What it costs to study in Malaysia: tuition, living and one-off fees
Tuition fees
| Level | Typical annual fee |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | RM 20,000 to RM 50,000 |
| Postgraduate | RM 25,000 to RM 60,000 |
Medicine runs to RM 100,000 or more a year.
Living costs
| 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 |
Total: RM 1,500 to RM 2,500 a month.
One-off costs
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Visa fee | About RM 1,500 to RM 3,000 including EMGS processing, medical screening and insurance |
| Health cover | Medical insurance included in the EMGS package |
| Flights | Return flights from South Asia or West Africa typically £500 to £900 or equivalent |
| Accommodation deposit | Usually one month's rent, refundable |
| Set-up costs | Bedding, kitchen items, winter clothing: budget the equivalent of £200 to £300 |
Build your own budget
Enter your own figures. This adds them up; it does not know your course.
Where students save
- Choose a city outside the capital: the difference is often 20 to 40 percent on rent.
- Book accommodation with bills included before you arrive.
- Apply early for automatic merit scholarships; see the scholarship guide.
- Plan part-time work at 12 to 15 hours a week, not the maximum.
Figures 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.
Get this checked for your case
Rules change and every application is different. A counsellor confirms the current position for your country and course. Free.
Talk to a counsellorRelated questions
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.