Study in Malaysia

• English-taught programmes are widely available, especially at private universities and branch campuses.
• Foreign degrees locally. Branch campuses award the same degrees as their home universities.
• Familiar environment. Halal food is widely available and mosques are found in every city.
• Range of budgets. Public universities, private universities and branch campuses cover a wide range of fees.
• Transfer options. Some programmes let you start in Malaysia and complete your degree at a partner university abroad.

Higher education is regulated by the Ministry of Higher Education, and programme quality is accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA). You can check a programme's accreditation through the MQA.

• Foundation programmes: usually one year, leading to a bachelor's degree.
• Diplomas: usually two to three years.
• Bachelor's degrees: usually three to four years.
• Master's and doctoral degrees.

• Public universities, funded by the government.
• Private universities and university colleges.
• International branch campuses of foreign universities.

All international students in higher education apply for their Student Pass through Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS), so the institution must be approved to enrol international students.

Programmes are offered in business and accounting, computing and information technology, engineering, hospitality and tourism, medicine and health sciences, and Islamic finance. We confirm accreditation and the language of instruction for each programme on your shortlist.

Tuition varies widely by institution type and programme:

• Public universities usually have the lowest international fees.
• Private universities charge more, with engineering and health programmes at the higher end.
• International branch campuses are usually the most expensive, but cost less than studying the same degree at the home campus abroad.
• Medicine and dentistry cost considerably more than other programmes.

We are verifying current published fee ranges and will add them here after review. In the meantime, we provide the exact fee schedule for every programme on your shortlist. Remember to budget for EMGS and immigration charges as well.

Kuala Lumpur and other Malaysian cities are generally considered affordable for students.

The International Medical University in Kuala Lumpur estimates living costs of about RM2,000 to RM3,000 per month, depending on where you live and your lifestyle. Costs outside Kuala Lumpur are often lower.

Your budget should also include health insurance (required for international students), the annual Student Pass and visa charges, and your flight to Malaysia.

This is an estimate for planning only.

Each institution sets its own requirements:

• Foundation: completion of Matric/O Level or equivalent with the required grades.
• Bachelor's: completion of Intermediate/A Level or a recognised foundation programme, with subject requirements for courses such as engineering and medicine.
• Master's: a recognised bachelor's degree, usually with a minimum CGPA.
• PhD: a relevant master's degree and a research proposal.

EMGS also screens your academic credentials before the immigration stage.

Most programmes are taught in English. Universities usually ask for an English test such as IELTS or TOEFL, with minimum scores set for each level and programme. Some universities offer an intensive English course for students who have not yet reached the required level.

Many universities offer two or three intakes a year, commonly around:

• February/March
• July
• September/October

Intake months vary by institution and programme. The Student Pass process through EMGS can take several weeks, so apply early.

For the EMGS Student Pass application, students typically provide:

• Passport biodata page (and any other pages EMGS requests).
• The offer letter from the institution.
• A passport-sized photograph.
• Academic certificates and transcripts.
• A pre-arrival medical examination report, where required.

After arrival you must complete a medical screening within 7 days at an EMGS-registered clinic.

1. Receive an offer letter from an institution approved to enrol international students.
2. Apply for the Student Pass through EMGS, either directly on the EMGS portal or through your institution.
3. EMGS checks your academic credentials and forwards complete applications to the Immigration Department of Malaysia for an electronic Visa Approval Letter (eVAL).
4. Travel to Malaysia with your eVAL and complete the medical screening within 7 days of arrival.
5. Your institution submits your passport for the Student Pass endorsement.

The Immigration Department charges a Student Pass fee for each year of study, and visa fees depend on nationality. EMGS warns that it does not charge any fee to speed up applications; report anyone who offers this. Approval is at the discretion of the Immigration Department.

• During studies: international students may work up to 20 hours a week only during semester breaks or holidays of more than 7 days, in approved job sectors, and only with prior Immigration Department approval arranged through the institution.
• After graduation: graduates of Malaysian institutions may be able to work through an Employment Pass for foreign graduates, now handled by the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA). It requires a job offer, is subject to the availability of local talent, and allows work for up to 24 months.
• Graduate Pass: a separate short-stay pass for graduates is currently limited to citizens of certain countries.

Post-study work in Malaysia is more limited than in some other destinations, so plan carefully if this is important to you.

• On-campus or university-managed residences are common and convenient for first-year students.
• Private student accommodation and shared condominiums are popular in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.

Malaysia offers a diverse food scene, modern public transport in the Klang Valley, a warm climate all year and easy travel across Southeast Asia.