Study in Malaysia is one of the most popular places to high-quality study in abroad, hosting more than 2 lakh International students Study in Malaysia. Politically stable and geographically secure, Malaysia is a nation free of natural calamities. Malaysia offers a secure and comfortable area to live and study thanks to its modern infrastructure and effective transportation system.
Malaysia, in the middle of Southeast Asia, is a thriving nation with more than 30 million residents. The nation’s magnificent beaches, distinctive festivals, and mouthwatering cuisine are among its many culturally diversified and abundant natural resources that you shouldn’t miss.170,000 foreign students from 162 nations, primarily from Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, are studying in Malaysia.
| S.no. | Study program | Average annual fee |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Undergraduate program | $8,000 to $10,000 per year |
| 2 | Postgraduate master’s degree | $10,000 to $12000 per year |
| 3 | MBBS degree | $12,000 to $25,000 per year |
| 4 | MBA | $6,000 per year |
*Please note that all fee amounts are approximations.
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With its international flavour, low crime rate, and of course, five of its universities appearing in the QS World University Rankings, Malaysia is becoming a popular study abroad destination.
The affordable cost of education and low tuition fees has made it one of the most popular international destinations for students. Education cost comprises of course fees which include tuition fees and other study fees payable to the institution, depending on what you are studying and the duration of your course/study program. Other components include the living expenses which will depend on which location you are staying in, your type of accommodation and your lifestyle. Malaysia has experienced a steady economic progression and rapid infrastructural development.
The long-term plan of the Malaysian government is to make Malaysia a center of educational excellence.
The best Universities to study in Malaysia for International students are as follow:
| World University Rank 2022 | Malaysia Rank 2022 | University | City/Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 301–350 | 1 | University of Malaya | Kuala Lumpur |
| 501-600 | 2 | Universiti Teknologi Petronas | Seri Iskandar |
| 601-800 | 3 | Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia | Selangor |
| 601–800 | 3 | Universiti Putra Malaysia | Selangor |
| 601–800 | 3 | Universiti Sains Malaysia | Pulau Pinang |
| 601–800 | 3 | Universiti Teknologi Malaysia | Johor |
| 601-800 | 3 | Universiti Utara Malaysia | Kedah Darul Aman |
| 801-1000 | 8 | Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris | Tanjong Malim |
| 801-1000 | 8 | Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN) | Selangor |
| 1001-1200 | 10 | Universiti Malaysia Perlis | Arau |
| 1001-1200 | 10 | Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) | Petaling Jaya |
| 1201+ | 12 | Universiti Kuala Lumpur | Kuala Lumpur |
| 1201+ | 12 | Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) | Sarawak |
| 1201+ | 12 | Multimedia University | Cyberjaya |
| 1201+ | 12 | Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka | Melaka |
| 1201+ | 12 | Universiti Teknologi MARA | Selangor |
| 1201+ | 12 | Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) | Terengganu |
| 1201+ | 12 | Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) | Batu Pahat |
With plenty of private universities in the country, it is quite challenging to choose the best place for pursuing your higher education. Here we have compiled a list of top private universities located in Malaysia:
International students planning to study higher education in Malaysia, there is a large choice of courses and programs.
Certificate, Pre-University, Diploma, Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Phd programmes are offered in various study disciplines. You can choose the following courses to study abroad in Malaysia:
| Top Courses in Malaysia | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Information Technology | RM30,000-RM60,000 |
| Business Management | RM29,000- RM54,000 |
| Financial Services | 14,000 – 42,000 |
| Engineering | RM30,000-RM75,000 |
| Accounting | RM20,000- RM50,000 |
| Communications | 18,000 – 45,000 |
The following table includes some summary data on the admissions procedure and basic criteria.
