Study in Malaysia
Malaysia is an increasingly popular place to get tertiary education with more than 40,000 international students from over 100 countries studying in Malaysia. It is the center of academic and higher education excellence in the region.
Some reasons why international students choose Malaysia includes:
Quality Education Programs
The quality of educational institutions in Malaysia is monitored by the Malaysian government enforcement of legislation such as The Education Act, 1996, the Private Higher Educational Institutions Act, 1996 and The Malaysian Qualifications Agency Act 2007. The Malaysian Qualification Agency (MQA) provides guidelines and constant monitoring to ensure colleges and universities meet the highest standards in education and are internationally recognized.
Institutions of higher learning in Malaysia provide professional, career-focused education offering courses that are up-to-date and market relevant. Graduates from Malaysia have no problems finding employment back in their home country. International students can also get an accredited degree from many choices of world-renowned universities from UK, USA, Australia, Canada and New Zealand through their twinning programs or branch campuses in Malaysia
Multicultural Studying Environment
International students studying in Malaysia will get to experience of living in a plural and multicultural society. The ethnic diversities of Malaysia expose students to a value-added life, global outlook and better understanding of different cultures, ethnic groups and traditions throughout the world. There are three major races in Malaysia namely the Malays, Chinese and Indians together with other ethnic minorities. Apart from mixing with Malaysian students, international students are also exposed to other students from different nationalities.
Safe and Comfortable Place to Study
Malaysia is a politically sound and geographically safe country free from natural disasters. With its modern infrastructure and efficient transportation system, Malaysia makes a safe and comfortable place to live and study.
Benefits Of Studing In Malaysia
Moving out of the home and studying in a faraway land can be challenging, but it’s a decision that can shape your future. Once you weigh the pros and cons of studying abroad, you will realise that it could be one of the best decisions you have made in your life. And, believe us, it’s not just the great quality of education you would be benefiting from. Studying abroad exposes you to a variety of cultures from around the world, helps you gain greater communication + people skills and instils a global mindset in you. It opens up a world of improved career prospects all around the world for you.
With top-notch education standards, Malaysia is fast becoming a hot favourite with international students. Its educational institutes are counted within the top 200 universities in the world. The best part of Malaysia is its international students from around the globe including India. Presently, there are more than 100,000 international students from over 150 countries in Malaysia.
There are over 100 recognised universities that provide you with tertiary education in 151 courses. An undergraduate course in Malaysia would cost just 39,990 MYR. Malaysia also offers you international degrees from the UK, the US, Australia and other countries at lesser costs. If you are planning to study abroad, here is an article that lists why Malaysia is a great place for higher studies.
Rapidly Improving Quality Higher Education
Though not at par with other Asian countries such as Hong Kong and Singapore, Malaysian universities are improving rapidly, and aren’t far behind universities that impart world-class education. Some of the universities offer courses in computer science and engineering that rank among the world’s top 100 courses, all thanks to Malaysia’s education system and its focus on international standards. The education standards are closely monitored by the Ministry of Higher Education, which has the vision to turn Malaysia into a Centre of Excellence for Higher Education.
Destination For International Degrees
A major part of Malaysia’s state investment in higher education is its growing partnerships with universities in other countries. Many foreign universities, especially Australian and British, have branch campuses in Malaysia. For example, Monash University (Australia) and the University of Nottingham (UK), both among the top 100 universities in the world, have branch campuses in Malaysia. Malaysia’s KBU International College has tied up with UK’s Anglia Ruskin, Nottingham Trent and Sheffield Hallam universities.
Malaysian city of Johor is home to EduCity Iskandar, a giant international student village and campus shared by eight leading universities. While four are operational, the others will be completed this year. They will include the universities of Reading, Southampton and Newcastle (medicine) in the UK, the Netherlands’ Maritime Institute of Technology, Singapore’s private Raffles University and the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts from the USA. This education hub aims at bringing world-class higher education to the heart of the Asean region.
