Study in MALAYSIA

Study in MALAYSIA

Why Malaysia

Known for its tagline ‘Truly Asia’, Malaysia has long since cemented its reputation as one of the world’s top tourist destinations. Other than UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Mount Kinabalu, Kota Kinabalu National Park, Malacca City and pristine marine parks, – it is also one of Southeast Asia’s most vibrant economies that can be the launchpad for your education and career.

Having been for decades a leader in industrial growth and political stability, Malaysia is also one of the top destinations for those seeking internationally-recognised education. Boasting highly-ranked universities, the Ministry of Education maintains Malaysia’s high standards in keeping with education sectors around the region. The government also grooms top talent through public and private tertiary level institutions as well as accredited skill centres, resulting in the country being a global leader in key industries.

In addition to being at the forefront of quality education, its affordable, cosmopolitan cities provide rich cultural immersion and memories that can last a lifetime. Having the capital city of Kuala Lumpur ranked as the second most affordable student city has no doubt helped.

Top Universities in Each Category
University	Ranking According to QS World University Rankings 2023: Global	Category
Universiti Malaya (UM)	70	Public Institution
Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)	123	Public Institution
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)	129	Public Institution
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)	143	Public Institution
Monash University Malaysia*	57	International Bran
University of Southampton, Malaysia	78	International Bran

Campus*
University Nottingham Malaysia Campus*	114	International Bran
Newcastle University of Medicine, Malaysia*	122	International Bran
Taylor’s University	284	Private University
UCSI University	284	Private University
Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP)	361	Private University

* Denotes the ranking shown is of the parent university.

In recent years, many international universities have set up branch campuses in Malaysia. Similar to the twinning programme, students reap the benefit of an international experience through their degree from a reputable foreign university by spending some time at a third country where the university’s home campus is.

No.	Name of Foreign University Branch Campus	Year Established	Location in Malaysia
1.	Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and University College Dublin Malaysia Campus * Founded as Penang Medical College	1996	Penang
2.	Monash University Malaysia	1998	Selangor
3.	Curtin University, Sarawak Malaysia	1999	Sarawak
4.	The University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus	2000	Kuala Lumpur/ Selangor
5.	Swinburne University of Technology, Sarawak Campus	2004	Sarawak
6.	Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia	2007	Johor
7.	University of Southampton, Malaysia Campus	2011	Johor
8.	Heriot-Watt University Malaysia	2012	Putrajaya
9.	University of Reading Malaysia	2013	Johor
10.	Xiamen University Malaysia Campus	2015	Sepang, Selangor

Affordability

One of the main attractions Malaysia holds for foreign students is ‘affordability’. The major cost considerations when it comes to a foreign education are course fees and living expenses.

Kuala Lumpur has been named the world’s second most affordable student city by QS Best Student Cities 2018. This is mainly because the costs of living and tuition fees in the local currency are at least half if not two-thirds cheaper compared to countries like Australia, United Kingdom, Singapore and Canada.

Annual tuitions fees in Malaysia are from USD 4,000 – 6,000, whilst living expenses would be circa USD 400 – 700 per month. By comparison, tuition fees in Singapore would cost USD 7,000 – 10,000 and living expenses are at least twice as high. Only in Malaysia can you strike that balance between uncompromised quality and unmatched affordability – receiving a world-class education and living in comfort yet without the hefty price tag.

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Programme	Duration	Cost (USD$)
Pre-university	10 – 24 Months	$3,000 – $10,000
Bachelor’s Degree	3 Years	$10,000 – $20,000
Foreign Bachelor’s Degree (Twinning or International Branch Campus)	3-4 Years	$40,000 – $100,000
Medical Programme	4-5 Years	$30,000 – $100,000
Post-graduate Programmes	1-2 Years	$5,000 – $10,000
Doctoral Programmes	3-5 Years	Depending on Course

Dynamic Lifestyle

Known for its tagline ‘Truly Asia’, Malaysia has long cemented its reputation as one of the world’s top tourist destinations. An ecotourism hotspot, the country is home to an estimated 20% of the world’s animal species as well as four UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Amongst them, Kinabalu National Park boasts one of the highest mountains in Southeast Asia. If you are into hiking or simply enjoy looking at the Milky Way in the quiet of the night, this place is for you.

