Malaysia

Country snapshot

• Capital: Kuala Lumpur (administrative centre: Putrajaya)

• Languages: Malay (Bahasa Malaysia); English widely used in higher education

• Dial code: +60

• Currency: Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)

• Main intakes: February and September (many programmes also in April/July)

Why study in Malaysia?

You’ll find internationally recognised programmes, including twinning/transfer routes and renowned branch campuses, modern facilities, and a multicultural environment. Living costs are reasonable compared with many Western destinations, and campuses are well connected to employers for internships and projects.

Key benefits

• English-taught degrees with global recognition

• Competitive tuition and affordable cost of living

• Options to start in Malaysia and transfer abroad (twinning/2+1/3+0 pathways)

• Strong industry links in business, tech, engineering, hospitality, and healthcare

• Safe, student-friendly cities with excellent food, transport, and connectivity

Eligibility (general)

• Undergraduate: Secondary school completion meeting subject/grade requirements

• Postgraduate: Relevant bachelor’s degree (GPA/credit requirements vary)

• Language: Proof of English (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE or equivalent) if prior study wasn’t in English

• Programme-specific: Portfolios (design/arts/architecture), interviews/entrance tests, or work experience (MBA/management) where required

Required documents (typical)

• Passport (valid for the full study period)

• Academic transcripts & certificates (with certified translations if needed)

• English test result (if required)

• Personal Statement/Statement of Purpose

• 1–2 Letters of Recommendation

• CV/Resume (where applicable)

• Passport-size photos

• Financial evidence for tuition and living costs

Student Pass (visa) — overview

• Receive an offer and your institution initiates the Student Pass process (commonly via the national processing system).

• Submit required documents, medical screening results, and proof of insurance as instructed.

• On approval, complete entry/arrival steps; collect your pass/i-Kad after in-country formalities.

• Work during studies: International students may work part-time up to 20 hours/week during recognised semester breaks and selected holidays, and on-campus roles where permitted. Always follow current institutional and immigration rules.

Costs (guide numbers)

(Actual figures vary by university, city, and programme.)

• Tuition – Public universities: ~MYR 8,000 – 25,000 per year

• Tuition – Private/branch campuses: ~MYR 25,000 – 60,000+ per year

• Living expenses: ~MYR 1,800 – 3,500 per month (housing, food, transport, insurance)

• Health insurance: typically MYR 500 – 1,000 per year

• Books & supplies: ~MYR 800 – 1,500 per year

Popular universities (examples)

• University of Malaya (UM)

• Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)

• Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)

• Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)

• Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)

• Monash University Malaysia

• University of Nottingham Malaysia

• Taylor’s University

• Sunway University

Scholarships & funding (examples)

• University entrance/merit awards and tuition discounts

• Faculty/department scholarships and research assistantships (postgrad)

• Country- or field-specific funding schemes

• Early-payment or alumni bursaries (institution-dependent)

Application steps

1. Shortlist programmes (intake, prerequisites, language of instruction)

2. Prepare documents (transcripts, SOP, references, English test, CV/portfolio if needed)

3. Apply via university portals before the deadline

4. Accept your offer and pay any required deposit

5. Begin the Student Pass process; complete medical/insurance requirements

6. Arrange accommodation and plan travel

7. Arrive for enrolment, orientation, and pass/ID formalities