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Study in Malaysia - Universities, Visa & Scholarships

Malaysia is one of Asia’s most affordable and rapidly growing study destinations, home to top-ranked universities, English-taught programmes, and a vibrant multicultural environment. Rico International provides Bangladeshi students with personalised counselling on Malaysian university admissions, student visa applications, tuition and living cost planning, and scholarship opportunities — making quality international education accessible and affordable.

Why study in Malaysia?

Malaysia consistently ranks among the top education hubs in Southeast Asia. Here is why thousands of international students — including a growing number from Bangladesh — choose Malaysia every year:

Globally Ranked Universities: Malaysia is home to several universities ranked in the QS World University Rankings Top 500, including Universiti Malaya (UM), which consistently holds a position within the Top 70 globally.
Affordable Education: Tuition fees in Malaysia for international students are significantly lower than in Australia, the UK, or Canada — making quality higher education accessible without compromising standards.
English-Medium Instruction: The majority of degree programmes at Malaysian universities for international students are taught entirely in English, removing language barriers for Bangladeshi students.
Cultural Familiarity: Malaysia’s Muslim-majority population, Halal food availability, and South Asian community make it a culturally comfortable destination for students from Bangladesh.
Post-Study Work Opportunities: Malaysia’s growing economy — particularly in tech, finance, and engineering — offers meaningful internship and part-time work opportunities for enrolled international students.
Strategic Location: Situated at the heart of Southeast Asia, Malaysia provides a gateway to internships, networking, and career opportunities across the ASEAN region.
Pathway to Global Degrees: Many Malaysian universities have twinning programmes with UK, Australian, and US institutions, allowing students to complete part of their degree in Malaysia and transfer credits abroad.

Top Universities in Malaysia for International Students

Malaysia has a well-developed higher education system comprising public and private universities, many of which are internationally accredited and recognised. Below are some of the leading universities in Malaysia for international students:

University	Location	QS Ranking (2025)	Type
Universiti Malaya (UM)	Kuala Lumpur	Top 70	Public
Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)	Serdang, Selangor	Top 200	Public
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)	Bangi, Selangor	Top 300	Public
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)	Johor Bahru / KL	Top 300	Public
UCSI University	Kuala Lumpur	501–600	Private
Taylor’s University	Subang Jaya	Top 300	Private
Monash University Malaysia	Sunway, Selangor	Top 150 (Global)	Private/Branch
University of Nottingham Malaysia	Semenyih, Selangor	Top 150 (Global)	Private/Branch
Sunway University	Sunway, Selangor	Top 600	Private
INTI International University	Nilai, N. Sembilan	Nationally Ranked	Private

For a complete list of universities in Malaysia for international students, you can explore the official Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) directory or the QS World University Rankings.

Cheapest Universities in Malaysia for International Students

One of Malaysia’s strongest advantages is its cost of education. Several public universities offer highly competitive tuition fees without compromising academic quality. Here are some of the most affordable options:

University	Programme Type	Approx. Annual Tuition (MYR)
Universiti Malaya (UM)	Undergraduate	MYR 12,000 – 25,000
Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)	Undergraduate	MYR 10,000 – 20,000
Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM)*	Selected Programmes	MYR 8,000 – 15,000
Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM)	Business & Management	MYR 10,000 – 18,000
INTI International University	Undergraduate	MYR 18,000 – 30,000

*UiTM primarily admits Bumiputera students, but some programmes are open to international students through specific pathways. Rico International can advise on eligibility.

Programs and their duration in Malaysia

Here are the programs that Malaysian universities offer:

Qualification	Duration
Foundation / Pre-University	1 years
Diploma	2-3 years
Bachelor's Degree	3-4 years
Postgraduate Diploma	1 years
Master's Degree (Coursework)	1-2 years
Master's Degree (Research)	2-3 years
PhD / Doctorate	3-5 years

Popular Programmes to Study in Malaysia

Malaysian universities are particularly strong in the following disciplines — all of which enjoy high graduate employability and international recognition:

Engineering (Electrical, Civil, Mechanical, Chemical, Petroleum)
Computer Science and Information Technology
Business Administration and MBA
Accounting and Finance
Medicine and Health Sciences
Architecture and Built Environment
Hospitality and Tourism Management
Law (English Common Law)
Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
Environmental Science and Biotechnology

Tuition Fees in Malaysia for International Students

Tuition fees in Malaysia vary depending on the institution type (public vs. private), programme, and level of study. Here is a general breakdown:

Level	Public University (MYR/year)	Private University (MYR/year)	Branch Campus (MYR/year)
Foundation	5,000 – 12,000	18,000 – 30,000	25,000 – 45,000
Undergraduate	10,000 – 25,000	20,000 – 45,000	40,000 – 80,000
Master’s	8,000 – 20,000	18,000 – 40,000	35,000 – 70,000
PhD	6,000 – 15,000	15,000 – 30,000	30,000 – 60,000

Exchange rate reference: 1 MYR ≈ 25–26 BDT (as of 2025). Compared to studying in Australia or the UK, Malaysian tuition fees are 40–60% lower on average — offering exceptional value for Bangladeshi students.

