STUDY IN MALAYSIA
With a rich cultural tapestry, top-notch education, and a commitment to excellence, Malaysia has emerged as a prime destination for international students. According to the latest statistics, the country is home to over 150,000 international students, reflecting its growing reputation as a global education hub.
This captivating nation not only offers academic brilliance but also an opportunity to immerse yourself in a blend of traditions and modernity, making your educational journey truly transformative. Whether you’re seeking innovative programs, cross-cultural experiences, or a safe and welcoming environment, Malaysia stands ready to empower your academic and personal growth.
It is one of the most affordable destinations in terms of tuition and living expenses when compared to other prestigious countries which is reflected in the graph below.

WHY STUDY IN MALAYSIA?
- Higher Quality of Education: As per the QS World Universities Ranking, several Malaysian universities and courses rank in the top 500, as they provide world-class education to the students.
- Presence of Foreign Universities: Students can now get a UK, US or an Australian degree in Malaysia since many foreign universities have their branch campuses in the country.
- Education is Affordable: The cost of studying in Malaysia is comparatively lower than studying in any other country abroad along with a range of scholarships to study in the country. An average undergraduate degree from the country will cost the students around 39,990 MYR.
- Safe Country for International Students: According to the recent data provided by the Global Peace Index, Malaysia ranks 29th on the list of most peaceful countries in the world.
- Employment Opportunities: With a high rate of employment and a constant unemployment rate of 3 to 4% with slight changes over the years, the nation stands as a promising land for all the aspirants.
- Multicultural Environment: Malaysia’s global community allows cultural, religious and social acceptance for all ethnic groups and believes in harmony.
- Malaysian Universities allow transferring credits to Australian, Canadian, and UK Universities.
- Familiar culture to lead a happy life there.
- The rich diversity and multicultural living experience
- 100% Visa guaranteed at the quickest time.
- Excellent part-time job opportunities.
TOP UNIVERSITIES IN MALAYSIA:
Name of the institute | THE World Rankings 2020 | City/Area |
University of Malaya | 301–350 | Kuala Lumpur |
University Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) | 501–600 | Petaling Jaya |
University Kebangsaan Malaysia | 601–800 | Selangor |
University Malaysia Perlis | 601–800 | Arau |
University Putra Malaysia | 601–800 | Selangor |
University Sains Malaysia | 601–800 | Pulau Pinang |
University Teknologi Malaysia | 601–800 | Johor |
University Teknologi Petronas | 601–800 | Seri Iskandar |
University Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN) | 801–1000 | Selangor |
University Utara Malaysia | 801–1000 | Kedah Darul Aman |
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Some of the top universities aretabulated below:
Top Public Universities in Malaysia | Top Private Universities in Malaysia | Top Foreign University Branch Campuses in Malaysia |
Universiti Malaya (UM) | Taylor’s University | University of Reading Malaysia (UoRM) |
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) | UCSI University | University of Nottingham Malaysia (UNM) |
Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) | INTI International University | Curtin University Malaysia |
Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) | SEGi University | Swinburne University of Technology Malaysia |
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) | HELP University | Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia (NUMed) |
Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) | UOW Malaysia KDU University | University of Southampton Malaysia (UoSM) |
Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) | Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation (APU) | Heriot-Watt University Malaysia (HWUM) |
Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) | Quest International University (QIU) | Xiamen University Malaysia (XMUM) |
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) | Multimedia University (MMU) | Royal College of Surgeons In Ireland And University College Dublin Malaysia (RCSI & UCD) |
TOP PLACES TO STUDY IN MALAYSIA:
- Changlun,
- George Town
- Gombak
- Kuala Lumpur
- Petaling Jaya
- Seri Kembangan
- Seri Iskander
- Subang Jaya
- Selangor
COURSES TO STUDY IN MALAYSIA:
To make the process more feasible, a list of some of the popular programs, the best institute for the corresponding program and their top recruiters are as mentioned below.
Popular Program | Best Malaysian University for the course | Top recruiters post degree |
Business Administration | AIMST University/International Islamic University | Google, IBM, Hong Leong |
Architecture | Infrastructure University Kuala Lumpur | SAA, Hoda design, Greenland Fortune Global |
Computer Science | Universiti Teknologi Petronas/ Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia | Google, Grab, Facebook |
Mechanical Engineering | Infrastructure University Kuala Lumpur/Universiti Teknologi Petronas | Apple, Boeing, Erics |
Psychology | Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Raffles University | Columbia Asia Hospitals, Rekindle |
Law | International Islamic University Malaysia, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia | Baker McKenzie, DLA Piper, Latham & Watkins |
HOW TO STUDY IN MALAYSIA: APPLICATION PROCESS:
- Consider your options: Since the nation is home to more than 100 internationally renowned universities offering a wide range of programs ranked among the top 100 in the world, it is crucial to choose your ideal university carefully and make sure it is the best fit for you in terms of cost, location, course offerings, etc.
