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All destinations Destination · Kuala Lumpur

🇲🇾Malaysia

Monash and Nottingham degrees at 40 – 60% of the price, in Southeast Asia’s most international student hub.

The Malaysian campuses of Monash, Nottingham and Heriot-Watt award the same degrees as their British and Australian home institutions, 40 to 60% cheaper, in an English-speaking country where the cost of living is remarkably gentle.

Why Malaysia?

  • The same degree, half the priceMonash Malaysia or Nottingham Malaysia award the home campus degree: the average saving exceeds $25,000 over a full programme.
  • A light cost of livingRM 1,500 to 2,500 per month in Kuala Lumpur (€300 to €500): one of the most affordable major student hubs in the world.
  • Well-ranked public universitiesUniversiti Malaya and UPM feature in the world rankings, for RM 8,000 to 25,000 per year; engineering degrees carry Washington Accord accreditation.
  • Three intakes a yearMarch, July and October: a flexible calendar that lets you leave without losing a year.

Admission requirements

  • Apostilled and translated baccalaureate (bachelor’s) or a bachelor’s degree with transcripts (master’s)
  • Proof of English: IELTS 5.5 to 6.5 depending on the institution
  • Motivation letter and references for master’s programmes
  • Pre-departure medical report from an EMGS-approved clinic
  • Proof of funds of around RM 24,000/year
  • Passport valid for at least 18 months

The Student Pass is managed centrally by the EMGS agency: the university files the application once you accept the offer, the approval letter (eVAL) arrives within 4 to 8 weeks, then a medical check takes place within 7 days of arrival. We track every step of the EMGS process.

Your monthly budget at a glance

Expense (Kuala Lumpur) Range
University residence RM 300 – 600
Room in a shared flat RM 400 – 800
Food (food courts) RM 400 – 600
Transport RM 100 – 150
Phone, internet & extras RM 80 – 150
Going out & leisure RM 150 – 300
Estimated total RM 1,500 – 2,500 /month

That is roughly €300 to €500 per month. Since July 2025, a 6% tax applies to international students’ tuition fees: we always check the all-inclusive price.

Frequently asked questions

Can I work during my studies?

Only during holidays longer than 7 days: 20 hrs/week in four authorised sectors, with prior approval. Treat it as a top-up, not a way to fund your studies.

Is a Monash Malaysia degree worth the same as one from Melbourne?

Yes: same curriculum, same standards, same degree. Many graduates go on to careers in Australia, the UK or Singapore.

Which scholarships can I aim for?

The Malaysia International Scholarship (full tuition plus a stipend, for master’s and PhD students) and merit discounts of 10 to 50% from private universities.

Is life really that affordable?

Yes: a full meal costs RM 8 to 15 in the food courts, and the country is one of the most affordable in Asia for a student.

Can I stay and work in Malaysia?

With a job offer, your employer applies for an Employment Pass. Kuala Lumpur and its tech corridor (Cyberjaya) are actively hiring in IT, engineering and finance.

Figures and rules verified at the time of publication: fees, scholarships and visa conditions change regularly. Every detail is confirmed with you, up to date, during the consultation.

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