Study in Malaysia
Study in Malaysia: public universities and foreign branch campuses
Malaysian higher education follows the Malaysian Qualifications Framework (MQF), with 8 levels: certificates (1 to 3), diplomas and advanced diplomas (4 and 5), bachelor's degrees (6), master's degrees (7) and doctorates (8).
Overview
Why study in Malaysia?
Malaysian higher education follows the Malaysian Qualifications Framework (MQF), with 8 levels: certificates (1 to 3), diplomas and advanced diplomas (4 and 5), bachelor's degrees (6), master's degrees (7) and doctorates (8). One credit equals 40 notional learning hours; a bachelor's degree needs at least 120 credits and a coursework master's at least 40. In 2025 there were 20 public universities and 371 private institutions: 65 with university status, 11 foreign branch campuses, 38 university colleges and 257 colleges. Programme accreditation has two stages, Provisional then Full, and only accredited programmes are listed in the Malaysian Qualifications Register (MQR). Malay is the official language; English is widely used in private higher education, so check each programme's teaching language. In 2025, 159,138 international students were enrolled. In Kuala Lumpur, Subang Jaya, George Town, Johor Bahru and Kuching, typical January and July temperatures are 23.0 to 31.8 °C, with no snow; yearly rainfall is 3,018 mm in Kuala Lumpur and 4,888 mm in Kuching (2020 to 2025 data).
Quick facts
Everything you need to know at a glance.
- Language of instruction
- Malay (official); English is widely used in private higher education
- Tuition fees
- MYR 8,800 – 144,702 / year
- Avg monthly cost
- $600 / month (approx.)
- English test
- IELTS 4.0–6.5 overall, depending on programme
- Top student cities
- Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor Bahru, Subang Jaya
- Currency
- MYR
Where students go
Top student cities
From the capital to quieter university towns — where our Malaysia students actually enrol.
Kuala Lumpur4 universities · 483 programmes
Johor Bahru1 university · 44 programmes
City photographs from Wikimedia Commons · Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru
Before you travel
Student visa
Get your student visa with a simple and transparent process.
You need a Student Pass, applied for from outside Malaysia. After an offer, the institution submits your application to Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) via the STARS system or EMGS portal; EMGS screens it and the Immigration Department approves an electronic Visa Approval Letter (eVAL).
Read the full guidance
EMGS aims to process applications in 14 working days (not guaranteed). Your passport must be valid for at least 18 months and medical insurance is compulsory. Within 7 days of arrival you need a medical check, then Immigration endorses the pass. For Indian applicants, first-year Student Pass costs including the medical check and insurance are about RM2,795 to RM3,052, excluding any personal bond.
- 1Apply to a universitySecure your admission offer
- 2Prepare your documentsWe check every page with you
- 3Submit the applicationLodged with the consulate or online
- 4Receive your permitTravel with your study permit in hand
Documents we prepare with you
- Valid passport
- Admission letter
- Proof of funds
- Academic certificates
- Passport photos
While you study
Work while studying
Earn, gain experience and build your future.
- Student Pass holders may work up to 20 hours a week during their studies, with Immigration approval and only at approved locations: restaurants, petrol stations, mini markets, hotels and university or college areas.
- After a bachelor's degree or higher, the Graduate Pass lets you stay 1 year after graduation and work in permitted sectors without employer sponsorship; apply while your Student Pass is valid, with a Malaysian-citizen sponsor.
More on working here
- For Indian applicants, the Graduate Pass is valid only until 31 December 2026 and approved case by case, so do not assume it for graduation after that date.
Work today, build tomorrow
Our counsellors explain the hours, permits and paperwork before you land.
Programmes
Top programmes in Malaysia
Popular programs from our catalogue — Empire Overseas Education verified ones carry a verified badge
BusinessVerified
APIIT - Certificate in Business Administration
Asia Pacific University of Technology And Innovation
- Certificate programme
- 1 year
- MYR 22,400/year
- IELTS 4.0
Media & FilmVerified
APIIT - Certificate in Information & Communication Technology
Asia Pacific University of Technology And Innovation
- Certificate programme
- 1 year
- MYR 22,400/year
- IELTS 4.0
FinanceVerified
Bachelor in Banking and Finance (Hons)
Asia Pacific University of Technology And Innovation
- Bachelor
- 3 years
- MYR 34,900/year
- IELTS 6.0
TechnologyVerified
Bachelor in Banking and Finance (Hons) with a specialism in Financial Technology
Asia Pacific University of Technology And Innovation
- Bachelor
- 3 years
- MYR 34,900/year
- IELTS 6.0
Institutions
Top universities in Malaysia
Institutions we can apply to on your behalf.
MalaysiaLincoln University College
Kota Bharu, Malaysia
180 programmes
- Malaysia
UCSI University
Kuala Lumpur Kuching Springhill (Seremban/Port Dickson), Malaysia
180 programmes
MalaysiaTunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
156 programmes
- Malaysia
INTI International University
Nilai, Malaysia, Malaysia
155 programmes
- Malaysia
University of Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
144 programmes
Compare Malaysia with other countries
Tuition, living costs and work rights, side by side.
Compare nowGood to know
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers to common questions about studying in Malaysia.