A number of major UK and international universities have set up overseas campuses in Malaysia – a sign of the growing strength of the country’s higher education sector

Malaysia’s population of more than 32 million people is spread over two distinct regions, mainland Southeast Asia and part of the island of Borneo in the South China Sea.

The capital, Kuala Lumpur – home to the instantly recognisable Petronas twin towers – was named the world’s most affordable city for students by QS in its Best Student Cities 2022 report (and ranked 31st overall).

Around half of Malaysia’s population is ethnically Malay, but there are also many Malaysian Chinese, Malaysian Indians and indigenous groups. Studying there will provide a great insight into this diverse and dynamic nation – not to mention giving you an unmissable opportunity to sample its stunning rainforests and beaches.

Malaysian universities

Universities in Malaysia are a mix of 20 publicly-funded and 47 private institutions offering internationally-recognised courses at undergraduate and postgraduate level.

It was revealed that 22 Malaysian institutions made it into the QS World University Rankings 2022.

The nation’s leading institutions include:

• Universiti Malaya (65th)
• Universiti Putra Malaysia (143rd)
• Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (144th)
• Universiti Sains Malaysia (147th)
• Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (191st).

There are also 11 international universities with an overseas campus in Malaysia, including the following from the UK:

• Heriot-Watt University
• Newcastle University (medicine)
• University of Nottingham
• University of Reading
• University of Southampton (engineering).

Australia’s Monash University has a Malaysia campus too.

Degrees courses in Malaysia

There are more than 2,300 undergraduate degree-level courses available in Malaysia. They typically take between three and five years to complete. You’ll need to have A-levels or equivalent in order to win a place – although specific entry requirements vary by course and university.

Intakes are in January, April or September depending on the course.

Search for Malaysian Bachelor degrees at StudyMalaysia.com – What to study and then apply via your chosen university’s website.

Masters degrees

Postgraduate study is offered at public and private universities, and at the overseas campuses of international universities. Find out where this level of study is available at PostgradMalaysia.com – Where to study.

You can enrol onto postgraduate diplomas, taught and research Masters degree courses. Taught programmes involve lectures, tutorials, essays, group work and exams, often with the opportunity for work placements. Research programmes are centred on an original piece of research leading to an extended dissertation.

Full-time and part-time study is available. If you choose to study full time, a Masters degree will take you between one and three years to complete, depending on your course.

A range of subjects are available, but Malaysian institutions have a particular focus on:

• biotechnology
• digital broadcasting
• electronic commerce
• online information services
• telemedicine.

You can search for courses at PostgradMalaysia.com – What to study.

To secure a place on a Masters course, you’ll generally need an undergraduate degree in a relevant subject. Some universities expect you to have achieved at least a 2:1 degree. Alternatively, you may be eligible if you have a degree in any subject and work experience in a related field.

Universities set their own entry requirements, so always check before applying.

PhDs

Malaysia’s government has placed a lot of emphasis on boosting its research output, so there are plenty of opportunities for international students to undertake PhDs at public and private universities.

To get a PhD in Malaysia, you’ll need to put together a substantial piece of original academic research, submit a thesis and present your findings to a panel of assessors. Entry requirements include a Bachelors and a Masters degree relevant to your chosen field of research.

Student exchanges

If you study at a UK university that has a branch in Malaysia, or an association with a Malaysian university, you may be offered the option of taking a semester or a full year of your course there. Ask your tutors or student services to find out whether this option is available to you.

For other exchange programmes with Malaysian universities, check the institution’s website to see what opportunities there are.

Course fees

Tuition fees vary between institutions, but the costs associated with study at a Malaysian university are affordable when compared with countries like the UK, USA and Australia. Tuition fees for postgraduate courses average around 30,000 Malaysian Ringgit (MYR), which works out at about £5,350.

If you choose to study at an international branch campus, you’ll usually pay a bit more in tuition fees. They tend to charge between MYR50,000 (£8,915) and MYR60,000 (£10,700). Studying for an MBA will cost extra.

Funding to study in Malaysia

Living costs in Malaysia are relatively low compared with many other destinations, but as international students are unable to work during term time, many decide to seek out alternative means of funding through scholarships, fellowships and grants.

Universities award funding to prospective postgraduate students depending on a range of factors, so to find out what funding might be available to you, make sure you get in touch with your chosen university.

Postgraduate and PhD students may also be eligible for the Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS), an initiative from the Malaysian government to attract the best minds from around the world to pursue advanced academic studies in the country.

A database containing the latest undergraduate and postgraduate funding available to international students can be found at StudyMalaysia.com – Scholarships.

Student visas

All international students wishing to study in Malaysia need a visa, which takes the form of a student pass. Applications can be made online, but the majority of universities will apply for a student pass on your behalf once you’ve accepted their offer of a place.

The student pass lasts for up to a year, so you’ll need to renew it annually if your course lasts for more than 12 months.

To apply for a student pass on your behalf, your university will need:

• a passport-sized photograph
• a copy of your passport
• a copy of your university offer letter
• copies of academic certificates and transcripts
• a pre-arrival medical examination report
• a personal bond.

To find out more about the process of applying for a student pass, visit Education Malaysia – Apply for visa.

How to apply

For postgraduate study, you’ll need to apply directly to the university you want to study at – as there’s no centralised application system. There’s no restriction on how many institutions you can apply to.

In most cases, you’ll need to complete an application form outlining your academic achievements and including a personal statement. However, application methods vary by university – with some requiring a letter and others a much more detailed academic history and, if applicable, your research proposal.

Language requirements

Most universities in Malaysia teach postgraduate courses in English, whereas undergraduate degrees are generally studied in the local language, Malay. If your course is taught in English and that isn’t your first language, you may be required to take a test such as IELTS to demonstrate your proficiency.

Comparison to UK qualifications

Postgraduate qualifications from Malaysia are recognised around the world and should be accepted by employers – always confirm this with recruiters before applying for a job.

Meanwhile, undergraduate degrees are easily comparable with their UK counterparts. You’ll be awarded a grade of Class I, Class II Division I or Class II Division II, which are equivalent to the UK’s First, 2:1 or 2:2 system.