Study in Malaysia

Malaysia is becoming a popular education destination for international students, including Bangladeshis, due to its affordable tuition fees, globally recognized degrees, and diverse cultural environment. This guide provides an in-depth look into why Malaysia is an excellent choice, the education system, application process, student life, and work opportunities.

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Why Study in Malaysia?

There are multiple reasons why Malaysia is a preferred study destination:

Affordable Education & Cost of Living: Tuition fees and living costs in Malaysia are significantly lower than in countries like the USA, UK, or Canada, making it a highly appealing choice for Bangladeshi students. The overall cost of living is also quite affordable, with reasonable expenses for accommodation, food, transportation, and daily needs, making Malaysia an economical option for studying abroad.
Globally Recognized Degrees: Many universities in Malaysia are ranked internationally, and several foreign universities have campuses in the country, offering globally recognized degrees.
Multicultural Environment: Malaysia is home to a diverse society with Malays, Chinese, Indians and international communities, providing a welcoming atmosphere for students from Bangladesh and other countries.
English as a Medium of Instruction: Many universities in Malaysia teach in English, allowing students to study without the need to learn another language.
Strategic Location: Malaysia is situated in Southeast Asia, making it easy for students to travel to neighboring countries such as Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia and Australia.
Work Opportunities for Students: International students are allowed to work part-time during their studies, providing an opportunity to gain practical experience. Additionally, Malaysia offers post-study work visas for graduates.
Safety & Student-Friendly Policies: Malaysia has a low crime rate, making it a safe place for international students. The Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) ensures a smooth visa process.
Muslim-Friendly Environment: Malaysia is a Muslim-majority country, offering a culturally familiar environment for Bangladeshi students who practice Islam, with Islamic practices respected and supported.
Safe for Female Students: Malaysia is considered a safe destination for female students, with a high level of respect for women’s rights and safety. Women can freely participate in all aspects of student life.
Rich Culture & Heritage: Malaysia’s unique blend of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and other cultures provides a rich cultural experience for students. There are various cultural festivals and events throughout the year, enriching the student life experience.

Major Cities for Students

Malaysia has several major cities with top universities and excellent student facilities.

1. Kuala Lumpur (KL)

The capital city and Malaysia’s education hub.
Home to Universiti Malaya (UM), Taylor’s University, UCSI University, and Monash University Malaysia.
Modern city with world-class infrastructure, shopping malls, and transport networks.

2. Penang

Known for its high-tech industries and heritage sites.
Home to Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), ranked among Malaysia’s top universities.
Beautiful beaches and affordable living options for students.

3. Johor Bahru

Located near Singapore, offering job opportunities after graduation.
Home to Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and Raffles University.

4. Selangor (Subang, Petaling Jaya, Shah Alam)

A major education and industrial hub.
Home to Sunway University, INTI International University, and SEGi University.

5. Malacca (Melaka)

A historical city with a growing number of universities.

Home to Multimedia University (MMU) and Melaka-Manipal Medical College

Key Facts About Malaysia

🌍 Population: ~33 million
💰 Currency: Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)
🗣 Languages: Malay (official), English (widely spoken), Chinese, Tamil
🌤 Climate: Tropical (warm & humid year-round)
📡 Internet: High-speed (5G available)
📍 Time Zone: GMT+8
💼 Major Industries: Oil & Gas, Manufacturing, Electronics, Education, Tourism
✈ Major Airports: Kuala Lumpur (KLIA), Penang, Johor Bahru, Kota Kinabalu

Education System in Malaysia

Malaysia’s higher education system follows an internationally recognized structure:

Types of Institutions:

Public Universities: Funded by the Malaysian government, offering lower tuition fees.
Private Universities: Offer flexible entry requirements and global partnerships.
Foreign Branch Campuses: Universities from the UK, Australia and the US have campuses in Malaysia (e.g., Monash University Malaysia, University of Nottingham Malaysia).
Technical & Vocational Institutes: Offer diplomas and certificates for skill-based careers.