Lower Costs Of Studying & Living
The cost of studying and living in Malaysia is comparatively lower than countries such as Australia, the US, the UK, France, Canada, etc. While an undergraduate course at the UK Campus of the University of Nottingham would cost £13,470, the same course at the Malaysia campus would cost MYR 39,990 (approximately £7,000). The course has the same module content, has the same evaluation criteria and the same marking scheme. Hence, the degree has the same weightage as the one from the UK campus, but at a significantly lower cost. Besides, the cost of living in Malaysia is considerably lower as well, which eases your financial burden. It’s a win-win situation for international students as they can live comfortably at a cost of about MYR 1100 a month. (This includes food, accommodation, and other daily expenses). Check out this table that compares living and studying costs in Malaysia with other countries.
Cost Of Studing In Malaysia
Low Cost Living and Tuition Fees
Tuition fees of accredited and high quality programmes in Malaysia are very reasonable and highly affordable. The cost of living is also very low. A student can get by living comfortably for about RM10,000 a year (USD3,300). Furthermore the ringgit value is low compared to other currency and this gives students enormous savings while studying in Malaysia.
International students who want a degree from developed countries like UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand can enroll in collaborative degree programs with reputable international universities such as the 2+1 programs or 3+0 programs which enable students to complete the entire foreign degree programs right here in Malaysia, and still be conferred with a degree from the partner university overseas. Alternatively, international students can study at foreign university branch campuses set up in Malaysia.
Tuition fees will vary at each institution, but will be lower at one of the many public universities. On average, an international student can expect to pay around MYR 7,000 per year for a bachelor's degree. Masters degrees will cost an international student around MYR 11,000 per year.
English Language Requirement
Most courses in universities in Malaysia are conducted in English, so you need to show your English language competency is good enough for you to be able to participate fully in your course. This means that proficiency in English is a prerequisite for admission.
When you apply for a Visa Approval Letter (VAL) you must demonstrate that you have an acceptable level of English language proficiency, and upload the certificate as part of your application. The English Language tests which are accepted for Student Pass Application are:
- PTE - Academic (Pearson Test of English)
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
- CAE (Cambridge English: Advance)
- CPE (Cambridge English: Proficiency)
- MUET (Malaysian University English Test)
Job Opportunities For Students
International students studying in Malaysia are allowed to work part-time for 20 hours per week. Students are encouraged to work in mini markets, restaurants and cafes, hotels and petrol stations. However, students are not allowed to work as a cashier, singer, masseur, musician or other such jobs. After completion of higher education, the employment prospects widen. Based on the Critical Occupation List (COL) 2016/2017 by TalentCorp and the Institute of Labour Market Information and Analysis (ILMIA), here are a few popular courses that give a student an edge over the rest when it comes to employability.
Work Options In Malaysia
International Students are permitted to do part-time work for 20 hours per week in Malaysia during semester breaks or any holiday exceeding 7 days. After graduation, students need to apply for a work visa (which is sponsored by an employer) to work legally.
There are a number of jobs in Malaysia in IT as well as in the teaching, diplomatic, engineering and tourism fields. Expats are also likely to find work in the banking and finance sectors, accounting and oil and gas industries.
Permenent Residency In Malaysia
Foreign nationals who have lived in Malaysia continuously for 5 years, can apply for permanent residency. For foreigners who are married to Malaysian citizens, the period required is 10 years. The application has to be sponsored by a Malaysian citizen.
One can apply for PR after 5 years of marriage to a Malaysian citizen, where you must stay in Malaysia consecutively for these 5 years under a long-term visit pass. Besides, you must also have a good standing Malaysian citizen to sponsor your application.
One can apply for PR after 5 years of marriage to a Malaysian citizen, where you must stay in Malaysia consecutively for these 5 years under a long-term visit pass. Besides, you must also have a good standing Malaysian citizen to sponsor your application.
Trending Courses in Malaysia For Overseas Students
Malaysia has become one of the popular study destinations in the world. The courses in Malaysia are offered at all the levels of higher studies by reputed universities and colleges. Malaysia provides quality education, ensuring all the qualifications are recognized globally. The courses in Malaysia also include a wide range of research oriented graduate programmes that are available in institutions which attract international students to pursue Masters in Malaysia. Masters in Malaysia are widely popular due to the career prospects. Malaysia is a land of opportunities and is a newly industrialized nation with great infrastructures and advanced technology.
