Top Reasons to Study in Malaysia: Universities, Cost & Stay Back Options

Sitting quaintly right in the middle of Thailand and Singapore, Malaysia is one of the most charming countries in Asia. It’s endowed with scenic beauty and consistently strives towards better and more innovative technology. 

In recent years, Malaysia has strengthened its position as one of the top-notch educational destinations. In fact, as per UNESCO figures, it’s the 11th most popular country to pursue higher education. 

With its multicultural backdrop and ever-growing popularity, it’s not hard to reason why study in Malaysia. 

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Top Reasons to Study in Malaysia

Wondering why one must study in Malaysia, or what makes it so student-friendly? Well, let’s see.

• Malaysian universities offer several distinct courses, all at an affordable tuition fee. 
• The student population in Malaysia is as diverse as it gets, so individuals get a taste of the multicultural environment. It’s good for personal growth and allows for broader connections, which further helps in building a career.
• The cost of living in Malaysia is ideal for all international students. One can get a meal as cheap as $4. The rent is also relatively inexpensive, and the excellent transportation infrastructure is a bonus.
• Fan of good food? Malaysia is full of people of different nationalities and cultures, so there is an abundance of food. One can try cuisine from Chinese and Indian to Malaysian and Middle-East.
• The country has a tropical climate, with pleasant weather all year round. The rain and heat are balanced perfectly. The average temperature stays at around 27-28°C.

Best Universities to Study in Malaysia

Let’s take a quick look at the top universities in Malaysia. The rankings are all as per the QS World University Rankings 2023. 

Universities	Rankings
Universiti Malaya	70
Universiti Putra Malaysia	123
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia	129
Universiti Sains Malaysia	143
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia	203
Taylor’s University	284
UCSI University	284
Universiti Teknologi Petronas	361
Universiti Utara Malaysia	481
Management and Science University	601-650

Cost of Study 

Deciding to study abroad cannot be an easy choice to make. There are many factors to consider – from choosing the right country and course to planning the requisite finances. 

The cost of living in Malaysia is quite feasible, and education is inexpensive, too. 

While every educational institute has a fee structure, public universities are cheaper than private ones. 

On average, any international student would need to shell out around MYR 7,000 yearly for any bachelor’s degree. If one decides to study further and take a master’s course, it would cost around MYR 11,000 per year. 

Private institutions, especially ones that offer specialist courses like medicine and engineering, might be more expensive. 

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Scholarships

Worried about not having enough financial support to study in Malaysia? Bright students that display an enthusiastic approach and eagerness towards their course can apply for scholarships such as:

• MIS Scholarship for Undergraduate studies
• MIS Scholarship for Postgraduate studies

Requirements to Study in Malaysia

Students planning to pursue their education from a Malaysian university will need to fulfill the following entry requirements:

• A properly completed entrance application form
• Proof of paid application fee
• High school passing certificate (if applying to a bachelor’s course)
• Bachelor’s degree (if applying for a master’s degree)
• Academic transcripts
• Passport size photographs
• Valid identity card such as a passport
• Letter of Recommendation (if the university requires)
• Statement of Purpose (if the university requires)

Make sure to check the additional specific requirements mentioned on the chosen university’s official website.

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Right Cities to Live and Study in Malaysia

Drive away all the confusion about which city or university to pick for graduation or post graduation. Here’s a list of cities in Malaysia with a low cost of living, perfect for students:

• Kuala Lumpur: Kuala Lampur is the country’s capital and the most crowded city. It is the country’s cultural, commercial, and economic hub and houses excellent institutions like Universiti Malaya, Victoria International College, MAHSA University College, etc.
• Selangor: The way this city has accelerated its growth in terms of development and finances is phenomenal. It stands tall as the country’s industrial hub, thus ensuring great connections for students seeking hands-on experience. 
• Penang: A big favorite of all international students, Penang plays a pivotal role in the economy of Malaysia. Its scenic beauty is incomparable. The city also has some of the most popular universities like Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang Medical College, etc.

Cost of Living in Malaysia

Still wondering why you should study in Malaysia? Here’s another reason. 

Well, Malaysia happens to be the second cheapest country in all of Asia. One person’s average living cost in Malaysia is estimated at MYR 4,139 monthly.

The cost of living in Malaysia for a family of four is quite affordable too. It’s around MYR 9,197. 

Stay Back Options

International students planning to fly to Malaysia can get a student pass allowing a multiple entry visa. It gives valid permission to stay back to study at the chosen university during the degree. 

This pass will be valid only for 12 months or the course’s duration if it’s less than 12 months. 

Post-completion of the course, if an individual gets a good-paying job, they can apply for a work visa or employment pass. 

For the same, the person needs to have a two-year extended job contract with a salary of at least MYR 5,000 at a Malaysian company. 

One can apply for a temporary employment pass if this condition is not met. 

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