Study in Malaysia for International Students

Among the reasons to study in Malaysia is the establishment of overseas campuses by several major UK and international universities is a sign of Malaysia’s growing strength in higher education. Over 30 million people reside in Malaysia, consisting of a portion of Borneo in the South China Sea and the mainland region of Southeast Asia.

In 2018, QS ranked Kuala Lumpur as the world’s second most affordable city for students, home to the instantly recognizable Petronas twin towers. 

Degrees courses in Malaysia

Malaysian institutions offer more than 2,400 undergraduate degree courses in Law, Engineering, Management and Medicine. Students usually complete them in three to five years. To win a place, you will need A-levels or equivalent (e.g., WAEC/WASSCE), but specific entry requirements vary by course and university. Admissions typically take place in January, April, or September. 

Study in Malaysia as an international student

Located in the centre of Southeast Asia, Malaysia is home to over 30 million people. Due to its diversity of culture and abundance of natural resources, the country offers beautiful beaches, unique festivals, and tasty food. It is not something to be missed!

One of the primary reasons to study in Malaysia is because it is a great destination for students who want to study abroad, and the country’s rich culture is due to the diversity of major and minor ethnicities living in the country.

The number of international students in Malaysia is 130,110 students, most from Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Additionally, it has a lower cost of living than other countries, with abundant food choices and activities to enjoy.

The government is also well on making the country a major regional education hub. Malaysia also has foreign university branches in addition to its world-class universities. When you study in Malaysia, you’ll be able to get a quality but more affordable education.

Global reputation of Malaysian universities

It wasn’t so long ago that Malaysia wasn’t regarded as an international study destination. Today, things are different. Since the early 2000s, the Malaysian government has invested heavily in higher education, establishing it as a world-class education hub in Southeast Asia.

Among the 20 publicly-funded universities in Malaysia, 47 privately-funded institutions offer undergraduate and graduate courses that are internationally recognised, thus making its reputation a strong reason to study in Malaysia.

Many top-ranked universities in Malaysia

Indeed, Malaysian universities are not quite at the level of universities in Hong Kong and Singapore, but they are improving rapidly and aren’t far behind universities that provide world-class education. The education system in Malaysia and its focus on international standards have resulted in universities offering top-ranked computer science and engineering courses and being a popular destination to study overseas. Malaysia is striving to become an international centre of excellence for higher education, and the ministry of higher education oversees education standards closely. 

Foreign university partnerships with Malaysian universities

Growing partnerships with universities in other countries is an important part of Malaysia’s state investment in higher education. Foreign universities, particularly those in Australia and the United Kingdom, have campuses in Malaysia.

The University of Nottingham (UK) and Monash University (Australia), both among the top 100 universities in the world, both have branches in Malaysia. There has been a collaboration between Malaysia’s KBU International College and the UK’s Anglia Ruskin, Nottingham Trent, and Sheffield Hallam universities.

Additionally, Malaysia has at least ten overseas campuses of international universities. Those in the UK include Heriot-Watt University, the University of Nottingham, Newcastle University (medicine), the University of Southampton (engineering), and the University of Reading. In addition, the Australian university Monash University runs a Malaysian campus.

Malaysia is an affordable option compared to the US and the UK and a top reason to study in Malaysia. Libyan student Lawali Mubarak, who is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Geography, said, “I don’t have to spend much money on living here, and the tuition fees are also affordable.”

The capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, was ranked the world’s second most affordable student city by QS Best Student Cities, something that Lawali found quite appealing. “The affordable cosmopolitan cities of Malaysia are known for their excellent quality education, as well as offering rich cultural experiences and memories”, he said.

In Malaysia, there are a number of universities that offer programmes taught entirely in English, as is the case at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman. Additionally, the university offers short English language courses to help enhance students’ reading, writing, listening and speaking skills.

Bahasa Malaysia is the country’s official language. Still, English is equally as common, and other languages such as Mandarin, Cantonese, and Tamil may also be heard around the country. It will be useful and polite to know a little bit of Bahasa Malaysia, even if you have a good understanding of English. It’s one of the easiest languages in the world to learn for students who want to study in Malaysia.

