Why Study in Malaysia?

Malaysia continues to be a leading destination for international students seeking affordable yet high-quality education. With its budget-friendly tuition fees, low living costs, and globally recognized degrees, Malaysia offers outstanding value for money. Whether you’re considering pre-university courses, undergraduate degrees, or postgraduate programs, this 2025 cost guide will help you plan your education journey wisely.

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Affordable Education Without Compromising Quality

Malaysia is known for its cost-effective education system. Let’s take a closer look:

A UK-affiliated 3+0 engineering degree completed entirely in Malaysia (3 years) costs around RM80,000–RM100,000 (USD17,000–USD21,000). The same qualification in the UK would typically cost £36,000–£45,000 (RM200,000–RM250,000 or USD43,000–USD54,000). That’s a potential savings of up to RM120,000–RM150,000 (USD25,000–USD32,000)—just on tuition!

And when you factor in Malaysia’s low cost of living, the total savings become even more significant.

Kuala Lumpur has once again been ranked one of the most affordable student cities by QS Best Student Cities 2025, offering a perfect blend of affordability and academic excellence.

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Breaking Down the Cost of Studying in Malaysia

Studying in Malaysia involves two main expenses:

• • Course Fees: Tuition and academic-related costs

• • Living Expenses: Accommodation, food, transport, and personal needs

Let’s explore each in detail.

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1. Course Fees in 2025

Tuition fees vary depending on the programme, institution, and level of study. Here’s what you can expect in 2025:

A. Pre-University Programmes

Ideal for students who’ve completed IGCSE or O-Levels. These programmes prepare students for bachelor’s degree studies.

Programme	Duration	Tuition Fees (RM)	Tuition Fees (USD)
Cambridge GCE A-Levels	15–18 months	RM20,000–RM40,000	USD4,300–USD8,600
SACE International (Australia)	11 months	RM22,000–RM30,000	USD4,700–USD6,400
AUSMAT (Australia)	10 months	RM18,000–RM26,000	USD3,900–USD5,600
International Baccalaureate (IB)	24 months	RM120,000–RM130,000	USD25,800–USD28,000
Monash University Foundation Year (MUFY)	12 months	RM26,000–RM30,000	USD5,600–USD6,400

Exchange Rate: USD1 = RM4.65 (October 2025)

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B. Bachelor’s Degree Programmes

Malaysia offers a wide range of degree pathways, from local and twinning programmes to full foreign degrees (3+0). Here’s a general overview:

Field of Study	Duration	Tuition Fees (RM)	Tuition Fees (USD)
Business	3 years	RM35,000–RM60,000	USD7,500–USD12,900
Engineering	4 years	RM40,000–RM80,000	USD8,600–USD17,200
Information Technology	3 years	RM35,000–RM60,000	USD7,500–USD12,900
Medicine	5 years	RM300,000–RM450,000	USD64,500–USD96,800
Pharmacy	4 years	RM120,000–RM200,000	USD25,800–USD43,000

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C. Postgraduate Programmes

Malaysia offers high-quality postgraduate education at a fraction of the cost of Western countries.

Programme	Duration	Tuition Fees (RM)	Tuition Fees (USD)
Master of Business Administration (MBA)	1–1.5 years	RM30,000–RM50,000	USD6,450–USD10,750
Master of Engineering	1–2 years	RM25,000–RM40,000	USD5,400–USD8,600
Master of IT	1–2 years	RM30,000–RM45,000	USD6,450–USD9,700

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2. Cost of Living in Malaysia

One of the biggest advantages of studying in Malaysia is the low living expenses. On average, international students spend around RM1,500–RM2,500 (USD320–USD540) per month. Here’s a monthly breakdown:

Expense	Cost (RM)	Cost (USD)
Accommodation	RM400–RM800	USD85–USD170
Food	RM600–RM900	USD130–USD190
Transportation	RM100–RM200	USD20–USD40
Utilities (Electricity, Water, Internet)	RM100–RM200	USD20–USD40
Personal Expenses	RM200–RM400	USD40–USD85
Total	RM1,500–RM2,500	USD320–USD540

Tips to Save: Cook at home, carpool, or share accommodations with friends to cut down your monthly costs even further.

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What to Study in Malaysia?

Malaysia offers a diverse range of academic programmes across disciplines, including:

• • Foundation & Pre-U

• • Diploma & Certificate

• • Undergraduate (Bachelor’s)

• • Postgraduate (Master’s, PhD)

• • Professional & Short Courses

Whether you’re looking for business, science, engineering, healthcare, or tech—Malaysia has it all.

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Why Malaysia Stands Out

Affordable Tuition: Save up to 70% compared to studying in countries like the UK, USA, or Australia.
Low Living Costs: Enjoy a vibrant student life without financial stress.
Globally Recognized Degrees: Gain qualifications accepted worldwide.
Multicultural Environment: Experience life in a diverse and welcoming society.
Great Location: Travel easily within Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand.

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Final Thoughts

Studying in Malaysia is more than just a smart financial decision—it’s an opportunity to access world-class education in a multicultural, modern, and student-friendly country. With updated tuition and living costs for 2025, Malaysia continues to rank among the most affordable and attractive study destinations in the world.

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Sources & References

• • Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia (MOHE)

• • QS Best Student Cities 2025

• • Exchange Rate: USD1 = RM4.65 (as of Feburary 2025)