Universities in Malaysia

Malaysia's universities are overseen by the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE, Kementerian Pendidikan Tinggi). The sector has public and private sides. MOHE counts 20 public universities, 36 polytechnics, 106 community colleges and 374 private higher education institutions (PHEI), a group that includes private universities, university colleges and colleges. According to Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS), a company under the Ministry of Higher Education that handles international students, Malaysia also hosts 11 branch campuses of foreign universities. For international students, a key point is that most courses are taught in English.

How degrees are organised

All qualifications are placed in the Malaysian Qualifications Framework (MQF), maintained by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA). The MQF was first published in 2007 and the current 2nd edition was approved in December 2017; it groups qualifications into an academic sector and a technical and vocational (TVET) sector. The levels international students meet most often are:

• Foundation programmes, preparatory courses before a bachelor's degree
• Diplomas and advanced diplomas
• Bachelor's degrees, often with Honours
• Master's degrees
• Doctorates (PhD)

Universiti Kuala Lumpur British Malaysian Institute (UniKL BMI) in Gombak, Selangor, shows the full range in one field: a Diploma of Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technology, several bachelor's degrees with Honours such as Telecommunication Engineering Technology, a Master of Electrical Engineering and a PhD in Electrical and Electronic Engineering. It publishes its MOHE registration number, DU011(W).

Accreditation and recognition

Accreditation matters most at private institutions. Malaysia's Immigration Department grants a Student Pass for study at a private institution only if the programme is accredited by the MQA and the institution is allowed to recruit international students. Before applying, check the programme's MQA accreditation and the institution's registration with MOHE.

Admission for international students

According to EMGS, international students need at least 12 years of education and a national or international examination recognised for admission to diploma or degree programmes. Each university sets its own entry and English requirements. International students can only enrol full-time, except on mobility programmes.

The student visa is the Student Pass. After accepting an offer, the student or the institution applies online through EMGS; the applicant must be outside Malaysia when applying. The service standard is 14 working days for a complete application. Approval comes as an electronic Visa Approval Letter (eVAL), and the student may only enter Malaysia after receiving it. During semester breaks or holidays of more than seven days, students may work part-time for up to 20 hours a week, with prior approval from the Immigration Department.

Costs and funding

EMGS does not publish a single fee range: tuition depends on the programme and the institution. For living costs, according to EMGS, on-campus accommodation costs about US$50 to US$150 per month and off-campus housing about US$100 to US$300. The Malaysian government offers scholarships for international students through the MOHE scholarship portal for international students (biasiswa.mohe.gov.my/INTER), and individual universities have their own awards. After graduating, students can apply for a Graduate Pass that allows them to stay in Malaysia for a year.

How to choose

• Type of institution: public university, private university, university college or foreign branch campus
• Accreditation: MQA accreditation of the specific programme and permission to recruit international students
• Entry route: direct entry or a foundation programme first
• Field and practical training, for example engineering technology at UniKL BMI
• Location: Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Penang, Johor, Sarawak or Sabah

Frequently asked questions

Are university courses in Malaysia taught in English?

Most are. According to EMGS, English is widely used and most courses are taught in English, although requirements differ by programme.

How do I get a student visa for Malaysia?

After accepting an offer, you apply for a Student Pass online through EMGS from outside Malaysia. Once approved, you receive an eVAL and can then travel to Malaysia.

Can international students work in Malaysia?

Only part-time, up to 20 hours a week, during semester breaks or holidays of more than seven days, and with prior approval from the Immigration Department.

How can I check that a private university's degree is recognised?

Check that the programme is accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) and that the institution is registered with the Ministry of Higher Education.