How to study in Malaysia?

The system and structure of Malaysian tertiary education is run by the country's Ministry of Higher Education. Individuals who choose to study in Malaysia for higher education can take the certificate, diploma, undergraduate or postgraduate courses.

Malaysia’s Higher Education System in International Comparison

In this section, we highlight the overall performance of Malaysian universities on the institutional level per U-Multirank dimension. The table below shows the national breakdown of Malaysian universities and how they stand across the spectrum of above average (receiving a score of ‘A’ (very good) or ‘B’ (good)), versus below average (receiving a score of ‘D’ (below average) or ‘E’ (weak)). In doing so, U-Multirank offers a clear picture on the country’s strengths and areas for improvement.

It becomes apparent that in general Malaysia's higher education institutions perform strongest in U-Multirank’s international orientation, teaching & learning and regional engagement dimensions.

How much does it cost to study in Malaysia?

The costs for an undergraduate bachelor degree are around US $11,000 to US $18,000 and for a postgraduate master’s degree from US $9,000 to US $18,000. Annual costs of living are around US $6,000. The average monthly rental for a single room on a twin-sharing basis could be between US $100 and US $150, depending on the area, the type of accommodation and the facilities available.

What are the entry requirements for Malaysian universities?

To take up an undergraduate course at the top universities in Malaysia, students ought to have completed:

• STPM (Sijil Tinggi Persekolham Malaysia) with principal level passes
• UEC (Unified Examination Certificate) with 75% marks
• Matriculation certificate
• Polytechnic certificate (if any)

Postgraduate Courses to Study in Malaysia: To take up a postgraduate course at the top universities in Malaysia, students must have completed:

• Bachelor’s degree (From well-known private/public university)
• Pre-masters course (If any)
• If international students aspire to study in Malaysian colleges, students should have completed internationally recognized English language qualification like IELTS and TOEFL. The minimum score necessary for TOEFL is 500 while for IELTS it is 6.

How to get a Stipend/Scholarship in Malaysia?

No matter the reason, paying high tuition fees can be a source of stress for many. However, there are many options for financing your studies, including the use of scholarships. There are various scholarship opportunities available for international students looking to study in Malaysia. Depending on your country of origin and the level of studies, there are different options for funding. To explore what scholarship options are available, check this scholarship database.

Do I need a Student Visa for Malaysia?

The Malaysian government equips each international student studying in Malaysia with a student pass. Mostly, the university of the student takes care of the student pass application. It usually takes 7-8 weeks for the student pass to be processed in Malaysia. A student pass in Malaysia is valid for 12 months.

Malaysian Student Pass
For: International students from public and private higher education institutions
Cost: USD 13.59
Extra cost: Nil
Validity: 1 Year
Passport Validity: 6 Months
Part-time job: Allowed 20 hours
International students wanting to study in Malaysia have to apply for a Visa With Reference (VDR) at the Malaysian Immigration Department.

All international students are required to apply for a student visa, which requires four steps. First, the Electronic Visa Approval Letter application (eVAL), followed by the Single Entry Visa application (SEV), followed by the Student Pass application (the actual student visa), and lastly the Cancellation of the visa.