Study in Malaysia

Close to home, Muslim-majority, halal food everywhere and a large Bangladeshi community, which makes it the gentlest first move abroad of anywhere we work. Kuala Lumpur and its suburbs hold most of the private universities, including branch campuses of British and Australian institutions that award the same degree as the home campus.

Language

Malay, English widely used

Currency

MYR (RM)

Capital

Kuala Lumpur

International students

170,000

• Foundation: 1 year after HSC
• Bachelor's: 3 years, 4 for engineering
• Master's: 1 to 2 years
• Grading: 4.0 CGPA

Check that your programme is accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA). Many universities also offer 2+1 or 2+2 transfer degrees, where you finish the final years in the UK or Australia for far less than the full degree would cost there.

Universities we place students in

What our students study here

Accommodation

RM 600 to 1,400

Food and groceries

RM 600 to 900

Transport

RM 80 to 150

Phone, internet, misc

RM 150 to 300

The first year carries EMGS visa processing, a medical check on arrival and compulsory insurance, usually RM 2,000 to RM 3,000 together. Budget it alongside the first semester's tuition.

What students usually do

• Restaurants and cafes
• Hotels
• Mini markets
• Petrol stations

Part-time work is limited to breaks and to approved sectors, so plan your budget as if you will earn nothing during term. Working without permission ends the student pass.

Plan your budget as though you will earn nothing in the first two months. Finding a job takes longer than anyone expects, and a visa officer will not accept part-time income as proof of funds either.

When to start

Work backwards from the intake month. Applications close roughly three months before, and the visa takes another six to twelve weeks after that. For a January intake, the sensible starting point is about six months earlier.