Study in Malaysia: A Guide for International Students

If you are looking to study abroad on a budget, one of the top options for you is Malaysia.

But, that’s not all that Malaysia offers.

Malaysia is a diverse and beautiful country, and is in fact one of the most popular destinations for international students in Asia, with over 170,000 students from 162 countries studying here.

If you want to be one of those students, keep on reading as we will explore some of the benefits of choosing Malaysia for your higher education, as well as some of the best universities and how to apply for a student visa.

Benefits of Choosing Malaysia for International Students

Malaysia offers many benefits for international students, such as:

1. Quality Education:

Malaysian universities consistently rank among the top in Asia and worldwide, offering a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines. Moreover, many institutions all over the world also collaborate with international universities in Malaysia, offering students an opportunity to transfer their credits elsewhere after a few semesters in Malaysia.

2. Affordable Tuition Fees:

Not all of us can afford to break the bank to study abroad. This is where Malaysia is such a good option as the cost of education as compared to Western countries is relatively affordable here. Tuition fees vary depending on the university and program, but they are generally lower than what you might find in countries like the United States or the United Kingdom.

3. Cultural Diversity:

Malaysia is known for its cultural diversity, making it an ideal destination for international students. As an international student in Malaysia, you will have the opportunity to interact with many students from various backgrounds, making it an exciting destination for international students.

4. English as the Medium of Instruction:

The majority of courses at Malaysian universities are taught in English, which is very beneficial for international students. This eliminates language barriers and allows students to focus on their studies. Moreover, English is a very commonly spoken language in Malaysia, hence it is very easy for international students to navigate their way in Malaysia.

5. Stunning Natural Beauty & City Life:

Beyond academics, Malaysia also offers breathtaking scenery and a vibrant city life. From the beautiful beaches of Langkawi to the bustling streets of Kuala Lumpur, you’ll have plenty to explore in Malaysia as an international student.

Best Universities in Malaysia

Malaysia has over 500 public and private higher education institutions, offering a variety of programs at different levels. Some of the most reputable and internationally recognized universities in Malaysia are:

1. University of Malaya (UM):

UM is the oldest and most prestigious university in Malaysia, ranked 59th in the world by QS World University Rankings 2022. It offers programs in arts, humanities, social sciences, engineering, science, medicine, law, business, and education.

Check out their website here to learn more about the programs you would like to study.

2. Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM):

UPM is a research-intensive university that focuses on agriculture, forestry, biotechnology, engineering, science, and social sciences. It is ranked among the top 200 in the world by QS World University Rankings 2022 and is renowned for its state-of-the-art facilities and research unit.

Check out their website here to learn more about UPM.

3. Taylors University:

Taylor’s University is another leading private university in Malaysia that has been awarded the highest rating of 6 stars by SETARA, a national rating system for higher education institutions in Malaysia. Taylor’s University offers foundation, diploma, undergraduate, and postgraduate programs in different fields.

Check out their international students website here to learn more.

4. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM):

UTM is a leading university in engineering and technology, offering programs in civil engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, computer science, architecture, and urban planning. It is ranked among the top 300 in the world by QS World University Rankings 2022.

Check out their website here to learn more about their upcoming intake.

5. Monash University:

Monash University Malaysia is a branch campus of Monash University Australia, which is ranked among the top 50 universities in the world by QS World University Rankings. Monash University Malaysia offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in various academic fields.

Check out their website here to learn more about the university.

How to apply for Malaysia student visa?

To study in Malaysia as an international student, you will need to apply for a student visa or pass. The process is as follows:

Step 1- Choose your university and program:

The first step is to choose which university and program you want to get yourself enrolled into in Malaysia. You can search for courses and universities on the Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) website or by contacting AS Overseas Education to help you with your application.

Step 2- Submit your application:

Once you have chosen your university and program, you will need to submit your application online or offline. You will need to provide your academic transcripts, English proficiency test results (if required), passport copy, passport-size photo, and other supporting documents.

Step 3- Apply for your student pass:

After you have accepted your offer letter and paid the fees, the university will apply for your student pass on your behalf through Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS). You will need to provide your health examination report and other documents as requested by EMGS.

Step 4- Receive your travel authorization:

Once your student pass application is approved by EMGS and the Immigration Department of Malaysia, you will receive a travel authorization letter from EMGS. You will need to download this letter from the EMGS website and print it out.