Malaysia
Public universities, private institutions and foreign branch campuses.
Study overview
Malaysia hosts national universities, private institutions and overseas university campuses. An institution may award its own degree or teach a qualification awarded through an international arrangement. The Malaysian Qualifications Register records accredited programmes within its scope; programme and campus identity determine the qualification listed.
Tuition / Year
EMGS bachelor’s planning band, published as US$2,500-9,500/year. MYR is a rounded conversion; professional programmes can differ.
Living / Month
Editorial planning allowance, originally US$530-820/month. MYR is a conversion; city, housing and lifestyle affect spending.
Typical degree length: Bachelor’s: 3–4 years
Master’s: 1–2 years
Medicine: usually 5 years
Fields: Business; computing; engineering; hospitality; sciences.
Official references
- https://educationmalaysia.gov.my/blogs/cost-to-study-in-malaysia-what-to-prepare
- https://educationmalaysia.gov.my/plan-your-studies/plan-your-budget/cost-of-living
- https://visa.educationmalaysia.gov.my/guidelines/required-documents
- https://visa.educationmalaysia.gov.my/guidelines/medical-screening
- https://visa.educationmalaysia.gov.my/guidelines/insurance-new-2026
- https://mohe.gov.my/muat-turun/statistik/2025-1-1/1851-bab-1-makro-2025-pdf/file
- https://educationmalaysia.gov.my/monash-university/bachelor-of-science
- https://visa.educationmalaysia.gov.my/bachelor-of-chemical-engineering-with-honours.html
- https://educationmalaysia.gov.my/management-science-university-%28msu%29/master-in-information-technology
- https://educationmalaysia.gov.my/mahsa-university/bachelor-of-medicine-and-bachelor-of-surgery-%28mbbs%29
Study and admission
Malaysia’s degree pathways
Public universities, private universities and international branches offer different routes into degrees. Programme-level accreditation defines the qualification and delivery arrangement.
Qualifications and quality assurance
Malaysia’s Qualifications Framework places a diploma at Level 4, a bachelor’s degree at Level 6, a master’s at Level 7 and a doctorate at Level 8. Foundation study prepares students for further entry and should be assessed through its progression arrangements. The Malaysian Qualifications Register records accredited qualifications and their providers. Accreditation attaches to the stated programme, qualification level, campus and mode of delivery. An institution’s reputation or a partner university’s name is not a substitute for checking the qualification you will receive.
Public, private and branch campuses
Public universities cover comprehensive, technical, education and specialist fields. Private universities add business, computing, creative subjects and professional degrees, while foreign branch campuses deliver selected programmes linked to overseas institutions. A Malaysian campus does not necessarily offer every course available at its parent university. The awarding body, teaching location and any optional or compulsory overseas transfer distinguish the various forms of international provision. Written credit-transfer rules are particularly important for twinning, diploma-to-degree and international transfer arrangements that span more than one institution.
Subjects and entry pathways
School leavers can compare direct bachelor’s entry, foundation, A levels and diploma routes. Engineering and computing commonly need specified mathematics preparation; health programmes can demand particular science subjects and stricter professional standards. A foundation is useful only if its destination programmes and progression grades suit the applicant. Design, architecture and performing arts can add portfolio or interview requirements to academic entry criteria. Industrial-training arrangements, international placement eligibility and accreditation for the actual intake and campus affect the usefulness of an otherwise attractive programme.
International school qualifications
MQA publishes guidance on overseas entry qualifications, distinguishing those suitable for bachelor’s admission from those suitable for foundation, certificate or diploma study. Completing twelve years of schooling is part of the equivalency framework, but the qualification must also meet its stated conditions. The university still evaluates grades and subject prerequisites. Assessment uses the final qualification, full transcript and translations where the institution requires them. A qualification accepted for one degree may not satisfy the subject requirements for medicine, engineering or another regulated professional programme.
Admission and student life
Academic entry, English evidence and student-pass processing have distinct requirements. Tuition represents only part of the financial commitment.