| Where to apply | Through respective portals of universities |
| Application Fee | Varies for the different universities |
| Basic Requirements | Transcripts, Standardized tests like GMAT or GRE |
| Additional Requirements | Letters of Recommendation, Accommodation Form, Health Insurance |
| English Language Requirements | IELTS: 6; TOEFL: 500 or above |
You can apply online for any university for your choice in Malaysia. So, once you finalize the university you can go through their application requirements. Here are some of the basic documents you will require:
There are few universities in Malaysia which offer an education without IELTS. They are listed below:
| Country | Tuition Fees (annually) | Living Costs (annually) |
Total Education Cost (per annum) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Malaysia | USD 5,000 | USD 4,000 | USD 9,000 |
| Australia | USD 15,000 | USD 10,500 | USD 25,500 |
| USA | USD 18,000 | USD 13,000 | USD 31,000 |
| United Kingdom | USD 15,000 | USD 12,000 | USD 27,000 |
| Canada | USD 13,000 | USD 8,500 | USD 21,500 |
Although the basic cost in the nation depends on the person’s preferences for housing, food, city of choice, etc., an approximate amount needed to live in Malaysia for a month is as follows:
| Type of Expenditure | Cost (in MYR, per month) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation and utilities | 2,475 |
| Food and supplies | 400 to 500 |
| Health insurance | 400 to 600 (per year) |
| Phone and internet | 125 |
| Personal Expenses | 125 to 450 |
| Travel costs | 100 to 300 |
| Books and Supplies | 200 |
See also: Study in Uzbekistan
Anyone who wants to study in the country can apply for a student visa and pass very easily because they no longer need to get in touch with their local Malaysian Embassy.
The entire procedure typically takes 4-5 weeks, from the time the application is submitted until the visa is obtained. The processing of the VISA approval letter will take 14 days.
The steps are as follows:
Step 1: Apply through the college or institution-
Obtain a student visa by going via your school. Observe any unique application requirements that the college has specified. The university will next forward your application to the Director of Malaysia’s Pass & Permit Division. You need a passport that is still valid after a year. Your application will be turned down if it is submitted in less time.
Step 2: Verify the acceptance status-
Students will be notified of the status of their applications via the EMGS app or their selected university. Whether you are accepted or not, you will often receive the notification of acceptance within a week.
Step 3: Submit the necessary documentation-
The necessary visa documentation must be mailed to the designated office.
Documents needed to apply for a student visa in Malaysia:
Step 4: Pay the processing charge for your VISA-
You may be required to pay the VISA processing cost by some universities in Malaysia. The sum could change according on the institution.
Tell the university when you will be arriving.
You must give the institution advance notice of your arrival details, including the date, time, and flight number. A pick-up from the airport will be arranged by the university. You will receive your visa on your passport.
Step 5: Await the arrival of your student visa –
You must deliver your passport to the immigration department within two weeks so that a student visa sticker can be put on it.
Malaysia Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan: Available for students from Commonwealth countries planning to study masters and Ph.D. courses from Malaysian Universities. Malaysia Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP) covers air tickets, tuition fee waiver, grants for books, and travel within the country, health insurance. The scholarship is offered for 12-24 months for master’s applicants and 3-years for Ph.D. courses.
| University | Scholarship | Award Amount |
|---|---|---|
| University Putra Malaysia | Graduate Research Scholarship | 700-1,200 RM |
| Universiti Teknologi Malaysia | International Doctoral Fellowship | 2,000 |
| Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia | UKM Vice-Chancellor Scholarships | Tuition Fees waiver |
| UCSI University | University Trust Graduate Scholarship | Tuition Fees waiver |
| University of Nottingham | Developing Solution Masters | Tuition Fees waiver |
| Heriot-Watt University | Sharing Entrepreneurship Women Scholarship | Tuition waivers |
Kuala Lumpur
Many of Malaysia’s finest institutions are located in Kuala Lumpur, a vibrant city with the tallest skyscrapers in Southeast Asia. The buildings at Merdeka Square, which house the last vestiges of the British Empire’s cultural impact, are grand examples of 19th-century architecture that are now obscured by the modern high-rise buildings that tower over the city centre. The Golden Triangle, which includes malls, museums, tall buildings, and five-star hotels, is Kuala Lumpur’s most well-known retail and leisure area.
