Malaysia is a country with a federal constitutional monarchy system, comprising 13 states and three federal territories, including Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, and Labuan. Malaysia is known for its unique blend of culture and history, making it a valuable gem in Southeast Asia.
This diverse heritage also translates to a tantalizing array of delicious food options that are sure to satisfy any craving. Recently, universities in Malaysia have begun offering Master’s and Bachelor’s programs taught in English, attracting students from around the world who get to experience living in a desirable location.
Why study in Malaysia?
- Affordability: In comparison to universities in the US, Canada, UK, or Australia, most disciplines require significantly lower tuition fees.
- Language: Approximately 50–60% of Malaysians can speak English, particularly in popular student cities such as Kuala Lumpur, where language barriers are not a concern.
- Top-ranked universities in Asia: Malaysian universities consistently rank highly in global university rankings, making them a top choice for higher education in Asia. This applies to both public and private universities, making Malaysia an attractive destination for studying.
- Experience a state of tranquility and security: Recent rankings show that Malaysia is considered to be a secure and tranquil country. It has a steady political climate, a thriving economy, and an emerging industry, all of which contribute to the positive perception of the local community.
Top Cities to Study in Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur: Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, is not only the most populous city in the country but also serves as its economic, commercial, and cultural center, with a population of over 1.5 million. This city is highly favored by international students seeking a high-quality higher education that meets academic standards. Some must-visit places are-
- Petronas Twin Towers
- Batu Caves
- Menara Kuala Lumpur
- Penang- Furthermore, the city attracts many tourists and students from all over the world every year. Some must-visit places are-
- Escape Penang
- Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm
- Penang 3D Trick Art Museum
- Selangor: Selangor offers a valuable study opportunity in Malaysia, as well as various tourist attractions and entertainment parks. These factors contribute to the city’s ability to attract a large number of tourists and students, ensuring an enjoyable study experience. Some must-visit places are-
- Arulmigu Murugan Statue
- i-City Theme Park
- National Zoo of Malaysia.
- Johor Bahru- Johor Bahru, located in EduCity, is a popular destination for international students due to its association with renowned universities in the region. Some must-visit places are-
- Johor Ancient Temple
- Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque
- LEGOLAND Malaysia
Study in Malaysia with GMC STUDIES
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Let us guide you towards realizing your academic aspirations and shaping a brighter future.
- Honest and skilled services
- Professionalism in words and works
- Get a quick offer letter.
- We have established direct partnerships with many universities.
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- Service Charge after visa
- Our success rate is 100% so far.
Our Success Stories & Student Review for the Malaysia
I learned about GMC Studies from my brother, who used their services to process his UK visa. I applied for a Bachelor of Business Management at the University of Geomatika. GMC STUDIES assisted me throughout the application process, from the initial application to obtaining the offer letter and EMGS. They were very helpful and made my journey hassle-free. I received my visa in under a month, said Shakib Sarwar.
I didn’t initially know how to get a visa for Sweden or how to get assistance with it. However, it was via an Instagram advertisement that I came about GMC STUDIES. They helped me finish the application procedure after we scheduled a meeting. They provided me with all the necessary information and guidance, which eased my admission to the Bachelor of Computer Science at the University of Geomatika – 𝐌𝐝 𝐒𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐢𝐧.
Malaysia Student Visa Requirements
To obtain a student visa for Malaysia, applicants must fulfill certain requirements outlined by the Malaysian immigration authorities. Here is a comprehensive list of the typical Malaysia student visa requirements:
Types of Student Visa:
- Student Visa- This is for students from other countries who are studying either academic or vocational programs.
Malaysia Student Visa Fees:
- The student has to pay the Visa Application Fee of 126 RM which is around BDT 2952.37 to complete the visa application.
Malaysia Study Visa Documents List:
- Copy of Passport (Information Page)
- Old Passport (If Any)
- Approval Letter
- Electronic Visa Approval Letter (eVAL)
Admission Processing Documents-
- Passport (Clear Scan Copy)
- All Academic Certificate and Transcript (Clear Scan Copy)
- Up to Date CV with proper DD/MM/YYYY Format
- Passport Size Photo (1 Copy)
Malaysia University Tuition Fees Range-
- The cost of tuition at public universities varies depending on the degree program.
- Bachelor’s degrees can range from 10200 RM to 22951 RM per year, while some Medicine degrees can be as expensive as 137707 RM per year.
- Master’s degrees generally cost starting from 12000 RM per year.
Popular Malaysia University Courses-
- Business Management
- Computer Science
- Public Relations
- Digital Marketing
- Civil Engineering
- Master of Education (TESL)
- Culinary Arts
- Biomedical Science
- Law (LLB)
- Human Resource Management (HRM)
- Hospitality Management
Available Scholarships to Study in Malaysia
- United Nations University IIGH Scholarship- The United Nations University IIGH Scholarship is open to students from developing countries, with a focus on encouraging women to apply. It is specifically for those interested in research programs. The Global Health PhD Fellowship provides the opportunity for recipients to engage in policy analysis and translation within the UN global health context, enriching their PhD experience.
