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
1. 6–12 months before intake: Research universities on official portals
(studyinmalaysia.gov.my).
2. Prepare Documents: Academic transcripts, passport, IELTS/TOEFL/MOI, SOP,
LORs, CV.
3. Submit Application: Online via university portals or agents.
4. Receive Offer Letter: Conditional/unconditional offer issued within 2–8 weeks.
5. Apply for Student Pass (Visa Approval Letter, VAL) through university’s
International Office.
6. 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