Explore Malaysia
Study in Malaysia.
Imagine a multicultural country with modern cities, rainforest and international campuses. Explore Malaysia through the programmes that suit you.
At a glance
Studying in Malaysia, at a glance.
Main intakes
Several each year, often January or February, May and September
Bachelor’s degree
3 to 4 years
Master’s degree
1 to 2 years
Teaching language
English widely used, with Malay at some public universities
Tuition (indicative)
Often RM 10,000 to 30,000 (public) or RM 30,000 to 90,000 (private and branch campuses) a year
Varies widely; medicine and dentistry cost considerably more.
Living costs (indicative)
Often RM 1,500 to 2,500 a month
A typical estimate. Kuala Lumpur costs more than Penang or Johor Bahru.
General guidance, reviewed in November 2026 against official and published sources. Fees, living-cost figures and requirements change and differ by institution and course, so always confirm with the institution and official sources such as Education Malaysia Global Services and Malaysian Qualifications Agency before making decisions.
Why Malaysia
What draws students to Malaysia.
International branch campuses
Study for a foreign university’s degree at a campus in Malaysia.
Affordable costs
Tuition and living costs are lower than in many destinations.
Multicultural society
Malay, Chinese, Indian and Indigenous cultures side by side.
Study opportunities
Subject areas with a wide choice of programmes.
Public universities, private universities and branch campuses offer a broad range of English-taught programmes. Start with what you want to learn, then check each course’s modules, teaching approach and entry requirements.
- Engineering
- Business and accounting
- Computing and IT
- Medicine and health sciences
- Hospitality
- Islamic finance
Where to study
Examples of well-known institutions in Malaysia.
In no particular order. These are examples to start your research, not rankings or recommendations, and many other excellent institutions exist.
Universiti Malaya
- City
- Kuala Lumpur
- Type
- Public research university
Universiti Putra Malaysia
- City
- Serdang
- Type
- Public research university
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
- City
- Bangi
- Type
- Public research university
Universiti Sains Malaysia
- City
- Penang
- Type
- Public research university
University of Nottingham Malaysia
- City
- Semenyih
- Type
- International branch campus
Monash University Malaysia
- City
- Bandar Sunway
- Type
- International branch campus
Check programmes, entry requirements and fees on each institution’s official website.
Admission requirements
What applications usually ask for.
Requirements are set by each institution and course. Use this as a starting checklist, then follow the official course page.
Most applications
- Academic transcripts and certificates from your previous study.
- Evidence of your proficiency in the language of instruction.
- A personal statement or statement of purpose, written in your own words.
- One or two academic or professional references.
- A CV, particularly for postgraduate applications.
- A valid passport.
Specific to Malaysia
- Check that your programme is accredited on the Malaysian Qualifications Register (MQA).
- Student Pass applications for higher education are managed through Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS).
- English language evidence as required by the institution.
Scholarships
Scholarships worth researching.
Public information only. Eligibility, deadlines and amounts are set by each provider; WINAR does not provide or arrange funding.
Malaysia International Scholarship
A Malaysian Government scholarship mainly for postgraduate study.
University scholarships
Many private universities offer merit scholarships.
Student life
Everyday life in Malaysia.
Food culture
Famous for its food, from hawker stalls to cafés.
Climate
Tropical: hot and humid, with monsoon seasons.
Travel in Asia
A good base for travel across Southeast Asia.
Visas and immigration
Visa and immigration rules are set by the government of Malaysia and change regularly. WINAR does not provide immigration advice or services. Read the official guidance published by Education Malaysia Global Services, and speak to a suitably qualified and regulated adviser if you need advice on your own circumstances.
Questions, answered plainly
Questions about studying in Malaysia.
What would your Malaysia chapter need?
Discuss your study goals, the information still to verify and possible next steps with WINAR. Support scope and destination coverage are subject to confirmation.