Study in Malaysia: costs, universities and how to apply
Thousands of international students pick Malaysia for a top quality degree taught in English, at a price that makes sense, in a safe country where many cultures live side by side.
- Universities on our platform
- 20+
- Annual tuition from
- RM 4,500
- Public universities
- 6
- Accredited, recognised degrees
- MQA
Why study in Malaysia?
If you want a good degree without paying what the UK, the US or Australia charge, Malaysia is hard to beat. You get universities that rank well globally, a cost of living most students can manage, and a safe, friendly place to spend your student years.
Most degree programmes in Malaysia are taught in English, so you graduate with a qualification that travels. Several well known British and Australian universities, including Monash, Nottingham and Newcastle, run campuses here, which means you can earn the same degree as their home campus for a fraction of the price.
It is not only about the classroom. Malaysia sits right in the middle of Southeast Asia, Malay, Chinese and Indian communities live side by side, and the country has modern cities and beautiful nature on its doorstep. Studying here is as much a life experience as an academic one.
Quality is looked after by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), which accredits programmes and universities, so your degree is recognised in Malaysia and abroad. Arab and Muslim students also settle in easily, with mosques and halal food everywhere and a growing Arab community that makes the first few months a lot smoother.
Taught in English
Most degrees are delivered entirely in English.
Recognised degrees
International accreditation, plus branch campuses of British and Australian universities.
Affordable
Tuition and living costs well below Europe, the US and Australia.
Safe and welcoming
A friendly, multicultural country where halal food is easy to find.
How much does it cost to study in Malaysia?
Cost is one of the biggest reasons international students choose Malaysia. It comes down to two things: your yearly tuition and your monthly living expenses. The figures below come from real data for the universities on our platform and from official Malaysian sources.
Yearly undergraduate tuition in Malaysian ringgit (RM)
| University type | Typical yearly range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Public universities | RM 4,500 to 45,000 | The cheapest overall, with medicine at the top end |
| Private universities | RM 20,000 to 60,000 | Includes the foreign branch campuses |
| Private medical schools | RM 80,000 to 100,000 | The most expensive programmes, such as NUMed and IMU |
Typical monthly living costs (RM)
| Item | Monthly cost |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | RM 300 to 600 |
| Food | RM 600 to 900 |
| Transport and phone | RM 150 to 300 |
| Monthly total | RM 1,500 to 2,500 |
Official Malaysian sources put an international student’s living costs at roughly RM 1,500 to 2,500 a month (about USD 320 to 540), depending on the city and how you like to live.
Put these numbers next to the cost of studying in the UK, Australia or the US and the savings are obvious, with no drop in the quality of your education. Some universities also offer partial scholarships and discounts for strong grades, and our team can tell you what each university has available.
Public and private universities in Malaysia
Malaysia has two kinds of universities. Public universities are funded by the government, charge lower fees and have strong research rankings. Private universities include the foreign branch campuses, are more flexible about admission and offer a wide range of programmes. Here are the leading universities you can apply to through us, with their world rankings and yearly fees.
Which should you choose? If low fees and a strong research name matter most, a public university is a great choice, although places are competitive. If you want a quicker admission, a British or Australian degree, or modern programmes in technology and business, a private university will probably suit you better. Either way, our advisors will help you decide based on your subject and budget.
Rankings and fees come from each university’s current record. Open a university’s page to see which ranking year applies, and confirm the fees for your programme before you apply.
Leading public universities
| University | City | QS ranking | Yearly fees (RM) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Universiti Malaya (UM) | Kuala Lumpur | #56 | RM 5,000 to 35,000 |
| Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) | Serdang | #138 | RM 12,000 to 24,000 |
| Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) | Penang | #128 | RM 4,500 to 30,000 |
| Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) | Johor Bahru | #158 | RM 17,476 to 45,000 |
| Multimedia University (MMU) | Cyberjaya | #771 | RM 14,000 to 35,000 |
| Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) | Kuala Lumpur | #1401 | RM 7,000 to 22,000 |
Leading private universities
| University | City | QS ranking | Yearly fees (RM) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monash University Malaysia | Petaling Jaya | #31 | RM 35,000 to 88,000 |
| Newcastle University Medicine (NUMed) | Iskandar Puteri | #127 | RM 85,000 to 100,000 |
| Sunway University | Petaling Jaya | #354 | RM 22,000 to 55,000 |
| Taylor's University | Subang Jaya | #375 | RM 25,000 to 60,000 |
| International Medical University (IMU) | Kuala Lumpur | #571 | RM 28,000 to 80,000 |
| UCSI University | Kuala Lumpur | #282 | RM 20,000 to 75,000 |
| Asia Pacific University (APU) | Kuala Lumpur | #528 | RM 20,000 to 42,000 |
Most popular fields of study in Malaysia
Malaysian universities are especially strong in a few subjects that employers around the world are looking for:
Medicine and health sciences
Accredited medicine, pharmacy and nursing degrees at universities such as IMU and NUMed.
