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Study in Malaysia
English and Malay-taught degrees at universities such as Universiti Malaya and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia – with guidance on applications, student visas, costs and student life in Malaysia.
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- Region
- Asia
- Capital
- Kuala Lumpur
- Currency
- MYR
- Language
- Malay
Why Study in Malaysia?
Planning to study in Malaysia?
Explore universities, courses and scholarships, then start your journey with Application Abroad.
Start My Journey →Reasons international students consider Malaysia:
- English-taught degrees – Most private universities teach in English.
- Branch campuses – Campuses of UK and Australian universities.
- Affordable living – Living costs are moderate.
- Multicultural society – Malay, Chinese and Indian cultures and food.
Malaysia is a multicultural Southeast Asian country and a regional education hub. It hosts public universities, private universities and branch campuses of foreign universities, many teaching in English.
This guide covers the education system, how to apply, student visas, the costs to plan for and student life in Malaysia. Fees, visa rules and entry requirements change, so always confirm the latest details with the university and official government sources.
Reasons to Study in Malaysia
- 01
English-taught degrees
Most private universities teach in English.
- 02
Branch campuses
Campuses of UK and Australian universities.
- 03
Affordable living
Living costs are moderate.
- 04
Multicultural society
Malay, Chinese and Indian cultures and food.
Process to Study in Malaysia
From counselling to your first day at university
International students usually apply directly to the university through its admissions office or online portal. You will normally need your previous certificates and transcripts (with certified translations into English and Malay if issued in another language), a copy of your passport and, for some programmes, an entrance exam, interview or portfolio. Foreign qualifications may need to be recognised as equivalent before or after admission.
Choose a programme and university
Compare programmes at universities in Malaysia such as Universiti Malaya and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. Check the teaching language and that the institution is recognised.
Check entry requirements
Confirm the academic and language requirements, any entrance exams, and whether your qualifications need to be recognised.
Prepare your documents
Gather certificates, transcripts and your passport, with certified translations into English and Malay where required.
Apply to the university
Apply through the university’s admissions office, online portal or the national application system before the deadline.
Receive your admission letter
Keep your official admission letter – you will need it for your visa or study permit.
Apply for your visa or study permit
Apply for the visa or permit that applies to you through the official authority, using your admission letter.
Plan funds and accommodation
Arrange your finances, health insurance and accommodation, and check vaccination requirements.
Travel and register
Travel to Malaysia, complete university registration and any residence formalities after arrival.
Required Documents to Study in Malaysia
Documents can vary by university, course and application route. Always confirm current requirements with the relevant institution.
Academic certificates and transcriptsUsually required
School-leaving certificate and, for postgraduate study, your degree certificate and transcripts.
Certified copies and translations into English and Malay may be required.
Valid passportUsually required
Needed for your application, visa and registration.
Ideally valid for your whole stay.
Admission letterUsually required
The official offer or admission letter from your university.
Needed for the visa or study permit.
Proof of financial meansCommonly requested
Bank statements, a sponsor’s letter or a scholarship award letter.
The authorities decide what is accepted.
Language certificateDepends on your situation
Proof of proficiency in the language of instruction.
Depends on the programme and your previous education.
Health insuranceCommonly requested
Proof of health insurance valid for your stay.
Some countries or universities require a specific scheme.
Recognition of qualificationsDepends on your situation
Confirmation that your foreign qualifications are equivalent to local ones.
Your university will tell you if this is needed.
Passport photosCommonly requested
Recent photos in the required format.
Popular Cities in Malaysia
Explore cities with universities in Malaysia.
Kuala Lumpur
The capital and main education hub.
Penang
A historic island city.
Johor Bahru
A southern city near Singapore.
End-to-End Admissions Guidance
Application Abroad helps you plan every step of studying in Malaysia:
Admission and visa decisions are made by universities and the authorities – we never guarantee an outcome.
- Shortlisting universities and programmes, including Universiti Malaya and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
- Checking entry, language and qualification-recognition requirements
- Preparing certificates, translations and application documents
- Submitting applications and following up with admissions offices
- Preparing your student visa or study permit documents
- Pre-departure planning: accommodation, health insurance and travel
Free Counselling
In person or online, to understand your goals, budget and options.
Country, University & Course Selection
Shortlist universities and courses in Malaysia that fit your profile.
Standardized Test Preparation
Guidance on the English and admissions tests your courses ask for.
Application & Admission Assistance
Help preparing, submitting and tracking your applications.
SOP, LOR & Documentation
Support with statements of purpose, recommendation letters and documents.
Scholarship & Internship Assistance
Help exploring scholarships, funding and internship options.
Overseas Education Loan Assistance
Guidance on education loan options and paperwork.
Visa Processing
Help preparing your student visa application and documents.
Remittance, Forex & Accommodation
Support with money transfers, currency exchange and finding a place to live.
Pre-departure Guidance
Briefings on travel, arrival and settling in Malaysia.