Cost of Living in Malaysia for International Students

Malaysia is one of the most affordable countries in Asia for international students. The cost of living is substantially lower than in Western countries, and even compared to Singapore or South Korea, Malaysia offers much better value.

Monthly Living Cost Estimate (Kuala Lumpur)

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost (MYR)
Accommodation (shared room/hostel)	500 – 1,200
Food and groceries	400 – 700
Local transportation	100 – 200
Utilities (internet, electricity)	100 – 150
Books and study materials	100 – 200
Personal and miscellaneous	200 – 400
Total Estimate	MYR 1,400 – 2,850 / month

Annual living cost estimate for a single international student in Malaysia: approximately MYR 17,000 – 34,000 per year, or roughly BDT 4.3 – 8.5 lakh. This is significantly lower than the AUD 29,710 annual living cost requirement set for Australian student visas.

City-wise Cost Comparison

Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya tend to have higher living costs due to urban amenities, while cities like Shah Alam, Nilai, Bangi, and Johor Bahru are considerably cheaper. Students studying at universities outside the capital can often reduce monthly expenses by 20–30%.

Academic Intake to Study in Malaysia

Most Malaysian universities offer two main intakes per academic year, with some institutions providing an additional intake or rolling admissions for select programmes:

Main Intakes

- Intake 1 (February / March): The primary intake for most undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Applications typically open 6–8 months in advance.
- Intake 2 (August / September): The secondary intake, commonly available for most programmes. Deadlines fall around May–June.

Additional / Trimester Intake

- Intake 3 (November / December): Available at select private universities and institutions running trimester systems. Useful for students looking to start quickly or transfer credit.

Rico International advises students to begin their application process at least 5–6 months before the intended intake, to allow time for offer letters, financial arrangements, and visa processing.

Application Deadlines for Malaysian Universities

While deadlines vary by institution, the following general timelines apply for most universities in Malaysia for international students:

Intake	Application Opens	Recommended Deadline
Feb / Mar Intake	August – September	November – December
Aug / Sep Intake	February – March	May – June
Nov / Dec Intake	June – July	September – October

Admission Checklist for Malaysian Universities

To apply to a university in Malaysia as an international student, you will typically need the following documents. Rico International guides you through each requirement:

- - Valid Passport (current and all previous passports)
  - Completed University Application Form
  - Academic Transcripts and Certificates (SSC, HSC / O-Level, A-Level or equivalent)
  - English Proficiency Test Score — IELTS / TOEFL / PTE (if required by the institution)
  - Curriculum Vitae / Resume (for postgraduate applicants)
  - Statement of Purpose (SOP) / Personal Statement
  - Recommendation Letters (2–3 letters, typically required for postgraduate)
  - Birth Certificate
  - National ID Card (NID) — if applicable
  - Financial Proof / Bank Statement (required for visa application)
  - Medical Examination Report (required post-admission for visa)
  - Passport-sized Photographs

Malaysia Student Visa for Bangladeshi Students

To study in Malaysia, Bangladeshi students need to obtain a Malaysia Student Pass, which is processed through the Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) portal. The process involves your sponsoring university, EMGS, and the Malaysian Immigration Department.

Key requirements for a Malaysia student visa include a valid offer letter from an approved institution, proof of financial capability, a medical fitness report, and a clean police clearance certificate.

For complete details on malaysia student visa requirements, eligibility, processing time, and how to apply from Bangladesh – visit our dedicated Malaysia Student Visa page →

Scholarships in Malaysia for Bangladeshi Students

Malaysia offers a range of scholarship opportunities for international students — both from the Malaysian government and from individual universities. Bangladeshi students are eligible for several competitive funding options.

Some notable scholarship programmes include the Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS) offered by the Malaysian government, university-based merit scholarships, and ASEAN-specific funding schemes.

For a full breakdown of available malaysia scholarships for bangladeshi students, eligibility criteria, application timelines, and tips — visit our dedicated Malaysia Scholarship page →

Start Your Malaysia Study Journey with Rico International

Rico International has been guiding Bangladeshi students to the right study destinations for over 32 years. Our team of experienced education counsellors provides personalised, end-to-end support — from university shortlisting and application to student visa assistance and pre-departure briefings.

Whether you are looking for the cheapest university in Malaysia for international students, a globally ranked branch campus, or a pathway to a UK or Australian degree — we help you make the right choice with complete clarity and confidence.

Book a Free Appointment with Rico International Today →