With the COVID-19 era completely altering the career landscape in many countries, it has never been more important to choose a destination country that will set you apart from others, teach you valuable knowledge and soft skills, prepare you for a highly competitive job market, and yet allow you to grow and flourish as a person.

At MyUniZone, we make it no secret – we believe Malaysia is the premier destination for students wanting to get a degree in a safe, affordable, and rewarding country. But this is not a sales pitch, we have considered all possible aspects of studying abroad and have put together the most important reasons why studying here will ultimately be the most beneficial decision you will make in your life as a student.

1. One of the lowest rates of COVID-19 in the world

If this reason wasn’t on your list before, now it should be. You will likely be spending 3 to 4 years in the country you study abroad in. If it is a country with a high number of COVID-19 cases, then it is extremely unsafe and unadvisable for you to go. Malaysia is actually one of the safest countries in the world to study in. It was one of the first countries to respond to the pandemic by going into a full lockdown and ceasing economic activity on 18 March 2020 until 4 May 2020.

Since then many aspects of life have returned back to normal, however with strict SOP guidelines, QR code check-ins at every shop, social distancing, and a mandate for wearing masks, abundant precaution is still being taken. The results have been comparatively excellent, as Malaysia is ranked #83 in the world for COVID cases (higher number = less cases) while the U.S. is #1 and UK #9 as of the writing of this article.

Malaysia is a destination where you can live in the ‘new normal’ without being worried about living in a high risk country.

2. High Quality Education

The Education Ministry in Malaysia places a strong emphasis on turning Malaysia into a world class research hub. This means that if you join as a student now, you will be benefitting from the increased investment by both the government and private sectors to invest in its students – meaning you! Take part in ground-breaking research, be taught an updated curriculum that will be challenge you, and become well rounded in your field through internships, workshops, and seminars.

3. Campuses built to help students thrive

Malaysia has invested a lot in developing cities and campuses that students can thrive in. It of course helps that Malaysia has natural scenic beauty for campus architects to build upon. Campuses that are located in a more suburban setting, such as Asia Pacific University or Asian Institute of Medicine, Science, and Technology feature a lush campus surrounded by hills and trees. For more urban campuses, SEGi University and Sunway University have solid urban style campuses with modern facilities. No matter which university you choose in Malaysia, it will be wonderful place to get your degree from.

4. Affordable Tuition & Low Cost of Living

If you come from a country where the value of your country’s currency is low, Malaysia will be a far more cost-effective option for you than other countries. Studying in Western countries such as the US, UK, or Australia means spending not only extra on tuition and cost of living, but losing tons of value because of the exchange rate.

Furthermore, Malaysia wants everybody to be able to access education no matter what your parent’s income level is, so it prioritises affordable education. Tuition rates are much lower in Malaysia. For example, if you want to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, you would be spending upwards of $10,000-50,000 a year in western countries. In Malaysia, you can do an entire 3.5 year degree program for $5,000 to $30,000, depending on the university.

The savings also spills over in cost of living. On average, the cost of living in Malaysia is $268 or RM1100 if you live on campus. Day to day activities such as going to the movies are also affordable.

For a detailed breakdown of the cost of living in Malaysia, read our guide The True Cost of Living for International Students in Malaysia.

5. Easy Online Student Visa Processing

Compared to other countries, student visa processing in Malaysia has been streamlined by one agency – Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS). Typically you will apply for your student visa through your university, unless you apply for one directly yourself. The process is straightforward and you can view your progress online through their application dashboard.

6. Low Crime Rates

Malaysia is a stable country both politically and in day-to-day life. In 2019, it was ranked the 5^th safest country for women among all Asia Pacific countries. This means that although you should take precautions like locking your door, keeping your phone secure, and not walk around dodgier parts of Kuala Lumpur at 4am, you will generally be safe and can focus on your education and social life.

