Study in Malaysia

Malaysia is a diverse nation, home to multiple ethnicities, cultures, and religions. Often regarded as a gateway to Asia, it blends vibrant city life with rich natural landscapes — from Kuala Lumpur’s iconic Petronas Twin Towers to lush rainforests, providing the right balance. 

Malaysia offers internationally recognised, affordable higher education, with quality programmes, modern facilities, strong global partnerships, and industry-relevant learning amid a multicultural environment. The Malaysian education system focuses on skill development, emerging technologies, and industry tie-ups, leading to successful career outcomes.

In addition, Malaysia is close to India, making it even more attractive to Indian students. 

Learn more about what it takes to study in Malaysia in this article. 

Why study in Malaysia?

Malaysia is a top choice for international students due to its unique combination of global academic standards and affordability compared to Western destinations.

Key advantages include:

World-renowned institutions: Over 20 Malaysian universities are listed in the Times Higher Education (THE) and QS World University Rankings. Malaysia is also home to 5 universities in the top 200 globally (QS 2026) and branch campuses of elite  Australian and UK institutions, such as Monash University and the University of Nottingham. 

Quality education: Malaysia offers high-quality education, with globally renowned universities offering diverse programmes and advanced infrastructure. 

Affordability: Tuition and living costs are roughly one-third of the cost in the US or UK, making it very affordable for Indian students. Kuala Lumpur, the capital, is considered one of the best student cities of 2025, ranking 23rd in the world. 

Easy communication: English is the primary medium of instruction at private universities and is widely spoken nationwide.

Multicultural environment: Malaysia is home to diverse nationalities, including a large population of Indians (6.6%), Chinese, and other indigenous cultures, making it a welcoming place for international students. 

Safe and peaceful society: Consistently ranked among the top 20 safest countries and 10th most peaceful globally as per the Global Peace Index.

Post-study rights: The Graduate Pass allows students from many countries to stay for one year after graduation to search for employment. 

Education System in Malaysia

The Malaysian education system is overseen by the Ministry of Education (MOE) for school-level learning and the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) for tertiary studies. Malaysia has also launched the National Education Blueprint 2026–2035, which focuses on skills-based learning and trending disciplines like AI and STEM.

Key features:

Dual curricula: Students can choose between the National Curriculum (leading to the SPM exam) or International Curricula (like IGCSE or IB) offered at over 100 international schools.

TVET integration: Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is being integrated into the school curriculum for students to explore vocational pathways.

MQF 2nd Edition: The Malaysian Qualifications Framework (MQF) standardises academic and vocational credits to align with the international higher education system. 

New electives: Universities will add over 1,500 courses and expand several electives in law, finance, banking, accounting, AI, economics and more.

Higher education landscape

Malaysia is home to over 90 institutions: 

Public institutions (Government-funded):

• Public universities
• Polytechnics (technical and engineering training)
• Community colleges (reskilling and upskilling for school leavers)
• Teacher training institutes
• Technical and vocational education (hands-on training, upskilling pathways)

Private institutions:

• Private universities and university colleges offer degrees and higher qualifications, often in collaboration with foreign universities
• Foreign university branch campuses award the same degrees as their overseas campuses at local costs
• Private colleges offer twinning and 3+0 degree programmes with UK, US, or Australian universities 

Top universities in Malaysia for Indian students

Malaysia features a mix of prestigious public universities and branch campuses of top-tier UK and Australian institutions.

Top 10 universities

• Universiti Malaya (UM) (Ranked 58th)
• Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) (126th)
• Universiti Putra Malaysia (134th)
• Universiti Sains Malaysia (134th)
• Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (153rd)
• Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) (251st)
• Taylor's University (253rd)
• UCSI University (269th)
• Sunway University (410th)
• Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) (491st)

International branch campuses

• Heriot-Watt University
• Newcastle University (medicine)
• University of Nottingham
• University of Reading
• University of Southampton (engineering)
• Curtin University
• Monash University  
• University of Wollongong

Popular courses

Malaysia offers over 3,700 bachelor's degree programmes, and more than 2,261 postgraduate courses. Popular subjects include:

• Biotechnology
• Education
• Arts and humanities
• Environmental science
• Digital broadcasting
• Electronic commerce
• Online information services
• Telemedicine
• Business, Accounting
• Finance, Marketing

Intakes and admission requirements

Admission requirements vary by university, level of study, and the course, but typically follow a standardised process. International students must have completed at least 12 years of schooling and passed a national or international examination recognised by the Ministry of Education to be eligible for admission to diploma or degree programmes.

