Malaysia is a nation of different races, cultures, and religions, located in the heart of Southeast Asia. It consists of two distinct regions: West and East Malaysia. The total land area is approximately 329,758 square kilometers, separated by the sea by 40 miles. East Malaysia includes the federal territory and two large states, Sabah and Sarawak. West Malaysia consists of 11 states and 2 federal territories. The capital of Malaysia is Kuala Lumpur. Studying in Malaysia offers Indian students the opportunity to enhance their careers.
Why Study In Malaysia
Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation
Curtin University
Heriot-Watt University
Le Cordon Bleu
Limkokwing University
Malaysia University of Science and Technology
Manipal International University
Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia
SEGi College
Swinburne University of Technology
University of Nottingham
University of Southampton
Top Courses
Top Courses to Study in Malaysia for Indian Students Include:
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
The Master of Business Administration (MBA) is an internationally recognized degree that develops skills for careers in business and management. It is also valuable in the public sector, government, private industry, and other areas. Indian students pursuing an MBA in Malaysia will study subjects like Accounting, Economics, Marketing, and Operations, along with elective courses tailored to their personal or professional interests.
International Business Management
The Master of International Business (MIB) program is designed to enhance the skills and resources of managers in the global economy. It is ideal for those looking to start or advance their careers in international business.
Travel and Tourism in Hospitality
Tourism and hospitality courses cover key aspects of both industries, including Tourism Economics, Food Service, and Legal Issues. These programs help develop management and entrepreneurship skills needed for careers in related establishments.
Career Opportunities
Students studying abroad in Malaysia can work part-time during semester breaks, festive holidays, or holidays longer than seven days, with a maximum of 20 hours per week. International students are allowed to work in restaurants, petrol stations, mini markets, and hotels, but are not permitted to work in positions such as cashier, singer, masseur, musician, or Guest Relations Officer.
All students wishing to work part-time must hold a valid ‘Student Pass’.
Requirements for Applying for a ‘Student Pass’:
- A photocopy of the passport (including the bearer’s information and valid Student Pass pages).
- Address, contact information, and a letter from the prospective employer.
- RM120.00 (non-refundable processing fee).
- The application must be submitted by the University’s representative to the Immigration Department Headquarters in Malaysia. The University must provide a supporting letter permitting the student to work, including the dates of the semester breaks.
- Students will undergo an interview, after which their application will either be approved or declined.
- If approved, the student’s passport will be endorsed accordingly.
The University is required to submit a quarterly report on the student’s academic progress to the Immigration Department. Approval for continued work will only be granted if the student maintains a good academic record.
Wages: One downside of living in a country with a low cost of living is that wages are also relatively low. Typically, wages for part-time work are capped at around RM150 for a week’s work. These earnings are suitable for covering minor expenses, but strong financial support is necessary to live and study in Malaysia, as wages alone are not sufficient for sustenance.
Post-Study Work Rights: Finding a job in Malaysia after completing studies can be challenging for international students, as Malaysian citizens are prioritized for job openings. It is often more practical for students to seek employment in their home country. However, those who do secure a job in Malaysia after graduation must obtain an ‘Employment Pass’ before starting work.
Education Cost
Below is the cost structure for studying in Malaysia:
Tuition Fees per Year:
- Undergraduate: RM 35,000 – RM 40,000
- Postgraduate: RM 40,000 – RM 50,000
- Research: RM 58,000 – RM 60,000
Scholarships
The Malaysian Government offers several scholarships to international students who choose to study in Malaysia.
The available scholarships include:
MIS Scholarship for Undergraduate Studies
This scholarship is intended for promising candidates who are expected to make significant contributions to their home countries upon returning from Malaysia.
MIS Scholarship for Postgraduate Studies
Talented international students with excellent academic records and strong co-curricular achievements are encouraged to apply for this scholarship. It supports postgraduate and post-doctoral studies at selected Malaysian public and private universities.
Commonwealth Scholarship
The Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP) is awarded by the Malaysian Government to students from Commonwealth countries, allowing them to pursue postgraduate studies at public and selected private universities in Malaysia.
Application Procedure
Intakes:
There are three intakes throughout the year for Indian students to study in Malaysia.
