International Students
Malaysia is a paradise for international students. You can study in world class colleges and universities offering reputable degrees at relatively low tuition fees and moderate living expenses in Malaysia. The medium of teaching is English and the other considerable factors include lovely weather, excellent transport system and diverse culture. Malaysia has a number of universities with better reputation and international recognition that can surely make a considerable difference to your career and provide you the opportunity to improve your skills. The 95,000 international students from more than 100 countries studying in Malaysia is testimony that Malaysia is a friendly place for international students.
Student Environment
With its world-class education system and strong international reputation, Malaysia is an increasingly popular study destination for international students interested in education abroad. Malaysia has about 95,000 international students from more than 100 countries studying in private schools, international schools, colleges, private universities, foreign universities branch campus and public universities. They are enrolled in a wide range of disciplines at every level of education, including short-term and professional courses, diplomas, bachelor degree and other post-graduate studies.
Though the main student population of an average Malaysian education institution is predominately Malaysian, the average class environment presents a multicultural environment proving that Malaysia is rapidly making its place in the "Global Village". Thus Experiencing a diverse culture, languages and religions will broaden students’ outlook and will benefit students in an increasing globalised economy.
What to Study and Where to Study
Officially speaking, Malaysia has more than 23 public funded universities, 23 private universities, 425 private colleges, 7 foreign university campuses, 22 polytechnics, 22 govet. sponsored colleges, 123 skill training providers, and 27 Malaysian institutes for teacher education. These are only official figures whereas the real numbers are greater than this.
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In these institutions can study a wide range of courses like, O & A Levels', Accounting, Agriculture, Art, Business, Computer, Education, Engineering & Technology, Health, Hospitality & Tourism, Humanities, Languages, law, Mass Communication, Medicine, Medical Sciences (MBBS, Dentistry etc.), Natural Sciences, Teachers Training etc. You can study all these any many other subjects.
For more details please visit our pages "Institutions" and "Courses".
Int. Recognition of Malaysian Qualifications
All educational institutions in Malaysia is closely monitored by the Malaysian Education Ministries through their quality control authorities such as National Accreditation Board (LAN) and the National Quality Assurance Body, and appropriate legislation such as The Education Act, 1996, the Private Higher Educational Institutions Act, 1996 and The Malaysian Qualifications Agency Act 2007. The Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) is set up to implement and enforce the Malaysian Qualifications Act 2007. The international good practice guide of quality assurance agencies were also incorporated into the organisation structure of MQA.
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This ensures that higher educational institutions both private and government owned provide comprehensive world standard range of education programs supported by the latest educational tools and technologies, which makes Malaysian qualifications globally recognized.
The Cost of Study for International Students
he affordable cost of quality tertiary education is one of many good reasons why international students choose Malaysia. For example, you can acquire a UK engineering degree (for 3 years) in Malaysia through a 3+0 franchised degree programme at an estimated RM50,000 (USD15,000 or USD5000 per year), whereas the tuition fee of the same 3-year degree programme at the host university in the UK is about RM144,000 (USD45,000) or £30,000 or £10,000 per year.
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On average, a foundation course by a university costs you around USD5,000 to USD6,000 a year. A bachelor degree costs from USD5,000 to USD7,000 a year in a private Malaysian university or college and the estimated tuition fees per year for Bachelor's degree at foreign university branch campuses located in Malaysia is from USD6,000 to USD8,000 a year. For a twinning degree programme, this fee can be double. Postgraduate courses like MBA can cost you from USD7,000 to USD9,000.
Accommodation Facilities for Int. Students
The cost of living for international students in Malaysia for comfortable living is as low as RM10,000 – RM12,000 (USD3,200 – USD3,800) a year. This amount includes food, accommodations and transport. Students can choose between on-campus or off-campus accommodations: college hostels, apartments, link-houses and condominiums.
As for accommodation it can be on-campus or off campus and can be without any facility or it may come with facilities for students to prepare their own meals and to do their own laundry. Typically on campus accommodation includes a shared or private bedroom with bathroom facilities in student residences. The cost of on campus stay can be anywhere from RM 350.00 to RM 650.00 a month.
Off campus living in Malaysia is very common among the local and international students, as most of the housing areas are located within a short distance of the college or university.
