Study in Malaysia: Education System, Universities & Degrees Explained

Overview

Increasing numbers of international students are studying in Malaysia nowadays, as quality education is offered at relatively low cost. It has world-class tertiary institutions, English-taught courses and a multicultural lifestyle. Higher education in Malaysia provides with an excellent platform to grow academically and personally. Annually, more than 170,000 international students choose to study in Malaysia.

Henceforth, studying in Malaysia is a strategic decision for students seeking career-oriented education.

What are the most important reasons to study in Malaysia?

For various reasons, international students choose to study in Malaysia. A few of them are mentioned below.

Affordable tuition fees 

Students are choosing to study in Malaysia from India because of affordable tuition fees. Moreover, quality education is also a prime reason. Compared to the USA, the UK, and Australia, the country offers higher-quality education at a significantly lower cost. There is no doubt that living expenses are affordable, making higher education in Malaysia an outstanding option for budget-conscious students. 

English as an instructional medium 

The medium of instruction is mainly taught in English. This enables foreign students to pursue overseas education in Malaysia without having to learn a new language, and obtain internationally recognized degrees.

Globally recognized degrees

The qualifications from Malaysian universities are accredited by the MQA and are internationally recognized. Many Malaysia universities for international students also provide UK, Australian and European qualifications through collaboration with institutions in these countries as well as dual-degree programs.

Political stability and high safety standards 

In terms of safety and political stability, Malaysia is considered one of the safest places. The country's political atmosphere is stable. Moreover, the crime rates are lower than in European countries. A peaceful learning atmosphere is expected for the international students who wish to study in Malaysia. 

Strong student visa success rate

Malaysia has a student visa process that's easy to understand and it works very well. Education Malaysia Global Services manages this process. The process in Malaysia is very efficient. Many students get their visas approved which makes it easy for them to study in Malaysia. In Malaysia the process is really straightforward so students can easily visit here to study.

Hence, opting to study in Malaysia is like receiving quality education without having any financial burden.

Malaysian education system

The Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) and the Ministry of Education (MOE) regulate the Malaysian education system. Henceforth, it opens opportunities for students who study in Malaysia from India and the other Asian countries. 

Structure of the Malaysian education system 

Study Level	Duration	Description
Foundation	1 year	First entry for the undergraduate programs
Diploma	2–3 years	Highly skilled academic programs
Bachelor’s	3–4 years	Undergraduate qualifications
Master’s degree	1–2 years	Coursework
PhD	3–5 years	Fully researched doctoral degree

International academic standards and flexible entry pathways are the two main factors that entice students to study in Malaysia. 

Foundation 

There is no doubt that Malaysia universities for international students offer foundation programmes tailored to the specified field of specialization. A few notable examples include foundations in science, arts, and commerce. When it comes to enabling direct progression to leading universities, foundation programs are the most valuable option.

Diploma 

The diploma program is for 2-3 years. International students who plan to study in Malaysia can choose this diploma program. It is a skill-based academic qualification that seems beneficial for future purposes. Some colleges and universities offer this program at a cost-effective rate. The program provides both theoretical and practical learning. Students have the opportunity to gain industry exposure through the internship. This program is most preferred in the engineering and hospitality fields. 

Bachelor’s degree 

The duration of this course is for 3-4 years. Both public and private Malaysia universities for international students offer this course. Moreover, a few foreign university branch campuses also offer them. Assignments, coursework and examinations are a vital part of this program. Furthermore, there is also a final-year project which plays a very pivotal role. For the accreditation requirements the professional degrees take a longer time. 

Master’s degree

With a 2-year duration, the program provides enhanced specialization and research training. Hence, the program is based on coursework and research. Without case studies and projects, the coursework-based master's degree cannot be completed. On the other hand, the research master's degree relies on a thesis. A bachelor’s degree is required for the master’s degree programme. After completing this course, you can enhance your leadership skills. 

PhD

This course is not compulsory, but students choose to take it to become highly qualified. Students who opt to study in Malaysia have a better chance of entering PhD programs. It is a research-based program with no coursework. The students conduct original research to ensure that a fair knowledge is contributed. If you do it after a master’s degree, then it would become beneficial. The plus point of this course is that it focuses on independent scholarship.

Malaysia universities

Before you opt for a study in Malaysia, be aware of the Malaysian universities. Majority of the students take admission in these universities for a brighter future ahead. 

Top public universities 

Universities	Ranking	Popular Programs	Average Tuition Fees
Universiti Malaya (UM)	1	Engineering, Medicine and Business	1,569 USD
Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)	4	Veterinary Science, Agriculture and Forestry	4,295 USD
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)	2	Management Science, Health Science, Humanities and Science	2,640 USD
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)	3	Medicine, Engineering and Science	3,000 to 6,000 USD

Universiti Malaya (UM)

If you want to study in Malaysia and get admission to this university, you are making the right decision. With multiple achievement rates, this university stands to be among the first. Furthermore, it also has the finest facilities and outstanding academic programmes. The university's major highlight is its partnership with over 600 international collaborators. With this partnership, students can avail themselves of mobility programs and dual-degree options. 

Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)

The campus is located in Selangor Darul Ehsan. With an 88-year history, the university offers valuable academic programmes. In other words, it is also known as a multi-disciplinary university. Students who prefer to study in Malaysia from India give this university a top preference. Furthermore, the university is also known for its contributions to skill development. The average tuition fee at this university is 4,295 USD per year. 

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)

It’s a 54-year-old university with the best academic programmes. The sole objective of this university is to nurture the development of a moral society. There are two campuses of this university: one in Bangi and the other in Cheras. This particular university is also a better option if you want to study in Malaysia. 

Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) 

This university provides the top-rated study in Malaysia. It was established on 1 June 1969 and is regarded as a public research university. With the engineering, health and IPPT campuses, the university stands out. Many success stories from this campus entice students from around the world to take admission. 

Private and International Universities 

University	QS World Ranking 2026	Tuition Fees
Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP)	251	Starts from 1,705 USD per year
Taylor’s University	253	From 4,385 USD per year
UCSI University	269	Average 7,143 USD per year
Sunway University	410	Average 6,794 USD per year

Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP)

This university has a record of producing 25,000 graduates worldwide. If you prefer to study in Malaysia, give this university a top preference. The sole objective of this university is to research the actual subjects. Moreover, it also collaborates with PETRONAS and other industries. Studying at this university is a dream come true for many international students. 

Taylor’s University

With a QS world ranking of 253, Taylor’s University holds the second spot among other private universities. If you want to pursue a reputable study in Malaysia, this university is the best option. The primary focus of this university is quality education, which has strengthened its academic reputation. After graduating from this university, students can easily access dual‑award degrees. It has become possible through their strategic collaboration with the University of the West of England. 

UCSI University

There is no doubt that the university promises you a 100% placement. Students who prefer to study in Malaysia list it as a very important university in their university list. With an immersive learning atmosphere and a wider academic reach, the university stands out. Furthermore, by maintaining more than 3,500 industry partnerships, it provides students with the finest internship opportunities. 

Sunway University 

The Jeffrey Cheah Foundation owns this university. By collaborating with Cambridge and Oxford, the university can provide students with a top-class education. Undoubtedly, it is one of the best Malaysia universities for international students. In business and management education, it is known for academic excellence. 

If you get an opportunity to study in any of these universities, you will receive credit transfer options and dual degrees. Some renowned study in Malaysia consultants recommend these universities.

Malaysia’s degree types and study options

Academic flexibility is one of the most important reasons for which you may prefer to study in Malaysia. Mentioned below are the degree types and study options that you can prefer: 

Full-time degree programs 

To study in Malaysia, you need to complete the full-time degree programs. These are the bachelor’s or diploma degrees offered by the universities. A bachelor's program lasts 3 years. The cost of a full-time degree program in Malaysia is comparatively lower than in other Western Countries. If you want an internationally recognized degree, this program will suit you. 

Twinning programs (Malaysia + Australia)

If you opt for a twinning program, you have the opportunity to study in Malaysia and Australia. For 2 years, you can study in a Malaysian university, and the rest of the year, you can complete your course in Australia. It is a lifetime opportunity which no one misses. Have an exposure to both the education systems and avail a foreign degree at a cost-effective rate. For fields like IT, engineering and business, this degree program is necessary. 

Dual degree programs 

In this degree program, you can earn a degree from both a Malaysian university and its international partner. In fields such as business and information technology, this degree plays a pivotal role. Many Malaysia universities for international students offer this dual degree program. Some notable universities are Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Taylor's University, Sunway University and Heriot-Watt University. 

Research-based degrees 

These are the master's or PHD programs where you need to submit a thesis based on your research. The renowned Malaysian universities offer these degrees and ensure that you get global market recognition. It has been observed that many international students choosing to study in Malaysia avail of research-based degrees.

Why do Indian students prefer to study in Malaysia?

It has been observed that majority of the Indian students prefer to study in Malaysia. These reasons will tell you why. 

Medical and Engineering programs are affordable 

By opting for study in Malaysia from India, the Indian students receive engineering and medical education at an affordable cost. The international accreditation bodies ensures that the degrees are accepted globally. 

No requirement for IELTS

If you have an education background in English, there is no requirement for IELTS. It is one of the favourable advantages why Indian students prefer to study in Malaysia. Majority of the universities accept English medium certificates. 

Short travel distance from India 

Another most important advantage is that the country has a short travel distance from India. From major Indian cities you will get a direct flight to Malaysia. Hence, in terms of affordability and convenience, studying in Malaysia stands to be the best option. 

Therefore, if you want to study in Malaysia, this is your lifetime opportunity. Never lose it as it comes once in a lifetime. You can apply for the student visa and avail it within a stipulated time period. Rather than visiting the USA or the UK, it would be the appropriate option for you. Apply for higher education, and you will gain global recognition. So never miss this opportunity.