7. The Melting Pot of Southeast Asia

Among all the Southeast Asian countries, Malaysia can truly call itself a melting pot with its unique and diverse cultures. Malaysia’s citizens come from 3 major racial backgrounds: Malay, Chinese, and Indian. Each of these cultures are deep and complex, and bring richness to the Malaysian identity found nowhere else. Malaysia recognises Muslim, Buddhist, and Hindu auspicious days as national holidays, where everyone can celebrate Eid, Chinese New Year, or Deepavali and enjoy each other’s special customs.

In terms of international students, over 140 nationalities call Malaysia their home while they pursue their degree. This exposure to such a wide array of cultures will certainly make you a far more culturally aware and interesting person.

8. You only need English to get around

Although the national language is Bahasa Malaysia, English is prevalent throughout West and East Malaysia. Luckily, Bahasa Malaysia is written in the Roman alphabet, so you will already be able to read street signs and pick up the language as you go along. Universities in Malaysia usually require you to take 1 or 2 classes in the local language as way to integrate here easily. Other commonly spoken languages here include: Cantonese, Mandarin, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Punjabi. If you’re an aspiring omniglot, Malaysia is the perfect destination!

9. A Vacationer’s Dream

You ever see that movie Finding Nemo, with all of its colourful tropical fish? Imagine snorkelling and seeing that movie before your eyes. Malaysia has some of the most beautiful islands in the world such as Perhentian, Redang, and Tioman islands. Not only is the water crystal clear and a pristine blue hue, but it has a wide range of some of the rarest tropical fish and fauna on Earth. Vacationers from all around the world love coming to Malaysia’s islands as they are not over commercialized like in Thailand. Furthermore, it’s quite affordable even on a student budget to make a quick weekend trip with your friends. There is also plenty to do on land, including historic cities such as Penang and Malacca. Surely you will never have a dull moment while living here.

10. Food, Food, and More Food!

We’ve already described to you how diverse Malaysia is, therefore it should be no surprise that the diversity extends to Malaysia’s cuisine as well. In fact, food is such a closely guarded treasure here that rivalries even develop between cities! (Like who has the best Laksa, Penang, Johor, or Sarawak?) Food is the glue that bonds this country together, and no matter what time of day, you’ll be able to find a restaurant, canteens, or street hawker stalls that will make your stomach squeal with delight. Want a sneak peak of the food you can eat here? Check out our blog 5 Malaysian Morning Delights for a look at delicious morning classics here.

Do: Get a SIM Card for your smartphone

As soon as you arrive in Malaysia, get a SIM card immediately. For calling your campus representatives, friends, or even e-hailing a taxi, you will need access to phone service and WIFI. At all Malaysian airports, most of the major telecom companies have booths where you can purchase a SIM card for as little as RM10 up to RM35 ($2.50-$8.50). Choose a phone number you like and slot it into your existing phone and you’ll be set for both data and WIFI, depending on your package. The major telecom brands include Umobile, Maxis, Celcom, and Digi.

Protip: We recommend Umobile, as you can get unlimited data and wife for RM38/month ($9.25), but each telecom has similarly competitive plans so feel free to do your own research ahead of time.

Do: Buy a laptop for class

No matter which subject you study, you will definitely be thankful if you have a laptop. Student life involves a lot of moving around campus, doing group projects and assignments, and late night study sessions at the library.

Protip: If you are in Kuala Lumpur, head  over to Plaza Low Yat, which is a mall dedicated to computers and electronics of all kind. Prices for PCs and laptops are highly competitive here, and thus you often get the lowest rate possible. Many of the shops are flexible with pricing, so if you’re good at bargaining, this is the perfect place for you.

Do: Mix with both Locals and International students

Once you join your new campus, get out there and socialise with as many students around you as you can manage. Most universities have a special orientation session for new students, packed with interactive activities that will break the ice between you and your batchmates.

International students have a tendency to stick to their own countrymates due to familiarity in language and culture. However, this is the most valuable opportunity for you to network with students from across the globe! Students who interact with classmates from a different country have a much higher likelihood of speaking fluent English by graduation. Not only that, but differences in culture and tradition can spark many conversations and lifelong friendships, and can lead to amazing opportunities in the future or memories that last a lifetime.

