Malaysia offers some of the most affordable quality education in the world, with multiple intakes per year (February, July, September, and some in January and November). Many programmes are taught in English, and the cost of living is significantly lower than in Europe, Australia, or North America.
Key Information
- September/October 2026 intake: Apply by May–June 2026
- January/February 2027 intake: Apply by September–October 2026
- Multiple intakes: Feb/Mar, Jul/Aug, Sep/Oct (some universities also Jan, Apr, Nov)
- Apply 3–4 months before intake to allow time for visa processing
- EMGS (Education Malaysia Global Services) handles all international student visas
Top Universities to Apply To
University of Malaya (UM)
Malaysia's oldest and highest-ranked university (top 60 globally). Strong in engineering, medicine, business, and the arts. Located in Kuala Lumpur.
Apply at UM ➔Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)
Malaysia's leading engineering and technology university. Strong in engineering, computer science, architecture, and business. Campuses in Johor Bahru and KL.
Apply at UTM ➔Taylor's University
Malaysia's top private university. Strong in hospitality, business, design, and health sciences. Modern campus with excellent facilities in Subang Jaya.
Apply at Taylor's ➔Asia Pacific University (APU)
Specialises in technology, computing, and engineering. Strong industry partnerships. Located in Kuala Lumpur with a highly international student body.
Apply at APU ➔Monash University Malaysia
Australian Group of Eight university with a campus in Malaysia. Same degree as Australian campus at a fraction of the cost. Strong in business, engineering, IT, and sciences.
Apply at Monash Malaysia ➔Why Malaysia?
- Tuition fees from $2,000–$8,000 per year at public universities
- Cost of living approximately $300–$500 per month
- English widely spoken — many programmes fully in English
- Branch campuses of top UK and Australian universities
- Multicultural, food-rich, warm climate, and welcoming to international students