- Arrange your money: According to international students, Malaysia is one of the most affordable countries to study abroad, with costs ranging from 7,500 to 60,000 MYR.
- Get your application in order: Each university in Malaysia has a different application procedure and deadline. February, July, and October are the three main seasons for intakes. Students are highly encouraged to apply at least 7 to 8 months before the deadlines.
- Apply for a study visa to Malaysia: Once you have received your acceptance letter, visit the nearest embassy to apply for a Malaysian visa and pay the 1,060 MYR application cost. Depending on the applicant’s application, the full process could take 3 to 4 weeks or longer. In order to successfully apply for a visa, an applicant must provide proof of financial support totaling at least 70,445 MYR annually.
- Get ready to go: After receiving your necessary visa, make plans to leave by exploring for local housing options, learning more about Malaysia and the city you intend to call home, purchasing your airline ticket, and packing your bags.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS:
Some basic information regarding the admission process and basic requirements is as tabulated below.
Where to apply | Unit Pengambilan Universiti (UPU) portal or through respective portals of universities |
Application Fee | Varies for the different universities |
Basic Requirements | Transcripts, Standardised tests like GMAT or GRE |
Additional Requirements | Letters of Recommendation, Accommodation Form, Health Insurance |
English Language Requirements | IELTS: 6; TOEFL: 500 or above |
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR ADMISSION (STUDENT PASS):
- Copies of all academic Transcripts and Certificates.
- A Valid Passport Photocopy.
- A passport-sized photograph.
- An Offer Letter has been given from the selected university in Malaysia.
- Pre-arrival medical examination report.
- Confirmation of insurance.
- Proof that you have sufficient funds for course fees and living costs.
- EMGS fee payment (Depends on University).
DOCUMENTS FOR VISA APPLICATION:
- Transcripts/academic records from your secondary school and post-secondary school.
- English language proficiency certificate (IELTS, TOEFL).
- Filled out visa application form.
- Offer letter from the university you have applied for.
- Photocopy of passport (valid for one year) and Passport-size photographs.
- Medical Examination Report.
WHEN TO STUDY IN MALAYSIA: APPLICATION CYCLE
February Intake Timeline:
- For getting admission in February, students need to begin their research on universities around May-June.
- Applications close by October and universities respond by November.
July Intake Timeline:
- For getting admission in July, students need to begin their research on universities by November-December.
- Applications close by March and universities respond by April.
October Intake Timeline:
- For getting admission in October, students need to begin their research on universities by February-March.
- Applications close by June and universities respond by July.

STUDY IN MALAYSIA COST:
Level of Education | Tuition Fee (in MYR, per year) |
Undergraduate Programs | 25,000 to 60,000 |
Graduate Programs | 30, 000 to 45,000 |
Diploma Programs | 20,000 to 30,000 |
COST OF LIVING IN MALAYSIA:
Type of Expenditure | Cost (in MYR, per month) |
Accommodation and utilities | 2,475 |
Food and supplies | 400 to 500 |
Health insurance | 400 to 600 (per year) |
Phone and internet | 125 |
Personal Expenses | 125 to 450 |
Travel costs | 100 to 300 |
Books and Supplies | 200 |
SCHOLARSHIPS TO STUDY IN MALAYSIA:
Name of the scholarship | Eligibility | Benefits | Application Portal |
Malaysian International Scholarship (MIS) | International students looking to study an undergraduate/graduate program in Malaysia | Air tickets, installation and Termination grant, thesis allowance, books and travel expenses | Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education portal |
Malaysian Commonwealth Scholarship | Malaysian Commonwealth Scholarship | Air tickets, approved tuition fees, annual grant for books, travel expenses, monthly maintenance and allowance | Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education portal |
Heriot-Watt-Velesto Petroleum Engineering Scholarship | International students wanting to pursue their undergraduate studies in petroleum engineering | 100% or 50% tuition fee waiver at Malaysia campus | Heriot-Watt University website |
Malaysian Technical Cooperation Program Scholarships (MTCP) | Local and international students with PhD duration of 36 months and master’s duration of 12-24 months | Air tickets, approved tuition fees, annual grant for books, travel expenses, monthly maintenance and allowance | MTCP online portal |
The Jeffrey Cheah Foundation-Sunway Group Scholarship | Students studying engineering, health sciences and business/management courses below 21 years of age. Both, local and overseas students | Air tickets, approved tuition fees, annual grant for books, travel expenses, monthly maintenance and allowance | Jeffery Cheah Foundation website |
JOBS AFTER STUDYING IN MALAYSIA:
Some of the courses expected to see a huge demand and increase salaries in the upcoming years include IT and Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, Architecture, Hospitality, Accounting, Business Administration, among others.
