Malaysia provides world-class, affordable education, with many universities offering internationally recognised degrees. Its vibrant multicultural society and affordable cost of living make it a welcoming and safe home for students from all over the globe. Here’s what you must know before you study in Malaysia.
Key highlights:
- Why Study in Malaysia
- Top Universities to Study in Malaysia
- Cost of Study in Malaysia
- Admission Requirements
- Admission Timeline and Intakes
- FAQs
Why Study in Malaysia
Academic Excellence
Malaysia is rapidly becoming a premier global destination for international students, largely due to its blend of high academic standards and exceptional affordability, which makes it ideal to study in Malaysia for Indian students. The country boasts 5 universities ranked within the top 500 of the 2026 (Quacquarelli Symonds) QS World University Rankings and 7 ranked in the Times Higher Education (THE World University Rankings 2026.
Affordability
When you study in Malaysia, you will benefit from affordable tuition and living costs, making it a highly cost-effective lifestyle choice for students from diverse backgrounds.
Graduate Pass
You can opt for the Graduate Pass, which is a Social Visit Pass that enables international students to stay for 12 months after completing their studies to find employment opportunities. This visa is extended till the end of 2026, opening up new post-study opportunities for students.
Top Universities to Study in Malaysia
1. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
Established in 1970, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) is a prestigious public university located in a scenic campus in Bangi town, offering a wide range of popular programmes in Engineering, Business, Science, and Law.
Popular Courses to Study in Malaysia - UKM
- Masters of Law
- Master of Computer Science (Software Technology)
- Bachelor of Forensic Science
- Master’s in Industry Management and Technology
| QS World University Rankings 2026: Top global universities (Malaysia-specific) | 1 |
| THE World University Rankings2026 (Malaysia-specific) | 4 |
2. Universiti Putra Malaysia
Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), located in Serdang town, is a leading university dedicated to research, innovation and community well-being. Guided by its mission to contribute to wealth creation, the university has established itself as a hub for academic excellence, offering a diverse range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and foundation programmes.
Popular Courses to Study in Malaysia - UPM
- MBA
- MS Mechanical Engineering
- Master of Software Engineering
- Master of Information Security
- Master of Economics
| QS World University Rankings 2026: Top global universities (Malaysia-specific) | 2 |
| THE World University Rankings2026 (Malaysia-specific) | 8 |
3. Universiti Sains Malaysia
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) is a globally prominent institution recognised as a leader in sustainability, environmental and social impact. As Malaysia’s first Accelerated Programme for Excellence (APEX) university, it fosters a diverse academic environment with over 34,000 students from more than 80 nationalities across its multiple campuses.
Popular Courses
- Bachelor of Pharmacy
- Bachelor of Management
- Bachelor of Computer Sciences (Honours)
- Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering
| QS World University Rankings 2026: Top global universities (Malaysia-specific) | 3 |
| THE World University Rankings2026 (Malaysia-specific) | 5 |
4. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) is a premier research university recognised globally for its excellence in engineering and technology, offering programs in domains such as Civil, Structural, Petroleum, and Electrical Engineering. The university has diverse student mobility programmes and research initiatives.
Popular Courses
- MBA
- Bachelor of Management (Marketing)
- Executive Master’s in Occupational Safety and Health Management
- Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical)
| QS World University Rankings 2026: Top global universities (Malaysia-specific) | 4 |
| THE World University Rankings2026 (Malaysia-specific) | 6 |
5. Universiti Utara Malaysia
Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), known as The Eminent Management University, is a prestigious public institution located in Sintok and is distinguished by its Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accredited College of Business.
Popular Courses
- Human Resource Management
- Information Technology
- Marketing
- Finance
- Economics
| QS World University Rankings 2026: Top global universities (Malaysia-specific) | 5 |
| THE World University Rankings2026 (Malaysia-specific) | 7 |
Note: Most programmes at Malaysian universities are taught in English.
Cost of Study in Malaysia
Annual tuition fees at public universities in Malaysia range from ~RM 11,000 to ~RM 25,000, while private institutions range from ~RM 8,000 to ~RM 50,000, placing these costs on par with Indian universities. Additionally, the cost of living remains highly affordable, averaging approximately ~RM 1,100 per month.
Admission Requirements to Study in Malaysia
The eligibility criteria can vary depending on the course and university. Here’s a basic requirement to study in Malaysia:
- To pursue a Bachelor’s degree, you have to complete your 10+2. For master’s, you have to complete your Bachelor’s degree.
- You have to appear for English proficiency tests such as International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and Malaysian University English Test (MUET).
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Letter of Recommendations (LORs)
- Proof of funds
- CV
- Valid passport
- Medical fitness certificate
Admission Timeline and Intakes
Malaysian universities typically offer multiple intakes throughout the year, with the primary enrollment periods occurring in January, April, July, and September. However, it is essential to verify the specific deadlines for your chosen course, as some programmes, such as engineering, may have application cut-offs up to two months earlier than the general university intake dates.
When planning to study at top Malaysian universities, you have to consider various costs, including tuition fees, travelling expenses, accommodation costs, living expenses, cost of learning devices and other education-related expenses. At Avanse Financial Services, we offer a loan for education, covering the holistic cost of education, including all these expenses.
An education loan for abroad studies is a prudent choice to fund your education independently without depending on your parents. If you have any queries about student loans, educational loan interest rate, or your academic journey, please feel free to connect with us.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is a Malaysia visa free for Indian students?
Students who want to pursue education in Malaysia require a student visa. The charges are ~RM 1,000 for a student visa application.
2. Is it better to study in Malaysia or India?
Both India and Malaysia offer quality education. However, studying in Malaysia will help expand your horizons, learn new languages and cultures, and develop a global outlook. You can decide between the two based on your academic and career goals.
Also Read: Top 10 Study Abroad Destinations in 2026 for Indian Students
