How many universities does Malaysia have for international students?
There are 71 active university profiles in Malaysia on NexStudy. Browse, filter and compare programs, fees, scholarships and admission requirements.
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For Indian students
Step-by-step process to get your Student Pass (EMGS)
The typical Malaysia student visa processing window is 4-8 weeks. Students should still prepare documents 8-12 weeks before the intake because university CAS/CoE/I-20 steps, financial proof, biometrics, and medical checks can add extra time before the visa file is ready.
A practical timeline is to secure your offer first, confirm fee payment or enrollment documentation, prepare funds in the accepted format, complete English/medical requirements where applicable, and then submit the visa application. NexStudy treats 4-8 weeks as the visa decision window, not the full admission-to-flight timeline.
| Step | Recommended Buffer |
|---|---|
| University offer and acceptance | 4-8 weeks before visa filing |
| Financial documents and fee receipts | 2-4 weeks before visa filing |
| Visa application decision | 4-8 weeks |
| Travel booking and accommodation | After visa grant, unless refundable |
Funds must be traceable, sufficient, and consistent with tuition plus living cost requirements.
Your SOP should explain course choice, academic progression, career goals, and India ties.
Names, dates, marksheets, bank letters, and offer details must match across the file.
Students should be able to explain the university, course, budget, and post-study plan clearly.
Average salaries for international graduates in Malaysia
| Role | Average Salary | Growth Signal |
|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer | MYR 72,000 | +15% |
| Accountant | MYR 48,000 | +6% |
| Digital Marketing Manager | MYR 60,000 | +12% |
| Petroleum Engineer | MYR 96,000 | +5% |
| Quantity Surveyor | MYR 54,000 | +8% |
In most cases, Indian students can work part-time in Malaysia if their student visa permits it. Common student jobs include campus assistant roles, hospitality, retail, tutoring, delivery support, and entry-level tech or admin roles. Students should always follow the work-hour rules printed on their visa conditions.
Part-time work should be treated as support income, not the main funding source. The stronger plan is to show full financial capacity first, then use part-time income for living flexibility, local experience, and networking.
Strong fit for students who combine relevant coursework, internships, portfolio projects, and local networking while studying.
Strong fit for students who combine relevant coursework, internships, portfolio projects, and local networking while studying.
Strong fit for students who combine relevant coursework, internships, portfolio projects, and local networking while studying.
Strong fit for students who combine relevant coursework, internships, portfolio projects, and local networking while studying.
Studying in Malaysia can support long-term settlement only when the student chooses an eligible course, maintains visa compliance, gains relevant work experience, and meets immigration criteria at the time of application. A degree alone should not be treated as a guaranteed PR pathway.
Post-Study Work Pass gives graduates time to gain local work exposure. Students targeting settlement should compare occupation demand, salary thresholds, regional rules, language scores, and work visa conversion routes before choosing a university or city.
Monthly expenses breakdown for international students
| Expense | Estimated Range |
|---|---|
| Rent (1BR KL) | MYR 1,200-2,500/mo |
| Groceries | MYR 400-700/mo |
| Transport | MYR 100-250/mo |
| Street Food | MYR 5-10/meal |
| Dining Out | MYR 15-30/meal |
| City | Average Rent | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Kuala Lumpur | MYR 1,800/mo | Business, Finance, IT |
| Penang | MYR 1,000/mo | Engineering, Manufacturing |
| Johor Bahru | MYR 900/mo | Engineering, Business |
| Cyberjaya | MYR 800/mo | IT, Multimedia, Tech |
Scholarship listings are syncing for Malaysia
Browse the scholarship hub or open the finder below for live matches.
Open scholarship hub →📍 Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
VERITAS UNIVERSITY COLLEGE (BAC) is a private university located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It was established in 1990 and is known for its strong emphasis on research and innovation. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including business, engineering, medicine, and the arts.