Name of Sector | Number of Jobs |
Banking and Services | 274,000 |
Electronics | 157,000 |
Healthcare | 89,000 |
Oil and Gas | 52,300 |
Financial Services | 274,000 |
Data Professionals | 20,000 |

BUSINESS VISAOF MALAYSIA
A business visa is a travel authorization that allows an entrepreneur or company employee to visit a foreign country temporarily for business purposes.
- Passport
- Visa Application Form for Malaysia:
- Photograph: Recently taken two passport-size photos (3.5mm X 4.5mm) that need to be submitted.
- Invitation Letter from a Malaysian Registered Company/Organization
- Cover Letter: A personal letter from the applicant including personal details, the purpose of the visit, and outlining who will be responsible for the full costs of the trip.
- Forwarding Letter
- Office ID Card
- Trade License: If the applicant is the owner or employee of the company
- Incorporation Certificate
- Personal ITR Certificate
- Personal Bank Statements: The applicant must submit his/her personal bank statement for the last six months
- Company Bank Statements
- Company Memorandum (if the applicant is the owner/managing director of the company)
- Company ITR Certificate
- Airline Ticket Itinerary
- Hotel Reservation
FAMILY VISIT VISAOF MALAYSIA
The family visit visa is a type of visa that allows citizens to visit and stay with their families in foreign countries.
- original Passport that was issued within 10 years.
- Visa Application Form for Malaysia
- Recently taken two passport-size photos (3.5mm X 4.5mm) that need to submit.
- A personal letter from the applicant including personal details, the purpose of the visit, and outlining who will be responsible for the full costs of the trip.
- Invitation Letter from Malaysian Host
- Forwarding letter from the employer’s office such as a NOC/LOI letter
- Relation with Invitee
- Resident proof of Host
- Invitee’s Photo ID Card and Utility Copy
- Invitee’s Bank Statements
- Copies of the office id card/visiting card need to submit (3 copies).
- Personal Bank Statements
- Personal ITR Certificate
- A reserved itinerary for the applicant’s airline ticket as per the schedule of the trip and return from the trip.
- A reserved itinerary for the applicant’s accommodation.
TOURIST VISAOF MALAYSIA
A tourist visa is an official document or stamp that authorizes an individual to enter a foreign country for the purpose of leisure and tourism.
Tourist Visa Requirements:
- Passport: Original Passport with validity of minimum of six months after the intended date of departure and a minimum of two blank pages for visa stamp.
- Copy of previous passports and visas issued.
- Attach all your old passports (if any).
- If any visa request was refused, details of the original letter issued by the authorities of that country would be preferred.
- Malaysia Visa Application Form
- Photo Specification: Two recent passport-size photographs with white background and without border (Size: 3.5 cm x 5.0 cm).
- Covering-Letter
- Forwarding-Letter
- Proof of Occupation
- Office ID card copy & Visiting cards.
- Company’s or Personal Bank Statement for last six months
- Salary slips for the last six months. (If Any)
- Airline & Hotel Reservation: Ticket Itinerary & Hotel Booking.
How AGC help you?
- Evaluating your educational background in order to position you for further study.
- Choose the best universities and programs in accordance with your professional plan.
- Ensuring your acceptance to the university and program of your choice.
- Assisting you in obtaining scholarships if you are qualified.
- Assisting you in paying your tuition fees.
- Effective and professional processing of visas.
- Assisting with the dependent visa application.
- Getting ready for your visa interview.
- Booking flights with assistance.
- We also provide airport pickup services in practically every country on earth.
- Arranging lodging and assisting you in locating employment in the nation of your choice.
Therefore, it’s advisable to research opportunities and consult with Alex Global Consultancy to find out more information and assistance.