- Population: 32,385,000
- Currency: Malaysia Ringgit
- University Students: +1 million
- International Students: 93,000
- English-taught Programs: 600
Malaysia is located in Southeast Asia, and it is characterized by having a tropical climate. Malaysia has one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, so is considered an ideal place to study and pursue university careers. And if you want to venture into research or business, Malaysia is the right place for you.
This interesting country is a bridge between the East and West. Here, great businessmen and powerful companies have deposited their investments because they have observed a captivating commercial opportunity in this corner of the world. This environment allows you to have a real and first-hand perspective of the business world. By studying in Malaysia, you will have a great advantage; your career will have worldwide accreditations and a lower cost of living than the rest of the European countries. You can be sure that your experience as a student in Malaysia will be unforgettable.
Universities in Malaysia
The University of Malaya (UM) is the most prestigious and oldest in the country. It is on the list of the best 100 universities in the world. It is located in the capital Kuala Lumpur which is an excellent choice.
Sunway University is an institution that has been awarded internationally for the quality of its facilities, the professionalism of its professors as well as its high employability. That makes it a high caliber university.
The Tunku Abdul Rahman University (UTAR) has established itself as a first-class private institution that has continuously promoted research and has stood out for giving its students an excellent education. In this house of study, you will be able to apply in more than 100 programs of engineering, science, and technology but without putting aside the human side of education.
Monash University is classified as one of the most international universities in the world, but at the same time, it is on the list of the best university institutions on the planet. If you study here, you will be able to get an Australian Bachelor’s degree, without a doubt a highly prestigious degree.
Tuition fees in Malaysia
Malaysia’s enrolments are considerably cheaper when comparing to other universities in Europe and the United States because it is possible to get enrolments in Malaysia of around 8,000 euros. But this monetary value is multiplied exponentially when we perceive the quality of teaching in these universities and the prestige and fame they have managed over time. And if we talk about the cultural richness of Malaysia, the investment is really small compared to the enormous profits.
Scholarships in Malaysia
The Malaysian government has scholarship programs for international students. The idea is that high-level students should have access to scholarships in engineering, social sciences, economics, administration, health sciences, natural sciences, and other areas, in order to strengthen their knowledge and professional training. Full scholarships cover 100% of tuition for high-quality courses.
In addition to full tuition, some of the programs offer health insurance, daily stipend (monetary remuneration), food, lodging, and round-trip economy class tickets. It should be noted that the costs covered by the scholarships do not apply to all programs.
Cost of living in Malaysia
As we have stated, the extensive technological and industrial commercial growth has made life in Malaysia very economic compared to the countries of Europe. In fact, the basic costs of food and transport can be of about €242 per month, while the costs of renting a house can be only €116 per month. Therefore, about €360 would cover those basic needs, so a student earning €400 or €450 a month could live comfortably in Malaysia during the student stay.
Internships & Company placement in Malaysia
The educative institute you decide to attend will make the arrangement so you can have an internship that is relevant for your portfolio and, it may enhance your curriculum. In fact, as international students in Malaysia are allowed to work, you will earn compensation.
After graduating, you can go to the university career advisory office. There, you will find help on how to be ready for interviews. They can also connect you with job opportunities in Malaysia or abroad.
Working in Malaysia
If you are a foreign student, the first goal you have to achieve is to get a job offer. Then, the Malaysian company would be in charge of obtaining your work permit. With this Employment Pass, you can work in Malaysia for 2 to 5 years.
There are many opportunities to work in Malaysia. It has a strong economy not only in tourism, but also in some fields such as finance, palm oil, oil gas and energy, manufacturing, automotive industry, and more. In fact, the government of Malaysia wants to attract and keep human talent for its workforce.
Applying for a Student Visa to Study in Malaysia
You need a visa for studying in Malaysia. There are some requisites for obtaining one. If you are going to take an English course, you need to be over 18 and 35 years old. For other educative programs, there is no age limit but you must have an English proficiency in speaking and writing which you must demonstrate with an English Language test as IELTS, TOEFL, PTE-A, CAE, CPE, or MUET. On the other hand, if you come from a country or area with yellow fever risk, you will need to present your vaccination card to enter the country. You can find out if you need one on the following web page https://www.who.int/ith/ITH_Annex_I.pdf. Besides, you will have to take a health examination during the first week of arrival. Finally, it is necessary to have an institution offer letter and a passport valid for the next 12 months.
After having all your documents in order, you must apply for a visa approval letter (Val). Then, you need a Single Entry Visa (SEV) which will allow you to travel to Malaysia and continue with the process.
The visa costs approximately 240$ and it will take 3 to 4 weeks to have the process completed.