8 Studying Abroad Myths to Ignore — Especially If You’re Considering Malaysia

Studying abroad is one of the most life-changing experiences a student can have — both personally and professionally. Yet, myths about studying abroad continue to mislead thousands of potential international students every year. If you’re considering studying in Malaysia, it’s essential to separate facts from fiction.

Malaysia has rapidly become a top international education hub in Asia, known for its affordable tuition, multicultural society, and growing number of globally ranked universities. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll debunk eight of the most persistent myths about studying abroad — with specific insights tailored to Malaysia.

Table of Contents

1. Myth 1: Studying Abroad is Always Expensive
2. Myth 2: You Need to Be Fluent in the Local Language
3. Myth 3: Studying Abroad is Unsafe
4. Myth 4: It’s Difficult to Make Friends
5. Myth 5: Students with Disabilities Can’t Study Abroad
6. Myth 6: The Application Process is Overwhelming
7. Myth 7: Overseas Qualifications Aren’t Valued by Employers
8. Myth 8: Not All Programs are Offered Abroad
9. Conclusion + Your Next Step

Myth 1: Studying Abroad is Always Expensive

Reality: Malaysia Offers High-Quality Education at a Fraction of the Cost

One of the most persistent myths is that studying abroad drains your finances. While this may be true in some countries, Malaysia is a budget-friendly destination for international students. Here’s why:

• Tuition fees in Malaysia are significantly lower than in the US, UK, or Australia.

• Living costs are affordable — students in Malaysia typically spend around RM 1,500 (about USD 325) monthly for accommodation, food, and other essentials.

• Scholarship opportunities are widely available through universities and the Malaysian government. These include:

  • Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS)

  • University-specific merit awards

  • ASEAN and Commonwealth nation discounts

Example: A three-year undergraduate degree at a top Malaysian university like Asia Pacific University (APU) can cost less than USD 25,000 — including tuition and living expenses.

Pro Tip: Use budgeting tools or apps to plan your expenses and keep track of scholarship application deadlines.

Myth 2: You Need to Be Fluent in the Local Language

Reality: English is the Medium of Instruction in Most Malaysian Universities

Malaysia is a multilingual country, but English is the primary language of instruction at most private and public universities. You don’t need to know Malay to study there, though learning a few local phrases can help with daily interactions.

Example: Universities like University of Malaya, Taylor’s University, and APU offer all programs in English — from engineering to law.

Additionally, Malaysian universities provide:

• English language support centers

• Pre-sessional English programs

• Peer tutoring and mentoring programs for international students

Actionable Tip: While preparing to move, consider taking an English proficiency test like IELTS or TOEFL, which may be required for admission.

Myth 3: Studying Abroad is Unsafe

Reality: Malaysia is One of the Safest Countries for International Students

Malaysia is considered one of the safest countries in Southeast Asia. It has:

• A low crime rate in most student-populated cities

• Stable political environment

• Student-friendly infrastructure

Example: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s capital, hosts thousands of international students and offers well-connected public transport, 24/7 campus security, and health services.

Universities in Malaysia also have:

• On-campus student security offices

• Medical centers with easy access to healthcare

• Emergency helplines and buddy systems for new students

Smart Tip: Keep emergency contact numbers handy and use apps like Grab (ride-hailing) and MySejahtera (health monitoring) for convenience and safety.

Myth 4: It’s Difficult to Make Friends

Reality: Malaysia is a Melting Pot of Cultures — Making Friends is Easy

Malaysia is one of the most culturally diverse countries in Asia, home to people from Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Indigenous backgrounds. Combine that with international students from over 130 countries, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for an inclusive community.

Ways to make friends in Malaysia:

• Join university clubs and student organizations

• Participate in orientation week activities

• Volunteer for community or university projects

• Attend cultural festivals like Hari Raya, Deepavali, or Chinese New Year on campus

Example: International student communities at universities like Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) or Monash University Malaysia host events such as International Night and Food Festivals.

