Malaysia is an excellent place for international students. It has a rich culture, good schools, and the cost of studying is not too expensive. Many universities in Malaysia are well known for their quality education, and the living expenses are reasonable. If you want a good education without spending too much money, Malaysia is your best bet.
The education system in this country is also top-notch, with some universities consistently ranking high globally. This means you can expect a quality learning experience that can open up various opportunities for your future career.
This informative guide will serve as a go-to resource for pursuing higher education in Malaysia. Read on to discover everything you need to know about applying to Malaysian universities.
University Application Process at Malaysian Universities
The process of applying to a university in Malaysia is quite straightforward. Students will be provided with enough information by the school, usually found on the school’s official website. However, here are steps to help you have a seamless application process.
Step 1. Select Your Program and University
Take the time to carefully consider your academic interests, future career plans, and current academic qualifications. Research the different programs and specializations offered by universities in Malaysia. Look into the curriculum, course structure, and available resources related to your chosen academic discipline. These factors will help you identify universities that offer programs aligned with your educational goals. Consider the university’s reputation, faculty expertise, research opportunities, and industry connections.
According to some university world ranking sites, these are the best universities in Malaysia: the University of Malaya, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (U.T.A.R.), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, and the University Putra Malaysia.
Step 2. Apply to Study at the University
Students planning to study at a university in Malaysia must apply through the official website, whether they are applying for an undergraduate program, master’s, or Ph.D., Simply go to the university’s official website, register, fill in the application form, and upload all the necessary documents. You may also be required to submit your application, either online or in hard copies, depending on the instructions provided by each university. Ensure payment of the application fee is made, and send your documents to the appropriate department within the university.
Take note of the application deadline and submit all necessary documents before the target date. To achieve this, you should start your application process as soon as possible. Give yourself enough time to gather all the required documents, complete any necessary standardized tests or certifications, and thoroughly prepare your application materials.
Step 3. Know the admission requirements to study in Malaysia
The admission process to study at the top universities in Malaysia is hassle-free. However, international students have different entry requirements as imposed by the university. For example, Taylor’s University requires applicants to submit their test scores for either SAT, ACT, TOEFL, or IELTS. Previous academic transcripts should also be included.
The admission requirements also vary and will depend on the program you are applying for. For instance, students applying for a postgraduate program must have completed both a bachelor’s degree program and a master’s degree program where it is applicable.
International students who have also completed their previous studies in an English-speaking country do not have to take tests like the GRE, SAT, TOEFL, and IELTS. If the student belongs to a non-English speaking country, then they should take a test for English proficiency. However, this varies from institution to institution.
Step 5. Accept the Offer
Once a student has been selected, They will receive the acceptance letter, which they must accept. Once this is done, students should plan for accommodation and pay the tuition fees. It is vital to research and arrange suitable housing options, whether on-campus or off-campus, and make the necessary payments to secure enrollment. These steps are essential to ensure a smooth transition into university life in Malaysia.
Step 6. Apply for Scholarships
International students can check if the school that they are applying to has scholarship opportunities they can apply for. This way, they can significantly reduce the cost of studying in this country. Check the school’s official website or contact the admission office for more information.
Aside from scholarships offered at universities, international students can also check other external sources of scholarships to see which scholarships may be best suited for them. A good example is the Malaysia International Scholarship or MIS, which is open for application each year.
Step 7. Apply for a Student Visa
International students who have been offered admission can now apply for a student visa. They will be required to follow specific instructions such as filling out the visa application form, submitting required documents, which may consist of an offer letter from the Malaysian university, financial proof, medical examination report, and educational documents, and paying for the visa fee.