Degree Levels & Duration:

Diploma – 2 to 3 years
Bachelor’s Degree – 3 to 4 years
Master’s Degree – 1 to 2 years [ Research based 2-3 years]
PhD (Doctorate) – 3 to 5 years

Popular Programs in Malaysia

Malaysia offers diverse study programs, with some of the most popular options being:

Business & MBA – Management, Marketing, Entrepreneurship
Engineering & IT – Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, Software, Data Science
Medicine & Health Sciences – MBBS, Pharmacy, Nursing, Biomedical Science
Arts & Design – Graphic Design, Fashion, Animation
Accounting & Finance – Banking, Financial Technology (FinTech)
Hospitality & Tourism – Hotel Management, Event Planning

Universities in Malaysia

Public Universities in Malaysia
University	Type	QS Ranking (2024)	Tuition Fees/Year (MYR)	Living Cost/Month (MYR)	Top Subjects
Universiti Malaya (UM)	Public	#1 in Malaysia, Top 100 QS	10,000 – 30,000	1,500 – 2,500	Medicine, Engineering, Business
Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)	Public	Top 150	8,000 – 25,000	1,200 – 2,200	Agriculture, Engineering, Business
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)	Public	Top 150	9,000 – 26,000	1,200 – 2,200	Social Sciences, Law, Public Health
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)	Public	Top 200	8,000 – 24,000	1,300 – 2,300	Science, Medicine, Engineering
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)	Public	Top 200	7,000 – 23,000	1,300 – 2,300	Engineering, Technology
Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS)	Public	Top 1000+	7,000 – 20,000	1,000 – 2,000	Environmental Science, Computer Science
Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS)	Public	Top 1000+	6,000 – 20,000	1,000 – 1,800	Marine Science, Tourism
Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM)	Public	Top 500+	7,000 – 20,000	1,000 – 2,000	Business, Finance, Management
Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI)	Public	NA	6,000 – 15,000	1,000 – 2,000	Education, Humanities
Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM)	Public	NA	5,000 – 18,000	1,000 – 2,000	Business, Arts, Law
Private Universities in Malaysia
University	Type	QS Ranking (2024)	Tuition Fees/Year (MYR)	Living Cost/Month (MYR)	Top Subjects
Taylor’s University	Private	Top Private (QS Top 300)	30,000 – 70,000	1,500 – 3,000	Business, Hospitality, IT
UCSI University	Private	QS Top 300	25,000 – 55,000	1,500 – 2,800	Medicine, Business, Music
Sunway University	Private	Top 500	30,000 – 60,000	1,500 – 3,000	Business, IT, Hospitality
INTI International University	Private	Top 600	20,000 – 50,000	1,500 – 2,800	Business, IT, Engineering
HELP University	Private	Top 700	15,000 – 45,000	1,300 – 2,500	Psychology, Business, IT
Asia Pacific University (APU)	Private	Top 600	20,000 – 45,000	1,400 – 2,500	IT, Cybersecurity, Engineering
SEGi University	Private	Top 1000+	15,000 – 40,000	1,200 – 2,400	Business, Health Sciences
Infrastructure University Kuala Lumpur (IUKL)	Private	NA	14,000 – 35,000	1,000 – 2,000	Engineering, Business, IT
Foreign Branch Campuses in Malaysia
University	Origin	QS Ranking (2024)	Tuition Fees/Year (MYR)	Living Cost/Month (MYR)	Top Subjects
Monash University Malaysia	Australia	Top 100	40,000 – 90,000	1,800 – 3,500	STEM, Business, Engineering
University of Nottingham Malaysia	UK	Top 120	35,000 – 85,000	1,800 – 3,500	Research, Engineering, Business
Heriot-Watt University Malaysia	UK	Top 300	30,000 – 60,000	1,800 – 3,200	Engineering, Business, Actuarial Science
Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak	Australia	Top 250	28,000 – 50,000	1,200 – 2,200	Design, IT, Engineering
Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia	UK	Top 150 (Medicine)	90,000 – 100,000	2,000 – 3,500	Medicine, Biomedical Science
Xiamen University Malaysia	China	Top 500	18,000 – 35,000	1,200 – 2,200	Chinese Studies, Business, Science

Tuition Fees in Malaysia (MYR per year)

Program	Public Universities	Private Universities
Diploma	5,000 – 15,000	15,000 – 30,000
Bachelor’s	10,000 – 25,000	25,000 – 70,000
Master’s	10,000 – 30,000	20,000 – 50,000
PhD	15,000 – 40,000	30,000 – 80,000

(Medicine & Engineering programs may cost more.)

Note: Tuition fees will be paid after visa approval, however, EMGS fees are required to be deposited initially. After that, the rest of the amount (including tuition fee, caution fee, ancillary fees) will be deposited after the visa approval and 7 days before the flight. Tuition amount is non-refundable; only caution fees are refundable, which is considered the security deposit.

