Study in Malaysia- Highlights
As of 2022, Malaysia, with an estimated population of 32.7 million and a growth rate of 1.1%, showcases a rich linguistic diversity. Malay is the official language, while English is widely used in business and education. The country is a favored destination for international students, including approximately 30,000 Indian students enrolled in Malaysian educational institutions in 2022. Malaysia hosts over 20 public universities, more than 40 private universities, and university colleges, offering diverse programs and courses. Several Malaysian universities, such as Universiti Malaya (UM), ranked #65 in the QS World University Rankings 2024, are globally recognized. High-paying roles in Malaysia include positions such as Head of Banking (RM 252,000 annually), Medical Director (RM 296,000 annually), various C-suite roles, surgeons, and lawyers, reflecting the diverse economic opportunities available in the country.
Core Facts About Malaysia
Education in Malaysia
University / College Stats
Why Study in Malaysia?
- Affordable Education: Malaysia offers significantly lower tuition fees and living costs than Western countries, making it an economical choice for students.
- Diverse Culture: The country’s rich multicultural environment provides a unique cultural experience and promotes global understanding.
- Quality Education: Malaysia is home to renowned universities and international branch campuses, ensuring high academic standards.
- English Medium: Many programs are taught in English, making it easier for international students to adapt.
- Strategic Location: Its central location in Southeast Asia makes it a convenient base for traveling to neighboring countries.
- Modern Facilities: Universities in Malaysia boast state-of-the-art campuses and advanced educational resources.
- Work Opportunities: Students can work part-time while studying, providing valuable work experience and additional income.
- Safety: Malaysia is known for its safe and politically stable environment, offering students and their families peace of mind.
- Student Support: Universities provide comprehensive support services, including orientation programs, counseling, and academic assistance for international students.
- Climate: The tropical climate offers a mix of sunny and rainy weather, making for a comfortable and enjoyable living experience year-round.
Universities and Courses
Top Universities in Malaysia
University |
QS World University Rankings |
THE World University Rankings |
Universiti Malaya (UM) |
#70 |
351-400 |
Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) |
#123 |
601-800 |
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) |
#129 |
601-800 |
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) |
#143 |
601-800 |
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) |
#203 |
401-500 |
Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP) |
#361 |
Not specified |
Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) |
#481 |
Not specified |
Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Shah Alam |
651-700 |
Not specified |
UCSI University |
#284 |
Not specified |
Top Courses in Malaysia
Malaysia is a popular destination for higher education, offering diverse courses that attract students from around the world. Key fields of study include information technology, engineering, business and management, medicine, and hospitality and tourism. The country's IT and computer science programs are cutting-edge, aligning with global technological advancements. Additionally, Malaysia's medical schools provide quality education with modern facilities.
- Computer Science in Malaysia
- Engineering in Malaysia
- Business Administration in Malaysia
- Accounting in Malaysia
- Finance in Malaysia
- Medicine in Malaysia
- Tourism in Malaysia
- Humanities in Malaysia
- International business in Malaysia
Malaysia Intakes
- Recommended Intake- March: This intake, which typically opens for applications in the preceding year, from September to December, offers a flexible academic year that starts in March and extends until July or August. This allows students to plan their studies and transition smoothly into their chosen course.
- September Intake:The September intake is an excellent alternative for those who miss the March intake.
Cost of Studying in Malaysia
Tuition Fees |
Bachelor's |
25,176 MYR to 73,377 MYR |
|
Master's |
27,000 MYR to 47,297 MYR |
|
Doctorate |
MYR 65,000 (USD $13,900) |
Living Expenses |
|
₹39,308/month |
Scholarships for Indian Students in Malaysia
Scholarship |
Offered By |
Eligibility |
Amount |
Malaysian Government Scholarships |
Malaysian Government |
Open to international students |
Variable, covers tuition fees, airfare, health insurance, monthly allowance, and other expenses |
Yayasan Tan Sri Lee Shin Cheng Scholarships |
Yayasan Tan Sri Lee Shin Cheng |
Bachelor's degree, selected subjects |
Full funding |
Monash High Achiever Award (New Students) |
Monash University Malaysia |
New students, Feb, July & Oct intake |
Not specified |
MIS Scholarship for Undergraduate Studies |
Malaysian Government |
Promising candidates expected to contribute to their home countries |
Not specified |
MIS Scholarship for Postgraduate Studies |
Malaysian Government |
Talented international students with excellent academic records and co-curricular backgrounds |
Not specified |
Commonwealth Scholarship |
Malaysian Government |
Nominated students from Commonwealth countries for postgraduate studies |
Not specified |
Student Visa in Malaysia
Cost of Visa Application |
INR 20,000 |
When to apply? |
as early as possible |
Visa Processing Time |
2-4 days |
Documents Required for Visa Application in Malaysia
- Completed Malaysia Student Visa Application Form
- Offer Letter from a Malaysian University
- Academic Transcripts
- Health Certificate
- Passport
- Two Passport-Size Photographs
Required Entrance Exams to Study in Malaysia
There are a few key entrance exams required for international students to study in Malaysia:
- IELTS or TOEFL: Most universities in Malaysia require international students to submit an IELTS or TOEFL score to demonstrate English proficiency. The minimum scores vary by university, but are typically around 6.0 for IELTS and 550 for TOEFL
- NEET or MCAT: For medical programs, Indian students are usually required to have a valid NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) score. Students from other countries may need to take the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test)
- GMAT or GRE: Some universities, especially for MBA programs, may require applicants to take the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) or GRE (Graduate Record Examinations)
- MUET: The Malaysian University English Test (MUET) is administered by the Malaysian Examinations Council specifically for students entering university-level courses in Malaysia
Work Opportunities in Malaysia
Malaysia offers diverse and lucrative career opportunities, particularly in executive, medical, legal, and engineering fields. Below is a table summarizing the average salaries for various high-paying professions in Malaysia-
JOB ROLES |
Average Salary (RM per year) |
Head of Banking |
252,000 |
Medical Director |
296,000 |
C-suite Roles |
High-paying executive positions |
Surgeon |
High-paying medical profession |
Lawyers |
High-paying legal profession |
Engineering Director |
204,329 |
Finance Director |
223,080 |
Managing Director of Operations |
179,000 |
Chief Information Officer (CIO) |
182,374 |
Civil Engineer |
38,670 (for fresh graduates) |