Top Reasons to study in Malaysia: Universities, Cost & Stay back Options

published on 30 November 2022
Top Reasons to study in Malaysia
Top Reasons to study in Malaysia

This article provides detailed information about the top reasons to study in Malaysia and the best universities in Malaysia. And we have also discussed the cost of studying in Malaysia and stay back options available 

The land of summer rains, breathtaking nature, golden temples, and skyscrapers, Malaysia has that exotic je-ne-sais-quoi (a quality that cannot be described) which makes it a top tourist destination. But have you ever thought that Malaysia could also be the perfect place for your study abroad experience?

Malaysia is ranked the 11th most popular country to study by UNESCO. With an excellent education system carefully designed to meet the needs of a multicultural society, the country has gradually emerged as a leading student destination. The quality of education, student life, and affordable fees at top Malaysian universities are also the key reasons why the country has become a popular choice as a study-abroad destination.

If you are preparing to study in Malaysia, this article will provide you with all the essential information.

Top Reasons to study in Malaysia

  • Malaysian universities have Modern campuses with robust digital infrastructure.
  • Malaysia ranked 16th among the safest countries in the world
  • The courses offered by Malaysian universities are among the top 100 in the world for Computer Science & Engineering
  • Part-time job opportunities while studying. 20 hours per week of part-time work allowed.
  • A multilingual country that simplifies communication.
  • One of the key reasons is affordable course fees.

How to study in Malaysia? :  Process which the interested applicants need to follow

  • First, applicants must select the desired course of study and decide on the institution where they wish to study.
  • Students must apply online directly to the selected university. Based on profile and academic background, the university/college decides whether or not to accept the application. If your application is accepted, you will receive an offer letter.
  • After receiving the acceptance from the institution, you need to apply for a student visa to travel to Malaysia to study.
  • Applicant must complete the whole student visa process and get approval.
  • Once your student visa is approved, plan your departure

Top 10  Universities in Malaysia

  • University of Malaysia:  QS World University Ranking 59 
  • Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM): QS World University Ranking 132
  • Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM): QS World University Ranking 141
  • Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM): QS World University Ranking 142
  • Universiti Teknologi Malaysia: QS World University Ranking 187
  • Taylor's University: QS World University Ranking 379
  • UCSI University: QS World University Ranking 391
  • Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP): QS World University Ranking 439
  • Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM): QS World University Ranking 531-540
  • Management and Science University: QS World University Ranking 551-560

Documents Required to study in Malaysia 

Here are some of the basic documents you will need:

  • A scanned copy of your diploma
  • A transcript/record of your previous courses
  • A valid passport 
  • Your birth certificate
  • Your C.V or Resume
  • Language test scores(IELTS, TOEFL, PTE)
  • International standardized test scores(SAT, ACT, GMAT, GRE)
  • Statement of purpose
  • 2 or 3 Letters of recommendation 
  • Portfolio of your previous work

Universities in Malaysia which do not require IELTS 

There are few universities in Malaysia that accept an application without IELTS score. Here is a list:

  • Asia Pacific University
  • City University Malaysia
  • Manipal International University
  • Swinburne University Malaysia campus
  • Curtin University Malaysia campus
  • Inti University
  • Segi University Kota Damansara
  • Help University

Study in Malaysia: Scholarship Program

There are a number of scholarship programs provided by Malaysian Universities. With the help of scholarships, you can achieve your study goal in Malaysia for free.

  • Taylor’s Excellence Awards in Malaysia.
  • Data Futures Scholarship Malaysia.
  • MMU High Achievers Scholarships in Malaysia.
  • International Postgraduate Scholarship at Perdana University.
  • International Scholarships at the Asia Pacific University of Technology Malaysia.
  • Help University Malaysia International Scholarships.
  • Heriot-Watt University Bachelor and Master Scholarships

Right cities to live in Malaysia for study:

Kuala Lampur:

Kuala Lampur is one of Malaysia's most popular cities for students seeking quality higher education with all academic standards. Kuala Lumpur has many higher-education institutions, that includes Universiti Malaya; Universiti Putra Malaysia; International Islamic University Malaysia Universiti Teknologi MARA.

Johor Bahru:

The best universities in Johor Bahru Malaysia offer a wide range of subjects ranging from business to technology to medical studies. The best universities in Johor Bahru, Malaysia includes  Raffles University Iskandar, Asia Metropolitan University, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia,

Metro Polytechnic Johor Bahru, and Universal Business Academy

Penang:

Penang is one of the favorite destinations among students. Penang has various higher-education public and private institutions that include: Alliance College of Medical Sciences (ACMS); Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM); Penang Medical College; Olympia College Penang.

Cost of studying in Malaysia:

When it comes to tuition fees and living expenses, your decision to study in Malaysia can be very economical. While tuition fees can vary from university to university, public higher education institutions are quite cheap.

Tuition fees at public university 

Under Graduate degree

2,000–4,500 EUR per year (3,79,000 - 5,00,000 INR)

Post Graduate degree

500–4,000 EUR per year (3,80,000 INR- 4,00,,000 INR)

Tuition fees at Private University 

Bachelor’s Degree

1,350–9,300 EUR per year  ( 5,06,000- 7,00,000 INR)

Master’s Degree

1,500–3,000 EUR per year  (2,11,000- 4,00,000 INR)

Cost of living in Malaysia: 

Other than tuition fee, living costs are also affordable in Malaysia for international students.

  • Accommodation: RM 600 to RM 900 per month (12,000 INR)
  • 3 meals per day: RM 20 to RM 30,  (300- 600 INR)
  • Transportation Costs: RM 80 to RM 150 (1800-2000 INR)
  • Other Personal expenses: RM 100 to RM 200.(3000- 4000 INR)

Malaysia Intake session:

In Malaysian Universities and Colleges, there are three intakes in a year. It is recommended to send applications three months prior. 

For April Session, send applications by January

For June Session, send applications by April

For November Session, send applications by September

Part Time Job option while studying in Malaysia 

Home Tutor: RM 40 per hour (715 INR)

Freelancer: RM 25 – 50 per hour (447 – 894 INR)

Direct Sales: RM0 – RM50 per hour ( 0 – 894 INR)

Retail Store Assistant: RM 7 – 10 per hour (125 – 179 INR)

Food Service Staff:RM 6 per hour (107 INR)

Event Staff:RM 20 per hour (357 INR)

Stay Back Options in Malayasia

There are a few options available for those who wish to stay and work in Malaysia after their studies, namely the employment pass. In addition, there is Employment Pass and Visitor’s Pass (Professional).

The length of each option ranges from six months to about five years, per the terms.

It also depends on role, salary, and contract. To apply for a work visa, you also need a passport that is still valid for at least 18 months.

Conclusion

This article has clearly explained top reasons to study in Malaysia, the best universities in Malaysia, and detailed information about the cost of studying and staying back options.

Malaysia has strengthened its position as a top educational destination. Malaysia is always on the list of students who wish to study abroad.

With its lower cost of living, easy immigration process, multicultural environment, and world-class education system, it is an excellent choice to study in Malaysia. 

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