The Malaysian landscape (link to page things to do) is as varied with pristine beaches lining its coast and its biodiversity-rich rainforest offer many adventures to those who seek them. If you are a scuba junkie, islands like Sipadan is perfect for swimming around some of the most colourful coral reefs, fishes and other rare marine inhabitants.

About Visa

Basic Required Documents for a Student Visa Application

You will need the following documents to apply.

(Either your institution will request these from you, OR you will be required to upload these documents if you choose to make an online application).

1 passport size photograph

1 passport size photograph with WHITE background (35mm x 45mm).

A copy of your Passport:

You will be required to submit a copy of your passport. Here’s what we need:

a. Your passport data page (bio-data page which shows your face, name etc)
b. A All pages with Visa information. We don’t need all the pages of your passport. If the page is empty, you do not need to submit it.

Note: Students originating from the countries listed below must provide a copy of ALL passport pages during the submission of student pass application to EMGS:

• Libya
• Iran
• Iraq
• Somalia
• Sudan
• Syria
• Yemen

c. Observation page (showing any extensions, clarifications of name, and previous passport numbers)
d. Recommended passport validity duration is 18 months

Note: For one-off Student Pass applications, the recommended validity is 12 months longer than the duration of study.

e. Special Pass or Exit Stamp (if applicable)

Offer Letter

A copy of your offer letter is required in order to apply for a student visa in Malaysia. If you are making an online application, you will only be able to fill out the form and submit an application once you have received a letter of acceptance/offer from your university/college.

Health Declaration Form

You will be required to fill up and submit a copy of the health declaration form to apply for a student visa in Malaysia. If you are making an online application, you are required to upload the scanned copy of the form. Click here to download the Health Declaration Form.

Your academic certificates and transcripts

You need to provide copies of all academic records, certificates or transcripts of studies previously undertaken. Some courses have additional entry requirements. For information regarding these additional requirements check the entry requirements provided by your educational institution.

If you are coming from a country which is considered to be at a high risk of yellow fever, you will be required to obtain the necessary inoculations before coming to Malaysia. You will be asked to provide your yellow fever vaccination booklet/card before you can clear Immigration at the point of entry.

Countries or areas where “a risk of yellow fever transmission is present,” as defined by the World Health Organization, are countries or areas where “yellow fever has been reported currently or in the past, plus vectors and animal reservoirs currently exist” (see the current country list within the International Travel and Health publication (Annex 1) at www.who.int/ith/en/index.html).

Personal Bond

The Immigration Department requires all education institutions in Malaysia to sign a personal bond on behalf of the candidate, binding the University for a specified sum. To comply with this requirement, the institution will require you to lodge the specified amount for this purpose. This money will be returned to you upon completion or withdrawal of your study in the institution, on condition that there is no violation of any provision of the Immigration laws of Malaysia.

No-Objection Certificate (NOC)

No-Objection Certificate (NOC) is only required if the student is from Sudan . This document must be applied by the institution, and can only be collected from the Sudanese Embassy in Kuala Lumpur by the institution representatives.

Letter Of Eligibility (LOE)

Letter Of Eligibility (LOE) is only required if the student is from Iran. The institution must apply an LOE for the student at the Iranian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur. Once the LOE application is approved, the embassy will provide the LOE details to EMGS directly. Institute representatives are not required to collect the LOE from the Iranian Embassy.

English Language Requirement

Most courses in universities in Malaysia are conducted in English, so you need to show your English language competency is good enough for you to be able to participate fully in your course. This means that proficiency in English is a prerequisite for admission.

When you apply for a Visa Approval Letter (VAL) you must demonstrate that you have an acceptable level of English language proficiency, and upload the certificate as part of your application. The English Language tests which are accepted for Student Pass Application are:
1. PTE - Academic (Pearson Test of English),
2. IELTS (International English Language Testing System),
3. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language),
4. CAE (Cambridge English: Advance),
5. CPE (Cambridge English: Proficiency), and
6. MUET (Malaysian University English Test)

IMPORTANT! If you do not attach your English language certificate when creating your VAL application, your application processing may be delayed. In addition, you will also not be eligible to receive a student pass for the full duration of your course.