Study in Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur
Education and quality of academic institutions and community
Malaysia’s higher education system is recognised for its quality, diversity, and commitment to fostering international connections. The country boasts a mix of public and private universities, including 53 private foreign institutions that offer world-class education. With strengths in fields such as technical education, management, and defence, Malaysia has become a global hub for higher learning. Institutions like Lincoln University College (LUC) play a significant role in this landscape, providing industry-relevant programmes and a strong support system for international students. The government actively shapes the education sector, as seen in the re-establishment of the Ministry of Higher Education in 2015, which aims to improve workforce readiness and economic growth.
A key factor in Malaysia’s academic appeal is its affordability and accessibility. Tuition fees and living costs are low compared to Western countries, making it an attractive option for international students. English is widely used as the medium of instruction in private institutions, while public universities primarily operate in Bahasa Malaysian (also known as Malay). Beyond academic institutions, Malaysia fosters a vibrant educational community. The country ranks as the 11th most popular destination for international tertiary students, reflecting its welcoming and multicultural environment.
Tuition fees and scholarship opportunities
Malaysia is recognised for its affordable tuition fees, making it an attractive destination for international students. Public universities offer Bachelor’s degrees ranging from €2,000 to €4,500 EUR per year, while Master’s programmes cost between €500 and €4,000. In contrast, private universities have Bachelor’s programmes priced between €1,350 and €9,300 per year, and Master’s degrees from €1,500 to €3,000 annually. Specialised courses, such as Medicine, can be more expensive, with fees reaching up to €27,000 per year at public institutions and €19,850 at private ones.
Malaysia offers a variety of scholarships for international students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. These scholarships are provided by the Malaysian government, private foundations, and universities, aiming to attract talented individuals from around the world.
Malaysia has a range of scholarships to help students pay for their education. Some scholarships available to international students are listed below:
Albukhary Foundation Scholarship
Targeted at international students from marginalised communities in developing countries, this scholarship offers a 100% tuition fee waiver, accommodation, meals, uniforms, insurance, and a monthly allowance.
Malaysia-APEC Scholarship
Awarded to outstanding students from APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) member economies (China, Japan, Hong Kong & Indonesia), this scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, and additional benefits for those pursuing undergraduate studies in Malaysia.
Malaysian International Scholarship (MIS)
Offered by the Malaysian government, the MIS is designed for international students aiming to undertake postgraduate studies in Malaysia. It provides coverage for tuition fees, living expenses, and other benefits.
Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP) Scholarship
This scholarship is available to both Malaysian and international postgraduate students wishing to study in Malaysia or abroad. It covers tuition fees, living expenses, and other benefits. The MTCP Scholarship covers a range of degree programmes, including agriculture, engineering, science and technology, social sciences, and Islamic finance.
These scholarships reflect Malaysia’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive educational environment by supporting international students across various disciplines.
ASEAN Scholarship
This scholarship is available to citizens of ASEAN member countries who have completed their undergraduate degrees and secured admission into a postgraduate programme in another ASEAN nation. It provides financial support covering tuition fees, living expenses, and round-trip airfare.
The scholarship supports various fields of study, including science and technology, social sciences, and humanities. The funding duration depends on the level of study, offering up to two years for master’s programmes and up to three years for doctoral programmes.
Cost of living
- Accommodation: Depending on the type and location, monthly rent can range from RM500 to RM1,500 (€100 to €300).
- Groceries: Monthly grocery expenses typically cost around RM200 to RM300 (€40 to €60).
- Eating Out: A meal costs between RM10 to RM20 (€2 to €4).
- Cinema Ticket: RM15 (€3).
- Gym Membership: Monthly gym memberships are available for about RM100 (€20).
- Transportation: RM100 (€20) for a month of travel.
- Utilities: Basic utilities, including electricity, water, and internet, typically cost between RM150 to RM250 (€30 to €50) per month.
Student Visa and immigration policies
Application Process:
- Offer Letter: Secure an offer letter from a Malaysian university.
- Submission by Institution: The institution submits the Student Pass application on behalf of the student to the Malaysian Immigration Department.
- Approval and Visa Application: Upon approval, students from countries requiring a visa must obtain one from the Malaysian Embassy, High Commission, or Consulate in their home country before entering Malaysia. This requires presenting the offer letter.
- Upon Arrival: After entering Malaysia, the institution must submit the student’s original passport to the relevant State Immigration Office to issue the Student Pass.
Fees:
- Student Pass: RM60 (€13) per year or part thereof.
- Visa: Rates vary by country but generally do not exceed RM50 (€10.80) per issued visa.
