SharifStudy Best way to Study in Malaysia
Studying in Malaysia can be a life changing experience, offering a blend of quality education, cultural differences, and personal growth. However, the process can appear daunting without a clear roadmap.
That is why we have simplified it into five manageable steps. This guide will walk you through everything from choosing the right course and university, applying for admission, securing financial aid, to obtaining a student visa, and finally making the transition to life in Malaysia. Whether you plan to study in an undergraduate or a postgraduate, these steps will provide you with the direction you need study in Malaysia.
Malaysia at a Glance
Enter Malaysia, a tropical nation with a Muslim majority in Southeast Asia, where the population coexists peacefully in both racial and religious diversity.
Malaysia is a lively and diversified parliamentary democracy with over 30 million people, making it the 44th most populous country in the world. It is made up of 13 states and three federal territories, and it is ruled by the only elected constitutional monarch in the world.
In terms of GDP, the economy of Malaysia ranks third in Southeast Asia and is the 34th largest in the world. Malaysia had the third-highest labor productivity in ASEAN in 2018, assessed at Int$55,360 per worker.
Malaysia’s economy is ranked as the 25th most competitive in the world by the Global Competitiveness Report 2021.
Islam is the country of Malaysia’s official religion, which is a multicultural and multireligious society. In accordance with the 2020 Population and Housing Census, 63.5 percent of the population practices Islam, 18.7 percent practices Buddhism, 9.1 percent practices Christianity, 6.1 percent practice Hinduism, and 2.7 percent professed no religion.
Other religions, such as Animism, Folk Religion, Sikhism, the Bahá’ Faith, and other belief systems, are responsible for the remaining portion.
Malaysia has a diverse population. The indigenous Malays are the dominant ethnic group, followed by sizable communities of Chinese and Indians. Travelers may see that the many ethnic groups in the nation still practice their respective religions, cultures, and lifestyles. Public holidays mark each group’s most important celebrations.
Study in Malaysia
The country recent rapid development has made it an appealing destination for people of various backgrounds. As a result, the culture and people are extremely diversified, with several ethnic groups and religions. Also, there are several benefits of studying in Malaysia that make international students attracted to study in the country.
Find Best cities to Study in Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur: For decades, the city has been in the forefront of all that is good in the country, even being designated the cheapest student city by QS World University Rankings to study in Malaysia.
Penang: Penang, located on the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia, is home to another of Malaysia leading universities. The 28 square kilometers “nut island” of Penang, the first outpost of the East India Company in the Malay Peninsula, developed into a significant trading hub.
Johor Bahru: Johor Bahru has recently been a bustling and popular spot to explore, shop, and hang out, thanks to the increased attention and investment in the city.
Selangor: Selangor has always been proactive, consistently pushing itself to the front of the pack. It’s now agonizingly close to unseating KL as the top city for students. KL, once the definitive top destination and the model of Malaysian educational destinations, is feeling the challenge.
Learn about Malaysia Universities
Top colleges and universities can be found in Malaysia, where the higher education system is expanding annually. The majority of them have gained recognition both nationally and internationally.
170,000 foreign students from 162 nations, primarily from Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, will indeed be studying in Malaysia as of 2022.
According to the most recent UNESCO data, Malaysia accounts for 2% of all overseas students. According to recent figures, the nation is home to more than 100,000 students from more than 100 different countries around the world. More than 150 higher education students with a sizable student population from outside are located in Malaysia.
UM university, UPM university, UKM university, USM university, UTM university, Taylor’s University, UCSI university, UTP university, UUM university, and MSU university are among top universities in Malaysia according to QS ranking 2023.
Search for Best Course to Study in Malaysia
There are a variety of programs and courses to study in Malaysia. Job demand is one of the key considerations for students when selecting the best course to study in Malaysia. Studying a high-demand, high-salary subject can enhance your chances of a successful career meeting your lifestyle goals.
Accordingly, most job-demand programs related to Computing & Technology Courses, Accounting & Financial Services Courses, Business Courses, Engineering Courses, Communication & Social Science Courses, Built Environment Courses, Hospitality & Tourism Courses, Health Science Courses and Design Courses are among top 10 job-demand programs and courses.
