As an international student in Malaysia, you need to pass English tests to be verified to study. Your test scores required to study in Malaysia are different from university to university but we gathered the average English requirements for International undergraduate and postgraduate students.
In Malaysia, a cultural melting pot, English holds a special place as an official language. While Malay remains essential for daily communication and specific academic settings, English takes center stage in the education system.
This focus draws in international applicants, who are enticed by the enhanced educational standards and the seamless transition it provides.
As an international student in Malaysia, you must prove your English proficiency to navigate the education system. Each university sets its English test requirements, but we’ve assembled the average English prerequisites for international undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Universities in Malaysia deliver lectures and coursework in English across many disciplines, creating a genuinely international academic environment.
This language usage extends beyond classrooms into research opportunities, internships, and community engagements. Such systemic integration facilitates active participation and contribution from international students to academic and social life in Malaysia.
Moreover, the requirement of English proficiency fosters a multicultural and multilingual educational environment. It empowers students with the necessary communication skills to interact confidently with their peers and faculty members.
This kind of exposure significantly enhances their overall learning experience and broadens their global perspectives.
General English Requirements (Undergraduate)
The following English tests must be taken by international students and must be passed with the corresponding marks:
IELTS | band 5.0-6.0 |
TOEFL PBT | 550 |
Pearson Test of English | 51 to 58 |
The needed scores at University Teknologi Malaysia are lower than average. For the IELTS, it is 5.5, the TOEFL iBT is 46, and the PTE is 51.
Higher scores are needed at several universities, particularly those with branches abroad. As an example, undergraduate applicants at Monash University Malaysia must have an IELTS band of 6.5, a TOEFL PBT score of 550, a TOEFL iBT score of 79, or a PTE academic score of 78.
The prerequisites are significantly more stringent for those interested in studying medicine or pharmacy (IELTS band 7.0, TOEFL PBT of 587, TOEFL iBT of 94, or a PTE Academic score of 65).
General English Requirements (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate students who want to study in Malaysia may take various English proficiency exams outside the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE. These include band 3 on the Malaysian University English Test (MUET) and the Cambridge Advanced English Test.
Visit your school admission page for the full details as criteria differ significantly between universities. It is crucial to fulfilling these university-specific requirements if you want to improve your chances of studying in Malaysia.