Studying in Malaysia: British and Australian campuses at a moderate price

Earning a degree from a British or Australian university without paying London or Sydney prices: that is what Malaysia offers, thanks to its many international campuses. Add to that well-ranked local universities, a low cost of living, teaching in English and a multicultural environment where Tunisian students quickly feel at ease. Here is how to study in Malaysia.

Why Malaysia?

• Campuses of foreign universities awarding the same degree as the main campus.

• Teaching in English.

• Moderate tuition fees compared with the United Kingdom or Australia.

• Low cost of living, even in Kuala Lumpur.

• Multicultural country with a Muslim majority: halal food, mosques, religious holidays.

• Gateway to Asia and its career opportunities.

The international campuses

Several foreign universities have a campus in Malaysia, including:

• British: University of Nottingham Malaysia, Heriot-Watt University Malaysia, University of Southampton Malaysia…;

• Australian: Monash University Malaysia, Curtin Malaysia, Swinburne Sarawak…;

• other international partnerships.

The degree is generally identical to the one awarded by the main campus. Transfer programmes sometimes allow you to complete your studies in the United Kingdom or Australia.

Malaysian universities

Public universities (Universiti Malaya, UKM, UPM, USM, UTM…) and private ones (Taylor's, Sunway, UCSI, APU…) also offer many English-taught programmes, often at lower fees. Some rank well in international rankings.

Popular fields

Engineering, IT, business, finance, hospitality and tourism, architecture, health sciences, pharmacy… One-year foundation programmes allow you to enter a bachelor's degree with the Tunisian baccalaureate when direct entry is not possible.

Admission

• Application: baccalaureate and transcripts (or bachelor's degree for a master's), passport.

• English test: IELTS, TOEFL or the university's own test. See IELTS in Tunisia.

• Multiple intakes during the year (often three sessions), which leaves flexibility.

The student pass

In Malaysia, the student immigration procedure is centralised and online, through the national body in charge of international students:

1. The university submits your application with your documents.

2. You receive an electronic approval letter to enter the country.

3. On arrival, you undergo a compulsory medical examination.

4. Your student pass is affixed in your passport.

The process generally takes a few weeks. The university supports you at every step.

What budget should you plan for?

• Tuition fees: from a few thousand to 15,000 dollars per year depending on the institution and the field (foreign campuses being the most expensive, but far less so than in the United Kingdom or Australia).

• Daily life: generally 500 to 800 dollars per month, accommodation included, depending on the city and lifestyle.

• Administrative costs: student pass, medical examination, compulsory insurance.

Working while studying

Work is tightly regulated for international students: it is generally limited to semester breaks, to certain sectors and to a number of hours. Do not count on a job to fund your studies.

Points to watch

• Malaysia is far away: more expensive plane tickets and longer journeys.

• The climate is tropical, hot and humid all year round.

• Check the recognition of the degree in Tunisia for regulated professions.

Typical timeline

Malaysia offers great flexibility thanks to its multiple intakes (often January, May and September depending on the institution):

1. 4 to 6 months before the start: choosing institutions and programmes, English test.

2. 3 to 4 months before: application and offer letter.

3. 2 to 3 months before: accepting the offer, paying the required fees, the university starts the student pass application.

4. 1 month before: approval letter, plane ticket, accommodation.

5. On arrival: medical examination and finalisation of the student pass.

Foreign campus or Malaysian university: how to choose?

If your goal is to continue later in the United Kingdom or Australia, a foreign campus with a transfer programme is often the best choice. If your budget is tight, a well-ranked Malaysian university is an excellent option.

The foundation programme

The foundation is a preparatory year that lets you enter a bachelor's degree with the Tunisian baccalaureate when it is not enough for direct entry. It strengthens academic English and the core subjects of your future field (business, engineering, sciences). Progression to the institution's bachelor's degree is generally guaranteed if you achieve the required grades.

Documents to prepare

• passport valid for at least the length of the programme plus a few months;

• transcripts and diplomas translated into English;

• photos in the required format;

• English certificate;

• medical form and supporting documents requested by the student immigration body;

• proof of financial means if the institution requests it.

Life in Kuala Lumpur and elsewhere

Kuala Lumpur offers modern transport, shopping centres, varied and halal food, and a large international community. Penang, Johor Bahru, Kuching and Miri also host campuses, with an even lower cost of living. The tropical climate means you should bring light clothing and stay well hydrated all year round.

How we support you

Worldwide Studies helps you choose between international campuses and Malaysian universities, apply, prepare for the IELTS and follow up on your student pass. For other destinations in Asia, read Studying in Southeast Asia: Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam.

👉 Fees vary by campus and field: talk to an advisor to compare your options in Malaysia.