- TWAS/USM Postgraduate Fellowship for Young Scientists Malaysia- The TWAS-USM Fellowship Programme provides funding for young scientists from developing countries (excluding Malaysia) who want to pursue a PhD in natural sciences at Universiti Sains Malaysia.
- Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS)- The Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS) is a program created by the Malaysian Government to attract talented individuals from all over the world to come to Malaysia and pursue postgraduate studies. The goal is to establish Malaysia as a leading academic hub by attracting and retaining talented international students.
- The Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP)- The MTCP Scholarship, funded by the Malaysian government, aims to support students from developing countries in pursuing postgraduate studies in Malaysia. The scholarship lasts for 24 to 36 months and emphasizes the acquisition of knowledge and skills that can benefit the students’ home countries.
- ASEAN Scholarships for Postgraduate Studies– The scholarship is available to citizens of ASEAN member countries who have finished their bachelor’s degree and have been admitted to a graduate program in another ASEAN member country. It includes funding for tuition, living costs, and travel expenses. The ASEAN Scholarships for Postgraduate Studies offer funding for a variety of subjects such as science, technology, social sciences, and humanities. The duration of the scholarship depends on the level of study, ranging from two years for master’s programs to three years for doctoral programs.
- Malaysian Government Scholarship- The Malaysian Government provides scholarships for both Malaysian and international students to pursue undergraduate studies in Malaysia or overseas. These scholarships include coverage for tuition fees, living expenses, and additional perks.
- MyBrainSc Scholarship– The MyBrainSc scholarship is available to both Malaysian and international students who want to pursue postgraduate studies in science and technology. It includes coverage for tuition fees, living expenses, and additional perks.
Study Options
- Undergraduate
- Graduate (Master’s)
- Graduate (Doctoral)
Study in Malaysia from Bangladesh without IELTS
Most of the universities in Malaysia do not require international students to have an IELTS score for admission. Students can either apply without an IELTS score from Bangladesh or take the IELTS or an internal English Language test within the first year of their studies after being admitted to the university.
Costs of studying and living in Malaysia
The cost of Studying has already been discussed in the ‘Malaysia University Tuition Fees Range’ section.
Living Cost– Malaysia provides a cost-effective and desirable lifestyle for immigrants, with a lower cost of living compared to the US and UK. Rent and food expenses are reasonably priced, and it is recommended to budget around 450-600 RM per month for living expenses. This is subjective and can differ from student to student based on their lifestyle.
Part-Time Jobs/Work Opportunities
International students in Malaysia are permitted to work part-time for up to 20 hours per week during semester breaks and holidays that are at least seven days long. If a company sponsors your work permit, you will be able to work legally in Malaysia. International students who wish to work part-time must apply through their educational institutions. To do so, they must accompany a representative from their institution to the Immigration Department of Malaysia.
Post Study Work Permit for 2 Years
To work in Malaysia after finishing their degree, international students must find a job offer from a Malaysian employer. The employer will then assist the student in obtaining a work permit and provide guidance on the necessary documents for the application process. The candidate needs to have a valid passport for at least 18 months from the date of the job offer to allow enough time for renewal and any necessary appeals. International candidates need an Employment Pass that is valid for a minimum of 2 years and a maximum of 5 years.
The Immigration Department in Malaysia issues three different types of work permits
- The Employment Pass
- The Temporary Employment Pass, also known as the Visitor’s Pass, is a short-term work permit.
- The Professional Visit Pass is a permit for professionals who visit Singapore for work-related purposes.
Study in Malaysia – FAQ
Is it possible to have a job in Malaysia while on a student visa?
Students on these visas have permission to work and intern, but there are limitations in place. Students are allowed to work part-time for a maximum of 20 hours per week unless it is a holiday season or a long break.
What job opportunities are available after completing studies in Malaysia?
There are boundless opportunities available after studying in Malaysia. You just need a work visa, which your employer can help you apply for. Given your impressive credentials from prestigious Malaysian universities, it is highly likely that the country would be eager to make use of your valuable skills and abilities.
How long is the duration of my student visa?
New applicants have the opportunity to apply for a student visa that will be valid for the entire duration of their course. Typically, if the visa is renewed on time, it will be valid for one year. In the case of language courses, the student visa is generally valid for 12 months.
What is an iKAD?
The iKAD serves as identification for international students in Malaysia and is issued once they obtain their student pass. It is mandatory to have it with you at all times, except when traveling internationally, as it replaces the need for carrying a passport.
Does one need to provide evidence of English language proficiency to get a student visa in Malaysia?
Most of the universities in Malaysia do not require international students to have an IELTS score for admission. Students can either apply without an IELTS score from Bangladesh or take the IELTS or an internal English Language test within the first year of their studies after being admitted to the university.
Is there a maximum age requirement for applying for a student visa?
Malaysian student visas do not have a specific age limit, except for language institutes which require applicants to be between 18 and 35 years old. The main requirement is that students can apply to study in Malaysia after passing the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examination and have passed the Ministry of Education’s recognized examination to be eligible for admission to a diploma or degree program.
