Public research universityKuala Lumpur
Universiti Malaya (UM)
Malaysia's highest-ranked university — strong in medicine, engineering, law, business and postgraduate research (masters & PhD).
Ask about admission →study.eduguidemalaysia.net · Free advisory for international students
Study in Malaysia — globally recognised degrees at an affordable cost.
Find the right international university of Malaysia, compare fees and living costs, plan your intake and get step-by-step EMGS student visa guidance — with zero consultation fees.
130K+
International students in Malaysia
150+
Countries represented
40–60%
Cost savings vs UK / Australia
3
Main intakes: Feb · Jul · Oct
Why Malaysia
Why international students choose to study in Malaysia.
- Recognised qualifications — public universities and international branch campuses of UK, Australian and Chinese universities
- Affordable — lower tuition and living costs than most Western study destinations
- English-taught programmes — from foundation and diploma to master's, MBA and PhD
- Multicultural & safe — a welcoming, diverse country with excellent food and connectivity across Asia
- Global pathways — twinning, dual-degree and transfer options to the UK and Australia
At a Glance
Higher education in Malaysia by the numbers.
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84
Recognised universities
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10
International branch campuses
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RM 1,800
Average monthly living cost
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#56
Universiti Malaya global rank (QS 2027)
Universities in Malaysia
Top universities in Malaysia for international students.
Public universities, private universities and international branch campuses — we help you shortlist based on your course, budget and career goals.
Public international universityGombak, Selangor
International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM)
A truly international campus with students from over 100 countries; known for law, economics, architecture and Islamic studies.
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Public universityKota Samarahan, Sarawak
Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS)
One of the most affordable routes to a recognised Malaysian degree, with a green campus and lower Borneo living costs.
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International branch campus (Australia)Bandar Sunway, Selangor
Monash University Malaysia
Australian degrees in medicine, pharmacy, engineering, IT and business at a fraction of the cost of studying in Australia.
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Public research universityPenang
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)
A leading research university with strengths in science, health sciences, engineering and the arts in affordable Penang.
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Private universitySubang Jaya, Selangor
Taylor's University
Highly rated private university for hospitality, business, design, medicine and computing, with strong industry links.
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International branch campus (UK)Semenyih, Selangor
University of Nottingham Malaysia
A UK degree taught in Malaysia — popular for engineering, business, pharmacy and psychology.
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International branch campus (China)Sepang, Selangor
Xiamen University Malaysia
A modern campus offering programmes in English and Chinese across engineering, business, medicine and IT.
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Private universities & university collegesNationwide
INTI, MMU, MSU, UNITAR & more
Flexible, affordable options — Multimedia University, Management and Science University, UNITAR, Open University Malaysia (ODL) and others.
Ask about admission →University names are shown for guidance only. Programme availability, rankings and entry requirements change each year — contact us for current information.
Programmes
Courses in Malaysia at every level.
From foundation courses after secondary school to PhD programmes in Malaysia.
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Foundation & Pre-University
Foundation in science, arts, engineering & business; A-Level programmes.
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Diploma Courses
Nursing, psychology, IT, business, accounting, interior design and more.
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Bachelor's Degrees
Engineering, computer science, data science, law (LLB), psychology, business, architecture.
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Medical & Health
MBBS, dentistry, pharmacy, nursing, physiotherapy, biomedical science.
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Master's & MBA
Coursework and research masters, MBA, MSc project management, HR management, education.
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PhD & Doctorate
Research PhDs with rolling intakes, coursework PhD and DBA pathways.
🌐
Twinning & Branch Campuses
UK, Australian and dual-degree programmes taught in Malaysia.
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Part-time & ODL
Part-time degrees and open distance learning for working adults.
Fees & Budget
Cost of studying in Malaysia.
Malaysia is among the most affordable destinations for quality international higher education.
| Item | Guide | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition — affordable public universities | From about RM 8,000 per year | E.g. selected UNIMAS programmes; varies by course |
| Tuition — private & branch campuses | Higher; varies by programme | Still often 40–60% lower than UK/Australia |
| Average living cost | About RM 1,800 per month | Penang, Johor and Sarawak are usually cheaper than Kuala Lumpur |
| Sales & Service Tax (SST) | 6% on tuition fees | For international students, effective 1 July 2025 |
| Student visa (EMGS) | About USD 300 | Plus medical screening and insurance — confirm at application |
Figures are indicative guides for planning only and are subject to change. We will confirm the latest fees for your chosen university and programme.
Scholarships
Scholarships in Malaysia for international students.
Many Malaysian universities offer merit-based scholarships, tuition waivers and bursaries for foundation, undergraduate, master's and PhD students. We help you match your academic profile to the right opportunities and prepare a strong application.
Undergraduate scholarship MalaysiaMaster degree scholarship MalaysiaPhD scholarship MalaysiaMalaysia international scholarshipFoundation scholarship Malaysia
EMGS Student Visa
Your step-by-step path to studying in Malaysia.
Free consultation
Tell us your qualifications, budget and preferred course. We shortlist suitable universities.
Apply & receive your offer
We help you prepare documents and submit applications for your chosen intake.
EMGS student pass application
Your university submits your application to EMGS. Approval can take about 14 days once complete — plan 18–24 weeks overall.
Visa Approval Letter & travel
Receive your eVAL, book flights and complete medical screening on arrival.
Arrival & settling in
Guidance on accommodation, banking, SIM cards and student life.
Popular Searches
Study in Malaysia topics.
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FAQ
Study in Malaysia — common questions
Why study in Malaysia as an international student?
Malaysia offers internationally recognised degrees taught in English, public universities and international branch campuses of UK, Australian and Chinese universities, and tuition and living costs that are often 40–60% lower than studying in the UK or Australia.
How much does it cost to study in Malaysia?
Tuition varies by university and programme. Public universities such as UNIMAS offer some of the most affordable fees (from around RM 8,000 per year for selected programmes), while average student living costs are about RM 1,800 per month. Please confirm current fees with us before applying.
What is EMGS?
Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) processes student pass (visa) applications for international students entering Malaysian higher education institutions. EMGS approval can take about 14 days once complete, but you should plan 18–24 weeks for the whole process.
When are the intakes?
Most Malaysian universities have three main intakes — February, July and October. Many research PhD programmes accept applications year-round.
Do you charge a consultation fee?
No. Our study in Malaysia advisory is free for students and parents.
Are there scholarships for international students?
Yes. Several universities and programmes offer merit scholarships and tuition waivers for international students at foundation, degree, masters and PhD level. We help you identify options you are eligible for.
Start your study in Malaysia journey today — free advice from our team.
Enquiries
Get free study in Malaysia advice.
Tell us your background, preferred course and intake. Our consultants will reply with suitable universities and next steps.
Talk to our team
Every enquiry is answered by an EduGuide consultant. Consultations are free of charge for students and corporate clients.
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Email (all enquiries)michael@eduguide.edu.pl
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OfficeUnit A-5-10, Empire Tower, Jalan SS16/1, SS16, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
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Office hoursMon–Fri, 9:00am–6:00pm (GMT+8). Online sessions available across time zones.