Why Study in Malaysia?
Malaysia is one of Asia’s fastest-growing study destinations, offering quality education at an affordable cost. The country hosts well-established public universities, reputable private universities, and many international branch campuses from the UK, Australia, and other countries.
With English widely used in education and daily life, international students find it easy to adapt. Malaysia’s multicultural society allows you to experience Malay, Chinese, Indian, and many other cultures in one place – with a safe environment and modern infrastructure.
Popular study cities include Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Penang, Johor Bahru, and Sabah, where students can enjoy good connectivity, diverse food, and a comfortable lifestyle at a lower cost compared to many Western countries.
With English widely used in education and daily life, international students find it easy to adapt. Malaysia’s multicultural society allows you to experience Malay, Chinese, Indian, and many other cultures in one place – with a safe environment and modern infrastructure.
Popular study cities include Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Penang, Johor Bahru, and Sabah, where students can enjoy good connectivity, diverse food, and a comfortable lifestyle at a lower cost compared to many Western countries.
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Affordable Quality Education
Tuition fees and living costs in Malaysia are lower than in many Western countries, while maintaining strong academic standards.
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International Pathways
Many universities offer 2+1, 3+0, and twinning programs with UK, Australia, or other countries, allowing credit transfer and dual awards.
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Safe & Multicultural Environment
Malaysia is known for its cultural diversity, safety, and student-friendly environment with halal food widely available.
Popular Majors & Career Paths in Malaysia
• Business & Management: Accounting, finance, business administration, marketing, logistics, Islamic finance.
• Engineering & Technology: Electrical & electronics, mechanical, civil, mechatronics, petroleum, telecommunications.
• Computer Science & IT: Software engineering, data science, AI, cybersecurity, information systems.
• Health & Life Sciences: Nursing, biomedical science, pharmacy (limited seats for international students), biotechnology.
• Hospitality & Tourism: Hotel management, tourism management, event management, culinary arts.
• Creative Arts & Media: Mass communication, design, animation, film, multimedia.
• Engineering & Technology: Electrical & electronics, mechanical, civil, mechatronics, petroleum, telecommunications.
• Computer Science & IT: Software engineering, data science, AI, cybersecurity, information systems.
• Health & Life Sciences: Nursing, biomedical science, pharmacy (limited seats for international students), biotechnology.
• Hospitality & Tourism: Hotel management, tourism management, event management, culinary arts.
• Creative Arts & Media: Mass communication, design, animation, film, multimedia.
Note: Many programs include internships or industrial training in Malaysian or international companies.
Education System & Tuition Fees
Malaysia has a flexible higher education system with different types of institutions:
• Public Universities: Government-funded universities offering a wide range of bachelor’s and master’s programs with relatively affordable fees.
• Private Universities & Colleges: Independent institutions offering degrees, diplomas, and twinning programs with foreign universities.
• Foreign Branch Campuses: Malaysian campuses of overseas universities (for example UK and Australian institutions) offering the same or similar degrees as the home campus.
• TVET / Diploma Colleges: Technical and vocational institutions offering diplomas and skill-based programs in engineering, IT, hospitality, and more.
Approximate tuition fees for international students (per year):
Tuition varies by institution, city, and course. GAC helps you compare programs and understand actual fee structures.
• Public Universities: Government-funded universities offering a wide range of bachelor’s and master’s programs with relatively affordable fees.
• Private Universities & Colleges: Independent institutions offering degrees, diplomas, and twinning programs with foreign universities.
• Foreign Branch Campuses: Malaysian campuses of overseas universities (for example UK and Australian institutions) offering the same or similar degrees as the home campus.
• TVET / Diploma Colleges: Technical and vocational institutions offering diplomas and skill-based programs in engineering, IT, hospitality, and more.
Approximate tuition fees for international students (per year):
Foundation / Diploma Programs
Approx. MYR 12,000 – 25,000 per year
Approx. MYR 12,000 – 25,000 per year
Bachelor’s Degree Programs
Approx. MYR 18,000 – 45,000 per year
Approx. MYR 18,000 – 45,000 per year
Master’s Degree Programs
Approx. MYR 20,000 – 50,000+ per year
Approx. MYR 20,000 – 50,000+ per year
Tuition varies by institution, city, and course. GAC helps you compare programs and understand actual fee structures.
Admission Requirements for International Students
Requirements differ by institution, but most Malaysian universities will consider:
Diploma / Foundation / Bachelor’s
• Completed high school / Grade 12 or equivalent.
• Minimum grades/GPA based on program (for example stronger maths for engineering).
• English proficiency test (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE/Duolingo, or internal test) for English-taught programs.