English evidence and application stages
MUET is central to many Malaysian admission routes, but international applicants should read the programme’s accepted English-test alternatives. EMGS lists several tests for student-pass documentation, including MUET, IELTS and TOEFL; academic thresholds can differ by institution and subject. An English-medium school letter is useful only where the receiving institution accepts that exemption. An additional English course can change the total duration, fees and degree-entry date, while academic offer conditions and student-pass documentation remain separate requirements.
Student-pass preparation
After receiving an offer, international students follow the institution and EMGS process for a Malaysian Student Pass. Required documents include passport information and academic evidence, with additional items depending on nationality and application type. Medical screening, insurance and immigration formalities are separate from academic admission. Application tracking and the institution’s arrival instructions establish the relevant stage of processing before travel. Processing charges and the applicable personal bond add to initial expenditure, so the tuition quotation alone does not represent the complete arrival cost.
The full cost of a degree
Tuition varies substantially between public universities, private institutions, foreign branches and professional programmes. A promotional first-semester price does not necessarily represent the cost of later study periods. Registration, laboratory or studio charges, compulsory insurance, visa-related costs and accommodation deposits can sit outside tuition; published annual increases also affect the total. Scholarship eligibility can depend on nationality, and continuation may require a specified academic result rather than automatic annual renewal. A branch-campus transfer abroad can change tuition and living costs sharply, making that stage financially distinct from study completed entirely in Malaysia.
Location and student life
Kuala Lumpur and the Klang Valley provide many institutions, but campuses in Penang, Johor, Sabah and Sarawak offer different subject networks and daily routines. The campus address and transport links determine daily travel more precisely than the nearest major city named in a prospectus. University residences can simplify the first semester, particularly when teaching sites are outside city centres. International students need prior Immigration approval to work up to 20 hours weekly, only during breaks longer than seven days. Applications go through the institution; permitted sectors include restaurants, petrol kiosks, mini-markets and hotels.
Entrance and language assessments
MUET
Applies to: Domestic routes and international programmes accepting it
The Malaysian University English Test assesses English. Required bands vary by programme; international applicants may present accepted alternatives where the institution permits.
English-language tests
Applies to: International admission and student-pass documentation
EMGS accepts listed tests including IELTS, TOEFL and Pearson Test of English Academic. Programme thresholds and permitted exemptions are set by the university, separately from student-pass documentation.
https://visa.educationmalaysia.gov.my/guidelines/required-documents
STPM / A levels / IB
Applies to: Bachelor’s-entry qualifications
Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia, Advanced Levels and the International Baccalaureate are bachelor’s-entry qualification routes. MQA equivalency and programme-specific subject grades determine suitability; no one route is compulsory for all foreigners.
APEL.A assessment
Applies to: Eligible applicants seeking access through prior experience
Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning for Access provides an assessed admission route at specified qualification levels. Eligibility and assessment vary by level; the access certificate is not a degree award.
Programme interview / portfolio / aptitude assessment
Applies to: Courses specifying additional selection
Art, design and professional programmes may assess suitability beyond school results. The published course criteria define the assessment; there is no single national test for these programmes.
https://educationmalaysia.gov.my/plan-your-studies/choose-what-to-study/programme-courses
Scholarships and funding routes
Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS)
Support: Tuition is paid to the university. The 2026 living allowance is RM1,500/month, paid every four months after progress reports.
Eligibility: Citizens of the listed MIS recipient countries at participating Malaysian universities. The 2026 guide specifies age ceilings of 40 for master’s and 45 for PhD, academic merit and English proficiency.
Application: The Ministry of Higher Education MIS portal receives academic, nationality and supporting documents; research applications include a proposal.
Conditions: Restricted to participating universities and listed recipient nationalities. The 2026 guide excludes medicine, nursing and pharmacy from its health priority area. Undergraduate study is outside the scheme.
Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP) Scholarship
Support: Tuition, other approved allowances and a return economy airline ticket; published award duration is 24–36 months.
Eligibility: International students from MTCP recipient developing countries; the current rules require age no more than 45, at least upper-second/CGPA 3.00 undergraduate results and qualifying English proficiency.
Application: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs MTCP portal receives applications for participating Malaysian universities and eligible master’s programmes.
Conditions: Restricted to the designated recipient developing countries and participating institutions. Undergraduate and doctoral study are outside this award; its published funding duration is 24–36 months.
Monash Malaysia High Achiever Award — new students
Support: RM10,000 annual tuition waiver, normally RM5,000 per semester, subject to continued eligibility.
Eligibility: Malaysian and international new entrants with outstanding accepted secondary-school results and a full admission offer. Medicine and pharmacy are excluded; prior tertiary study or credit-transfer entry is ineligible.
Application: Eligible admission applications are considered automatically; an award is communicated with the admission offer.
Conditions: The award is a tuition waiver without a general living allowance. Retention requires the prescribed academic performance and full study load; concurrent financial assistance is normally excluded.
ASEAN Monash Malaysia Scholarships
Support: 100% tuition waiver in the published routes. Selected diploma/undergraduate awards may add a stipend and laptop allowance; postgraduate routes list tuition coverage.
Eligibility: Nationals of the listed ASEAN countries, including Malaysia and Timor-Leste, with academic merit and demonstrated financial need. Coursework applicants require an offer and extracurricular evidence; research criteria differ.
Application: Coursework selection uses a separate scholarship application and interview; research scholarship consideration occurs within the admission application.
Conditions: Excluded undergraduate programmes include medicine and pharmacy. Living and laptop support belong to designated diploma or undergraduate categories; postgraduate routes list tuition coverage.
Selected university profiles
Selected public universities, private universities and foreign branch campuses. MQR records accredited programmes and their locations; provisional accreditation and foreign partner qualifications are separate matters.
Malaysian Qualifications Agency — Malaysian Qualifications Register
Universiti Malaya
A public research university in Kuala Lumpur offering undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral education. Its faculties cover medicine, engineering, business, sciences and humanities, alongside other professional fields. Degree teaching and research are organised through academic faculties, institutes and centres at the university.
- Subjects
- Medicine; Engineering; Business; Science; Humanities
- Address
- Universiti Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Website
- https://www.um.edu.my/
Official references
Universiti Sains Malaysia
A public research university with its main campus in Penang and separate engineering and health campuses. Its academic subjects include sciences, engineering, medicine, social sciences and arts. Undergraduate and postgraduate programmes are distributed across these discipline-based locations within the university system.
- Subjects
- Science; Engineering; Medicine; Social sciences; Arts
- Address
- Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 USM, Penang, Malaysia
- Website
- https://www.usm.my/
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
A public research university with its main campus in Bangi and additional teaching and clinical locations. Its faculties cover medicine, engineering, sciences, business and social sciences. Undergraduate, postgraduate and research degrees are delivered through academic units at the relevant university sites.
- Subjects
- Medicine; Engineering; Science; Business; Social sciences
- Address
- Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
- Website
- https://www.ukm.my/
Official references
Universiti Putra Malaysia
A public research university in Serdang with agricultural and veterinary education alongside engineering, sciences and business. Its academic qualifications include undergraduate degrees and postgraduate coursework and research routes. Faculties and research institutes organise teaching and investigation across agricultural, scientific and professional disciplines.
- Subjects
- Agriculture; Veterinary medicine; Engineering; Science; Business
- Address
- Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
- Website
- https://upm.edu.my/
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
A public university with major campuses in Johor Bahru and Kuala Lumpur. Its academic focus includes engineering, computing, the built environment and sciences, alongside business and management. Undergraduate and postgraduate programmes are delivered across the university’s campus-based academic structure.
