Cost of Studying and Living in Malaysia

Tuition for the whole programme at the private universities we list is roughly RM21,000 to RM55,000 for a foundation, RM26,000 to RM100,000 for a diploma, and mostly RM65,000 to RM140,000 for a bachelor's degree. Living costs are listed below month by month from EMGS's figures, and are higher in central Kuala Lumpur.

Malaysia is one of the more affordable places to earn an internationally recognised degree. This guide gives realistic ranges so you can plan a budget. Fees change, so always check the exact figure on the course page before you apply.

Tuition fees

Private universities in Malaysia usually quote tuition as a total for the whole programme. Based on the fees published by the universities on Zawqari Education, here are typical totals for international students:

• Foundation (about 1 year): roughly RM 21,000 to RM 55,000.
• Diploma (2 to 3 years): roughly RM 26,000 to RM 100,000.
• Bachelor's degree (3 to 4 years): most fall between RM 65,000 and RM 140,000. Medicine and some specialist programmes cost considerably more.
• Master's degree: roughly RM 6,000 for some research master's up to around RM 95,000 for taught programmes.
• PhD: from roughly RM 12,000 for some research PhDs to well over RM 100,000, depending on the university and the field.

Each course page on Zawqari Education shows its own fees, the date they were last checked and a link to the university's source.

One-off fees when you start

Expect some fees on top of tuition, usually paid before or when you arrive:

• Application and registration fees.
• A visa processing fee, which usually covers EMGS processing, medical screening and health insurance.
• A refundable security deposit.

For example, Multimedia University lists a RM 2,000 registration fee, a RM 3,500 international processing fee (student visa) and a RM 1,500 refundable deposit for international students.

Monthly living costs

Education Malaysia Global Services gives these typical costs for students:

• On-campus accommodation: about USD 50 to 150 a month.
• Off-campus accommodation: about USD 100 to 300 a month.
• Utilities: electricity about USD 20, water about USD 10, internet about USD 25 and a mobile plan about USD 8 a month.
• Food: meals at local food stalls usually cost USD 1 to 3; mid-range restaurants USD 5 to 10.
• Transport: LRT, MRT and Monorail trips cost about USD 0.21 to 1.50; Grab rides usually USD 1.50 to 10.

Costs in central Kuala Lumpur are higher than in smaller cities. Sharing a room or apartment is the easiest way to save.

A simple budget

Add up three things:

• Total tuition for your programme, divided by the number of years.
• One-off fees in your first year.
• Monthly living costs, multiplied by 12.

Keep some extra for flights home, textbooks and emergencies.

Ways to reduce the cost

• Many universities offer scholarships or merit discounts for international students. Ask before you accept your offer.
• Check whether paying the full year upfront gives a discount.
• Compare similar courses at different universities; fees can differ a lot for similar degrees.

Official source

• Education Malaysia: cost of living for international students