Application Process & Deadlines

Intake Sessions	Application Deadlines
February/March (Main Intake)	3-6 months before intake
June/July (Mid-Year Intake)	3-6 months before intake
September/October (Limited Intake)	3-6 months before intake

Note: If all requirements are met, the procedure may take up to 10 days to complete. However, in some cases, the visa result can be received within 5 days.

Required Documents:

✔ Passport copy (valid for at least 18 months)
✔ Official Academic transcripts & certificates
✔ English proficiency test (MOI, IELTS/TOEFL, PTE if required)
✔ EMGS Fee (varies from University)
✔ Statement of Purpose (SOP)
✔ Recommendation letters (for Master’s/PhD)
✔ Research Proposal (for Master’s/PhD)
✔ Bank statement (proof of financial ability – if required)

Visa Application Process

Student Visa (Student Pass) Checklist:

Offer Letter from a Malaysian university
Visa Approval
Letter (VAL) from
Education
Malaysia Global
Services (EMGS)
Medical check-up report (from an approved clinic)
Proof of financial support (bank statement or sponsorship letter if required)
Visa processing fee
Interview – Case to case it varies.
Online Visa Application

(Processing time: 4-8 weeks)

Student Visa Process After Arrival in Malaysia

Once a Bangladeshi student’s visa is approved and they arrive in Malaysia, they must complete the following steps:

Medical Check-Up (Within 3-5 Days of Arrival)
- Students must undergo a mandatory medical examination at an EMGS-approved clinic in Malaysia.
- Tests usually include blood test, chest X-ray, and urine test (to screen for diseases like HIV, Hepatitis and Tuberculosis).
- The clinic will submit the report directly to EMGS (Education Malaysia Global Services).
Passport Submission to University/EMGS
- After completing the medical check-up, students must submit their original passport to their university’s international office or the designated visa processing center.
- The university will handle the Student Pass (visa sticker) endorsement process.
Issuance of Student Pass (Within 1 Month)
- Once the medical report is cleared, the Immigration Department of Malaysia will issue the Student Pass sticker in the passport.
- The initial Student Pass is usually valid for 1 year and must be renewed annually.
Yearly Visa Renewal Process
- Before the Student Pass expires, students must renew it by submitting:
  1. Latest academic results (proof of attendance & good performance)
  2. Valid passport (with at least 12 months validity)
  3. Updated medical report (if required)
  4. Proof of financial means (bank statement/sponsor letter)
- The university’s international office usually assists with renewal applications.
- Cost Around – 1000 to 1200 MYR

Important Notes for Bangladeshi Students

Overstaying is illegal – Always renew the visa at least 1-2 months before expiry.
Attendance & CGPA matters – Poor attendance OR poor results can lead to visa cancellation.
Passport must be valid – Renew your Bangladeshi passport early if needed.

This process ensures students stay legally in Malaysia throughout their studies.

Job Opportunities & Wages in Malaysia

Part-time work: Allowed 20 hours per week (e.g., retail, restaurants, shopping malls, internships); Hourly can earn around 7-20- RM.
Post-study work: Graduates can apply for a 12-month work visa.
Employment Pass (EP): Companies can sponsor full-time jobs.

Average Salaries:

Fresh Graduates: MYR 2,500 – 4,500/month
IT/Engineering: MYR 4,000 – 8,000/month
Business/Finance: MYR 3,500 – 7,000/month

Other Information

Proximity to Bangladesh

Only 4-hour flight from Dhaka to Kuala Lumpur (KL).
Direct flights available via Biman Bangladesh, AirAsia, Malindo Air, and Malaysia Airlines.

Convenient Transportation in Malaysia

LRT (Light Rail Transit) & MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) – Affordable and efficient for daily commute.
Buses & Grab (Ride-hailing) – Cheap and widely available.
Student discounts available on some transport passes.

Affordable Food Costs

Local meals cost around MYR 5-10 (BDT 150-300).
University cafeteria meals are even cheaper (MYR 3-8 per meal).

Credit Transfer & Campus Change Flexibility

Credit Transfer Policy:

After 6 months, students can start the credit transfer process.
Maximum 25 credits can be transferred after 1 year (subject to university approval).

Campus Change (Within Malaysia or Partner Universities Abroad):

No major restrictions – Students can switch campuses if the program is available.
Example: A student at INTI Subang can transfer to INTI Nilai or a partner university in the UK/Australia.
Process: Submit a request to the academic office + meet eligibility criteria.

