How to apply to study in Malaysia

Malaysia is a fantastic option for students looking for an affordable education that maintains the high standards of other international higher-education institutions.

There are 26 Malaysian universities listed in the Times Higher Education Asia University Rankings 2024, with Universiti Teknologi Petronas the highest ranked. In addition, Universiti Sains Malaysia was among the highest ranked universities in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings for SDG16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).

Malaysia also hosts several international branch campuses, such as the University of Nottingham Malaysia and Monash University Malaysia, offering students a global education at a fraction of the cost of studying abroad.

Types of universities in Malaysia

When advising international students, it’s crucial to differentiate between the types of universities in Malaysia:

Public universities

These are government-funded institutions. International students can apply directly to public universities using their GCSEs and A levels (or equivalent, provided the qualifications are recognised by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency).

Malaysians wanting to go to public universities need to apply using the common application system UPU Online, and must also have an SPM qualification.

Private universities

Private institutions often provide more flexibility when it comes to entry requirements. They also offer additional intakes. Most of our students who cannot apply to public universities (for example, because they completed IGCSEs instead of SPM) opt for private universities.

How to apply to Malaysian universities

Here is a breakdown of the application process.

Online application systems

Most public universities in Malaysia have their own online application systems. Some examples include:

• Universiti Malaya: MAYA
• Universiti Sains Malaysia: POHON@USM
• International Islamic University Malaysia: IIUM e-Admission
• Universiti Teknologi Petronas: UTP Application System
• Taylor’s University: TOPAS
• Monash University Malaysia: MyApps portal

Document preparation

The following documents usually need to be uploaded or emailed:

• Passport (copy of the identification page)
• Passport-sized photograph
• Academic transcripts
• Exam certificates
• School-leaving certificate
• English-language certificate (sometimes waived for students from schools with an English-based curriculum)
• Proof of payment for application or processing fees

Some of these documents may need official translations if they are in a language other than English.

Application timelines and intakes

Students need to be aware of the university intake periods: typically September to October (semester one) and February to March (semester two).

Some private universities also offer intakes in May, June or July. I would emphasise the importance of applying early to avoid delays, as application processing can take from one week to several months.

Tuition fees and scholarships

The tuition fees for international students at a public university in Malaysia typically range from USD$3,000 to $5,000 per year. At a private university, they range from $10,000 to $20,000 per year (depending on the type of university and programme).

Some universities do offer partial scholarships based on prior academic achievement, which can cover between 10 and 50 per cent of tuition fees. External scholarships may also be available, often listed on university websites.

Visa process

Once an application is successful, the student will receive an offer letter, which details the fees and visa processing requirements.

In Malaysia, the university manages the student-visa application on behalf of the student. This process can take from four to eight weeks, and it won’t begin until the necessary fees are paid. I tell students just to follow the steps given by the university and it should all be fine.

Arrival in Malaysia

Upon arrival, international students must complete a medical screening within seven working days, following the Education Malaysia Global Services requirement.

Additionally, students are required to purchase medical insurance. Most universities will assist students in these aspects, but it is good for students to be aware of these mandated requirements before they depart for Malaysia.