Documents Required for Application:
- Passport
- Resume
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Academic Transcript
- Proof of English language proficiency
- References
- Application fees (if applicable)
Education System
Malaysia has over 700 private higher education institutions and universities. Many American and British universities have established campuses in Malaysia, offering both Malaysian and international students a chance to study at a lower cost.
All these universities and courses are approved by the Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia. Any course approved by a country’s Ministry of Higher Education is also recognized globally by other countries’ Ministries of Higher Education.
In Malaysia, the education system is divided into two levels, governed by two Ministries:
At Pre-Tertiary Level
(Governed by the Ministry of Education)
- Government and Private Sector Kindergartens: Follow the National Pre-school Curriculum.
- Government Schools: Follow the Malaysian National Curriculum and National Examination.
- Government-Aided Schools: Follow the Malaysian National Curriculum and National Examination.
- Private Schools: Follow the Malaysian National Curriculum and National Examination.
- Foreign System Schools: These include international and expatriate schools. International schools follow an international curriculum and use English as the medium of instruction, while expatriate schools follow the educational systems of other countries, using their respective national languages. These schools are supervised by the Ministry of Education but are not bound by the Education Act 1996.
At Tertiary Level
(Governed by the Ministry of Higher Education)
- Government-Funded Institutions: Public universities, polytechnics, and colleges.
- Private Higher Educational Institutions: These include:
- Non-university status institutions, such as private colleges.
- University status institutions, such as private universities.
- Foreign university branch campuses, such as Monash University Malaysia and The University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus.
English is the medium of instruction in most private higher educational institutions in Malaysia.
Visa
All applications for student passes by international students are managed by Malaysian educational institutions. The Immigration Department of Malaysia handles the next stages of processing, approval, and issuance of student passes and visas.
The educational institutions submit the applications to the Director of the Pass & Permit Division in Malaysia. Prospective students are informed of their application status by the Immigration Department through their educational institutions, within 7 days, regardless of whether the application is successful or not. The educational institutions enrolling the students are responsible for arranging immigration matters.
Documents Required for a Student Pass to Study in Malaysia:
- An offer letter or letter of acceptance from the educational institution.
- Student Pass Application Form (IMM14) in duplicate.
- Two photocopies of the student’s passport/travel document.
- Two passport-sized photographs of the student.
- The educational institution must sign a ‘Personal Bond’ on behalf of the student. No fee is charged for the Personal Bond.
The Malaysian Immigration Department charges RM60 per year for student passes. Students from countries requiring an entry visa for Malaysia must also pay for an entry visa, with fees varying based on the country.
How do we process a student visa to study in Malaysia?
A visa is required, but the process is simple. You do NOT need to apply for a visa from the Malaysian Embassy in your home country, except for students from the People’s Republic of China. The visa will be issued when you arrive in Malaysia at the immigration checkpoint, as long as you have valid travel documents and an approval letter for a student pass from the Malaysian Immigration Department.
What is the ‘Student Pass’ in Malaysia?
The student pass is similar to a visa. It serves the same purpose. The process of applying for a student pass is easy. The Malaysian school or university that has accepted you will apply for the student pass on your behalf before you arrive in Malaysia.
Applications are submitted by the school or university to the Director of Pass & Permit Division at the Immigration Department Headquarters in Kuala Lumpur (via the e-Student Pass System). Students do not need to apply directly to the Immigration Department.
Once you decide to study in Malaysia, the Immigration Department will inform your school or university about the status of your application, usually within 7 to 14 days. You must have an approved student pass before entering Malaysia.
What are the work regulations for students in Malaysia?
Students are allowed to work part-time for up to 20 hours per week during semester breaks or holidays longer than seven days. You can work in places like restaurants, petrol stations, mini markets, and hotels, as long as your student pass is valid. However, students cannot work as cashiers, and in the hotel industry, they cannot work as singers, masseurs, musicians, or GROs. Students are also not allowed to take part in any activities considered immoral while studying in Malaysia.
To work part-time, you must apply through your school or university. You need to be present with a representative from your school when submitting the application to the Immigration Department.
Can I get financial assistance?
Yes, like many other countries, Malaysia offers a variety of scholarships. Contact our NEF GLOBAL counsellor for more information on scholarships to study in Malaysia.
Are there any entrance exams required for Malaysian universities?
No, there are no mandatory tests required for admission. However, it is recommended to submit IELTS or TOEFL scores to improve your chances of being admitted.