Study in Malaysia

A number of top UK and international universities have set up overseas campuses in Malaysia - a sign of the growing strength of the country's higher education sector

Malaysia's population of more than 34 million (Worldometer 2024) is spread over two distinct regions - mainland Southeast Asia and part of the island of Borneo in the South China Sea.

The capital, Kuala Lumpur - home to the instantly recognisable Petronas Twin Towers - was ranked the world's ninth most affordable city for students by QS in its Best Student Cities 2024 report (and ranked 24th overall).

Around half of Malaysia's population is ethnically Malay, but there are also many Malaysian Chinese, Malaysian Indians and indigenous groups. Studying there will provide a great insight into this diverse and dynamic nation - not to mention giving you an unmissable opportunity to sample its stunning rainforests and beaches.

For instance, you could have fun at the ESCAPE theme park in Panang, where you'll get to experience a variety of rides and attractions. Other impressive outdoor activities include the Batu Caves in Gombak, Selangor, and the towering Panorama Langkawi SkyCab cable car ride located on Langkawi Island.

For practical information on travelling to and staying in Malaysia, see GOV.UK - Foreign travel advice - Malaysia.

Malaysian universities

Universities in Malaysia are a mix of 20 publicly funded and 50 private institutions offering internationally recognised courses at undergraduate and postgraduate level.

According to the QS World University Rankings 2024, 28 Malaysian institutions made the list including:

• Universiti Malaya (UM) (65th)
• Universiti Sains Malaysia (137th)
• Universiti Putra Malaysia (158th)
• Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) (159th)
• Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (188th).

There are also 11 international universities with an overseas campus in Malaysia, including the following from the UK:

• Heriot-Watt University
• Newcastle University (medicine)
• University of Nottingham
• University of Reading
• University of Southampton (engineering).

Australia's Curtin University, Monash University and the University of Wollongong all have Malaysia campuses too.

Degree courses in Malaysia

There are more than 2,600 undergraduate degree-level courses available in Malaysia. They typically take between three and five years to complete. You'll need to have A-levels or equivalent in order to gain a place - although specific entry requirements vary by course and university.

Intakes are in January, April or September depending on the course.

Search for Malaysian Bachelor degrees at StudyMalaysia.com - What to study and then apply via your chosen university's website.

Masters degrees

Postgraduate study is offered at public and private universities, and at the overseas campuses of international universities. Find out where this level of study is available at PostgradMalaysia.com - Where to study.

You can enrol onto postgraduate diplomas, taught and research Masters degree courses. Taught programmes involve lectures, tutorials, essays, group work and exams, often with the opportunity for work placements. Research programmes are centred on an original piece of research leading to an extended dissertation.

Full-time and part-time study is available. If you choose to study full time, a Masters degree will take you between one and three years to complete, depending on your course.

A range of subjects are available, but Malaysian institutions have a particular focus on:

• biotechnology
• digital broadcasting
• electronic commerce
• online information services
• telemedicine.

You can search for courses at PostgradMalaysia.com - What to study.

To secure a place on a Masters course, you'll generally need an undergraduate degree in a relevant subject. Some universities expect you to have achieved at least a 2:1 degree. Alternatively, you may be eligible if you have a degree in any subject and work experience in a related field.

Universities set their own entry requirements, so always check before applying.

PhDs

Malaysia's government has placed a lot of emphasis on boosting its research output, so there are plenty of opportunities for international students to undertake PhDs at public and private universities.

To get a PhD in Malaysia, you'll need to put together a substantial piece of original academic research, submit a thesis and present your findings to a panel of assessors. Entry requirements include a Bachelors and a Masters degree relevant to your chosen field of research.

Student exchanges

If you study at a UK university that has a branch in Malaysia, or an association with a Malaysian university, you may be offered the option of taking a semester or a full year of your course there.

For instance, the University of Nottingham runs an International Exchange Programme for undergraduate students who've already completed at least one year's study to spend up to a year in the country. While you won't have to pay tuition fees, monthly costs are estimated at 2,500 to 3,500 Malaysian Ringgit (MYR/RM), which works out at about £417 to £584.

Ask your university tutors or student services to find out whether this option is available to you.

For other exchange programmes with Malaysian universities, check the institution's website to see what opportunities there are for international students.

Course fees

Tuition fees vary between institutions, but the costs are affordable when compared with countries like the UK, USA and Australia.

Tuition fees for postgraduate courses average around RM30,000 (£5,002).

If you choose to study at an international branch campus, you'll usually pay a bit more in tuition fees. They tend to charge between RM50,000 (£8,337) and RM60,000 (£10,004).

Studying for an MBA typically costs RM30,000 (£5,002) to RM60,000 (£10,004).

Funding to study in Malaysia

Living costs in Malaysia are relatively low compared with many other destinations, but as international students are unable to work during term time, many decide to seek out alternative means of funding through scholarships, fellowships and grants.

Universities award funding to prospective postgraduate students depending on a range of factors. To find out what funding might be available to you, get in touch with your chosen university.

Postgraduate and PhD students may also be eligible for the Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS), an initiative from the Malaysian government to attract the best minds from around the world to pursue advanced academic studies in the country.

A database containing the latest undergraduate and postgraduate funding available to international students can be found at StudyMalaysia.com - Scholarships.

Student visas

All international students wishing to study in Malaysia need a visa, which takes the form of a student pass. Applications can be made online, but the majority of universities apply for a student pass on your behalf once you've accepted their offer of a place.

The student pass lasts a year, so you'll need to renew it annually if your course lasts for more than 12 months.

To apply for a student pass on your behalf, your university will need:

• a passport-sized photograph
• a copy of your passport
• a copy of your university offer letter
• copies of academic certificates and transcripts
• a pre-arrival medical examination report
• a personal bond.

To find out more about the process of applying for a student pass, visit Education Malaysia - Apply for visa.

How to apply

For postgraduate study, you'll need to apply directly to the university you want to study at - as there's no centralised application system. There's no restriction on how many institutions you can apply to.

In most cases, you'll need to complete an application form outlining your academic achievements and include a personal statement. However, application methods vary by university - with some requiring a letter and others a detailed academic history and, if applicable, your research proposal.

Language requirements

Most universities in Malaysia teach postgraduate courses in English, whereas undergraduate degrees are generally studied in the local language, Malay.

If your course is taught in English and that isn't your first language, you may be required to take a test such as IELTS to demonstrate your proficiency.

Free basic Malay language courses are available online from providers such as L-Lingo or LingoHut.

Comparison to UK qualifications

Postgraduate qualifications from Malaysia are recognised around the world and should be accepted by employers - always confirm this with recruiters before applying for a job.

Meanwhile, undergraduate degrees are easily comparable with their UK counterparts. You'll be awarded a grade of Class I, Class II Division I or Class II Division II, which are equivalent to the UK's First, 2:1 or 2:2 system.

Find out more

• Discover what it's like to work in Malaysia.
• Explore studying in Malaysia at StudyMalaysia.com.