Malaysia is home to many reputable universities offering bachelor’s degree programs in engineering, science, arts, and other fields. International students considering studying for an undergraduate degree in this country will find that most of its academic offerings adhere to rigorous academic standards. Universities often have modern infrastructures, advanced technologies, and faculty members comprising professors and lecturers who are experts in their fields of study. What is even more interesting is that the cost of acquiring a bachelor’s degree here is cost-effective.
In this article, we’ll be providing a comprehensive guide that will make it easier for international students to apply for a bachelor’s program in Malaysia. We’ll be discussing the general requirements and a step-by-step guide on how to apply for an undergraduate program.
Bachelor’s Degree Admission Requirements
To gain admission for a bachelor’s degree in Malaysia, students must meet specific application requirements set by their chosen university. These requirements differ based on the institution and the particular program of interest. Nevertheless, these are several commonly requested documents that applicants need to provide:
ADMISSION
REQUIREMENTS |
DOCUMENT DETAILS |
| Educational Qualification |
Before you can apply to study for a bachelor’s degree in Malaysia, international students must provide proof that they have completed their secondary education. This is typically called a secondary school leaving certificate, high school diploma, or its equivalent. |
| Application Form |
International students will also be required to fill out and submit an application form requesting their personal information and the course they are interested in. Some universities will require that you pay an application fee to proceed with the process, and the form must be completed before the stipulated deadline. Most universities have an online application portal where they can access the application form and other information regarding admissions on the university website. |
| Letter of Recommendation |
Another requirement that needs to be submitted is a letter of recommendation, which a teacher, supervisor, or mentor usually write. This letter usually provides insight into the individual’s educational qualifications, abilities, and character. |
| Personal Statement |
Some universities in Malaysia also require applicants to submit a personal statement, which will outline the academic and career goals of the applicant and give an insight into the reason for choosing their course of study. |
Language Proficiency Tests Needed for Undergraduate Studies
Universities in Malaysia mostly use English as their medium of instruction and will require international students to present proof of proficiency in the English language as part of the admission requirements, which could be the Malaysian University English Test (MUET), Pearson Test of English (PTE), Cambridge English Qualification, Certified Intensive English Programme, TOEFL, or IELTS.
This is the case with the University of Technology Malaysia, which requires international students to meet any English language requirements. However, if the student is unable to do so, they will be required to take an Intensive English Programme (IEP) conducted by the UTM Language Academy or a Certified Intensive English Programme (CIEP) conducted by the ELS Language Centre.
Applicants can also be exempted from language proficiency if they have attended an international school where the medium of instruction is English, an A-level or International Baccalaureate qualification.
Bachelor’s Degree Application Process
Successfully applying for a bachelor’s degree program demands meticulous planning and following specific guidelines. Hence, navigating the demanding admission process can be done by following these steps:
Step 1. Research and Select a Program
International students should start by researching universities in Malaysia, whether they want to attend a public or private university, and if the program of interest is available in a particular institution. That way, they can choose a university that meets all their academic goals. Thankfully, Malaysia has several prestigious universities to choose from.
Step 2. Check the Institution’s Admission Requirements
The next thing you want to do is check the admission requirements of your preferred university. The school will assess and verify the requirements to determine if you qualify for the program you applied for, and if you cannot meet the criteria, the chances of being accepted become slim.
Also, the admission requirements vary per university and course of study. However, some similar admission requirements include a letter of recommendation, personal statement, and academic transcript. You can check these Malaysian universities to compare each admission requirements: University of Science Malaysia, University of Malaya, University of Putra Malaysia, and National University Malaysia.
Step 3. Prepare the Required Documents
When preparing to apply to a bachelor’s program in Malaysia, it is important to carefully follow the university guidelines and ensure that all necessary documents are provided. Some documents you might need to prepare include your educational qualification, language proficiency test scores, passport, health examination report, and resume.
Step 4. Submit Application Form
Submitting the application form is a crucial step in the process of applying to a university in Malaysia. This step involves an applicant sending the completed application form along with any required supporting documents to the university admissions office.
Applicants are expected to carefully fill out the form by providing accurate information, including personal details, educational background, and chosen course of study, The application form is usually available on the school’s official website and needs to be submitted before the stated deadline.
Step 5. Accept Offer
Once the school receives your application and grants you admission, you can accept or reject the offer. If you accept the admission offer, you must adequately prepare to complete your enrollment, apply for the necessary visa, look for accommodation, and begin your program.
You will be required to pay the necessary fees, submit additional documents, and cover expenses such as travel expenses, accommodation, food, book and stationery, and clothing.
FAQs: Bachelor’s Application Process in Malaysia
Is it Expensive to Study Bachelor’s in Malaysia?
Studying in Malaysia is considered affordable compared to many Western countries, but this will always depend on the university and program you are enrolling in. For instance, in public management universities like the Northern University of Malaysia (Universiti Utara Malaysia), tuition fee ranges between 8,400 MYR to 10,000 MYR or $1,760 to $2,097 per year, unlike research universities like the University of Technology Malaysia or Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, whose tuition fee is more expensive ranging between 51,620 MYR to 75,000 MYR or $10,825 to $15,723 per year.
Remember that aside from tuition costs, international students should also prepare to cover other academic expenses which typically include application fees, accommodation, and other living expenses. It is also worth noting that the study and living costs in Malaysia differ per location. So before deciding which university to attend, ensure that you are aware of the possible costs to be incurred throughout your study.
Pursuing a bachelor’s program in Malaysia is a rewarding experience for international students, thanks to its quality of education, affordability, modern infrastructures, international recognition, and overall enriching environment. With the guidelines provided in this article, students will have less difficulty preparing to apply for their bachelor’s degree program.
We hope this article will help you in your application for an undergraduate program in Malaysia. Feel free to check out the Study in Malaysia Page for more articles about studying in this Asian country. You can also search for study courses on the Available Programs for international students!
