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Study abroad at Malaysia

Malaysia

Overview

  • Population

    34,308,525

  • Universities

    89

  • Language

    Malay, English

  • Currency

    Malaysian ringgit

Why study at Malaysia

Malaysia is one of the world's top educational powerhouses and an elite global destination for international students, ranked among the top 15 most popular study destinations by UNESCO. Malaysia hosts prestigious QS Top 100 public universities (such as Universiti Malaya - UM, ranked 60th globally, UKM, USM, and UTM) alongside accredited foreign branch campuses of top international universities (such as Monash Australia, Nottingham UK, and Curtin). Higher education is delivered 100% in English, featuring accredited degrees in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Engineering, Medicine, Pharmacy, Islamic Finance, and Business. Students enjoy high living standards, culturally rich, safe, Muslim-friendly society, and very affordable tuition and living costs.

Popular cities

Fees

Tuition fees in Malaysia are exceptionally economical for world-class education. Undergraduate bachelor's degree programs in Computer Science, Engineering, and Business range from RM 15,000 to RM 35,000 per year (approx. US$3,300–$7,800). Medicine (MBBS) and Dentistry range between RM 50,000 and RM 110,000 per year ($11,000–$24,000). Postgraduate master's degrees average RM 14,000 to RM 30,000 for the whole program. Living expenses are very affordable, ranging from RM 1,500 to RM 2,500 per month (approx. $330–$550/month).

Cost of Living

CategoryCost (Malaysian ringgit)
University on-campus residence / condo master roomRM850
Rent, 1-bed private condo/apartment in Kuala LumpurRM1,700
Utilities (electricity, AC, water)RM140
Internet (fiber optic high-speed unlimited)RM120
Mobile phone plan (unlimited 5G data & calls)RM53
Monthly public transport pass (MyCity / RapidKL MRT pass)RM75
Monthly food & dining budgetRM900
Coffee / Beverage in caféRM12
Cinema ticket (IMAX / standard)RM21
Monthly gym membership (included in most condos)RM75

Admission requirements

  • Secondary School Certificate & Transcripts

    Certified high school certificate (General Secondary / Thanawiya / IGCSE / A-Levels) with minimum 65–75% marks (higher for medicine/pharmacy), translated into English and officially attested.

  • English Language Proficiency (IELTS / TOEFL / MUET / Duolingo)

    IELTS Academic (minimum 5.5–6.0), TOEFL iBT (60–80), Duolingo (95+), or Malaysian University English Test (MUET Band 3–4). Students can also study intensive English at the university centre first.

Student Visa

International students enter Malaysia via an electronic Visa Approval Letter (eVAL) issued by Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) and the Malaysian Immigration Department. Key requirements: official Letter of Acceptance from an approved Malaysian university, attested academic transcripts, medical health declaration form, passport copy (all pages), and passport photo. After receiving the eVAL, students obtain a Single Entry Visa (SEV), travel to Malaysia, undergo on-arrival medical screening, and receive their Student Pass endorsement sticker in their passport.

How to Study

1

Search and select your preferred degree program and university (UM, UKM, UTM, Monash, Nottingham, Taylor's, etc.).

2

Submit your online application with certified academic records and passport copies.

3

Receive your official Letter of Offer and pay the EMGS visa processing fee.

4

The university submits your visa file on the EMGS portal (trackable online from 0% to 100%).

5

Download the approved eVAL and obtain your Single Entry Visa (SEV).

6

Fly to Kuala Lumpur, complete the post-arrival medical checkup, and receive your Student Pass.