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Study in Malaysia

Affordable, English-taught degrees in Asia — plus international branch campuses and a 12-month Graduate Pass.

Low cost

Tuition & Living

English

Taught Programmes

12 mo

Graduate Pass

3+0

UK / AUS Degrees

Why Malaysia?

6 Reasons to Study in Malaysia

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Highly Affordable

Tuition and living costs are a fraction of Western destinations — public-university tuition often starts around MYR 10,000/year, making Malaysia one of the best-value study options in Asia.

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International Branch Campuses

Study for a UK or Australian degree in Malaysia at branch campuses of Nottingham, Monash, Reading, Heriot-Watt and Swinburne — or via 3+0 and twinning programmes.

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English-Taught

Most programmes are taught entirely in English, and English is widely spoken, so international students settle in quickly.

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Gateway to Asia

Malaysia is a multicultural hub in the heart of Southeast Asia, with strong links to Singapore, Indonesia and the wider ASEAN economy.

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Safe & Multicultural

A welcoming, diverse society with Malay, Chinese, Indian and international communities, halal food widely available, and a warm climate year-round.

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Graduate Pass

International graduates can apply for a Graduate Pass to stay up to 12 months after finishing their course to work, intern or explore opportunities.

Budget Planning

Cost of Studying in Malaysia

Expense	Estimated Range
Public university tuition	MYR 10,000 – 30,000/yr
Private / branch-campus tuition	MYR 30,000 – 90,000/yr
Living expenses	MYR 12,000 – 30,000/yr
Student Pass (EMGS), first year	MYR 2,650 – 3,850 (incl. EMGS fee)
Medical insurance	Compulsory — arranged via EMGS

💡 Kuala Lumpur is more expensive than smaller cities like Kuching or Sintok. Branch-campus tuition is still well below studying at the parent university in the UK or Australia.

What to Study

Popular Courses

EngineeringBusiness & AccountingComputer Science & ITMedicine & HealthHospitality & TourismDesign & ArchitectureBiotechnologyFinance

Where to Study

Top Universities

Universiti Malaya (UM)

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Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)

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Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)

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Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)

Monash University Malaysia

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University of Nottingham Malaysia

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Asia Pacific University (APU)

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UCSI University

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When to Apply

Intake Dates

Recommended

September (Main)

September / October

Apply: May – Aug

Main intake at most universities

February

Apply: Nov – Dec

Second major intake

English Proficiency

Language Requirements

IELTS

5.5 – 6.5 overall

Varies by course and institution

Accepted at most institutions

Full guide →

Duolingo

95+

Limited acceptance — check first

Full guide →

Funding Your Studies

Scholarships in Malaysia

Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS)

Eligible: International postgraduates (government)

Tuition + monthly allowance

Taylor's / Sunway merit scholarships

Eligible: High-achieving applicants

Up to 100% tuition

University merit & ASEAN awards

Eligible: International students

Varies

Verified Reviews

Consultancies for Malaysia

Real student ratings — not paid placements.

Find a Consultancy for Malaysia

96 verified consultancies help students study in Malaysia

Scholar's Wings Consultancy

Gazipur, Bangladesh

★5.0(20)

Abroad University Application Platform

Gazipur, Bangladesh

★5.0(19)

PFEC Global Bangladesh

Dhaka, Bangladesh

★4.7(13)✓

Rowshan Global Pathways

Dhaka, Bangladesh

★5.0(8)✓

PFEC Global Sri Lanka

Starling Overseas & Consultancy Firm

Study World Bangladesh

Chittagong, Bangladesh

★5.0(1)✓

CUPA Study International Ghana

Accra, Ghana

★5.0(1)✓

View all 96 consultancies for Malaysia →

Step by Step

Malaysia Student Pass (via EMGS)

Fee: MYR 2,650 – 3,850 (incl. EMGS fee)Processing: 4–8 weeks

Receive an offer from an MQA-accredited institution

Institution applies for your Visa Approval Letter (VAL) via EMGS

Receive the VAL

Apply for a single-entry visa at a Malaysian mission if your nationality requires it

Enter Malaysia and complete a post-arrival medical screening

Student Pass endorsed in your passport by the Immigration Department

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Malaysia popular with international students?

Malaysia combines low tuition and living costs, English-taught programmes, and international branch campuses that let you earn a UK or Australian degree at a lower price. It is also safe, multicultural and well connected across Asia.

Can I work while studying in Malaysia?

International students may work up to 20 hours per week during semester breaks and holidays, subject to immigration rules and job restrictions. Term-time work is generally not permitted.

What are 3+0 and twinning programmes?

These let you study for a full UK or Australian degree in Malaysia (3+0), or split it between Malaysia and the partner country (twinning) — a way to earn a recognised Western degree at a much lower cost.

Can I stay in Malaysia after graduating?

Yes. The Graduate Pass allows international graduates to remain in Malaysia for up to 12 months to work, intern or explore further study.

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Plan your studies in Malaysia

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