An overseas study experience is an experience, so it’s essential to keep an open mind about the experience. You won’t waste your time earning a degree by not taking advantage of being in a new place to see and explore, meet people and make lifelong friends.

High quality of life in Malaysia

Malaysia was ranked 20th safest nation in the world according to the Global Peace Index 2020 and fifth in Asia-Pacific. Malaysia welcomes all religions and races, with its indigenous groups, Malays, Chinese, Indians, and other groups that populate the nation, creating a rich cultural heritage visible in the variety of festivals and cuisines that take place across the country and throughout the year.

In Malaysia, you will need an average of USD 800 to live comfortably if you intend to study in Malaysia. If you live a minimalist lifestyle, you might need much less. Also, did you get your degree in Malaysia but aren’t ready to leave Malaysia? No problem! You will need to apply for a job in Malaysia to obtain a work permit, and getting one is relatively easy, making it one of the main reasons to study in Malaysia.

Be sure to check your eligibility before choosing one of these options since lengths and terms vary depending on which option you choose as a study overseas graduate.

Malaysia is diverse

It’s so difficult to pick just one Asian country among so many, each with such diverse cultures! Perhaps India? Indonesia? China? Why not get to experience three countries at once as an international student?

Malaysia was the middle point of the Spice Trade from Asia to Europe and the other way around. The result has been an amalgamation of dozens of cultures living peacefully together. In addition, it also ranks third among the world’s most peaceful countries, even ahead of Belgium, Norway, and Sweden.

If you are an international student interested in studying in Malaysia, you can gain a profound understanding of how diversity and coexistence manifest beautifully and peacefully. You can learn a great deal from this experience. Would you like to study and explore Malaysia? These are reasons to study in Malaysia.

Malaysia is very beautiful

What’s the attraction of studying in Malaysia? There are a few places like this (and it’s affordable!). Malaysia is relatively unknown as a beach destination compared to its Southeast Asian neighbours, Indonesia and Thailand. However, being less well-known does not mean it is less beautiful! In reality, it’s quite the opposite.

The 878 islands making up Malaysia are essentially the same in the equally pristine sand and clear turquoise seas, sharing coastlines and the same ocean. Where Malaysia has the edge, however, is the off-the-beaten-path factor, meaning you have miles of coastline to explore without another soul in sight.

Off Peninsular Malaysia, students can take a quick boat trip to visit picture-perfect Redang, Langkawi, Rawa, or the Perhentians. International students in Malaysia can spend their weekends visiting this paradise just a hop away from their university.

Off the coast of Malaysian Borneo is what dreams are made of, home to absolute legends including diving hot-spot Sipadan; the home of the first season of the reality TV show Survivor, ‎Pulau Tiga; and what could be the world’s most beautiful place, Pulau Bohey Dulang (seriously, Google it). Easy to get to, cheap prices, crystal clear water, good diving and snorkelling, and thousands of miles of white sand…beaches do not get better than in Malaysia.

A semester or two in Malaysia gives you an excellent opportunity to improve your English skills if you have not already mastered English in your home country.

Malaysians are polite people

The Malaysian people are very kind and polite, and you’ll receive a lot of support from them when. Malaysia is a melting pot of cultures. There are also many welcoming, kindhearted, polite and helpful people here. In Malaysia, new residents do not need to undergo a medical examination before moving in except for a yellow fever certificate. You may be eligible for a free check-up at a hospital and don’t have to pay for a hospital examination upon arrival. Furthermore, all citizens are entitled to free health care thus making it a fantastic career destination if you intend to study in Malaysia.

You will also need an original and copy of your relevant credentials, original and photocopy of a duly signed yellow fever certificate, a letter of confirmation from your parent or sponsor, your parent’s or sponsor’s bank account statement – the last 3 months (if they are your sponsors), original and photocopy must be submitted, an original and photocopy of a clearance certificate from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), pay the visa fees up to $350.