Study in Malaysia
UK and Australian degrees at Southeast Asian prices, on branch campuses of Nottingham, Monash, Southampton and more.
Why students choose Malaysia
Malaysia is where a University of Nottingham or Monash degree costs a fraction of the home-campus price. Teaching is in English, the country is multicultural and halal-friendly, and Kuala Lumpur is one of the cheapest major cities to live in. Transfer arrangements (2+1) let you finish in the UK or Australia if you want the experience later.
Intakes
Main intake.
Second intake.
Some programmes.
What international students study in Malaysia
After you graduate
Branch campuses award the home university's degree certificate, and many programmes let you transfer to the UK or Australia for the final year. Malaysia's Graduate Pass allows a 12-month stay after graduation for graduates from selected universities.
Graduate Pass
12 months. Available to graduates of selected universities; otherwise employers sponsor an Employment Pass.
Part-time work
20 hours a week during semester breaks and holidays of more than 7 days, in approved sectors. Wages of RM 8.17 an hour minimum wage (2025).
Employment by sector
Technology and digital services (high), Engineering and oil and gas (medium to high), Finance and Islamic finance (medium to high). Full picture.
What it costs to study in Malaysia
Living costs of RM 1,500 to RM 2,500 a month. Tuition of RM 20,000 to RM 50,000 for undergraduate and RM 25,000 to RM 60,000 for postgraduate study. Medicine runs to RM 100,000 or more a year.
| Monthly cost | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | RM 500 to RM 1,200 |
| Food and groceries | RM 500 to RM 800 |
| Transport | RM 100 to RM 200 |
| Utilities and phone | RM 150 to RM 250 |
| Health insurance | About RM 500 to RM 800 a year, arranged through the university |
Fees and costs are indicative for the 2026/27 cycle, change with exchange rates and policy, and should be confirmed with the university or the relevant government before you decide.
Student Pass, processed through Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS)
Documents you will need
- Offer letter
- Passport with 18 months validity
- Passport photos on white background
- Academic certificates
- Pre-arrival medical screening
- No-objection certificate for some nationalities
Funding for international students in Malaysia
| Scholarship | What it offers | Who awards it |
|---|---|---|
| Malaysia International Scholarship | Government award for postgraduate study. | Ministry of Higher Education |
| Branch campus scholarships | 10 to 50 percent fee discounts based on results at Nottingham, Monash, Heriot-Watt and others. | Universities |
| Early bird and merit awards | Common at private universities. | Universities |
Malaysia in eight facts
Malay is the national language but English is the language of higher education.
Kuala Lumpur consistently ranks among the world's cheapest cities for students.
Malaysia is a halal-friendly, multi-faith society with Chinese and Indian communities.
Branch campuses include Nottingham, Monash, Southampton, Heriot-Watt, Reading, Swinburne and Curtin.
The Grab app covers taxis, food and payments.
Weather is hot and humid all year; the university calendar avoids monsoon disruption.
Street food culture means eating out is often cheaper than cooking.
A 2+1 transfer programme lets you finish the degree at the home campus.
Where to study in Malaysia
Everything else about studying in Malaysia
Student visa
How to get a Malaysia student visa: fees, funds, documents and timeline
Cost of studying
What it costs to study in Malaysia: tuition, living and one-off fees
Cost of living
Monthly cost of living for students in Malaysia
Scholarships
Scholarships for international students in Malaysia
Work after graduation
Working in Malaysia during and after your degree
Education system
How the Malaysian education system works
Student life
Student life in Malaysia: housing, work, weather and culture
Best student cities
Best cities to study in Malaysia
Exams required
Which exams you need to study in Malaysia
Master's degrees
Studying a master's in Malaysia
Studying in Malaysia: what students ask
Is a Malaysian branch campus degree the same as the UK one?
Yes. The certificate is issued by the home university. Check that the programme is approved by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency.
Can I work part time in Malaysia as a student?
Only during semester breaks and holidays longer than seven days, up to 20 hours a week, in approved sectors.
How much does it cost to live in Kuala Lumpur?
RM 1,500 to RM 2,500 a month including rent, one of the lowest figures of any major study destination.
Ready to plan Malaysia?
A counsellor who knows this country's rules builds you a shortlist and a timeline. Free.