Cost of Studying in Malaysia
Chat with us on WhatsAppOne of the main reasons for choosing Malaysia is that its costs are reasonable for the quality of education. However, the actual cost varies by university, major and city, so this guide brings together every part of the budget and shows real figures from the programmes currently available on the MAIGA website.
In this guide
What makes up the cost of studying in Malaysia
When working out your budget, think of four parts: the tuition fees for the whole programme, the application and registration fees set by the university, the visa, medical check-up and insurance fees, and then your monthly living costs.
Tuition fees are usually the largest part. They are shown on each programme page on our website along with any available discount, and can be displayed in your local currency.
Diploma, bachelor's and master's fees
Fees vary by level: diploma and foundation-year programmes cost less, then bachelor's degrees, while master's programmes are shorter, so their total fees are usually lower than a bachelor's. Medical and engineering majors are usually more expensive than business and computing majors.
The table on this page calculates the lowest and median fees for each level directly from the active programmes on the MAIGA website. These are total programme fees in Malaysian ringgit before any discount.
Accommodation and living costs
Accommodation is the biggest living expense, and it varies between a room in shared housing and a private flat, and between Kuala Lumpur and smaller cities. Food and transport in Malaysia are moderately priced, and halal food is available everywhere.
To work out your monthly budget more accurately, try the living assessment tool on our website. It suggests a type of accommodation and a budget based on your answers.
Visa and processing fees
Visa and medical check-up fees are paid to the university or through EMGS. They are set by the official bodies and the university and may change. Each university's application and service fees are shown on the programme page before you register, and we explain every fee to you before you pay it.
How to reduce your study costs
Compare more than one university for the same major, as the difference in fees can be large. Keep an eye on the offers and discounts shown on programme pages, and choose shared accommodation near the university to save on transport.
If your English is good, passing an English test before you travel saves you the cost of an English programme.
Comparison of study costs by level of study
| Level | Number of programmes | Lowest fees | Median fees | Highest fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foundation year | 134 | RM 16,600 | RM 28,400 | RM 58,500 |
| Diploma | 394 | RM 7,500 | RM 57,365 | RM 147,913 |
| Bachelor's | 764 | RM 6,400 | RM 93,629 | RM 693,110 |
| Master's | 385 | RM 12,150 | RM 42,631 | RM 151,386 |
| PhD | 167 | RM 18,750 | RM 53,550 | RM 390,999 |
Figures are calculated from the programmes currently available on the MAIGA website and are total programme fees in Malaysian ringgit before any discount.
Related programs and universities
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the fees shown per year or for the whole programme?
The figures on programme pages and in this guide's table are total programme fees in Malaysian ringgit, and they can be shown in your currency from the programme page.
Can I pay the fees in instalments?
Many universities split the fees across semesters, and the payment method differs from one university to another. Ask the consultant about the university you are interested in.
What is the first step to start applying?
Choose your major from the study programmes page or contact us on WhatsApp, and the consultant will help you compare universities according to your budget.