- Subjects
- Engineering; Computing; Built environment; Science; Business
- Address
- Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 Skudai, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
- Website
- https://www.utm.my/
Official references
International Islamic University Malaysia
A public university integrating an Islamic intellectual perspective with degree education in law, economics, engineering, human sciences and medicine. It operates campuses serving different disciplines, including health programmes. Undergraduate and postgraduate teaching includes professional subjects as well as humanities and social sciences.
- Subjects
- Law; Economics; Engineering; Human sciences; Medicine
- Address
- Jalan Gombak, 53100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Website
- https://www.iium.edu.my/
Universiti Teknologi MARA
A public university system dedicated to Bumiputera education, with its principal institutional base in Shah Alam and campuses across Malaysia. Its programmes span business, engineering, art and design, health sciences and computing. National admission categories reflect the university’s statutory educational mission.
- Subjects
- Business; Engineering; Art and design; Health sciences; Computing
- Address
- Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
- Website
- https://www.uitm.edu.my/
Universiti Utara Malaysia
A public university in Sintok specialising in management-related education. Its academic subjects include business, economics and accounting alongside law, computing and social sciences. The university provides undergraduate, postgraduate and research degrees through schools organised around these professional and academic fields.
- Subjects
- Business; Economics; Accounting; Law; Computing
- Address
- Universiti Utara Malaysia, 06010 UUM Sintok, Kedah, Malaysia
- Website
- https://www.uum.edu.my/
Universiti Malaysia Sabah
A public university in Sabah with its main campus in Kota Kinabalu and additional locations in Labuan and Sandakan. Its programmes cover sciences, business, engineering, humanities and agriculture. Undergraduate and postgraduate teaching is distributed across the university’s different academic units and locations.
- Subjects
- Science; Business; Engineering; Humanities; Agriculture
- Address
- Jalan UMS, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
- Website
- https://www.ums.edu.my/
- pejakdmk@ums.edu.my
Official references
Universiti Malaysia Sarawak
A public university based in Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, offering engineering, computing, medicine, social sciences and creative arts. Its study routes include twelve-month foundation programmes in science, undergraduate degrees, postgraduate coursework and research qualifications. Lifelong-learning provision includes executive and certificate programmes.
- Subjects
- Engineering; Computing; Medicine; Social sciences; Creative arts
- Address
- Jalan Datuk Mohammad Musa, 94300 Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia
- Website
- https://www.unimas.my/
Official references
Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS
A private university in Seri Iskandar specialising in engineering, technology, computing and applied sciences. Its academic subjects also include geoscience and business. Undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications are delivered through the university’s schools, with research degrees forming part of its graduate education.
- Subjects
- Engineering; Computing; Geoscience; Science; Business
- Address
- Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, 32610 Seri Iskandar, Perak, Malaysia
- Website
- https://www.utp.edu.my/
Taylor's University
A private university at the Lakeside Campus in Subang Jaya. Its academic subjects include hospitality, business, design, engineering and health sciences. Undergraduate and postgraduate programmes are organised through schools, with professional education and research degrees forming parts of the university’s qualification catalogue.
- Subjects
- Hospitality; Business; Design; Engineering; Health sciences
- Address
- No. 1 Jalan Taylor's, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
- Website
- https://university.taylors.edu.my/
- applications@taylors.edu.my
Sunway University
A private nonprofit university in Bandar Sunway offering undergraduate and postgraduate education in business, computing, hospitality, arts and life sciences. Its academic schools deliver university qualifications and selected partner-award programmes. Teaching and research take place within the Bandar Sunway education district.
- Subjects
- Business; Computing; Hospitality; Arts; Life sciences
- Address
- No. 5, Jalan Universiti, Bandar Sunway, 47500 Selangor, Malaysia
- Website
- https://sunwayuniversity.edu.my/
Official references
Monash University Malaysia
The Malaysian branch of Monash University, based in Bandar Sunway. It offers selected Monash undergraduate, postgraduate and research degrees in business, engineering, computing, sciences and medicine. Medical education also uses the university’s clinical school in Johor Bahru for clinical-stage teaching.
