Tuition & Scholarships in Malaysia: A Complete Guide (2025)
Malaysia has emerged as one of the top destinations for international students due to its affordable education, vibrant culture, and globally recognized universities. Whether you’re planning to pursue undergraduate or postgraduate studies, understanding tuition fees and scholarship opportunities is crucial. Here’s everything you need to know.
1. Tuition Fees in Malaysia
a. Public Universities
Public universities in Malaysia offer high-quality education at affordable rates, making them a popular choice for international students.
- Undergraduate Programs: MYR 7,000–15,000 per year (approximately USD 1,500–3,500).
- Postgraduate Programs: MYR 10,000–25,000 per year (approximately USD 2,500–6,000).
Top Public Universities:
- Universiti Malaya (UM)
- Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)
- Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)
b. Private Universities
Private universities provide a wide range of programs, often in partnership with institutions abroad. Tuition fees are generally higher than public universities.
- Undergraduate Programs: MYR 20,000–60,000 per year (approximately USD 5,000–14,000).
- Postgraduate Programs: MYR 25,000–70,000 per year (approximately USD 6,000–16,000).
Top Private Universities:
- Monash University Malaysia
- Sunway University
- Taylor’s University
c. Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET)
TVET institutions are an affordable option for skill-based education, with fees ranging from MYR 3,000–10,000 per year (approximately USD 700–2,400).
2. Cost Breakdown for International Students
In addition to tuition, students should consider other costs such as:
- Visa Fees: MYR 2,000–3,000 (USD 500–700) annually.
- Accommodation: MYR 500–1,500 (USD 120–350) per month, depending on the location.
- Living Expenses: MYR 1,000–2,000 (USD 240–480) per month, including food, transportation, and utilities.
3. Scholarships for International Students in Malaysia
Malaysia offers numerous scholarships to attract international talent. Here are some prominent options:
a. Malaysian Government Scholarships
- Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS): Fully or partially covers tuition fees for postgraduate studies.
- MTCP master’s Scholarships in Malaysia Offered under the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme for postgraduate students from developing countries.
b. University-Specific Scholarships
- Universiti Malaya Excellence Awards: Merit-based scholarships for outstanding students.
- Taylor’s University Future Leaders Scholarship: Covers up to 100% of tuition fees for academically exceptional students.
- Monash University Malaysia Scholarships: Includes the Monash High Achiever Award and Monash Equity Scholarship.
- Westlake International School Scholarship Malaysia
- National University of Malaysia Scholarship
- Albukhary International University Scholarship in Malaysia
- Full Tuition Scholarships at The University of Nottingham Malaysia!
- Postgraduate Academic Activities Fund (PAAF)
c. Industry-Sponsored Scholarships
- Shell Malaysia Scholarship: Available for both undergraduate and postgraduate students.
- Khazanah Global Scholarship: A prestigious award for students with leadership potential.
- Yayasan KLK Scholarship at the University of Malaya
d. External Scholarships
- Commonwealth Scholarship: For students from Commonwealth countries.
- Erasmus Mundus Scholarships: Offered for joint programs involving Malaysian universities.
4. How to Apply for Scholarships in Malaysia
To maximize your chances of securing a scholarship, follow these steps:
- Research Thoroughly: Identify scholarships that align with your academic background and interests.
- Prepare Documents: Commonly required documents include academic transcripts, recommendation letters, personal statements, and proof of English proficiency.
- Meet Deadlines: Scholarship applications often close months before the start of the academic year.
- Ace the Interview: Many scholarships involve an interview process. Be prepared to showcase your achievements and future goals.
5. Tips to Save on Tuition and Living Costs
- Opt for Public Universities: They offer excellent education at lower costs.
- Look for Affordable Accommodation: Shared housing or on-campus options can significantly reduce expenses.
- Work Part-Time: International students can work up to 20 hours per week during semesters.
Start Your Journey Today!
Explore your options for studying in Malaysia with the right financial plan. Visit VSMalaysia.com for detailed guides, scholarship updates, and personalized assistance to help you achieve your academic dreams!