The cost of off campus accommodation per student can be anywhere from RM 150.00 to RM 900.00 a month depending the area of living, type, furniture, facilities and number of students sharing.
General Facilities for Int. Students
Students who stay on campus or near campus may not incur any cost of travelling to and from classes. However, other travelling may cost approximately RM30 to RM50 (estd. USD13) per month.
The mobile phone packages in Malaysia are very competitive. How much you spend will depend on your usage and the promotional package you choose. The average student may spend about RM30 to RM80 (estimated USD17) per month.
Books, Reading Materials and Stationery are easily available near colleges & universities and the cost can be around RM50 to RM100 (estimated USD24) per month, but it would largely depend on the course you have signed up. Almost all universities have libraries with internet enabled computers.
Due to medical insurance, compulsory for all international students) you may not need to pay for medical expenses every month, if you keep aside RM50 (USD16) per month, it would be sufficient for medical and hospitalisation insurance (from your institution).
How to Apply for Admmissions
As an international student, you can apply directly or through us, to the educational institution of your choice. You are advised to apply only to institutions that have been given the approval by the relevant authorities to accept international students. It is advisable to use the services of a professional for your admission process.

You need at least 13 years of education (HSC equivalent) with at least 60% marks for admission in a bachelor degree and at least 16 years of education (a recognized bachelor degree with good grades) for admission at postgraduate level. Most University require minimum TOEFL CBT score of 173 to 250 or TOEFL iBT score of 61 to 100 or IELTS (academic) score of 6.0 to 7.0 as the minimum admission requirement. However for foundation/language/certificate courses or in case of private colleges, these requirements can much less.
When to Apply for Admissions
​​You should know the commencement date of your selected course in Malaysia.
Usually classes start twice a year for degree and professional coures in January and August whereas for foundation/certificate and diploma courses there can be upto four intake. The admission process can take 2 months on average where the visa process can take more months. So the students are advised to apply at least 4 months prior to their course commencement date.
Student Visa for Malaysia
The process to apply for a student pass is simple. The Malaysian educational institutions of higher learning which offer international students a place to study at their institutions will apply for the Student Pass on their behalf in Malaysia. Applications will be submitted by the educational institutions to the Director of Pass & Permit Division, Malaysia.
Students do not need to apply directly to the Immigration Department under this procedure. The prospective students will be informed of their application status by the Immigration Department in Malaysia through their educational institutions. This information is imparted within 7 days of the application, irrespective of the nature of the decision.
Your education institution in Malaysia will then inform you about the outcome of the visa (student pass) application and in case of a positive decision you will be sent the visa or as it is most commonly known "student pass" approval documents. You can then get the visa stamped on their passport by the Malaysian Embassy, before travelling to Malaysia. For more information on visa, pls. click here.
Brining Family on Malaysian Students Visas
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Certain family members of foreign students are allowed to accompany students in Malaysia on a Long Term Social Pass (for the duration of 12 months or according to the duration of study whichever come first). They include the following types of family members:

1. Parents of students, Spouses, and and children of students who come from middle-eastern countries.
2. Spouses and children (immediate family only) of students who are pursuing postgraduate programmes.
Part time jobs for Int. Students
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All international students studying at public or private higher educational institutions are allowed to work part-time. Students are allowed to work part-time for a maximum of 20 hours per week only during semester breaks or holidays of more than seven days at restaurants, petrol kiosks, mini markets and hotels as long as their student passes remain valid.
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Application to work part-time must be made through the educational institution at which the student is studying. The student needs to be present with the educational institution representative at the Immigration Department when submitting the application.
Post Study work for Int. Students
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Malaysia is a country full of opportunities. There are great opportunities for those international students who have successfully graduated from Malaysia. Once you complete your studies, you do not need to apply for the work permit by yourself. At this stage, your prospective employer will apply on your behalf. You just need to wait for the "landing order" from the Immigration Department of Malaysia which will be forwarded to you by your employer. The actual cost should be less than US$500, visa fee, levy, work permit fee & processing charges, medical screening depending on circumstances, and is paid for by your employer.
These procedures and guidelines go through changes based on various factors. It will be best to ask the relevant questions before you commit to working in Malaysia to avoid any kind of conflicts later.