As prices continue to rise, so does the cost of higher education. Thus, it is no surprise that some people choose to work right after high school because they cannot afford university education.
However, you have the option to study abroad where the costs are not as expensive as in many other destinations. In Malaysia, tuition differs widely by university, program, academic level, and route of admission. The universities below are public institutions that may offer comparatively affordable options for international students, but applicants should always confirm the latest fees on each university’s official website before applying.
We listed seven affordable universities in Malaysia where you can enroll to obtain your university education. Please go through each of them. Who knows? We may convince you to study at any of these universities.
Affordable Schools in Malaysia for International Students
1. Universiti Malaysia Pahang
Universiti Malaysia Pahang is now Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA). Founded in 2002, UMPSA is a technical university offering programs in engineering, technology, and TVET. It was formerly known as Universiti Malaysia Pahang.
UMPSA focuses on practical, application-oriented tertiary education in engineering and technology. Its curriculum integrates theory and practice through a teaching-factory concept, emphasizing experiential and problem-solving learning.
The university has campuses in Pekan and Gambang. These campuses support a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, including engineering, engineering technology, applied science, computer science, management, technology, and mathematical sciences.
2. Universiti Malaysia Perlis
Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP) is a public university in Perlis, the smallest state in Malaysia. It is Malaysia’s 17th public institution of higher learning. Approved by the Malaysian Cabinet in May 2001, it began as Kolej Universiti Kejuruteraan Utara Malaysia (KUKUM). Its first intake comprised 116 engineering students who began classes in June 2002. In February 2007, KUKUM became a full university and was renamed Universiti Malaysia Perlis.
UniMAP is one of Malaysia’s technical universities. Its current undergraduate programs include engineering, engineering technology, applied science, business, communication, intelligent computing, and related fields, with a continued emphasis on industry-relevant technical education.
For postgraduate students, UniMAP offers research, mixed-mode, and coursework options. The official graduate fees and duration page lists research program durations of 1 to 3 years for a full-time Master of Science and 2 to 5 years for a full-time Doctor of Philosophy.
3. Universiti Malaysia Sabah
Universiti Malaysia Sabah started in November 1994 as Malaysia’s ninth public institution of higher learning. Today, it offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs through a wide range of faculties, centers, and institutes.
For undergraduate applicants, UMS lists programs and fees through SATUMS, the Special Admission for UMS pathway. Current SATUMS program areas include sustainable agriculture, social sciences and humanities, science and technology, education and sports studies, computing and informatics, international finance, tropical forestry, business, economics and accounting, food science and nutrition, engineering, and creative arts.
For postgraduate applicants, UMS offers master’s and doctoral programs by research, mixed mode, and coursework. The official postgraduate page lists a full-time master’s duration of 2 to 6 semesters and a full-time Ph.D. duration of 4 to 8 semesters.
4. Tun Hussein Onn University of Malaysia
- Admissions | Tuition Fees
- Tuition Fees: from RM25,500 per program (Bachelor’s, without hostel) | from RM17,340 per program (coursework master’s, without hostel) | from RM21,950 per program (research master’s, without hostel) | from RM36,370 per program (Ph.D. by research, without hostel)
Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia is a public university in the state of Johor. It was formerly known as Pusat Latihan Staf Politeknik, which was established on September 16, 1993, to train polytechnic academic staff in engineering fields. The institution later became Institut Teknologi Tun Hussein Onn, then Kolej Universiti Teknologi Tun Hussein Onn, before receiving full university status in 2007.
The university’s program areas include Civil Engineering and Built Environment, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Technology Management and Business, Technical and Vocational Education, Computer Science and Information Technology, Applied Sciences and Technology, and Engineering Technology.
The academic institution offers diploma, bachelor’s, postgraduate, TVET, executive, part-time, and APEL-related study options.
5. Technical University of Malaysia, Melaka
Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka is a public technical university in Melaka. It was established on December 1, 2000, as Malaysia’s first technical public university.
UTeM is known for its practice- and application-oriented approach to technical education. It offers academic programs at diploma, bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. levels, specializing in engineering, ICT, technology management and technopreneurship, and engineering technology.
Today, this affordable university in Malaysia has seven faculties: Electronics and Computer Technology and Engineering, Electrical Technology and Engineering, Mechanical Technology and Engineering, Industrial and Manufacturing Technology and Engineering, Information and Communications Technology, Technology Management and Technopreneurship, and Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Security.
6. University of Science, Malaysia
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) was established in 1969 as the second university in the country. Its main campus is in Minden, Penang, while its engineering campus is in Nibong Tebal and its health campus is in Kubang Kerian, Kelantan.
USM offers courses at undergraduate and postgraduate levels in Natural Sciences, Applied Sciences, Medical and Health Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Building Science and Technology, Social Sciences, Humanities, and Education.
USM is also a research-intensive university. Its research centers cover areas such as archaeology, medicine and dentistry, molecular medicine, science and technology, Islamic development and management studies, policy research, and international studies.
7. University of Malaya
The University of Malaya (UM) is Malaysia’s oldest university. Its roots go back to the King Edward VII College of Medicine, founded in 1905, and the 1949 merger of that college with Raffles College to form Universiti Malaya.
UM is a public research university in Kuala Lumpur and one of Malaysia’s leading higher education institutions. In the QS World University Rankings 2026, UM was ranked 58th globally.
University education does not need to cost you an arm and a leg. There are universities around the world where you can obtain your degree at a more manageable expense. For instance, you may opt to study in Malaysia, where the cost of education can be lower than in many other study destinations.
We hope that this article on affordable universities in Malaysia was helpful. Check out available courses for international students to explore the programs that currently accept international applicants. You can also get more insights about studying in the country on our Study in Malaysia page, including practical tips and information about universities and scholarship opportunities!