Entry Criteria

Undergraduate 

• Completion of class 12 from a recognised Indian school board with A levels
• GPA 3.5 or higher

Postgraduate

• Relevant bachelor’s degree from a well-known Indian college or university
• CGPA 2.5 or above

English language proficiency

• IELTS 6.5 or higher
• TOEFL iBT score of 70- 80 or higher 
• Other equivalent English tests, such as the Malaysian University English Test (MUET) 

Required documents

• Certified marks sheets, academic transcripts, and degree certificates
• Reference letters
• Statement of purpose 
• CV

Intakes

Public universities: 2 intakes

• September/October: Main intake
• February/March: Secondary intake

Private universities: 4 intakes

• January
• March
• May
• September/October

International campuses: 3 intakes

• January
• July
• September/October

Cost of studying in Malaysia

Malaysia is known for its affordability and vibrant lifestyle, making it a popular choice for international students. Malaysia ranks 12th in Asia on Numbeo’s Quality of Life Index, and with an average monthly living cost of US$ 582 (INR 52,000 approx.). 

Tuition fees

Living expenses

Living costs depend on the location and lifestyle. On-campus accommodation is cheaper and ranges approximately from US$ 50 (INR 4,543) to US$ 150 (INR 13,631) monthly. 

Scholarships to study in Malaysia

Malaysia offers several scholarships to deserving international students. These include:

1. Government-funded scholarships: 

• Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS)
• Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP)
• Malaysian Commonwealth Scholarship
   

2. University-specific scholarships:

• MSU Outstanding Rewards Scholarship (MORE)
• APU: UEC Scholarships 2025
• APU: Postgraduate Apprenticeship Scheme
• Post Graduate Research Scholarship by City University Malaysia
• UTAR Top Achiever Scholarships
• University of Bath - Scholarships for international undergraduate students
• Sunway University Taught Masters Scholarship
• UNITEN - Scholarships & Financial Aids
• Monash High Achiever Award (New Students)

Student visa process

All international students pursuing any level of education in Malaysia must apply for a Student Pass through the Department of Immigration Malaysia. Student pass applications must be submitted by institutions of higher learning in Malaysia. They also must hold an approved Visa Approval Letter (VAL) and must obtain a Visa with Reference (VDR) from a Malaysian Representative Office abroad before entering Malaysia.

Types of student visas

• Student pass: Valid for a year, must be renewed if your course lasts longer
• Graduate pass: Allows graduates to stay in the country for an additional year to look for jobs

Required documents

• Valid passport
• Support letter from the Ministry of Education or the Department of Skill Development
• Offer letter from the school, higher education institution, language centre, or training centre
• Two completed copies of Form Imm.14
• Two recent coloured photographs 
• Stamped Personal Bond form
• Health declaration form
• Academic transcripts, certificates
• English language test scores
• Air tickets
• Medical insurance

Application steps

The student visa process in Malaysia is primarily managed through the Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) portal:

1. Apply and receive a formal admission offer from a recognised Malaysian university.
2. Submit the EMGS application, which your university usually initiates online. 
3. Obtain a Visa Approval Letter (VAL) from a Malaysian Embassy in India. Once approved, EMGS issues an electronic VAL (eVAL). Do not book travel until you have this.

On-arrival:

1. Complete a mandatory medical check-up at an EMGS-approved clinic within 7 days of arrival.
2. Submit your passport to your university to receive the Student Pass sticker. 

Cost:  RM 2,765.60  (INR 64,497 approx.) including EMGS, health insurance, eVAL, and other costs. 

Post-study work options and careers

Malaysian universities host regular career and skills fairs and offer workshops and networking opportunities to explore career options. Employers must apply for a work permit through the local authorities, and depending on the role and skill level. These permits include:

• Employment Pass
• Temporary Employment Pass
• Residence Pass-Talent (RP-T) offered to skilled individuals to work and live in Malaysia for up to 10 years

High-demand careers in Malaysia

Local authorities project growth of 5.7% in the services sector and 4.8% in manufacturing, while the IMF forecasts a stable job market alongside overall economic growth of 4.7%.

• Manufacturing: Automotive, electronics, chemical production
• Tourism: Hospitality, transportation, retail
• Technology: Software development, IT services, e-commerce
• Finance: Banking, insurance, investment
• Healthcare: Medical services, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology
• Agriculture: Food production, palm oil, rubber
• Construction: Infrastructure development, real estate
• Education: Teaching, research, language training
• Services: Logistics, telecommunications, and related support services

Top job roles

• Civil engineer
• Doctor
• Computer and software specialist
• Accountant and accounts analyst
• Business consultant

Skill shortage list:

• Managing director and chief executive
• Finance manager
• Business service manager
• Quality manager
• Manufacturing manager
• Construction manager
• Information and communications technology (ICT) manager
• Industrial and production engineer
• Civil engineer
• Mechanical engineer

Salary prospects

Fresh graduates in Malaysia can expect an average salary of RM 42,508 (INR 9.91 lakhs approx.) per year. [Source: Indeed] 

FAQs

Is studying in Malaysia considered cheap for Indians?

Yes, Malaysia offers one of the most affordable study abroad options, with fees as low as 2 lakhs per annum. 

Can I work part-time during studies?

Yes. All international students are eligible to work part-time, up to 20 hours per week, during semester breaks and holidays only.  Note that they cannot work as cashiers, singers, musicians, or masseurs. 

How long does it take to get a Malaysian student visa?

Student visas are typically processed within 4-6 weeks.