TAR UMT (Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology) is a private university in Malaysia. It traces its origins to Tunku Abdul Rahman College (TAR College), founded in 1969, and was later upgraded to TAR University College (TAR UC) in 2013 before achieving full university status as TAR UMT in 2022. The institution offers a wide range of diploma, bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes across fields such as accounting, finance, business, engineering, information technology, built environment, communication, and creative arts. It is known for its industry-relevant curriculum and strong ties with professional bodies and employers in Malaysia and the region. The university operates a main urban campus in Setapak, Kuala Lumpur, supplemented by branch campuses in Penang, Perak, Johor, Pahang and Sabah. Its facilities include modern libraries, engineering and computing labs, sports complexes, student accommodation and food outlets. TAR UMT serves a large student population and attracts both local and international students seeking affordable, quality higher education.
📍 Putrajaya, Malaysia
Heriot-Watt University Malaysia is the Malaysian branch campus of Heriot-Watt University, a public research university based in Edinburgh, Scotland. Opened in Putrajaya, it delivers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes that follow the same curriculum and award the same degrees as the UK home campus. The campus attracts a diverse student body from across Southeast Asia and beyond, with particular strengths in engineering, business, psychology, actuarial science and the built environment.
📍 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
KRIS Education Services Sdn Bhd (ICOM) is a leading provider of education and training services in Malaysia. Established in 1990, the company has grown to become a trusted name in the industry, offering a wide range of courses and programs to meet the diverse needs of learners. With a strong focus on quality and innovation, KRIS Education Services Sdn Bhd (ICOM) has successfully trained thousands of individuals and professionals, helping them achieve their career goals and personal development objectives.
📍 Subang Jaya, Malaysia
Brickfields Asia College (BAC) is a private college in Malaysia with a strong focus on providing high-quality education. Established in 1991, BAC has grown to become one of the largest and most respected private colleges in Malaysia. The college offers a wide range of academic programs, including law, business, and hospitality, and has a strong reputation for producing employable graduates.
📍 Bedong, Malaysia
AIMST University is a private university located in Malaysia. It was established in 1990 and is known for its focus on technology and innovation. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines. AIMST University is committed to providing a dynamic and inclusive learning environment that fosters creativity, critical thinking, and professional growth.
📍 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
University Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) is a premier public research university in Malaysia, established in 1975. Located primarily in Skudai, Johor, with additional campuses in Kuala Lumpur and other locations, UTM has grown to become one of Malaysia's most prestigious institutions specializing in engineering, technology, and scientific studies. The university is renowned for its strong emphasis on research and innovation, contributing significantly to Malaysia's technological advancement and industrial development.
📍 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) is a private university located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It was established in 1993 and is known for its focus on technology and innovation. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in fields such as engineering, business, computing, and design. APU is also recognized for its strong industry connections and emphasis on practical learning. The university has a modern campus with state-of-the-art facilities, including laboratories, a library, and sports complexes.
📍 Iskandar Puteri, Malaysia
Raffles University is a private university located in the heart of Singapore. It was established in 1990 and is known for its innovative approach to education and research. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines. Raffles University is committed to providing a holistic education that fosters critical thinking, creativity, and social responsibility. The university has a strong focus on research and has established several research centers and institutes. It also places great emphasis on internationalization, with a significant number of international students and faculty members.
📍 Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
Reliance College (BAC) is a private university located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Established in 1990, the university is known for its comprehensive programs in business, accounting, and computer science. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, catering to both local and international students. The university is accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) and is recognized for its strong industry connections and practical learning approach.
📍 Pekan, Malaysia
Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) is a public university located in Pahang, Malaysia. The university was established to provide high-quality education and research opportunities to students. UMPSA aims to produce graduates who are knowledgeable, skilled, and able to contribute to the development of the nation. With a focus on innovation and entrepreneurship, UMPSA offers a wide range of academic programs across various fields.
📍 Kampar, Malaysia
Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) is a private university in Malaysia, established to provide affordable and quality education. The university offers a wide range of academic programs across various fields, including business, engineering, and health sciences. With a strong focus on research and innovation, UTAR aims to produce graduates who are equipped with the skills and knowledge to excel in their respective careers.
📍 Bangi, Malaysia
The Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia - Graduate School of Business (UKM-GSB) is a prestigious business school located in Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia. Established in 1990, it is part of the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and is renowned for its strong focus on research and innovation in the field of business and management. UKM-GSB offers a range of postgraduate programs, including Master's and Doctoral degrees, in various specializations such as Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Human Resource Management, and more. The school is committed to producing highly skilled and competent professionals who can contribute to the economic development of Malaysia and beyond.