Trending Courses
- Business Management Courses
- Engineering Courses
- Medicine
- Mass communication
- Accounting and finance
- Hospitality and Tourism
- Art and Design
Popular Universities
- University of Nottingham
- Taylor's University
- SEGi University Group
- Heriot-Watt University (Malaysia Campus)
- Westminster International College (Malaysia Campus)
- Manipal International University, Malaysia
Diploma Courses In Malaysia
Diploma courses in Malaysia are designed to give specialisation and exposure on the chosen topics in the concerned area of study. Diploma courses in Malaysia, ranging from Business and Accounting to Culinary Arts, Information Technology and Early Childhood Education are offered by reputed public and private institutions in the country. Here are some of the popular Diploma courses in Malaysia among the international students:
- Diploma in Accounting
- Diploma in Business
- Diploma in Hospitality & Tourism Management
- Diploma in Culinary Arts
- Diploma in Early Childhood Education
- Diploma in Computer Science / Information Technology
Bachelors Courses In Malaysia
The colleges and universities offer a wide range of courses in Malaysia at the undergraduate level. Popular undergraduate courses in Malaysia are available in various study fields like Engineering, Architecture, Pharmacy, Medicine, Finance and Accounting, Economics, Business &Commerce, Tourism and Hospitality and Information Technology.
Among the undergraduate courses in Malaysia, Engineering & IT streams are the most popular because of the affordable cost and updated curriculum in consistence with engineering & IT advancement. Undergraduate degrees in Architecture offered in Universiti Malaya, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia and Universiti Sains Malaysia are unique and UTM is ranked in top 100 Universities by QS for subject Architecture/Built Environment.
Masters Courses In Malaysia
Universities offer a wide range of research-oriented Masters courses in Malaysia for students to choose from. Masters courses in Malaysia are taught in a very flexible learning environment and with enhanced learning procedures. Popular postgraduate courses in Malaysia are available in various study fields like Engineering, Law, Pharmacy, Medicine, Finance and Accounting, Economics, Business &Commerce, Tourism and Hospitality and Information Technology. Here are some popular masters courses in Malaysia for international students:
- Master of Project Management
- Master of Management
- Master of Science (Business Administration)
- Master of Tourism and Hospitality
- Master of Engineering
- Master of Environmental Science Management
- Master of Science in Banking
- Masters of Accounting
- Masters of Finance
- Master of Management
- Master in Strategic Human Resource Management
MBA Courses In Malaysia
Universities offer MBA courses in Malaysia with varied specializations. Students across the world enrol in different public and private Malaysian Universities to pursue MBA courses in Malaysia. The country houses B-schools accredited by AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA.
Global Universities including Universiti Malaya, University of Nottingham, Monash University & the University of Swinburne have established their well-equipped B-schools in Malaysia. MBA courses in Malaysia are designed to emphasize the development of personal leadership styles and the programme is innovative, practical and globally relevant.
Low cost of living, affordable program fees, and easy visa process attract more international students to pursue MBA courses in Malaysia. MBA courses in Malaysia generally starts from September of every year. Popular MBA courses in Malaysia are:
- Master of Business Administration
- MBA Leadership
- MBA Global Islamic Finance
- MBA Specialize in Islamic Banking and Finance
- MBA Retail & Hypermarket
Ample opportunities are available for international students completing MBA courses in Malaysia. International students without work experience can also apply to pursue MBA in Malaysia. Few of the colleges offer MBA courses for fresh graduates.
Admission Requirements for MBA Courses In Malaysia
- GMAT score 550 required in Public University (Not mandatory for most undergraduate or graduate courses in Malaysia)
- Completion of undergraduate degree with first class
- Minimum 3 years of work experience in Managerial level
- IELTS score of overall 6.5 with no band less than 6.0 or equivalent TOEFL score.
Visa & Fund Requirement
Student Visa for Malaysia
For Indian students who are planning to study in Malaysia, given below are the requirements and steps on how to apply for a Malaysia student visa from India. Requirements to Apply for a Malaysian Student Visa:
- Student visa application form completed and signed by the applicant
- Offer letter from the chosen educational institution approved by the pass & permit division in the Immigration Headquarters of Malaysia
- Two passport sized photographs
- Two photocopies of your Passport
- Academic transcript(s) of records
- Proof of full-time course of study approved by the Minister of Home Affairs
- Proof of financial capability to meet course and other expenses
- Health certificate
- Evidence of security and personal bond
- Students have to show their approval letters upon arrival