• Copy of passport and academic transcripts/certificates.
• Sometimes a short personal statement or interview for selected programs.
• Completed high school / Grade 12 or equivalent.
• Minimum grades/GPA based on program (for example stronger maths for engineering).
• English proficiency test (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE/Duolingo, or internal test) for English-taught programs.
• Copy of passport and academic transcripts/certificates.
• Sometimes a short personal statement or interview for selected programs.
Master’s Programs
• Recognized bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Minimum CGPA as required by the university.
• English language test results (if previous study not fully in English or as per university rules).
• CV / résumé and statement of purpose (SOP).
• Recommendation letters (for some programs).
• Recognized bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Minimum CGPA as required by the university.
• English language test results (if previous study not fully in English or as per university rules).
• CV / résumé and statement of purpose (SOP).
• Recommendation letters (for some programs).
English Test Options (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Others)
Most Malaysian universities accept more than one English test:
Exact minimum scores depend on each institution and program. GAC helps you verify the correct requirements before applying.
IELTS Academic
Many programs require around 5.5–6.0 overall or higher.
Many programs require around 5.5–6.0 overall or higher.
TOEFL iBT
Typical requirements are around 60–80+ overall.
Typical requirements are around 60–80+ overall.
PTE Academic / Others
Some universities accept PTE, MUET, or internal English tests with equivalent scores.
Some universities accept PTE, MUET, or internal English tests with equivalent scores.
Exact minimum scores depend on each institution and program. GAC helps you verify the correct requirements before applying.
Malaysia Application Intake Periods
Intakes depend on the university, but common start dates are:
GAC helps you match your study plan and English test timeline with the right intake.
February / March Intake
A major intake for many diploma, foundation, and degree programs.
A major intake for many diploma, foundation, and degree programs.
July / August Intake
Another main intake for many bachelor’s and master’s programs.
Another main intake for many bachelor’s and master’s programs.
Other Intakes
Some institutions have additional intakes (for example April, October) depending on the course.
Some institutions have additional intakes (for example April, October) depending on the course.
GAC helps you match your study plan and English test timeline with the right intake.
Documents Checklist for Malaysia Applications
Before applying, make sure your documents are ready:
Academic & Identity
• Passport (valid for the duration of your studies).
• Academic transcripts and certificates (high school and/or bachelor’s).
• Grading scale or explanation (if needed).
• English test result (if required).
• Passport (valid for the duration of your studies).
• Academic transcripts and certificates (high school and/or bachelor’s).
• Grading scale or explanation (if needed).
• English test result (if required).
Supporting Documents
• CV / résumé.
• Motivation letter / statement of purpose.
• Recommendation letters (depending on program level).
• Portfolio (for design/creative programs, if required).
• CV / résumé.
• Motivation letter / statement of purpose.
• Recommendation letters (depending on program level).
• Portfolio (for design/creative programs, if required).
Financial & Visa
• Proof of funds to support tuition fees and living expenses in Malaysia.
• Sponsor letter / financial affidavit (if parents or guardian are sponsoring).
• Scholarship or sponsorship letters (if any).
• Proof of funds to support tuition fees and living expenses in Malaysia.
• Sponsor letter / financial affidavit (if parents or guardian are sponsoring).
• Scholarship or sponsorship letters (if any).
Scholarship Opportunities
• Merit-based scholarships and tuition fee waivers from universities.
• Discounts for early applications or high-achieving students.
• Special scholarships for selected programs (engineering, business, etc.).
• Limited government or external scholarships depending on nationality.
Global Admission Connect (GAC) guides you to identify suitable scholarships and prepare a strong application profile.
• Discounts for early applications or high-achieving students.
• Special scholarships for selected programs (engineering, business, etc.).
• Limited government or external scholarships depending on nationality.
Global Admission Connect (GAC) guides you to identify suitable scholarships and prepare a strong application profile.
Financial Proof & Malaysia Student Pass
To obtain your Malaysia student visa (Student Pass), you normally need to show that you can cover tuition fees and living costs for at least one year.
• Bank statements or financial documents of you or your sponsor.
• Sponsor letter / affidavit of financial support.
• Scholarship / sponsorship confirmation (if applicable).
• Proof of tuition fee payment or deposit as required by the institution.
• Bank statements or financial documents of you or your sponsor.
• Sponsor letter / affidavit of financial support.
• Scholarship / sponsorship confirmation (if applicable).
• Proof of tuition fee payment or deposit as required by the institution.
Important: Requirements may vary depending on EMGS guidelines and the university. GAC helps you review your financial documents before submission.