Required Documents:
- Support letter from the relevant regulatory agency (e.g., Ministry of Higher Education).
- Offer letter from your institution.
- Two copies of the application form from your institution.
- Two copies of your passports.
- Two sets coloured photos for the application form.
- Application letter from the institution to the Malaysian Immigration Department.
It’s essential to consult with your chosen educational institution and the Malaysian Immigration Department for the most current information and requirements. For the list of countries that require a separate visa to enter Malaysia (after receiving the Student PAss), please refer to the Immigration Department of Malaysia’s website.
Post-Study Immigration Policies
International students aiming to pursue postgraduate studies in Malaysia must adhere to specific immigration requirements to ensure a seamless academic journey. Upon successful completion of a bachelor’s degree or higher, graduates from select countries have the opportunity to apply for a Graduate Pass. This pass allows them to remain in Malaysia for an additional 12 months without the need for employer sponsorship. To be eligible for a Graduate Pass, students must have:
- A valid passport with at least 18 months’ validity
- A valid Student Pass throughout the application process
- Active health insurance coverage
- A letter of completion from the university
- Sponsorship from a Malaysian citizen, with a minimum monthly salary of 1,500 RM
- A clean legal record in Malaysia
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Brunei
- Singapore
- South Korea
- Japan
- Germany
- the United Kingdom
- France
- Canada
- Switzerland
- the Netherlands
- Saudi Arabia
- Kuwait
- the United Arab Emirates
- Qatar
- Sweden
- Norway
- Denmark
- Finland
- the United States
- Oman
- Bahrain
- India
- China
Job opportunities (during and after studies)
The Student Pass permits students to work up to 20 hours per week, but only during semester breaks or holidays exceeding seven days. Employment is restricted to specific sectors, namely restaurants, petrol kiosks, mini markets, and hotels, excluding positions such as cashier, singer, masseur, musician, or any role deemed ‘immoral’. To pursue part-time work, students must obtain approval from the Immigration Department, which involves submitting several documents, including a photocopy of passport pages, contact information, an offer letter from the prospective employer (detailing working hours, salary, and position), the academic calendar, and a supporting letter from the Dean or Head of School. Following submission, students will undergo an interview, after which their application may be approved or declined. Engaging in unauthorised employment can lead to the revocation of the Student Visa, therefore students should consult the Student Visa Officer at their institution’s International Office to ensure compliance with all regulations.
International students graduating from Malaysian universities can explore various career opportunities within the country’s dynamic and growing economy. Industries such as healthcare, IT, financing and banking are rapidly expanding, providing many job opportunities for recent graduates. While English is widely spoken, it would be advantageous to learn some Malay for employment following your studies. It’s important to note that Malaysian companies can only employ international workers if there are no qualified Malaysians to fill a certain position, so employment among international graduates is highly competitive.
Safety and security
Malaysia is considered a safe and welcoming destination for international students, ranking 10th on the Global Peace Index in 2024. University campuses are monitored around the clock by security personnel stationed at entry and exit points, and are equipped with CCTV cameras to ensure a comprehensive sense of security. Additionally, Malaysia mandates health insurance coverage for all international students, ensuring access to medical care in case of emergencies or accidents. The country’s multicultural society is known for its hospitality, and many international students have reported feeling safe and comfortable during their studies in Malaysia.
Language requirements
International students can generally expect programmes to be taught in English, requiring them to demonstrate English proficiency through tests like the IELTS (score of 6.0 overall, with no band below 5.5). It’s important to note that this will vary between programmes and institutions, so students should consult with the universities directly before applying. Lincoln University College accepts the following certifications to demonstrate English proficiency:
- MUET (Malaysian University English Test)
- IELTS/ IELTS Online (International English Language Testing System)
- TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
- TOEFL Essentials (Online) (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
- PTE Academic/ PTE Academic (Online)(Pearson Test of English)
- Cambridge English – B1 Preliminary, B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency
- Cambridge English – Linguaskill Online
- Cambridge English – Occupational English Test (OET)(Conventional/Online)
- ELS – Certified Intensive English Programme Level (CIEP Level)
Malay is the national language in the country, so it is advised that students arrive with a basic proficiency of the language to integrate better into society and engage in more social events with the community.