Language and Exams for Malaysia
Language tests and admissions exams that may be relevant for Malaysia.
For English-taught programmes, applicants whose previous education was not in English may be asked for IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT or a similar test, or to take the university’s own English test. For programmes taught in Malay, applicants usually need to show proficiency in Malay – often through the university’s own language test or a preparatory language year. Some programmes also have their own entrance exams or aptitude tests.
Exam preparation
Coaching institutes can help you prepare for the language tests and entrance exams that universities in Malaysia may ask for.
Why Choose Malaysia as an International Student?
Malaysia suits international students looking for english-taught degrees, branch campuses and affordable living. It hosts public universities, private universities and branch campuses of foreign universities, many teaching in English.
Student life
Student life centres on campus clubs, sports teams, cultural and faith associations and student unions. Popular student cities include Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Johor Bahru. Malay, Chinese and Indian cultures and food.
Support for international students
Contact the university’s international or admissions office for help with admission letters, visa documents, registration and accommodation. Many universities have international student associations, and your country’s embassy can also help.
Before travelling, arrange health insurance, check vaccination requirements and read your government’s travel advice for Malaysia.
Working while studying
International students may only work part-time during semester breaks or holidays, within limits set by the Immigration Department of Malaysia.
After graduation
Staying in Malaysia after graduation usually requires changing to a work permit or another residence permit, normally with a job offer from an employer. Check the current options with the immigration authority. A degree from Malaysia can also lead to further study or careers across Asia and internationally.
Costs of Studying and Living in Malaysia
Tuition fees
Set by each university per year
Often differ for national, regional and international students.
Application and registration fees
Set by each university one-time
Check the university’s admissions page.
Student visa or study permit
Set by the government per application
Confirm with the embassy or immigration authority.
Accommodation
Varies by city and housing type per month
On-campus places are limited.
Living costs
Varies by city and lifestyle per month
Kuala Lumpur is usually the most expensive city.
Health insurance
Varies by provider per year
Some universities or permits require it.
Tuition fees
Tuition fees are set by each university and often differ for national, regional and international students. Students from member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) may be offered different fees or admission arrangements. Private universities set their own fees, which are usually higher than at public universities.
Always check current fees on the university’s official website or with its admissions office before applying, and ask what is included (registration, examinations, materials).
Living costs
Living costs depend on the city and your lifestyle; Kuala Lumpur is usually the most expensive place to live in Malaysia. Budget for accommodation, food, local transport, health insurance, study materials and visa or residence permit fees.
If your visa or permit application requires proof of funds, the amount is set by the authorities – confirm the current requirement with the embassy or immigration authority.
Accommodation
Some universities offer on-campus halls of residence, but places are often limited, so ask the international or admissions office about housing as soon as you are admitted. Many students rent shared flats or rooms privately near campus.
Arrange temporary accommodation for your first weeks, view private housing before paying a deposit, and ask for a written rental agreement.
Visa to Study in Malaysia
Student passes for international students at Malaysian higher education institutions are processed through Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS); your university submits the application after you accept your offer.
Typical requirements include a valid passport, the admission letter, proof of funds, health insurance or a medical certificate where required and passport photos. Requirements, fees and processing times vary by nationality, so always confirm them with the official authority.
Always confirm current visa requirements with the official government or immigration source.
Language Requirements to Study in Malaysia
Programmes are taught in English at most private universities and branch campuses; Malay and English at public universities.
For English-taught programmes, applicants whose previous education was not in English may be asked for IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT or a similar test, or to take the university’s own English test. For programmes taught in Malay, applicants usually need to show proficiency in Malay – often through the university’s own language test or a preparatory language year.
Minimum scores and accepted tests are set by each university and programme – check the admission requirements for your course.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Ask Application Abroad →
Can international students study in Malaysia?
Yes. Universities in Malaysia such as Universiti Malaya and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia admit international students. Entry requirements, places and fees vary by university and programme, so check the admission requirements for your course.
What language are university programmes taught in Malaysia?
Programmes are taught in English at most private universities and branch campuses; Malay and English at public universities. For English-taught programmes, applicants whose previous education was not in English may be asked for IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT or a similar test, or to take the university’s own English test. For programmes taught in Malay, applicants usually need to show proficiency in Malay – often through the university’s own language test or a preparatory language year.
Do I need a visa to study in Malaysia?
Student passes for international students at Malaysian higher education institutions are processed through Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS); your university submits the application after you accept your offer.
How much does it cost to study in Malaysia?
Tuition fees are set by each university and often differ for national, regional and international students; living costs depend on the city, with Kuala Lumpur usually the most expensive. Check current fees with the university before applying.
Can I work while studying in Malaysia?
International students may only work part-time during semester breaks or holidays, within limits set by the Immigration Department of Malaysia.
Planning to study in Malaysia?
Explore universities, courses, scholarships and other study-abroad options — then take the next step with Application Abroad.
Study in Malaysia
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