Studying in Malaysia for Saudi Students
Chat with us on WhatsAppMalaysia is one of the study destinations most often chosen by Saudi and Gulf students. It combines accredited universities that teach in English, study and living costs lower than many Western countries, and a Muslim environment where halal food and mosques are easy to find. This guide explains the whole path: from choosing your major and university, to admission and the visa, and then accommodation and arrival.
In this guide
Why study in Malaysia as a Saudi student
Most private universities, and many programmes at Malaysian public universities, teach in English, and British and Australian universities run branch campuses in Malaysia that award the same degrees as the home university. This means students get an education to international standards without moving far from an environment close to their own culture.
In addition, flights from cities in the Kingdom to Kuala Lumpur are readily available, Malaysian society is multicultural and welcomes Arab students, and the major university cities have large numbers of Saudi and Gulf students.
University admission steps
The journey starts with choosing your major and level of study, then comparing the universities that offer that major in terms of fees, location and ranking. Next, you prepare the required documents, the most important being a valid passport, your previous certificate with its transcript, and proof of your English level if you have it.
The application is sent to the university and, once the requirements are met, an Offer Letter is issued. If you do not have an English certificate, many universities will accept you on condition that you take an English programme before your major. The requirements for each programme are listed on its page on the MAIGA website, and our team reviews your documents before they are sent so your admission is not delayed.
Visa and residence
International students in Malaysia need a Student Pass. The university applies for it on the student's behalf after admission through Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS), the body responsible for international student procedures. After initial approval the student travels and completes the medical check-up and residence procedures after arrival.
The duration, fees and requirements differ by university and change from time to time, so we explain exactly what is needed in your case and follow up the application with you until the visa is issued.
Costs and budget
The cost of studying is made up of the programme tuition fees, the registration and visa fees set by the university, and then living costs such as accommodation, transport and food. Tuition fees vary widely between universities and between majors, so the table on this page shows real figures from the programmes currently available on our website.
Living costs depend on the city, the type of accommodation and your lifestyle, and Kuala Lumpur is usually more expensive than smaller cities. To find the right budget for you, you can use the living assessment tool on the MAIGA website.
Accommodation and student life
Students have several accommodation options: university housing, shared flats near the campus, or a private studio. Many new students prefer to live close to the university in their first semester until they get to know the city.
MAIGA helps you arrange airport pick-up and accommodation that suits your budget, and stays in touch with you after you arrive until you have settled in and started your studies.
Recognition of your degree in Saudi Arabia
The authority responsible for the equivalency of degrees issued outside the Kingdom is the Ministry of Education in Saudi Arabia, and it decides which universities and programmes have their degrees recognised. We therefore always advise checking the status of the university and the major on the Ministry's website before registering, especially if you are on a scholarship or plan to work in the public sector.
In the table below we show the universities that the MAIGA team classes as recommended for Saudi students. For details, see the guide to Malaysian universities recognised in Saudi Arabia.
Comparison of leading Malaysian universities for Saudi students
| University | Type | City / State | Number of programmes | Bachelor's from |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kuala Lumpur University of Science and Technology (KLUST) | Private University | Selangor | 42 | RM 86,250 |
| Universiti Geomatika Malaysia | Private University | Kuala Lumpur | 46 | RM 54,500 |
| MAHSA University | Private University | Selangor | 86 | RM 52,250 |
| City University Malaysia | Private University | Selangor | 81 | RM 48,750 |
| ALFA University College | Private University | Selangor | 56 | RM 34,500 |
| YES International College | Private University | Kuala Lumpur | 15 | — |
| Taylor's University | Private University | Selangor | 184 | RM 115,218 |
| UCSI University | Private University | Kuala Lumpur | 190 | RM 50,827 |
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
Is studying in Malaysia in English?
Yes. Most programmes at private universities, and many at public universities, are taught in English, and there are preparatory English programmes for those who need to raise their level before their major.
Do I need an IELTS certificate for admission?
Not always. Many universities accept students without IELTS on condition that they pass the university's own test or take an English programme before their major. The exact requirement is listed on each programme page.
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 choose the right university and prepare your documents.