Malaysia offers a vibrant and diverse social and cultural lifestyle for international students, making it an exciting place to study and live. As a multicultural country, Malaysia celebrates a variety of festivals such as Chinese New Year, Deepavali, Hari Raya Aidilfitri, and Thaipusam, giving students the opportunity to experience different cultural traditions firsthand. The country’s cities, especially Kuala Lumpur, offer a dynamic social scene with bustling night markets like Petaling Street, vibrant shopping malls such as Pavilion KL, and trendy cafés in areas like Bangsar and Mont Kiara.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Malaysia is home to breathtaking natural landscapes, including Cameron Highlands for a cool retreat, the Perhentian Islands for diving and snorkeling, and Taman Negara for jungle trekking. Universities also foster an active student life by hosting cultural nights, international student societies, and sports clubs, allowing students to engage in activities ranging from traditional dance performances to futsal tournaments. Whether exploring the lively street food scene, attending music festivals like Good Vibes Festival, or joining student-led community service initiatives, international students in Malaysia can enjoy a well-rounded and enriching lifestyle.
Accommodation availability and options
At Lincoln University College (LUC) in Malaysia, international students have access to comfortable and convenient accommodation options. The university offers apartment-style housing located just a 5-minute walk from the main campus, providing easy access to academic facilities. These accommodations are subject to availability and are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Single rooms range from 500-700 RM (€108.50 – 152) per month.
For those seeking off-campus living arrangements, nearby areas like SS6 and SS7 in the Kelana Jaya neighbourhood are popular among students due to their proximity to the university, abundance of cafés, restaurants, and other amenities, as well as excellent transportation links, including the Kelana Jaya LRT Station. Shared accommodations, which include private bedrooms with shared bathroom and kitchen facilities, are a popular choice among students. In nearby condominiums like Kelana D’Putera and Kelana Mahkota, small rooms are available for around 400-575 RM (€86 – 124) per month and master rooms for about 720-1,035 RM (€156-225) per month. Prices are subject to variability based on proximity to the city centre, amenities and size. Students should also look for accommodation that provides air conditioning, as Malaysia reaches very high temperatures, and should also be aware that electricity prices can be relatively high due to this cost.
Healthcare system and student insurance
Malaysia boasts a robust healthcare system ensuring international students have access to quality medical services. Students must obtain health insurance covering their entire stay in Malaysia, as this is a mandatory requirement for their student visa application. Options include International Student Insurance, Medical Insurance, and Protection Insurance. Medical Insurance covers up to 100% of medical bills, while Protection Insurance includes personal accident and travel coverage. International Student Insurance policies are designed to meet the standards set by the Ministry of Education in Malaysia, ensuring comprehensive coverage tailored to student needs.
Popular insurance providers include:
- Hong Leong Malaysia Takaful Medical Insurance: offers three tiers: Silver, Gold, and Platinum. The Silver package is the most affordable, with an annual premium of 380-570 RM (€75 – €115). The Platinum package provides a higher claim limit of 52,800-57,600 RM (€10,500 – €11,500) per disability.Popular insurance providers include:
- AIA Medical Insurance: also offers Silver, Gold, and Platinum packages for international students aged 16 and above. Annual premiums range from 380-1,040 RM (€75 – €210), depending on the selected plan.
Climate and weather conditions
Malaysia has a tropical climate, making it warm and humid throughout the year, with temperatures ranging between 25°C to 35°C. The country experiences two monsoon seasons: the Southwest Monsoon (May to September) and the Northeast Monsoon (November to March), bringing heavy rainfall, particularly on the east coast.
For international students, lightweight and breathable clothing is recommended due to the high humidity. However, air conditioning is widely available in classrooms, malls, and public transport, so carrying a light jacket can be useful. While the weather is generally predictable, sudden showers are common, so an umbrella is a must-have.
Connectivity to home country (flights and travel costs)
The closest airport to Lincoln University College is Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), which offers direct flights to numerous destinations in Asia, Europe and the United Kingdom. For students from countries with no direct routes, connecting flights through major hubs like London or Dubai are available as well. A return ticket from KLIA to Hong Kong can be around £100 (€120), whereas a return ticket to London can cost upwards of £500 (€600), however, prices can vary significantly depending on season and booking time, so it is advised to book well in advance.
Students can take the KLIA express train, taxis or buses from the airport to the city centre, with regular and affordable options available.
Recognition of degrees internationally
The recognition of degrees can vary significantly from one country to another, depending on several factors. These include the mode of study (such as online or in-person programmes) and the specific list of approved universities and degree programmes as outlined by a country’s Ministry of Education or relevant authority. Therefore, students should ensure that the degree they pursue is recognised both in their home country and in any other regions where they might plan to work or further their education.
The Malaysian Qualifications Agency can help you determine whether your current credentials and desired programme are recognised within and outside of Malaysia.