Johor Bahru
The EduCity development plan is transforming Johor Bahru, once a run-down border town, into a centre of global education. It is soon to join the top local university, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. Johor Bahru is located just north of the city state of Singapore and is connected by a 1038-meter-long causeway. Johor Bahru has recently developed into a vibrant and well-liked location to explore, shop, and hang out owing to the attention and investment the town is receiving.
Penang, Georgetown
The Universiti Sains Malaysia, another of Malaysia’s top universities, is located in Penang on Peninsular Malaysia’s northwest coast. The 28 square kilometre “nut island” of Penang, the first outpost of the East India Company in the Malay Peninsula, developed into a significant trading hub. Even though Penang’s influence diminished along with the demise of the British Empire, its trading heritage is still felt today by a diverse population of independent settlers, particularly those from China.
Increasing the Quality of Higher Education Quickly
Malaysian colleges are advancing quickly and aren’t far behind institutions that offer top-notch education, despite not being on par with those in other Asian nations like Hong Kong and Singapore. All thanks to Malaysia’s educational system and its emphasis on meeting international standards, several of the universities offer degrees in computer science and engineering that are ranked among the top 100 courses worldwide. The Ministry of Higher Education, which has the goal of making Malaysia a Center of Excellence for Higher Education, keeps a constant eye on the educational standards.
Lower Study and Living Costs
Comparatively speaking, Malaysia has cheaper living and education costs than nations like Australia, the US, the UK, France, Canada, etc. The University of Nottingham’s Malaysian campus charges MYR 174,000 for an undergraduate course, compared to USD 150,000 for the identical course at the UK campus. The course uses the same module material, evaluation standards, and grading system. Therefore, the degree is worth the same as the one from the UK campus but is far less expensive. Additionally, Malaysia’s significantly reduced cost of living lessens your financial strain.For overseas students, it’s a win-win situation because they can live comfortably for roughly MYR 1500 per month. (This covers food, lodging, and other everyday costs.)
Safety Is Not an Issue
With a relatively low crime rate, Malaysia is one of the safest and most politically stable nations in the world. Malaysia’s year-round sunny and rainy weather, which lacks extremes of cold or heat, makes it simple to adapt. Out of 163 nations, Malaysia was placed 23rd in terms of global peace in 2021.
There are no language barriers
The two languages that are used the most in the nation are Malay and English. Mandarin, Cantonese, Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam, and Tamil, among others, are other languages and dialects that are widely spoken in the nation. The majority of Malaysian universities hold their lectures in English. As a result, it is simpler for overseas students to comprehend the lectures. In addition, there are lots of language schools and colleges that provide introductory English classes for people who don’t speak the language well.
For People Who Love to Travel
Traveling in this warm, lovely, and culturally diverse country is much more economical than you may think. Here, the price to value ratio is excellent. You won’t run out of things to see and do thanks to the incredible diversity of attractions and leisure pursuits in the exciting Kuala Lumpur metropolitan area and the natural wonders like Langkawi, Taman Negara, and Cameron Highlands.
A heaven for foodies
Malaysia, with its diverse population of cultures coexisting peacefully, is a food lover’s paradise, offering a wide range of delectable dishes. In Malaysia, you can find a vast variety of halal and non-halal foods. In Penang, which is regarded as the Malaysian street food capital, tuck into traditional Malay cuisine or fast Chinese or Indian food.
The employment market has undergone significant change in recent years as the globe transitions to the digital era, and Malaysia’s job market is no different. As a result, it becomes vital that students choose their courses carefully, keeping in mind the employment and job prospects in the sector.
| Name of Sector | Jobs by end of 2021 |
|---|---|
| Banking and Services | 274,000 |
| Electronics | 157,000 |
| Healthcare | 89,000 |
| Oil and Gas | 52,300 |
| Financial Services | 274,000 |
| Data Professionals | 20,000 |
Some of the courses expected to see a huge demand and increase salaries in the upcoming years include IT and Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, Architecture, Hospitality, Accounting, Business Administration, among others.
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