Engineering and technology
Strong engineering and computing programmes at UTM, MMU and APU.
Business and accounting
Internationally recognised MBA and accounting degrees at Taylor’s and Sunway.
IT and cybersecurity
One of Malaysia’s strongest subjects, and one of the easiest to find work with after graduation.
Admission requirements for Malaysian universities
Requirements change a little from one university to the next, and between undergraduate and postgraduate study, but they usually come down to these:
Academic certificate
Your high school certificate for a bachelor’s degree, or your bachelor’s for a master’s, certified and translated.
English proficiency
An IELTS or TOEFL score, or a completed preparatory English programme at an approved institute.
Valid passport
It should be valid for at least 18 months when you apply.
Proof of funds
Evidence that you can cover your tuition and living costs for the whole course.
How to apply to study in Malaysia
Getting into a Malaysian university comes down to five clear steps:
- 1
Choose your university and subject
Compare universities, programmes and fees on our platform and pick what fits your goals and budget.
- 2
Get your documents ready
Certified and translated certificates, your passport, photos and proof of English.
- 3
Send your application
Apply to the university and wait for your offer letter.
- 4
Visa through EMGS
The university applies for your visa on your behalf until you receive your approval letter (VAL).
- 5
Travel and register
Fly to Malaysia, then complete your Student Pass, medical check and final registration.
Malaysia student visa (EMGS)
Every international student visa in Malaysia goes through one official body, Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS), which sits under the Ministry of Higher Education. Your university usually applies for you, and you receive a Visa Approval Letter (VAL) before you travel. Once you arrive, you complete your Student Pass and i-Kad, along with a required medical check and health insurance.
EMGS fees depend on your nationality, the type of institution and your level of study, and you can work them out exactly with the official EMGS fee calculator. For every step and document in detail, read our full visa guide.
Student accommodation in Malaysia
You have two main choices: university housing on campus, which is cheaper and right next to your classes, or a flat off campus near the university. Rooms start at around RM 300 a month and can reach RM 600 or more, depending on the area and what is included.
Best student cities in Malaysia
Universities are spread across several cities, and each one feels different in terms of living costs and student life:
Kuala Lumpur
The capital and home to big names like UM, IMU and APU, with a busy city life and plenty of places to live.
Cyberjaya
Malaysia’s tech city and home of Multimedia University (MMU), a natural fit for technology students.
Penang
A relaxed coastal city with Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and lower living costs.
Johor Bahru
Right next to Singapore and home to Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM).
Frequently asked questions about studying in Malaysia
How much does it cost to study in Malaysia per year?
Undergraduate tuition runs from RM 4,500 to 45,000 a year at public universities and from RM 20,000 to 60,000 at private ones, and it is higher for medicine. Living costs are around RM 1,500 to 2,500 a month.
Are programmes in Malaysia taught in English?
Yes. Most degree programmes in Malaysia are taught in English, and there are preparatory English programmes for students who want to improve their level before they start.
Are Malaysian degrees recognised internationally?
Yes. Malaysian universities are accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), and the country hosts branch campuses of British and Australian universities that award the same degree as their home campus.
How do I get a student visa for Malaysia?
All applications go through EMGS, and your university usually handles it for you. You receive a VAL before you travel and your Student Pass after you arrive. Our visa guide explains every step.
What are the best universities in Malaysia?
The leading public universities include Universiti Malaya (UM), Universiti Putra (UPM) and Universiti Sains (USM). Well known private options include Monash Malaysia, Taylor’s, Sunway and APU. You can compare all of them on our platform.
Can international students work while studying in Malaysia?
Yes. International students can work part time for up to 20 hours a week during holidays and semester breaks, under conditions set by the Malaysian authorities.
How long is a university degree in Malaysia?
A bachelor’s degree usually takes 3 to 4 years depending on the subject, and a master’s takes one to two years. Foundation programmes are available if you need one before starting a bachelor’s.
Is Malaysia safe for Arab students?
Malaysia is known as a safe and stable place to live. It is a multicultural country with a Muslim majority, so Arab and Muslim students feel at home, with halal food and mosques easy to find everywhere.
Are Malaysian degrees recognised in Arab countries?
Degrees from public universities and programmes accredited by MQA are widely recognised by higher education ministries across the Arab world, but the equivalency rules differ from country to country. It is worth checking with the equivalency office in your country before you choose a programme, and we are happy to help you do that.
Ready to start your study journey?
Get in touch today for a free consultation. We will be with you at every step, from choosing a university to getting your visa.