📍 Ipoh, Malaysia
QUEST International University Perak (QUEST) is a private university located in Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia. It was established in 1990 and is known for its diverse student population and international focus. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including business, engineering, information technology, and social sciences. QUEST is also recognized for its strong emphasis on research and innovation, with several research centers and laboratories on campus.
📍 Shah Alam, Malaysia
Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) is the largest public university in Malaysia, established in 1956 and later upgraded to a university in 2002. It offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and vocational programs, with a strong emphasis on research, community service, and industry collaboration. UiTM is known for its affordable education and diverse student body, attracting over 10,000 international students from more than 100 countries.
📍 MALAYSIA, Malaysia
Raffles American School is a private international K-12 school located in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. It is not a university. The school follows an American curriculum and serves students from kindergarten through high school, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses. The campus is situated in the Iskandar Puteri area and offers modern facilities designed to support academic, artistic, and athletic development in a diverse international environment.

IMU University is a private university located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It was established in 1990 and is known for its focus on business and management education. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various fields, including business administration, accounting, finance, marketing, and human resources. IMU University is accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) and is recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE). The university has a student population of around 25,000, with a significant number of international students from various countries.
📍 Kuala Sungai Baru, Malaysia
Akademi Laut Malaysia (ALAM), also known as the Malaysian Maritime Academy, is a leading private maritime education and training institution in Malaysia. Established by MISC Berhad, it specializes in preparing deck and engineer officers for the international shipping industry through diploma, certificate, and professional maritime programmes. Its courses are aligned with the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) and are recognized by the Marine Department Malaysia and the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
📍 Subang Jaya, Malaysia
The Australian National Institute of Business & Technology (ANIBT) is a private university located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Established in 1990, ANIBT offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in business, technology, and related fields. The university is known for its focus on practical, industry-relevant education and has a strong emphasis on research and innovation. ANIBT is accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) and is recognized by the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education. The university has a diverse student body, with a significant number of international students from various countries.

ICOM, also known as the International College of Music, is a private music college based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It specializes in contemporary music education and offers programs in areas such as performance, audio production, composition, and music business. The institution serves students seeking diploma and degree-level qualifications in music and related creative fields.
Estimate your admission tier for Malaysia. This is guidance, not an admission guarantee.
Explore top student-friendly cities and their living costs
Compare costs, career fit, and student lifestyle before shortlisting a campus city.
| Average rent | MYR 1,800/mo | MYR 1,000/mo |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Business, Finance, IT | Engineering, Manufacturing |
| Part-time job availability | Medium to high in student areas | Medium to high in student areas |
| Indian community | Check campus societies and neighborhoods | Check campus societies and neighborhoods |
| PR/job opportunity index | Course-dependent | Course-dependent |
Some universities in Malaysia may waive IELTS when the student has strong English-medium education proof, alternate tests such as PTE/TOEFL/Duolingo, or university-specific English assessments. Waivers are university-specific, so students should not assume every programme accepts a no-IELTS route.
The safest strategy is to shortlist universities by course first, then verify English waiver rules, visa acceptability, and scholarship impact. A low English score can sometimes be offset by a pathway or pre-sessional English programme, but it may increase visa or admission complexity.
MBBS in Malaysia should be evaluated carefully against recognition, licensing pathway, clinical exposure, total cost, language of instruction, and the student’s plan to practise in India or abroad. Students must verify current NMC and local medical council requirements before applying.
For medical applicants, NexStudy recommends a separate licensing checklist before deposits are paid: degree recognition, internship rules, exam pathway, hospital rotations, language requirements, and total living cost over the full programme duration.
MS in Computer Science in Malaysia is usually strongest for students with a solid quantitative background, coding portfolio, internship experience, and interest in software, AI, data, cybersecurity, or cloud roles. ROI depends heavily on university tier, city, tuition, and job-search execution.
Students should compare curriculum depth, co-op/internship access, alumni hiring, local tech clusters, and post-study work rules. A lower-cost university with strong employability can outperform a high-fee option with weak career support.
