Study in Malaysia
Every university in Malaysia in one place: 20 public universities, 50 private universities, 11 international branch campuses and 16 university colleges. Choose one and we'll help you apply, free.
- 97
- universities & university colleges
- 32
- in the QS World University Rankings 2027
- #56
- Universiti Malaya, world rank
- 12 mo
- Graduate Pass after your degree
Why study in Malaysia?
Tuition and living costs are a fraction of the UK, Australia or the USA. Many students live on about RM1,500–3,000 a month.
Most private universities and many public programmes teach in English.
Monash, Nottingham, Curtin, Swinburne, Heriot-Watt, Southampton, Reading and more award their home degree in Malaysia.
Universiti Malaya is 56th in the world (QS 2027) and 32 Malaysian universities are QS-ranked.
Graduates with a bachelor's degree or higher can apply for a 12-month Graduate Pass.
Malay, Chinese, Indian and international communities live side by side; halal food is everywhere.
Top-ranked universities in Malaysia
Positions in the QS World University Rankings 2027.
All universities in Malaysia
Public and private universities, international branch campuses and university colleges. Filter by type, state or subject.
97 universities
Studying in Malaysia: what you need to know
Visas, fees, living costs, English tests and intakes for international students. Figures checked October 2026.
Student visa (Student Pass)
International students apply through Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS). Your university submits the application after you accept your offer. You receive an eVAL (visa approval letter), travel on a Single Entry Visa, do a medical screening within 7 days of arriving, and then receive your Student Pass and i-Kad. Your passport should be valid for at least 18 months. Monash University Malaysia estimates the visa-related costs at about RM2,500 for the first year (EMGS fee, visa, i-Kad, medical screening and insurance).
Source: EMGS
Tuition fees
Fees vary a lot by university and subject; medicine, dentistry and pharmacy cost the most. EMGS estimates roughly US$2,500–5,000 a year at public universities and US$6,000–9,500 a year at private ones for typical programmes. Example: UKM lists RM43,000 a year for its English-taught business management and IT bachelor's degrees for international students. A 6% service tax on tuition for international students applies from July 2025. We confirm the exact fee for your course before you apply.
Living costs
Many students spend about RM1,500–3,000 a month: shared or campus housing RM300–1,200, food RM500–800, transport RM50–200, phone and utilities RM150–350. Kuala Lumpur and Penang cost more than smaller towns such as Kampar, Sintok or Kota Bharu.
English requirements
Typical minimums are IELTS 5.5–6.0 (or TOEFL equivalent) for bachelor's degrees and 6.0–6.5 for postgraduate study; medicine and law often ask for more. Example: UKM asks international undergraduates for IELTS 6.0, TOEFL 550 or MUET Band 3. Many universities run an English course if you are slightly below.
Intakes
Public universities usually admit bachelor's students once a year (around September–October); postgraduate intakes are more flexible. Private universities and branch campuses have several intakes a year, often January/February, April/May and August/September. Apply 3–6 months before your intake so the visa is ready.
Working while you study
Students at universities can work up to 20 hours a week during semester breaks and holidays longer than 7 days, with approval from the Immigration Department through the university. Some jobs are not allowed.
After you graduate
The EMGS Graduate Pass lets graduates with a bachelor's degree or higher stay in Malaysia for 12 months after graduation. To work long term you need an Employment Pass from an employer.
Source: EMGS Graduate Pass
Rules and fees change. We always confirm the current figures with the university and EMGS before you pay anything. Student visas guide · What studying abroad costs · Scholarships to study in Malaysia (6) · Scholarships for Malaysian students
Let us help you study in Malaysia
Free help from your first question until you land.
- Free adviceTell us your grades, budget and dream course. We shortlist the universities that fit.
- Your applicationWe check your documents, help with your personal statement and submit your application to the university.
- Offer and visaWe guide you through accepting your offer, paying the deposit safely to the university and the EMGS Student Pass.
- Before you flyAccommodation, insurance, what to pack and what happens in your first week.
Our help is free for students. Pay tuition fees and deposits only to the university itself, never to an individual. When we become an official representative of a university, we say so on its page.
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