General Admission Documents
ADMISSION
REQUIREMENTS |
DOCUMENT DETAILS |
| Letter of Recommendation |
This letter is typically written by a teacher, professor, or academic advisor who can speak well of your academic achievements, character, and potential for success in higher education. It is important to Choose a recommender who knows you well and can provide specific and detailed insights into your abilities and accomplishments. The letter of recommendation should be recent and ideally written within the last year. It should be printed on official letterhead and signed by the recommender. The validity of this document varies depending on the institution, but it is generally required to be less than six months old. A minimum of two of these kinds of letters may be required by some universities. |
| Academic Records |
These records include transcripts, diplomas, or certificates that prove your academic performance and achievements. The validity of these examination records depends on the specific requirements of the Malaysian university you are applying to. The document should be recent and reflect your most up-to-date academic records. |
| Valid Passport |
A passport is an official government-issued travel document allowing you to enter and stay legally in a foreign country. It serves as proof of your identity and nationality and must be valid for the duration of your intended stay in Malaysia. It is essential to include all pages of your passport, as some universities may require additional information found on these pages. Keep your passport safe and ensure its validity to avoid delays or complications in the admission process. |
| Means of Identification |
The validity of your identity proof is paramount. It should be valid throughout your intended stay in Malaysia as a student. Accepted forms of identity proof may include a valid passport, national identity card, or any other government-issued identification document. |
| Medical Health Record |
This is important as it provides crucial information about your health status and medical history. The record’s validity should meet the university’s specified timeframe, typically within six months before admission. It helps the university assess your medical condition, ensure your well-being, and plan healthcare services accordingly. Adhere to the university’s guidelines for submitting a comprehensive and valid medical health record. |
Optional Materials / Documents to Consider
OPTIONAL
DOCUMENTS |
DOCUMENT DETAILS |
| Resumé |
A resumé is an optional document that international students can consider submitting when applying to Malaysian universities. While it might not always be required, it can provide valuable information beyond the standard application materials to the admissions committee. A resumé allows international students to showcase their academic achievements, work experience, extracurricular activities, and any other relevant accomplishments. This optional document provides comprehensive details of the applicant’s qualifications. It highlights their unique skills and talents that may not be fully captured in the application form or personal statement. |
| Other Professional Certifications |
These certifications provide evidence of additional skills, and expertise that can enhance an applicant’s profile and demonstrate their commitment to personal, and professional development. Including other professional certifications in the application also allows international students to showcase specialized knowledge and competencies relevant to their field of study. For instance, certifications in language proficiency, software proficiency, project management, or specific industry-related skills can significantly contribute to an applicant’s qualifications. |
Key Facts for Applying to Universities in Malaysia
1. Enough Universities to Choose From
Malaysia is considered one of the countries with a thriving educational system. This is because they have a considerable number of universities that international students can choose from. Malaysia has numerous public and private universities that offer quality education designed to meet the student’s academic goals.
2. Easy-to-Understand Admission Requirements
For international students applying to Malaysian universities, admission requirements specific to their chosen institution are a lot easier to provide. These requirements typically include academic transcripts, a completed application form, proof of language proficiency (usually in English), and sometimes additional documents such as a portfolio or letter of recommendation, which are typically easy to understand and compile.
3. Availability of Scholarships and Financial Aid
Malaysian universities offer a range of scholarships and financial aid opportunities for international students. These include merit-based scholarships, government-funded scholarships, and university-specific grants. Researching and applying for scholarships early is advisable to increase the chances of receiving financial assistance and reduce the cost of education in Malaysia.
4. Cost of Living and Accommodation
Before applying to Malaysian universities, international students should consider the cost of living in the country. Malaysia is known for its relatively affordable cost of living compared to many Western countries, but expenses can vary depending on the location. Researching accommodation options, such as university dormitories or shared housing, can help plan and manage living expenses effectively.
5. Availability of Internship and Career Opportunities
International students will discover that most universities in Malaysia offer internship opportunities to their students where they can acquire real-life skills that will be useful to them after graduation. In addition, graduating from universities in Malaysia also allows you to compete with other students from various parts of the world, and students who graduate from Malaysian universities are considered brilliant and innovative.
Applying to study in Malaysia might sound complex to your ears. However, this simple guide would provide the easy-to-follow steps for successful admission into one of Malaysia’s best universities. By following these steps, international students can confidently pursue their education in Malaysia, taking advantage of its world-class education system and diverse programs.
We hope this article will serve as a guide when you apply for a university in Malaysia. If you need more information about studying in this Asian country then head on over to our Study in Malaysia Page – where you’ll find valuable tips, scholarship opportunities, and insightful articles. You can also check out these Available Programs to search for courses that are currently admitting international students.
