Campus)
- Perdana Graduate School of Medicine
- QUEST International University, Perak
- SEGI University College, Selangor
- Swinburne University (Malaysia Campus)
- Taylor’s University College, Selangor
- UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur
- University Malaya (UM)
- University of Putra Malaya
- UTM (Universiti Teknologi Malaysia), Johor Bahru