Malaysia
Multiculturalism has made Malaysia a gastronomical paradise; it has also made it home to hundreds of many colorful festivals.
Overview
Malaysians are very laid back, warm and friendly. Malaysia is as diverse as its culture. One of Malaysia's key attractions is its extreme contrasts. With towering skyscrapers looking down upon wooden houses built on stilts, and five-star hotels sitting several meters away from ancient reefs.
International Recognition
Malaysia currently houses more than 70,000 international students from more than 100 countries. Malaysia has been of special choice as a location for higher studies for international students for many reasons. Malaysia has 20 public universities, 24 polytechnics, 37 public community colleges, 40 private universities, 5 foreign university branch campuses and about 500 private colleges. Here are some advantages of studying in Malaysia:
- Good infrastructure, safe and conducive environment for studies.
- Wide range courses of studies that is matured and ever evolving.
- English language as the medium of instruction is being widely used.
- Low education fees and low cost of living that is relatively lower to that of Europe or the USA makes studies in Malaysia cost-effective.
- A friendly National Immigration Policy; uncomplicated permit for foreigners seeking education in Malaysia.
- Malaysia being a Muslim country will make it easier in specialized Islamic studies with local universities.
- The geographical location in which Malaysia is situated secures the country from the hazards of natural disasters.
Excellent Secure Living Environment
The Malaysian Government ensures that living in Malaysia is safe and secure. Most travelers comment on the friendliness and hospitality of Malaysians. For students, Malaysia is safe, exotic, clean and affordable to live in. It is not only friendly but it is one of the safest countries worldwide and absolutely safe to travel to any part of the country.
Work While You Study
International Students are also allowed to work part-time, maximum 20 hours per week during semester breaks or holidays of more than 7 days, while studying full-time in Malaysia, in subject with immigration requirements. For further information, please visit http://www.imi.gov.my
Competitive Costs and Fees
Malaysia offers a wide range of study options that are more cost-friendly than other countries in the world.
The course fee consists of tuition fees, plus other related direct study expenses. Fees and costs vary according to the course chosen and the institution. Generally, the average tuition fees are provided in the following table below.
Estimated Tuition Fees
| Courses | Fees | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| English Language (General, Academic, Business and IELTS preparation) | RM450 - RM800/2 months | Varies significantly depending on the course duration or institution |
| University Foundation Studies | RM7,000-RM12,000 / year | 1 year |
| Bachelor degree Arts, Business, IT, Economics, Nursing, Education, Law and social science | RM30,000-RM52,000 / 3 year | 3years / Price varies from Private Colleges, Foreign University Branch and Malaysian Private Universities |
| Bachelor Degree (Engineering, and laboratory based-courses) | RM45,000-RM102,000 / 3-4 years | 3-4 years / Price varies from Private Colleges, Foreign University Branch and Malaysian Private Universities |
| Master Degree (MBA) | RM20,000-RM58,000 | 1 - 2 years |
| Doctoral degree | RM10,500-RM38,000 | 2 - 4 years |
This table should be used only as a general guide and the actual tuition fees and study costs will be mentioned in the official offer letter which will be issued by the relevant education provider.
Accommodation
One major attraction in studying in Malaysia is the relatively cheap cost of living for international students. The total cost of expenditure for accommodation, either on-campus or off-campus, is reasonable and always within the students’ budget. The cost of living for the international student of course will depend on the location and lifestyle of each student.
| Accomodation Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Campus Accommodation / 4-sharing | RM800 / approx 4 months |
| Campus Accommodation / Twin-sharing | RM1,400 / approx 4 months |
| Rental Accommodation | RM250-RM450/ per month |
Other expenses such as food, transportation, laundry and other essentials, based on an ordinary lifestyle, can be estimated to be between RM600 and RM700 per month per student. Again this estimate cost depends on the student’s style of living, as well as the cost of living varies depending on the geographical area, and the type of accommodation.
Cost of Health Insurance
International students are required to be insured under Group Hospitalization & Surgical (GHS) insurance arranged by The University. The annual premium & entitlement benefits are of reasonable amount. Each GHS member is given a Healthcare card to serve as a guarantee of payment to the hospitals in case of emergency.