Study In Malaysia

Why Malaysia is a Popular Destination for International Students

Malaysia has become one of the most sought-after destinations for international students, particularly from the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa. Known for its high-quality education system, affordable tuition fees, and diverse cultural environment, Malaysia offers a unique blend of Eastern and Western influences. The country is home to a large number of reputable universities and offers a wide range of programs in English, making it an attractive option for students seeking an international education.

Academic Calendar and Intakes

Most Malaysian universities follow a two-semester system, with the main intakes occurring in:

March/April Intake: The primary intake for undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Applications usually close by January/February.
September/October Intake: This intake is also popular and allows students who missed the March intake to apply. Application deadlines are generally in June/July.

Some universities may also offer mid-year intakes for specific programs.

Popular Courses to Study in Malaysia

Malaysia offers a wide range of academic disciplines across various fields. Some of the most popular courses for international students include:

Engineering: Civil, electrical, mechanical, and computer engineering programs are among the top choices.
Business and Management: MBA programs, business administration, marketing, finance, and economics are in high demand.
Information Technology (IT): Software engineering, computer science, and IT management programs are popular, given Malaysia’s growing tech industry.
Health Sciences: Medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and dental programs are widely available in collaboration with international institutions.
Hospitality and Tourism: Malaysia is a hub for tourism and offers courses in hospitality management, tourism, and event management.
Law and International Relations: Malaysia offers law programs, including international business law, as well as courses in international relations and political science.
Arts and Design: Interior design, fashion design, animation, graphic design, and multimedia are highly sought after.
Education: Malaysia has a growing number of programs for future teachers, including those focused on English language teaching and primary education.

Top Universities in Malaysia

Malaysia is home to a large number of international and local universities that provide a range of programs. Some of the top universities in the country include:

University of Malaya (UM): The oldest and one of the top-ranking universities in Malaysia, known for its strong programs in engineering, law, and business.
Monash University Malaysia: A branch of the prestigious Australian university, offering high-quality programs in business, IT, engineering, and medicine.
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM): Renowned for its engineering, technology, and business programs.
Taylor’s University: Offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in business, hospitality, design, and engineering.
HELP University: Known for its social sciences, business, and psychology programs.
Asia Pacific University (APU): Offers a range of IT, engineering, and business programs.
INTI International University: Offers a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across multiple disciplines.
University of Nottingham Malaysia: A branch of the UK-based university, known for business, engineering, and science programs.

English Language Requirements

English is the primary language of instruction in most Malaysian universities. International students are typically required to prove their English proficiency through recognized language tests. The most commonly accepted tests include:

IELTS: A minimum score of 6.0 to 7.0 depending on the program.
TOEFL: A score of 80 to 100 (internet-based test) is typically required.
PTE Academic: Scores of 50 to 60 are commonly accepted.

Some universities may offer language support programs for students who do not meet the required language proficiency level.

Cost of Study in Malaysia

Malaysia is known for its affordable tuition fees compared to Western countries like the US, UK, and Australia. On average:

Undergraduate Programs: Tuition fees typically range from MYR 20,000 to MYR 50,000 per year (approximately $4,700 to $11,800).
Postgraduate Programs: Tuition fees for master’s programs can range from MYR 25,000 to MYR 60,000 per year (approximately $5,900 to $14,100).

The cost of programs in fields like engineering, medicine, and MBA are generally higher compared to humanities and arts programs.

Cost of Living in Malaysia

The cost of living in Malaysia is relatively low compared to Western countries. On average, international students should budget the following:

Accommodation: Rent for student accommodation or shared apartments generally ranges from MYR 800 to MYR 1,500 per month (approximately $190 to $355).
Food: Monthly grocery costs are typically around MYR 500 to MYR 1,000 (approximately $115 to $235). Eating out is also affordable, with meals at local restaurants costing around MYR 10 to MYR 30 (approximately $2.40 to $7).
Transportation: Public transportation is affordable, with monthly costs around MYR 100 to MYR 150 (approximately $25 to $35).
Miscellaneous Expenses: Students should budget an additional MYR 500 to MYR 1,000 (approximately $115 to $235) for entertainment, phone bills, and other expenses.

Overall, international students should budget around MYR 1,800 to MYR 3,000 (approximately $420 to $710) per month for living expenses.

Work Opportunities for International Students

International students in Malaysia are allowed to work part-time during their studies. Some important details include:

Part-Time Work: Students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during university holidays.
Job Opportunities: Common part-time jobs for international students include working in retail, cafes, restaurants, and administrative positions. Students in fields like IT, engineering, or business may also find part-time work related to their studies.
Post-Graduation Work: After completing their studies, students can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit. This allows them to stay in Malaysia and look for full-time work in their field of study.

Visa and Immigration Policies

To study in Malaysia, international students need a student visa. The process involves:

Acceptance Letter: You must first receive an acceptance letter from a recognized university in Malaysia.
Visa Application: You can apply for a student visa through your university. The visa is usually issued for the duration of your course and can be extended.
Proof of Funds: You will need to show proof of financial ability to support your studies and living expenses in Malaysia.
Health Insurance: Health insurance is mandatory for international students in Malaysia.

The student visa allows you to stay in Malaysia for the duration of your studies, and you must renew it if your program lasts longer than initially anticipated.

Cultural and Social Environment

Malaysia is a multicultural society, offering international students a chance to experience a variety of cultures, festivals, and traditions. Key aspects of life in Malaysia include:

Multicultural Society: Malaysia is home to a diverse mix of cultures, including Malay, Chinese, Indian, and various indigenous groups. This creates a unique and inclusive environment for students from around the world.
Language: Malay is the official language, but English is widely spoken and used in education, business, and daily life.
Student Life: Universities in Malaysia offer a vibrant campus life, with student clubs, societies, and extracurricular activities. International students can participate in events, sports, and cultural exchanges.
Safety and Security: Malaysia is generally a safe country, with low crime rates. Students can feel comfortable navigating the country and exploring the various cities.
Outdoor and Cultural Activities: Malaysia offers a range of outdoor activities, such as hiking, beach trips, and exploring rainforests. The country is also known for its food, shopping, and festivals like Hari Raya, Chinese New Year, and Deepavali.

Recent Developments and Updates

Malaysia’s Vision 2020: Malaysia’s Vision 2020 emphasizes the importance of becoming a global hub for education, attracting international students by improving the quality of its higher education institutions.

Growing International Student Enrollment: Malaysia is actively working to increase its international student population by offering more scholarships and partnerships with international universities.

Enhanced Focus on Technology and Innovation: Malaysia’s universities are increasingly offering programs related to technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship to align with the country’s economic transformation.