International students in Malaysia can partake in a unique and enriching study abroad experience. The country’s affordable education, high living standards, and diverse multicultural scenes attract students from various parts of the world, making Malaysia a popular study-abroad destination for individuals seeking affordable tuition fees and excellent academic institutions.
Additionally, Malaysia’s relatively low cost of living in comparison to other study-abroad destinations allows students to focus on their education without having to worry too much about expenses.
In this article, we will give you a detailed overview of the academic and living costs associated with studying in Malaysia as an international student.
Costs of Studying in Malaysia
Academic Costs / Tuition Fees
Tuition fees in Malaysian institutions can vary depending on the study level and the university. Here is a list of the tuition fees range for international students across five universities in Malaysia.
| MALAYSIAN INSTITUTION |
AVE. UNDERGRADUATE TUITION | AVE. GRADUATE TUITION |
|---|---|---|
| University of Malaya | RM 11,800 – RM 59,00 /year | RM 9,600 – RM 34,000 /year (Master’s) RM 24,000 – RM 60,000 /year (Ph.D.) |
| University of Putra Malaysia | RM 10,200 – RM 20,200 /year | RM 10,500 – RM 23,00 /year (Master’s) RM 11,100 – RM 16,400 /year (Ph.D.) |
| University of Technology Malaysia | RM 55,000 – RM 76,000 | RM 25,400 – RM 37,200 (Master’s) RM 46,000 – RM 60,100 (Ph.D.) |
| Science University of Malaysia | RM 14,000 – RM 38,000 /year | RM 15,000 – RM 57,000 /year (Master’s) RM 76,700 to RM 84,700 (Ph.D.) |
| Technical University of Malaysia, Malacca | RM 11,700 – RM 14,000 /year | RM 10,400 (Master’s) RM 38,800 (Ph.D.) |
Other Academic Costs
As with any study abroad situation, international students in Malaysia will likely face other costs in addition to their tuition expenses. This includes expenses like application processing fees, graduation fees, registration fees, on-campus fees, and health insurance expenses among others. These fees can vary between institutions, for instance, the University of Putra Malaysia requires students to pay an application processing fee of RM 280, while the processing fee at the University of Malaya is RM 300.
Another important expense would be healthcare, all international students must have medical insurance coverage in Malaysia. New students may even be required to attend a medical check-up. For example, undergraduate students at the PETRONAS University of Technology will be charged RM 250 for a medical check-up.
Costs of Living in Malaysia
The cost of living as an international student in Malaysia will depend on your living standards and location. Here are the approximate costs associated with three major cities in Malaysia.
1. Kuala Lumpur
- Recommended School/s: University of Malaya | University of Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia’s capital city Kuala Lumpur, offers a multicultural and vibrant study environment for international students. Living costs in Kuala Lumpur are typically more affordable than most other capital cities around the globe. It would cost around RM 2,550 for a single person covering RM 260 for utilities, and RM 50 for internet, along with groceries, transportation, and leisure. Additionally, the cost of accommodation for a single bedroom can range from RM 1,450 to RM 2,260 monthly.
2. Penang
- Recommended School/s: University of Science Malaysia | SEGi University Penang
Penang is another popular destination for international students. Living costs for a single person in Penang could amount to around RM 2,400, with an additional monthly cost for accommodation ranging from RM 1,350 to RM 1,890 for a single bedroom. The living cost includes several expenses including groceries, transportation, utilities, internet, and leisure.
For instance, the average monthly living cost for a student living on campus at the Science University of Malaysia in Penang is RM 1,700.
3. Johor Bahru
- Recommended School/s: Universiti Teknologi Malaysia | City University Malaysia
Johor Bahru in Malaysia offers a relatively lower cost of living compared to Kuala Lumpur or Penang. A single bedroom in Johor Bahru could cost from RM 1,150 to RM 1,430 per month. The monthly living cost for a single person could amount to approximately RM 2,390 and include utilities, transportation, groceries, internet, and leisure.
Ways to Minimize Academic and Living Costs in Malaysia
Managing finances abroad as an international student can be quite cumbersome. However, international students are advised to look into various options to help ease their financial load.
1. Scholarships for International Students
Malaysia has made available several scholarship opportunities for its students, including some that are exclusive to international students. These scholarships offer partial to full tuition coverage, with some also offering full funding, covering accommodation and living expenses.
A good example of scholarships available for international students is the Malaysian International Scholarship (MIS), offered by the Malaysian government.
2. Part-time Work for International Students
International students in Malaysia are allowed to pursue part-time work opportunities during semester breaks and long breaks (more than 7 days). This additional source of income can help ease the financial burdens of students.
Popular part-time jobs for international students in Malaysia include working in the service industry, as research assistants, tutors, and more. Students can use popular online sites like Indeed or JobsMalaysia to facilitate job searches.
However, certain rules and restrictions must be followed. Certain jobs may require permission to be obtained from the Department of Immigration, and applications to part-time jobs must also be made via the educational institutions the student is enrolled in. Additionally, students are not allowed to work in certain roles that may be deemed immoral.
In conclusion, studying abroad in Malaysia is indeed an affordable option for international students. Tuition costs and living costs in Malaysia are relatively lower compared to most other popular study-abroad destinations. Additionally, students can minimize expenses via scholarships and part-time work opportunities.
We hope you make use of this article once you decide to Study in Malaysia. For more study options, check out the Available Programs curated for international students!
About the Author: Hyun Lee
