Because of its premium universities, comparatively lower fees, and growing industries, Malaysia has become a popular destination for international students. The country is also a convenient study-abroad destination because of its location in Southeast Asia and strong regional connectivity.
Bahasa Malaysia, also known as Malay, is Malaysia’s national language and is widely used in public life and education. At the tertiary level, however, many programs—especially those aimed at international students—are taught in English. As a result, higher education institutions commonly ask applicants to show English language proficiency.
This attracts students from other countries because of Malaysia’s higher education opportunities and relatively easier academic adaptation for students who can study in English. Malaysia has 20 public universities and hundreds of registered private higher education institutions, and several Malaysian institutions are listed in major global university rankings.
Many Malaysian universities require English language proficiency to gain admission to undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programs. However, exact requirements vary by university, program level, field of study, and whether the applicant’s previous education was completed in English. In this article, we discuss the English language tests commonly accepted by Malaysian universities.
Language Proficiency Tests Needed in Malaysia
Malaysia is home to a wide variety of languages, including Malay, English, Mandarin, Tamil, and other community languages. English is widely used in higher education, particularly in programs designed for international students. It is also important for academic reading, research, internships, and professional communication.
International applicants whose first language or previous studies were not in English usually need to submit recognized English test results or an approved equivalent. Commonly accepted options include MUET, IELTS, TOEFL iBT, TOEFL Essentials, PTE Academic, Cambridge English Qualifications, and Linguaskill Online.
English Language Tests for International Students
In the list below, we discuss some of the most recognized English language tests for international students who want to study in Malaysia.
1. IELTS – International English Language Testing System
One of the major language tests accepted in Malaysia for international students is IELTS. The International English Language Testing System is a globally recognized test that has been used for more than 35 years to assess candidates’ ability to communicate in academic and everyday English. It has four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The two main test types are IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training.
The Listening, Reading, and Writing sections are usually taken on the same day. The Speaking test may be scheduled on the same day or up to one week before or after the other sections. The full IELTS test takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes.
For study purposes in Malaysia, IELTS Academic is usually the version required by universities. A valid IELTS Academic score can help students demonstrate that they are ready to study in an English-medium academic environment.
The minimum IELTS score required to gain admission to Malaysian universities commonly ranges from about 5.0 to 6.5 overall, although some programs require higher scores. Requirements vary by institution and course, so applicants should always check the official program page before applying. Examples include the following:
- Universiti Teknologi Malaysia generally requires IELTS Academic 5.5 for undergraduate programs, except for TESL, which is higher. For postgraduate admission, UTM lists IELTS Academic 6.0 for faculty enrollment, while TESL postgraduate entry requires IELTS 7.0.
- Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS lists IELTS 5.0 for undergraduate Engineering & Sciences, Technology, and Computer Science programs, and IELTS 5.5 for undergraduate Business Management. For postgraduate applicants, UTP lists IELTS requirements from 5.0 to 6.0, depending on the field.
- Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus lists different IELTS requirements by award level. For example, MBA(I), MCM, and MIT programs require IELTS Academic 6.0 with no band below 6.0, while TESOL postgraduate programs require higher scores.
2. TOEFL – Test of English as a Foreign Language
TOEFL is another English proficiency test accepted by many Malaysian universities. It is a standardized exam designed to assess an applicant’s English ability in an academic context. Many universities consider applicants’ TOEFL scores as one way to meet English language requirements.
The current TOEFL iBT test has four sections: Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking. It is offered at authorized test centers and as the TOEFL iBT Home Edition. The test takes approximately two hours to complete.
TOEFL requirements in Malaysia vary by university, program, and test date. Some university pages still refer to legacy TOEFL iBT scores for tests taken before January 21, 2026, while others are updating their pages to the newer scoring scale. Examples include the following:
- For Monash University graduate research admission, minimum TOEFL requirements vary by faculty. Some faculties list TOEFL iBT 79 for tests taken before January 21, 2026, or an overall 4 on the newer TOEFL iBT scale for tests taken from January 21, 2026. Arts, Business and Economics, Education, and Law have higher requirements.
- Heriot-Watt University lists TOEFL iBT 72 for undergraduate entry for tests taken before January 21, 2026, with higher requirements for some Actuarial programs. Postgraduate taught programs generally require TOEFL iBT 79, while Interpreting and Translating programs require 90.
- Xiamen University Malaysia lists TOEFL iBT 40, or TOEFL PBT 410–413, as an English proficiency option for some English-medium postgraduate programs, such as the Master in New Energy Science and Engineering. Requirements vary by course.
3. Pearson Test of English: (PTE) Academic
The third language proficiency test accepted by many institutions in Malaysia is PTE Academic. PTE Academic is a computer-based academic English test that assesses speaking, writing, reading, and listening. It is accepted by thousands of universities and colleges worldwide and is also listed by Education Malaysia Global Services as a recognized English competency document.
The current PTE Academic test is a two-hour computer-based test taken at an authorized test center. It assesses all four language skills and reports scores on a 10–90 scale.
PTE requirements for Malaysian institutions vary by program and level of study. Some programs may accept lower scores, while postgraduate and professional programs may require higher scores. Examples include the following:
- Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation lists PTE requirements from 36 to 63, depending on the program group and level.
- Monash University graduate research requirements list PTE 58 for several faculties and PTE 65 for Arts, Business and Economics, Education, and Law.
- Universiti Teknologi Malaysia lists PTE Academic or PTE Academic Online 59 for postgraduate faculty enrollment, while TESL postgraduate entry requires PTE 76.
Language tests are important for overseas students seeking admission to a reputable Malaysian university. A variety of English proficiency tests are accepted in Malaysia’s higher education institutions, including IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic, MUET, and Cambridge English Qualifications. Score requirements differ by test, university, program, and study level, including Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. programs.
We hope this article helped you better understand the language tests needed for international students in Malaysia. Don’t miss out on the many program opportunities currently available by exploring these available courses for international students! For more resources to assist you in planning your academic journey in Malaysia, make sure to visit our Study in Malaysia Page!
