Why study in Malaysia?
Malaysia hosts public universities, private universities and campuses of UK universities such as Nottingham and Heriot-Watt. EMGS, the government agency for international students, says most courses are taught in English.
Every international student needs a Student Pass. You apply through EMGS after accepting an offer, while you are still outside Malaysia. EMGS aims to process a complete application in 14 working days.
After a bachelor's degree or higher you can apply for a 12-month Graduate Pass. Indian graduates are eligible until 31 December 2026, decided case by case.
- EMGS says most courses are taught in English.
- UK universities Nottingham and Heriot-Watt teach on Malaysian campuses, with fees in ringgit.
- A 12-month Graduate Pass is open to graduates with a bachelor's degree or higher.
- Several private universities offer three intakes a year (for example February, April and September at Taylor's).
- EMGS's client charter is 14 working days for a complete Student Pass application.
- EMGS cites an average living cost of about US$582 a month.
Popular universities in Malaysia
University of Nottingham Malaysia
Semenyih · Malaysia campus of the UK's University of Nottingham
Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
Putrajaya · Malaysia campus of Scotland's Heriot-Watt University
Universiti Malaya
Kuala Lumpur · Public university; AI and data science master's
Taylor's University
Subang Jaya · Private university; three intakes a year
Sunway University
Bandar Sunway · Private university; fees quoted in USD, paid in RM
Asia Pacific University (APU)
Kuala Lumpur · Private university focused on computing and tech
Popular programmes
- Computer Science
- Artificial Intelligence and Data Science
- Engineering
- Business and Management
- Accounting and Finance
- Hospitality Management
- Biomedical Science
Courses from our Course Finder
BSc (Hons) Computer Science
University of Nottingham Malaysia · Semenyih · Bachelor’s · 3 years
BSc (Hons) Mathematics and Data Science
University of Nottingham Malaysia · Semenyih · Bachelor’s · 3 years
MEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering
University of Nottingham Malaysia · Semenyih · Bachelor’s · 4 years
BSc (Hons) Finance, Accounting and Management
University of Nottingham Malaysia · Semenyih · Bachelor’s · 3 years
BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science
University of Nottingham Malaysia · Semenyih · Bachelor’s · 3 years
MSc Business (International Management)
University of Nottingham Malaysia · Semenyih · Master’s · 1 year
Cost of studying: financial breakdown
| Expense | Amount |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate tuition | RM34,900–69,000 / yrPublished 2026–27 fees at private and branch campuses; 6% service tax is added for international students |
| Postgraduate tuition | RM41,700–70,000 totalUniversiti Malaya coursework master's (2026/27) to UK branch-campus MSc programmes |
| Living costs | About US$582 / monthEMGS average; on-campus housing US$50–150 a month. EMGS does not publish a proof-of-funds figure |
| EMGS processing fee (new application) | RM1,728 + 8% service taxPlus eVAL RM159, Student Pass RM60, i-Kad RM50 |
| Visa fee (Indian nationals) | RM50Multiple-entry visa fee in the EMGS calculator |
| Medical screening | RM250–350Post-arrival screening, within 7 days of arrival |
| Health insurance | RM498–644 / yrCompulsory; range of EMGS-listed plans, or your own approved policy |
Typical tuition in rupees: ≈ ₹8–16 lakh per year (European Central Bank and Bank of Russia reference rates, 9 October 2026).
Application checklist
- 1Offer letter from a Malaysian university, accepted before you apply
- 2Passport valid for at least 18 months, with copies of all pages
- 3Passport-size photo (3.5 cm x 5 cm, white background)
- 4Academic certificates and transcripts
- 5English test result (most universities above ask for IELTS 5.0–6.5)
- 6Health Declaration Form for the EMGS application
- 7Health insurance covering at least 12 months
- 8EMGS application and fees, submitted while you are outside Malaysia
- 9Entry visa through the official eVISA portal after eVAL approval, if your nationality needs one
- 10Post-arrival medical screening within 7 days of arriving
Student visa: Student Pass (with eVAL)
All international students need a Student Pass. You or your university apply through EMGS after you accept an offer, and you must be outside Malaysia when you apply. EMGS checks your academic eligibility, then Immigration issues an electronic visa approval letter (eVAL); the pass is endorsed after you arrive and pass your medical screening.
What you’ll need
- Offer letter from an approved institution
- Passport valid for at least 18 months
- Academic results and transcripts
- Passport-size photo with a white background
- Health insurance recognised in Malaysia, covering at least 12 months
- Stamped Personal Bond form
- Post-arrival medical examination within 7 days of arrival
Processing time: EMGS client charter: 14 working days for a complete application
Work and employment options
- While you study
- Up to 20 hrs/week with prior Immigration approval. EMGS says only during semester breaks or holidays of more than 7 days, in approved sectors such as restaurants, hotels and on campus
- After you graduate
- Graduate Pass: 12 months after a bachelor's degree or higher. Indian graduates are eligible until 31 December 2026, assessed case by case, and need a letter of good conduct from their university or embassy
- EMGS says the Graduate Pass lets you start your career in Malaysia without company sponsorship.
- Dependants can get a Dependent Graduate Pass for the same period.
- Graduate Pass applicants need a Malaysian citizen sponsor earning at least RM1,500 a month.
- Part-time work while studying is limited to approved sectors such as restaurants, petrol stations, mini markets, hotels and campus jobs.
- Some degrees build in work experience, such as the internship semester in Taylor's Bachelor of Computer Science.
Good to know: Since 1 July 2025 a 6% service tax is charged on international students' tuition, on top of published fees (Nottingham, Taylor's, Heriot-Watt and Universiti Malaya all note it). India's Graduate Pass eligibility currently runs only until 31 December 2026.
Scholarships to explore
- University of Nottingham Malaysia High Achiever's Scholarship: 15–25% off first-year tuition, awarded automatically on academic results
- Heriot-Watt Malaysia Early Bird Waiver: RM3,000 off when first-semester fees are paid by the deadline (July/September 2026, January/May 2027 intakes)
- Heriot-Watt Malaysia Undergraduate Bursary: RM5,000 for new undergraduates with A-Level, Foundation or Diploma results, first come, first served
Official sources · checked 10 October 2026
- EMGS: Frequently asked questions (opens in a new tab)
- EMGS: Graduate Pass (opens in a new tab)
- EMGS: Calculate your application fee (opens in a new tab)
- Immigration Department of Malaysia: Student Pass (opens in a new tab)
- EMGS: Cost of living for international students (opens in a new tab)
- University of Nottingham Malaysia: Undergraduate tuition fees (opens in a new tab)
Figures are indicative planning ranges and change often. Always confirm fees, funds and visa rules on the university and official government websites before you apply.