- Subjects
- Business; Engineering; Computing; Science; Medicine
- Address
- Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500 Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
- Website
- https://www.monash.edu.my/
- mum.admissions@monash.edu
University of Nottingham Malaysia
The Malaysian campus of the University of Nottingham, located in Semenyih. It delivers selected undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in engineering, business, sciences, social sciences and pharmacy. The residential campus forms part of the UK university’s international teaching and research network.
- Subjects
- Engineering; Business; Science; Social sciences; Pharmacy
- Address
- Jalan Broga, 43500 Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia
- Website
- https://www.nottingham.edu.my/
Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
The Malaysian campus of Heriot-Watt University, located in Putrajaya. Its programmes cover engineering, business, actuarial science, psychology and the built environment. Undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications form part of its local course catalogue within the university’s wider international teaching network.
- Subjects
- Engineering; Business; Actuarial science; Psychology; Built environment
- Address
- No. 1 Jalan Venna P5/2, Precinct 5, 62200 Putrajaya, Malaysia
- Website
- https://www.hw.ac.uk/malaysia/
Official references
Multimedia University
A private university with campuses in Cyberjaya and Melaka. Its faculties cover computing, engineering, business, law, creative multimedia, cinematic arts and applied communication. Academic qualifications include undergraduate degrees, taught master’s programmes, research master’s degrees and doctorates across the participating faculties.
- Subjects
- Computing; Engineering; Business; Creative multimedia; Law
- Address
- Persiaran Multimedia, 63100 Cyberjaya, Selangor, Malaysia
- Website
- https://www.mmu.edu.my/
Official references
UCSI University
A private university with its principal institutional address in Kuala Lumpur. Its subject range includes medicine, pharmacy, engineering, business and music. Undergraduate, postgraduate and research programmes are organised through academic faculties, including health-professions education and specialist teaching in the performing arts.
- Subjects
- Medicine; Pharmacy; Engineering; Business; Music
- Address
- 1, Jalan Menara Gading, Taman Connaught, 56000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Website
- https://www.ucsiuniversity.edu.my/
Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation
A private university in Bukit Jalil specialising in technology-related education. Its subjects include computing, cybersecurity, engineering, business and design. Undergraduate and postgraduate programmes combine technical and professional disciplines, with degree structures that include specified arrangements for additional qualifications from partner universities.
- Subjects
- Computing; Cybersecurity; Engineering; Business; Design
- Address
- 11, Jalan Teknologi 5, Technology Park Malaysia, Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Website
- https://www.apu.edu.my/
Official references
Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman
A private nonprofit university with campuses in Kampar and Sungai Long. Its academic subjects include business, engineering, computing, sciences and humanities. Undergraduate and postgraduate programmes are delivered through faculties at the two campuses, with the main institutional address in Kampar.