Malaysia Student Visa (Student Pass) Process
After receiving your offer letter from a Malaysian institution, the typical steps are:
1. Accept your offer & pay required fees (application / registration / partial tuition fee, as instructed).
2. Submit visa documents through the university to EMGS (Education Malaysia Global Services).
3. Receive Visa Approval Letter (VAL) once your application is processed.
4. Apply for a single-entry visa at the Malaysian embassy/consulate in your home country (if required).
5. Travel to Malaysia and complete medical screening and student pass endorsement as instructed by your institution.
GAC and our partner agencies can guide you with document preparation and general visa process steps.
1. Accept your offer & pay required fees (application / registration / partial tuition fee, as instructed).
2. Submit visa documents through the university to EMGS (Education Malaysia Global Services).
3. Receive Visa Approval Letter (VAL) once your application is processed.
4. Apply for a single-entry visa at the Malaysian embassy/consulate in your home country (if required).
5. Travel to Malaysia and complete medical screening and student pass endorsement as instructed by your institution.
GAC and our partner agencies can guide you with document preparation and general visa process steps.
Living Costs in Malaysia
Accommodation
Approx. MYR 600 – 1,500 per month depending on city and housing type.
Approx. MYR 600 – 1,500 per month depending on city and housing type.
Food & Groceries
Around MYR 400 – 800 per month.
Around MYR 400 – 800 per month.
Health Insurance
Typically MYR 600 – 1,000 per year (or according to university package).
Typically MYR 600 – 1,000 per year (or according to university package).
Transport & Personal
Around MYR 200 – 400 per month for transport, phone, and personal expenses.
Around MYR 200 – 400 per month for transport, phone, and personal expenses.
Work During & After Studies
• Part-time Work: International students may be allowed to work part-time during semester breaks and holidays according to Malaysian regulations.
• Internships / Industrial Training: Many programs include internships as part of the curriculum, giving you local work experience.
• Career Pathways: Options after graduation depend on Malaysian immigration rules and employer sponsorship. Some graduates use Malaysia as a pathway to regional opportunities in ASEAN.
• Internships / Industrial Training: Many programs include internships as part of the curriculum, giving you local work experience.
• Career Pathways: Options after graduation depend on Malaysian immigration rules and employer sponsorship. Some graduates use Malaysia as a pathway to regional opportunities in ASEAN.
Top Affordable Study Options with GAC
GAC works with a range of Malaysian institutions that provide strong value for international students.
GAC can prepare a customized list of Malaysian institutions based on your budget, major, and future pathway.
Private Universities
Popular for business, IT, engineering, and design programs with flexible entry points.
Popular for business, IT, engineering, and design programs with flexible entry points.
Twinning & 2+1 Programs
Study partly in Malaysia and complete your degree in the UK, Australia, or another partner country.
Study partly in Malaysia and complete your degree in the UK, Australia, or another partner country.
Foundation & Diploma Pathways
Great options for students who want step-by-step progression into bachelor’s degrees.
Great options for students who want step-by-step progression into bachelor’s degrees.
GAC can prepare a customized list of Malaysian institutions based on your budget, major, and future pathway.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying to Malaysia
• Waiting too late to apply and not allowing enough time for EMGS and visa processing.
• Ignoring English requirements or assuming exemptions without checking.
• Not budgeting correctly for living costs and extra fees (visa, insurance, EMGS charges).
• Choosing a course only by fee, without checking career outcomes or recognition.
• Ignoring English requirements or assuming exemptions without checking.
• Not budgeting correctly for living costs and extra fees (visa, insurance, EMGS charges).
• Choosing a course only by fee, without checking career outcomes or recognition.
How to Apply to Study in Malaysia with GAC
• Register in the GAC Portal – Create your student profile in Global Admission Connect.
• Choose Program & Institution – Select level (foundation, diploma, bachelor, master), major, and preferred city in Malaysia.
• Check Entry & English Requirements – Based on the program and university guidelines.
• Prepare Documents – Use the documents checklist as your guide.
• Submit Applications via GAC – Upload documents and track status in the portal.
• Receive Offer & Start Visa Process – Follow payment and EMGS instructions from the university.
• Get Visa Approval & Travel – Arrange accommodation, airport pickup (if offered), and attend orientation.
• Choose Program & Institution – Select level (foundation, diploma, bachelor, master), major, and preferred city in Malaysia.
• Check Entry & English Requirements – Based on the program and university guidelines.
• Prepare Documents – Use the documents checklist as your guide.
• Submit Applications via GAC – Upload documents and track status in the portal.
• Receive Offer & Start Visa Process – Follow payment and EMGS instructions from the university.
• Get Visa Approval & Travel – Arrange accommodation, airport pickup (if offered), and attend orientation.