Study and find schools in Malaysia

Studying in Malaysia

Malaysia is a federation in Southeast Asia, split between Peninsular Malaysia and the states of Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo. Its official study portal, run by Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) under the Ministry of Higher Education, puts the population at about 33 million. Bahasa Malaysia is the official language, but EMGS notes that most people also speak English, and that most higher-education courses are taught in English. This makes Malaysia one of the few countries in Asia where an international student can complete a full degree in English at a relatively moderate cost.

The higher-education sector is large. According to the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), the country has 20 public universities, 36 polytechnics, 106 community colleges and 374 private higher education institutions. EMGS adds that Malaysia hosts 11 foreign branch campuses, which award the degrees of their home universities.

The education system in Malaysia

Higher education is offered by several kinds of institution:

• Public universities (universiti awam), funded by the government
• Private universities, university colleges and private colleges
• Branch campuses of foreign universities
• Polytechnics and community colleges for technical and vocational education and training (TVET)
• Language centres and training centres for shorter courses

Qualifications are set out in the Malaysian Qualifications Framework (MQF), managed by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA). The MQF was first published in 2007 and its second edition was approved by the MQA Council in December 2017. That revision grouped skills, vocational and technical qualifications into a single TVET sector, while the higher-education sector was renamed the academic sector. In practice, students move from foundation programmes and diplomas to bachelor's degrees (usually with honours), master's degrees and PhDs; the EMGS course search lists foundation, diploma, advanced diploma, bachelor's and master's levels.

Accreditation matters. To admit international students, a private institution must have MOHE approval to operate and register its programmes, the programme must be accredited by the MQA, and the institution needs permission from the Ministry of Home Affairs to recruit international students, according to the Immigration Department. Before applying, it is worth checking that both the institution and the specific programme meet these conditions.

Admission and recognition

Each institution handles its own admissions. As a general rule, EMGS states that international students must have at least twelve years of education and have passed a national or international examination recognised for admission to diploma or degree programmes. Many students without that level start with a foundation year. Because most courses are taught in English, institutions usually ask for proof of English proficiency; the level depends on the programme.

Recognition of a Malaysian degree in your home country depends on that country's own rules. Checking that the programme is MQA-accredited is the first step, as it is the national quality reference for Malaysian qualifications.

Student visa and residence

International students need a Student Pass, an immigration pass issued by the Immigration Department of Malaysia for study at an approved institution. The process, as described by EMGS and the Immigration Department (checked October 2026), runs as follows:

• Receive an offer letter from an approved institution
• Apply online through EMGS, or through the institution via the STARS system, while still outside Malaysia
• EMGS carries out academic screening and document checks
• The Immigration Department issues an electronic Visa Approval Letter (eVAL)
• Nationals of countries that require one obtain a Single-Entry Visa through the eVISA system
• After arrival: post-arrival medical screening and endorsement of the Student Pass in the passport

Required documents include a passport photo, the passport biodata page, the offer letter, a health declaration form and academic certificates and transcripts. The EMGS client charter is 14 working days for a complete application. The eVAL is valid for six months, and the Student Pass is usually issued for up to one year at a time and then renewed. Insurance coverage is compulsory for all international students throughout their studies, and students may enter Malaysia only after receiving the eVAL. Application fees are calculated on the EMGS visa portal (visa.educationmalaysia.gov.my).

Costs

Malaysia has no single national fee scale for international students. EMGS states that tuition fees depend on the programme and the institution, and refers students to its cost calculator and to the institutions themselves. It is worth comparing the full cost of a degree, not only the annual fee.

Living costs are moderate. According to EMGS, on-campus accommodation typically costs USD 50 to 150 per month and off-campus rooms or shared flats USD 100 to 300 per month. EMGS estimates utilities at USD 40 to 65 per month, and a meal at a local food stall at USD 1 to 3. A trip on the LRT, MRT or monorail in Kuala Lumpur costs between USD 0.21 and 1.50. EMGS notes that the cost of living varies with the region, the type of accommodation and lifestyle choices.

The Malaysian government also offers some scholarships for international students, listed on the MOHE scholarship portal; most other funding comes from the institutions.

Where to study

Institutions are spread across all Malaysian states and federal territories, from Kuala Lumpur and Selangor to Penang, Johor and Sabah and Sarawak on Borneo; the EMGS course search can be filtered by state.

The school currently listed on SpainExchange for Malaysia is in Gombak, Selangor, just north of Kuala Lumpur: Universiti Kuala Lumpur British Malaysian Institute (UniKL BMI). It is a campus of Universiti Kuala Lumpur focused on electrical and electronic engineering. Its programmes run from a foundation year and a diploma in electrical and electronics engineering technology to bachelor's degrees in fields such as electrical engineering, electronic engineering technology and telecommunication engineering technology, and master's and PhD programmes.

Practical life

Malaysia is multilingual and multicultural: EMGS notes that more than 130 languages are spoken in the country. Kuala Lumpur has an extensive public transport network with buses, LRT, MRT and monorail, and domestic flights connect the peninsula with Borneo.

Working while studying is restricted. According to the Immigration Department and EMGS, students at public and private higher education institutions may work part-time for up to 20 hours a week, but only during semester breaks or holidays of more than seven days, and only in permitted places such as restaurants, petrol stations, mini markets and hotels. Approval from the Immigration Department is required, and students at language and training centres are not allowed to work. Students at master's or PhD level can apply to bring dependants such as a spouse and children.

After graduating, international students can apply for the Graduate Pass, which, according to EMGS, allows them to stay in Malaysia for a year after graduation and work in permitted sectors without employer sponsorship.

Frequently asked questions

Can I study in English in Malaysia?

Yes. According to EMGS, English is widely used and most courses are taught in English. Check the language requirements of each programme.

Do I need a visa to study in Malaysia?

All international students need a Student Pass, applied for online through EMGS before travelling. Nationals of some countries also need a Single-Entry Visa, obtained through the eVISA system after the eVAL is issued.

Can international students work in Malaysia?

Students at public and private higher education institutions may work up to 20 hours a week during semester breaks or holidays of more than seven days, in permitted sectors and with Immigration Department approval.

How much does it cost to live in Malaysia as a student?

EMGS gives on-campus accommodation at USD 50 to 150 a month and utilities at USD 40 to 65 a month. Costs vary with the region and type of accommodation.

How can I check that a Malaysian degree is accredited?

Check that the programme is accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), the body that manages the Malaysian Qualifications Framework.