Why Study in Malaysia?
Why students from India and Pakistan choose Malaysia, with the facts behind each reason and the rules you must follow.
Why Study in Malaysia?
English-taught degrees, many cultures and clear costs in Malaysian ringgit (MYR).
Universities and Courses
More than 20 Malaysian higher education institutions are on the QS and Times Higher Education world university ranking lists.
Computer science, artificial intelligence and data science courses.
Program Highlights:
Monash University Malaysia: MYR 57,600 a year in 2027 (Bachelor of Computer Science).
Engineering degrees at public and private universities.
Program Highlights:
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM): MYR 75,000 for the whole engineering course.
UM: several engineering degrees are accredited under the Washington Accord, an agreement among engineering bodies in many countries.
Business and commerce degrees.
Program Highlights:
Monash University Malaysia: MYR 54,240 a year in 2027 (Bachelor of Business and Commerce).
Medicine and pharmacy.
Program Highlights:
Monash University Malaysia medicine: MYR 148,320 a year in 2027.
Academic Excellence Nationwide
Work During and After Study
You can work only a little during your studies, so be sure you can pay for your course and living costs without a job.
While you study
Up to 20 hours a week, only in semester breaks or holidays longer than 7 days, with approval from the Immigration Department of Malaysia.
After a bachelor's or higher
Graduate Pass for 12 months (a permit to stay and work in allowed jobs). For Indian citizens it is open until 31 December 2026. Pakistan is not on the list of nationalities that can apply.
With a job offer
The company that hires you applies for a work permit for you, such as an Employment Pass.
High-Demand Sectors for Graduates
Build your career in Malaysia
Students from India can apply for the Graduate Pass until 31 December 2026. Pakistan is not on the list. Other work passes need an employer to apply.
Key Benefits
Graduate Employment
Campus Life
Most universities have housing on campus and an international office to help you.
Quality of Life & Support
Support Services for International Students
International office
Helps you apply, get your student visa and get used to your new home.
Student health centre
Most campuses have one for common illnesses.
Airport help
The International Student Arrival Centre (ISAC) at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is open all day and night.
At Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), hostels (student housing) cost MYR 300 to MYR 600 a month.
What Makes Malaysia Different
The main reasons, and the rules that come with them.
Clear costs
Tuition varies by university. Monash University Malaysia charges MYR 53,280 to MYR 68,160 a year for most bachelor's courses in 2027, not medicine or pharmacy.
English
English is widely spoken in Malaysia, so it is easy to talk with local people.
Many cultures
Malaysia is Muslim-friendly, with easy access to halal food.
Close to home
All cities in ASEAN (the group of South-East Asian countries) are a short flight away.
Complete Guide to Malaysia
Explore all aspects of studying in Malaysia with our comprehensive guides
Explore - Detailed Guides
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