- Subjects
- Business; Engineering; Computing; Science; Humanities
- Address
- Jalan Universiti, Bandar Barat, 31900 Kampar, Perak, Malaysia
- Website
- https://utar.edu.my/
Official references
Further institutions
| Institution | Location and type | Official website | Book page |
|---|---|---|---|
| Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris | Tanjong Malim / Public university | https://www.upsi.edu.my/ | 141 |
| Universiti Malaysia Terengganu | Kuala Nerus / Public university | https://www.umt.edu.my/ | 141 |
| Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah | Pekan / Gambang / Public university | https://www.umpsa.edu.my/ | 141 |
| Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia | Parit Raja / Public university | https://www.uthm.edu.my/ | 141 |
| Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka | Durian Tunggal / Public university | https://www.utem.edu.my/ | 141 |
| Universiti Malaysia Perlis | Arau / Public university | https://www.unimap.edu.my/ | 141 |
| Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia | Nilai / Public university | https://www.usim.edu.my/ | 141 |
| Universiti Malaysia Kelantan | Bachok / Public university | https://www.umk.edu.my/ | 141 |
| Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin | Kuala Nerus / Public university | https://www.unisza.edu.my/ | 141 |
| Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia | Kuala Lumpur / Public university | https://www.upnm.edu.my/ | 141 |
| Universiti Tenaga Nasional | Kajang / Private university | https://www.uniten.edu.my/ | 141 |
| Universiti Kuala Lumpur | Kuala Lumpur / Private university | https://www.unikl.edu.my/ | 141 |
| Management and Science University | Shah Alam / Private university | https://www.msu.edu.my/ | 141 |
| HELP University | Shah Alam / Kuala Lumpur / Private university | https://university.help.edu.my/ | 141 |
| SEGi University | Petaling Jaya / Private university | https://university.segi.edu.my/ | 141 |
| INTI International University | Nilai / Private university | https://newinti.edu.my/ | 141 |
| Nilai University | Nilai / Private university | https://www.nilai.edu.my/ | 141 |
| MAHSA University | Bandar Saujana Putra / Private university | https://mahsa.edu.my/ | 141 |
| AIMST University | Bedong / Private university | https://aimst.edu.my/ | 141 |
| IMU University | Kuala Lumpur / Private university | https://www.imu.edu.my/ | 141 |
| University of Cyberjaya | Cyberjaya / Private university | https://cyberjaya.edu.my/ | 141 |
| Lincoln University College | Petaling Jaya / Private university college | https://www.lincoln.edu.my/ | 141 |
| Universiti Selangor | Bestari Jaya / Shah Alam / State-owned private university | https://unisel.edu.my/ | 141 |
| Universiti Tun Abdul Razak | Kuala Lumpur / Private university | https://unirazak.edu.my/ | 141 |
| UNITAR International University | Petaling Jaya / Private university | https://www.unitar.my/ | 141 |
| Universiti Poly-Tech Malaysia | Kuala Lumpur / Private university | https://www.uptm.edu.my/ | 141 |
| Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology | Kuala Lumpur / Private university | https://www.tarc.edu.my/ | 141 |
| Wawasan Open University | George Town / Private university | https://www.wou.edu.my/ | 141 |
| Open University Malaysia | Petaling Jaya / Private university | https://www.oum.edu.my/ | 141 |
| Malaysia University of Science and Technology | Petaling Jaya / Private university | https://must.edu.my/ | 141 |
| International University of Malaya-Wales | Kuala Lumpur / Private university | https://www.iumw.edu.my/ | 141 |
| Universiti Sultan Azlan Shah | Kuala Kangsar / Private university | https://www.usas.edu.my/ | 141 |
| Southern University College | Skudai / Private university college | https://www.southern.edu.my/ | 141 |
| New Era University College | Kajang / Private university college | https://www.newera.edu.my/ | 141 |
| Han Chiang University College of Communication | George Town / Private university college | https://www.hcu.edu.my/ | 141 |
| Perdana University | Kuala Lumpur / Private university | https://www.perdanauniversity.edu.my/ | 141 |
| Manipal University College Malaysia | Melaka / Private university college | https://www.manipal.edu.my/ | 141 |
| RCSI & UCD Malaysia Campus | George Town / Private medical higher-education institution | https://www.rcsiucd.edu.my/ | 141 |
| Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus | Kuching / Foreign university branch campus | https://www.swinburne.edu.my/ | 141 |
| Curtin University Malaysia | Miri / Foreign university branch campus | https://curtin.edu.my/ | 141 |
| Xiamen University Malaysia | Sepang / Foreign university branch campus | https://www.xmu.edu.my/ | 141 |
| University of Southampton Malaysia | Iskandar Puteri / Foreign university branch campus | https://www.southampton.ac.uk/my/ | 141 |
| University of Reading Malaysia | Iskandar Puteri / Foreign university branch campus | https://www.reading.edu.my/ | 141 |
| Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia | Iskandar Puteri / Foreign university branch campus | https://www.ncl.ac.uk/numed/ | 141 |