Find a Degree program
Universities in Malaysia are among the best higher education institutions in Asia, according to annual global university rankings. This is a terrific reason to study here and comprises both public and private universities.
Between 50 and 60 percent of Malaysians can have a conversation in English. When compared to other countries, this may not seem like much, but keep in mind that you’ll spend the majority of your time in bustling student hubs like Kuala Lumpur, where you won’t have to worry about language problems.
Studying a degree in Malaysia is affordable. At public universities in Malaysia, the cost of a Bachelor’s or Master program ranges from 500 to 4,500 EUR per academic year. The biggest exception is medical degrees, which can cost up to 27,000 EUR in annual tuition.
International Mobility Program
The international mobility program offers unique learning experiences and global career readiness for international students in Malaysia.
Search for Cost of Living
Affordability, a key benefit of studying in Malaysia, annually attracts over 150,000 international students from more than 140 countries. Despite maintaining a high standard of living, Kuala Lumpur, the capital city, has the rank of the second-most affordable city for students.
Although your actual monthly costs will vary on where you live and your lifestyle, Malaysia affordable cost of living is frequently a crucial factor in students’ decisions to study there, just as it is for other foreign visitors.
Application for Student Visa
Age Requirement
Candidates applying for language institutes must be between 18 to 35 years of age as of the date of application. Candidates applying to other higher education institutions are not subjected to any age limit. If you are unsure, do contact us here for more information.
Health Screening
Once you arrive in Malaysia (post-arrival), you must undergo a medical examination at one of the Education Malaysia Global Services’ registered panel clinics or health facilities to ensure good health. As of June 1, 2019, you no longer need a pre-arrival medical screening.
The World Health Organization identifies nations or locations as “a risk of yellow fever transmission”. That is because yellow fever is currently or in the past, plus vectors and animal reservoirs currently exist.”
English Proficiency Test
You need a significant level of English competence, particularly in speaking and writing, since most courses at Malaysian universities are taught in English. To be admitted, your English proficiency must meet the Malaysian Qualifications Agency’s minimum course requirement (MQA). To prove your English proficiency when requesting a Visa Approval Letter (VAL), you must provide the results of one of the following English language tests:
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System),
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language),
- PTE-A (Pearson Test of English – Academic),
- CAE (Cambridge English: Advanced),
- CPE (Cambridge English: Proficiency),
- MUET (Malaysian University English Test)
Bringing your Family to Malaysia
You are able to request a Dependent Pass for your close relatives (parents, spouse and children only). Your dependents will be given a Long-Term Social Visit Pass (LTSVP) from Immigration for a maximum of 12 months at a time. Only as long as the student possesses a current Student Pass will the LTSVP be valid.
Your dependents who are in Malaysia will submit this application on your behalf through the educational institution. A single entrance visa price of RM100 will also be charged for each dependent who enters Malaysia on a social pass, in addition to a ‘Journey Performed’ visa fee of RM500 (subject to nationality).
Find your desired University Accommodation
Students have the choice to select on-campus or off-campus lodging, with on-campus lodging usually being the most practical. School-owned private residences or homes typically comprise off-campus housing.
However, on-campus options usually consist of halls of residence or student hostels. If you need accommodations, please inform the institution or college when you accept the course offer.
FAQs
1. How much does it cost to study in Malaysia?
- The cost of studying in Malaysia for international students varies by university and program. Undergraduate programs typically cost between MYR 54014 and MYR 733773 per year, while postgraduate programs cost between MYR 34331 and MYR 47297.
2. Is Malaysia a good country for international students?
- Yes, Malaysia is a good study destination. Students here receive high-quality education and can obtain international degrees from institutions in Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States at lower prices than studying in these countries.
3. Which city is best to study in Malaysia?
- In brief, Kuala Lumpur is one of Malaysia’s greatest student cities because it is home to many of the country’s leading colleges. Kuala Lumpur is undoubtedly the most popular and well-known city for students looking to study in Malaysia.