Malaysia Student File Process

Application Submission
- Provide official academic transcripts & certificates
- Meet English proficiency requirements (IELTS/MOI/Intensive English Program)
- Eligibility based on education level:
  - Foundation: SSC/O Levels
  - Diploma: SSC/HSC/O Levels/AS Levels
  - Bachelor’s: SSC & HSC
  - Master’s: Bachelor’s official transcript & certificate
Receive Offer Letter from the university
Pay EMGS Processing Fee (varies by university)
Apply for Visa through the Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS)
Visa Approval (Processing time depends on EMGS and immigration)
Pay Tuition & Other Fees as required by the university
Arrange Accommodation (Inform the university at least 15 days before departure)
Travel to Malaysia on the student visa
Complete Medical Check-up within 3-5 days of arrival
Submit Passport to University for student visa endorsement
Receive 1-Year Student Visa and stay approval
Visa Renewal After 1 Year
- Requires 80% attendance and minimum GPA requirement

Renewal Fee: MYR 1000 – 1200

Step-by-Step Application Process

STEP 1: Get a Letter of Offer

Issued by the university.
Processing Time: 2–3 working days (sometimes within 24 hours).

Required Documents:
- Passport copy
- Academic documents

STEP 2: Accept the Offer

Sign the Letter of Acceptance.
Agree to the university’s terms and conditions.
Pay EMGS/Visa fees (as mentioned in the offer letter).

STEP 3: Submit Visa Application Documents

Private universities: Submission is done by the university.
Public universities: Students must submit documents directly through the EMGS portal.

Required Documents:

Passport-size photo (35mm x 45mm, white background)
Passport copy (all pages, valid for at least 18 months)
University Letter of Offer
Health Declaration Form
Academic transcripts and certificates (SSC/HSC/O/A Level)
Personal Bond (from the university)

English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, CAE, CPE, MUET)
Note: Students with O-Level English grade C or above are exempted.

STEP 4: EMGS Document Review (4–7 working days)

EMGS checks:

- Entry requirements
- Equivalency of academic qualifications
- Document completeness
  
  Additional documents may be requested if needed.

STEP 5: EMGS Approval (3–4 working days)

EMGS issues the EMGS Approval Letter.
EMGS submits the application to Immigration for Visa Approval Letter (VAL).

STEP 6: Visa Approval Letter (VAL) by Immigration

Immigration conducts:
- Security vetting
- Database and criminal record checks
If cleared, Immigration issues the eVAL (electronic VAL).

STEP 7: Travel Preparation

Pay 1-year tuition fees (as per offer letter).
Submit accommodation form and deposit.
Submit passport to the Malaysian Embassy in Bangladesh for Entry Visa (via an approved agent).
Send Airport Arrival Form to the university for airport clearance.

STEP 8: Upon Arrival in Malaysia

Complete health screening at a designated clinic.
Enroll in your course if cleared.
Submit all documents to the university to obtain a student visa.
Open a bank account.
Collect your EMGS iCard.
Keep a certified true copy of passport personal details and entry stamp while your passport is with EMGS.

Important: Students must stay in university-provided hostel (on/off campus) for the first 6 months.

University will return the passport with a 1-year multiple-entry visa within 3–4 weeks.

Document Checklist for a Complete Application

Passport-size photo (35mm x 45mm, white background)
Full copy of passport (including cover page)
Academic transcripts and certificates
English proficiency test results (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE)

For Postgraduate Students (Additional Documents):

Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Recommendation letter(s)
Research proposal (if applicable)
Work experience certificates (if there is a study gap)

Academic Requirements

Program Level	Academic Requirement	English Requirement
Foundation/Diploma	Minimum 5 subjects with C grade in SSC/O-Level/GED	IELTS 5.0 (for Diploma)
Undergraduate	Minimum 5 C in O'Level/ SSC + 3 C in A Level/ HSC	IELTS 5.5–6.0 or Medium of Instruction
Postgraduate	Minimum GPA 2.50	IELTS 6.0 (Masters), IELTS 7.0 (Ph.D.)

Program Duration

Program Type	Duration (Full-Time)
Foundation	1 – 2.5 years
Diploma	2.5 – 3 years
Undergraduate	3 – 4 years
Postgraduate	1 – 1.5 years (Mixed Mode)
	2 – 3 years (Research-Based)
Ph.D.	3 – 6 years

Intakes

January, March, May, September (varies by university)

Payment Information

Registration Fee: As per university policy
EMGS Fee: Approx. RM 2,500 – RM 3,500 (as per offer letter)
Tuition + Accommodation (1 year):
- Foundation/Diploma: RM 15,000 – RM 17,000
- Undergraduate/Postgraduate: RM 18,000 – RM 20,000