Study in Malaysia

What can you imagine when the modern world mixes with the developing world? Probably something has beautiful as Malaysia. Malaysia has a cultural and historical blend that has made it something of a treasure in Southeast Asia. And, when someone says, “historical blend”, in Southeast Asia, that has got make you hungry. After all, such a combination can only mean one thing: delicious food to make you go wild.

Lately, too, universities and colleges in Malaysia have started introducing English-taught Master’s and Bachelor’s programmes. Students come from everywhere to join in their classes, living long-term in a place that most people only dream of.

Why study in Malaysia?

1. It's affordable

Studying a Bachelor's or Master's programme at Malaysian public universities costs between 500 and 4,500 EUR per academic year. Medicine degrees are the main exception, with tuition fees of up to 27,000 EUR per year.

So for most disciplines, you'll pay a lot less than you would at a university or college in the US, Canada, UK, or Australia.

2. English is widely spoken

Around 50 to 60% of Malaysians speak the English language, at least at conversational level. While this may not sound like much when compared to other nations, keep in mind that you'll spend most of your time in major student cities, like Kuala Lumpur, where you won't have to worry about language barriers.

3. Malaysian universities are among the best in Asia

Global university rankings, which are released each year, place universities in Malaysia among the best higher education institutions in Asia. This includes both public and private universities, and represents another great reasons to study here.

4. Enjoy peace and safety

Malaysia is one of the safest and most peaceful countries in the world according to recent rankings. It has a stable political environment, a growing economy, and a developing industry — key factors that contribute to the overall positive outlook of the local society.

5. It is home to UNESCO World Heritage Sites and natural beauty

The excellent weather, natural beauty, and unique cuisine make Malaysia one of the most popular tourist destinations in Asia.

While studying and living there, don't forget to visit iconic buildings and places like Mount Kinabalu, the Batu Caves, Menara Kuala Lumpur, the Perhentian Islands, the Gunung Mulu National Park, etc.

What it is like to study in Malaysia

One of the things Malaysia is known for is constantly celebrating different holidays. There is an endless array of festivals going on all through the year; and if you’re a student there, it may not be a requirement to join one, but you may as well.

The lucky thing is there are several languages and ethnic groups present in Malaysia. That means, no matter where you’re from, you’ll find people capable of speaking English to you, and who will happily help you get around.

And, of course, the same rules apply to your classes in Malaysia. Be prepared for every class, and study hard before you decide to join yet another festival this month.

What to study in Malaysia?

In Malaysia, their long history of art, literature, and music has made it an interesting place to pursue topics related to their local culture. At the same time, however, Malaysia has also become a strong, vibrant place for technology and business innovation, allowing young Bachelor’s and Master’s students to find their calling in a place that suits their career goals.

Here is a list of subjects to pursue in Malaysia:

• Finance degrees in Malaysia 
• Economics degrees in Malaysia 
• General Engineering degrees in Malaysia 
• Cultural Studies degrees in Malaysia 

Major cities in Malaysia

As a country, Malaysia isn’t that big, so there aren’t many places to put a big city. But, if you are interested in knowing, Kuala Lumpur is Malaysia’s biggest city and national capital. You’ll also find other, smaller cities, such as Melaka City, Kuantan, Ipoh, and Georgetown. Surely, travelling between them, you catch a glimpse of big city life, combined with small-town life, all in a short day.

Which universities to attend in Malaysia

Malaysia has recently started building up their universities, combining different colleges, academies, and institutes together to make larger universities. At the same time, there are large public universities, hugely backed and subsidised by the Malaysian government.

Here are some familiar universities in Malaysia:

• University Putra Malaysia 
• Universiti Sains Malaysia 
• University of Kuala Lumpur 
• University of Malaya 

Practical Information

Each university in Malaysia has its own system on their website that allows future students to apply for and enrol in their degree programmes. So, once you select the university of your choice, you can go through their application and submit your materials there.

Here are some of the basic requirements you’ll need for every application:

• A scan of your diploma (high school or Bachelor’s degree)
• A transcript/record of your previous courses
• A scan of your passport and/or birth certificate
• Your CV
• Testing scores
• Evidence of scholarship or funding
• Letters of recommendation (between 2-3)
• Portfolio and/or writing samples

Helpful ways to make sure you qualify for a university in Malaysia

Take Preparation Courses

These kinds of courses enable degree-seeking students to get an extra educational boost just before they start their Master’s degree or other post-graduate degree programmes.

Try a pre-M.B.A., pre-Law, or pre-Medicine programme, as well as any other foundation or preparation courses that will allow you to study in the degree programme of your choice.

Improve your English through an English-language prep course

If you’re attending a degree programme in Malaysia you will need to prove that your language skills are good enough to participate in the classes and understand the lectures. These courses will also prepare you for any of the English-language tests that universities require.

English-language tests

To apply to study in the Malaysia, you’ll need to provide proof you have a diploma for your English proficiency.

The certificates generally accepted by the universities in the Malaysia are:

• PTE Academic
• TOEFL
• IELTS
• C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency