Study in Malaysia

About Malaysia

Malaysia is a multicultural Southeast Asian country with English widely spoken and very low living costs. Many UK and Australian universities run full branch campuses there, so you can earn the same foreign degree for much less. The main intakes are February, July and September, and some institutions offer more. The currency is the Malaysian ringgit (MYR).

Why study in Malaysia

• UK and Australian degrees (Monash, Nottingham, Southampton, Heriot-Watt) at a fraction of the cost
• Very low living costs: about RM 1,500–RM 2,500 a month in Kuala Lumpur
• English-taught programs and a high visa approval rate (about 90%)
• Close to India, with a large Indian community and food you know
• Option to transfer to the home campus abroad for part of your degree

Popular fields of study

IT and computer science, engineering, business and accounting, hospitality and culinary arts, medicine and pharmacy, and Islamic finance. Institutions include the University of Malaya, Monash Malaysia, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Taylor's, Sunway and APU.

Student visa, step by step

Student visa: Student Pass.

1. Get an offer from an approved public or private institution.
2. Your institution applies for you through EMGS (Education Malaysia Global Services).
3. Do the pre-arrival medical screening (or within 7 days of arrival) and buy EMGS-approved insurance.
4. Receive your eVAL (electronic Visa Approval Letter) and, if needed, your single-entry visa.
5. Fly to Malaysia, complete the post-arrival steps and receive your Student Pass sticker and i-Kad.

After you get your visa

• Work only during semester breaks or holidays longer than 7 days, up to 20 hours a week, in approved sectors such as restaurants, mini-markets, petrol stations and hotels. You need immigration approval first.
• Renew your Student Pass every year. You need at least 80% attendance and a CGPA of 2.0.

Work and staying on

Working while you study

Work only during semester breaks or holidays longer than 7 days, up to 20 hours a week, in approved sectors such as restaurants, mini-markets, petrol stations and hotels. You need immigration approval first.

After you graduate

Graduate Pass, up to 12 months Malaysia has no broad post-study work visa. Graduates of eligible nationalities (including India) can apply for a Graduate Pass of up to 12 months to look for work. Most graduates need an employer-sponsored Employment Pass to stay.

Settling long term

Employment Pass: sponsored by your employer, with a minimum salary by category. Residence Pass-Talent: a 10-year pass for experienced, high-skilled professionals. Permanent residence is rare and difficult to get.

Rules change. Please confirm the latest position with your guide.

Visa expenses

Average salary

Graduates typically start at about RM 3,000–RM 4,500 a month (approximate). Tech and engineering pay more.

Good to know

• Malaysia is best for a low-cost foreign degree, not for post-study work.
• Your Student Pass is tied to your institution. A transfer needs a new pass.