Education in Malaysian is the responsibility of the government and is provided through government funded schools, private schools or independent schools. The education system encompasses five main types: Pre school Primary Secondary Pre university, and Tertiatry education

Pre school to secondary education is under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Education (MOE) while tertiary education is the responsibility of the Ministry of High Education (MOHE).

Cost of Living

Another attraction for international students to study in Malaysia is the relatively cheap cost of living. The total cost of expenditure for accommodation, either on campus or off campus, is reasonable and within many budgets.

Depending on the location and choice, the average monthly rental for a single room (twin sharing) per student is between RM 250 to RM 450 (USD78 USD 140). Other expenses such as food, transportation, laundry and other essentials, based on an ordinary lifestyle are estimated to be between RM 600 and RM 700 (USD 188 USD 218) per month. Therefore, the average total cost of living will range from RM 11,000 to RM 14,000 (USD 3,438 USD 4,375) per year.

Estimated Cost of Study in Malaysia

Another prime reason why many international students have chosen Malaysia to pursue their tertiary education is the affordable tuition fees.

Here is the general fee structure for some commonly chosen programmes: Pre University Studies:

• GCE ‘A’ Level From RM15,000 RM 25,000
• Western Australian Matriculation From RM11,000 21,000
• International Baccalaureate Diploma RM79,000
• University Foundation Studies From RM9,000 15,000

Bachelor’s degrees:

• Business RM 43,000 75,000
• Engineering RM46,000 65,000
• IT RM45,000 RM65,000
• Hospitality RM73,000
• Medicine RM300,000
• Pharmacy RM100,000

Postgraduate Study:

• MBA RM 21,000 30,000 (private universities) and RM13,000 25,000 (public universities)
• Master’s Degrees RM1,800 6,000
• PhD RM2,700 8,000

Working Part time While Studying In Malaysia

International students are also allowed to work part time (maximum of 20 hours per week during semester breaks or holidays of more than 7 days) while studying full time in Malaysia, subject to immigration requirements.

Admission Process

We welcome applications from overseas students. Applications are considered individually. Applicants are required to include complete details of the examinations and qualifications they have already attained.

Please note that Malaysian students do not normally begin their University studies until they are 18 years of age, after 12 years of full time study. You would need to have qualified to an equivalent level to be considered for entry to the first year of our degree Programmes.

If your first language is not English, your ability to understand, write and speak English must be good enough to allow you to cope with your studies. We will ask you for evidence of the standard of your English.

Academic Qualifications

Academic transcripts and completion certificate

• In the event that these documents are not published in English, applicants are to provide copies of the original and official English translated versions

Transfer students from other institutions

• If applicants are seeking credit exemptions, additional documents like the final transcripts, programme syllabus and portfolio (if any) are required.

For Postgraduate Applications, kindly include:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume
• A 2 3 page essay (i.e. your personal statement) in relation to:
• Your goals and objectives
• How this programme will meet or enhance those objectives

Identification Documents

Passport validity must not be less than 18 months from the date of admission/submission to the university.

• All pages of the passport including the cover pages are required (in colour).
• Kindly make sure that the page numbers of the passport are clearly visible.
• Passport sized photograph
  • Coloured, with blue background
  • Photograph measurement: Height (50mm) and Width (35mm)

Medical Report Form (Completed by registered clinic/hospital in the home country). Refer to the list of countries requiring to submit the Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate.

How to Apply Visa

Conditions To Qualify As A Student

The students must :

• have already been accepted for a full time course of study (inclusive of English programme) at a public or private institutional of higher learning.
• have the financial capability to meet the course fees and living/travel expenses
• possess good health and character
• be seeking entry for study purposes onlya

Application Procedures For Student Pass

All applications for student passes by international students must be made through Malaysian educational institutions. The processing, approval and issuance of student passes and visas is carried out by the Immigration Department in Malaysia, except for students from the People’s Republic of China (PRC). Students from the PRC must obtain their visas from the Embassy of Malaysia or the Council of Malaysia in the PRC.

Family Members To Stay With Students

Family members of students under the following categories will be allowed to accompany students to stay in Malaysia for the entire study duration with approval from the Immigration Department. They are:

• Parents of students
• Spouses, children and parents of students from Middle East countries
• Spouses and children of students who are studying postgraduate programmes
• Purview

For further information about the immigration procedures and student pass, kindly contact the Immigration Department in Malaysia at the following address:

The Director

Visa, Pass and Permit Division

Headquarters of Malaysian Immigration Department

1st 7th Floor (Podium), Block 2G4

Federal Government Administrative Centre, Precinct 2

62550 Putrajaya, Malaysia

Tel : 603 88801000 Fax : 603 88801200

Website : www.imi.gov.my