An MBA in Malaysia is best suited for students with clear career goals, leadership evidence, strong communication skills, and preferably work experience. Freshers should compare specialised business master’s degrees before choosing a general MBA.
The best MBA outcomes usually come from schools with strong employer networks, internships, career coaching, alumni access, and location advantage. Applicants should calculate ROI using tuition, living cost, opportunity cost, and realistic post-MBA salary ranges.
Engineering in Malaysia can be a strong pathway when the student chooses a discipline linked to local industry demand, such as computer, mechanical, civil, electrical, renewable energy, robotics, or biomedical engineering. Accreditation and internship access matter as much as rankings.
Students should compare lab facilities, capstone projects, industry placement, co-op options, and post-study work eligibility. For regulated engineering roles, verify local professional registration requirements before finalising the course.
Compare student residences, shared apartments, commute time, and lease rules before paying deposits.
Look for campus Indian societies, grocery access, festivals, temples/community groups, and peer networks.
Start LinkedIn, internships, faculty networking, and portfolio work in the first semester, not after graduation.
Calculate your return on investment for studying in Malaysia
Check off items you've completed to see your visa readiness score
Difficulty: Moderate
Outcome: High salary potential
Budget: Good fit
Difficulty: High
Outcome: High salary potential
Budget: Good fit
Difficulty: Moderate
Outcome: High salary potential
Budget: Good fit
Amount: Partial tuition
Deadline: Varies
Level: UG/PG
Amount: Need/merit based
Deadline: Before intake
Level: PG
Yes, Indian students can pursue undergraduate programmes in Malaysia after completing their 12th standard. Most universities require a minimum of 60% marks in 12th, English proficiency (IELTS 6.0+), and valid financial documentation.
Popular undergraduate programmes include Engineering, Business, Computer Science, and Nursing. Some universities offer foundation year programs for students who do not meet direct entry requirements. Application deadlines vary by intake — check specific university pages on NexStudy for detailed eligibility.
Indian students typically need RMMYR 1,200–RM2,500 per year for tuition and living expenses, depending on the university, course, and city.
| Expense Category | Estimated Range |
|---|---|
| Rent (1BR KL) | MYR 1,200-2,500/mo |
| Groceries | MYR 400-700/mo |
| Transport | MYR 100-250/mo |
| Street Food | MYR 5-10/meal |
| Dining Out | MYR 15-30/meal |
Malaysia offers strong ROI for Indian students, especially in STEM and business fields. The Post-Study Work Pass (1 year) provides valuable work experience after graduation. Use the ROI Calculator above to calculate your personal return on investment.
| Expectation | Reality Check |
|---|---|
| Part-time job will cover everything | Part-time work can support expenses, but visa compliance and academic performance come first. |
| Any university will give the same outcome | Course quality, city, internships, alumni network, and career services change outcomes. |
| Visa is automatic after admission | Admission helps, but financial proof, intent, documentation, and compliance still decide the case. |
| PR is guaranteed after study | Settlement depends on changing immigration rules, occupation demand, salary, work experience, and language scores. |
Get a free profile evaluation, personalized university shortlist, and expert visa guidance from our counselors.
There are 71 active university profiles in Malaysia on NexStudy. Browse, filter and compare programs, fees, scholarships and admission requirements.
Most universities in Malaysia require IELTS 6.0–6.5 for undergraduate programs and 6.5–7.0 for master's programs. Top-tier universities may require 7.0+ overall.
Yes — universities in Malaysia offer merit-based and need-based scholarships, plus government-funded awards. NexStudy's scholarship finder matches you to relevant scholarships based on your profile.
Monthly living costs in Malaysia vary by city. Rent (1BR KL): MYR 1,200-2,500/mo. Groceries: MYR 400-700/mo. Transport: MYR 100-250/mo. Street Food: MYR 5-10/meal. Dining Out: MYR 15-30/meal.
Malaysia offers the Post-Study Work Pass with a duration of 1 year. Graduated from a Malaysian institution.
You need the Student Pass (EMGS). Application fee is MYR 1,060-2,060 with processing time of 4-8 weeks. Key documents include: Valid passport (18+ months validity), Letter of Offer from university, Medical fitness report, and more.