Pro Tip: Be open, participate actively, and don’t hesitate to introduce yourself — chances are, others are looking for new friends too.

Myth 5: Students with Disabilities Can’t Study Abroad

Reality: Malaysia is Taking Significant Steps Toward Accessible Education

Though accessibility varies across institutions, many Malaysian universities offer facilities for students with disabilities, including:

• Wheelchair-accessible buildings and dorms

• Assistive technologies (e.g., screen readers, speech-to-text tools)

• Special needs offices or disability support centers on campus

Example: Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and Sunway University offer support services and dedicated counselors for students with physical, learning, or psychological disabilities.

What You Can Do:

• Contact the university’s disability support office before applying

• Ask for reasonable accommodations

• Review campus accessibility maps

If mobility or health is a concern, online or hybrid learning options are increasingly available in Malaysian universities.

Myth 6: The Application Process is Overwhelming

Reality: Malaysian Universities Offer Streamlined Admission Processes

The process of applying abroad may appear complicated, but most Malaysian universities have user-friendly online portals and admissions support teams. Typical application steps include:

• Filling out an online application

• Uploading academic transcripts and certificates

• Submitting an English proficiency score (e.g., IELTS/TOEFL)

• Writing a personal statement

• Paying an application fee

Some universities also accept agent-assisted applications or through platforms like EMGS (Education Malaysia Global Services).

Example: APU’s application process allows students to upload documents, choose accommodation, and even track visa approval status online.

Action Step: Start early and prepare a checklist. Consider using university counseling services or verified education agents in your home country.

Myth 7: Overseas Qualifications Aren’t Valued by Employers

Reality: A Malaysian Degree Can Help You Stand Out in a Competitive Job Market

International education is an asset. Employers across the globe recognize the value of global exposure, adaptability, and cross-cultural communication skills.

Malaysia’s top institutions offer:

• Industry-driven programs tailored to future careers (IR4.0, AI, cybersecurity, fintech, etc.)

• Dual-degree programs with UK, Australian, or US universities

• Internship and co-op placements with international companies

Example: APU graduates receive a dual award from APU Malaysia and De Montfort University in the UK — boosting both regional and global employability.

Graduates also benefit from:

• Career support centers

• Job fairs and career expos

• LinkedIn optimization workshops and mock interviews

Tip: Highlight your international experience and cross-cultural projects during job interviews.

Myth 8: Not All Programs Are Available Abroad

Reality: Malaysia Offers a Wide Range of Accredited Academic Programs

From medicine and engineering to design and business analytics, Malaysian universities cover virtually every field of study. Some universities specialize in niche programs, including:

• FinTech, Big Data & AI (Asia Pacific University)

• Hospitality Management (Taylor’s University)

• Environmental Science (Universiti Malaya)

• Game Design & Animation (Multimedia University)

Programs are available at diploma, undergraduate, master’s, and PhD levels — all accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).

How to Find the Right Program:

• Use Education Malaysia portals or official university websites

• Filter by course type, field of study, duration, and intake month

• Compare rankings, facilities, and industry connections

Example: Malaysia is a popular destination for pharmacy, medicine, and Islamic finance studies due to its well-regulated, internationally aligned curriculum.

Don’t Let Myths Block Your Study Abroad Dream

Studying abroad, especially in a dynamic and affordable country like Malaysia, can open doors to world-class education, career success, and lifelong global friendships. Many of the common fears and myths surrounding this journey are either outdated or completely untrue.

By understanding the realities and doing proper research, you can confidently pursue an education that transforms your future.

Call to Action: Ready to Take the Leap?

Get ahead by debunking these myths and exploring your options. Start by:

• Downloading our Study Abroad in Malaysia Checklist

• Browsing university programs tailored to your goals

• Applying early for scholarships and accommodation

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Your dream to study abroad in Malaysia is closer than you think. Let’s make it happen.