Protip: If you see a student who’s wearing clothes or speaking a language you’ve never seen or heard before, ask them about its origins. Most of the time, they’ll be happy to share.

Do: Register your courses on the first day of registration

As the semesters go by, this tip will become more and more important to you. As you get to know your university and its lecturers better, you will become more selective in which courses you want to take. It’s no secret, some lecturers are simply more desirable than others, perhaps because of their voice, or if they are more lenient in marking papers, or because they are a renowned expert in the field they teach. If nothing else, some courses are just scheduled at better times than others – no one wants to wake up for 8am lecture! The best way to ensure you get the course you want is to register on the first day.

Protip: At most universities, access to course registration entirely depends on if you have paid off your tuition fees. Make sure you’ve submitted full payment before registration day!

Don’t: Stay in your hostel room all day

Go out and explore! One of the best reasons to study in Malaysia is its low cost of living, for locals and tourists alike. Malaysia has beautiful terrain, engaging activities, and a vibrant nightlife. Whether it’s sitting at a park reading your favourite book or hiking one of Malaysia’s many trails, there are endless things to explore in this majestic multicultural nation. Just don’t make the mistake of sitting in your hostel room on the computer all day!

Protip: Create WhatsApp groups with your friends to make weekend planning much easier.

Don’t: Convert your currency at the airport

Airports are notorious for having the worst currency exchange rates. That’s because they know that the majority of customers are tourists who need to exchange a small amount of money to purchase their next train or bus, or even snacks. Therefore, they undercut the exchange rate by a larger amount to make a higher profit margin.

Protip: Exchange around $100 USD at your local bank in your home country prior to travel. Once in Malaysia, wait until you are in a city before exchanging your money. Decent rates can usually be found at currency exchange counters in shopping malls or standalone booths.

Don’t: Delay in applying for and/or renewing your student visa

Students often leave things to the last minute, procrastinating simple  errands because they seem like too much hassle. Don’t make this mistake! While renewing a visa is quite simple and painless in Malaysia, if you wait until the last minute, you can run into unforeseen problems that will cost you time, money, and effort .

Protip: When you initially get your student visa, look at the date, open your calendar, and set a reminder to renew it 3 months before expiration.

Malaysian medical universities have been heavily invested into, which means top notch facilities, experienced lecturers, and peaceful campuses that help aspiring doctors achieve their maximum potential.

Let’s compare why an MBBS Degree from Malaysia is a better choice than from Western countries.

Affordability & Cost

While salaries in Western countries are decent, the cost of medical school in countries such as the U.S., U.K., and Australia are exorbitantly high, placing a high burden on middle income families and often involving taking out massive student loans to finance it. Furthermore, the cost of living in Western countries is also generally higher, which means MBBS students from South Asian countries have to drastically cutback on lifestyle expensive to afford living there for 5 or more years.

On the other hand, Malaysian medical schools have far lower tuition, and Malaysia has the lowest cost of living in ASEAN according to Mercer’s 2020 Cost of Living Survey.

Read our blog The True Cost of Living for International Students for more information about cost of living in Malaysia, including accommodation, transport, food, and more!

No more Entrance Exams!

One main reason why students from South Asia, especially students from Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan prefer studying in Malaysia is that students do not need to pass their home country’s highly competitive entrance exams.

For example, for Indian students, the National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test (NEET), or for Pakistani students, the Medical & Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) are not needed for admission to a Malaysian MBBS program.

In the West, the requirements can be very difficult, as medical universities may require specific science courses that are not available at high schools in Asia. In the U.S., medical universities require a high score on the MCAT, which students often find difficult or time consuming to pass.

Malaysian Medical Entry Requirements

Most Malaysian universities will base their admission criteria on the student's “O-level’’ results and English proficiency.

Academic Requirements: Bs and above in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, and Additional Mathematics/Another Subject.

English Requirements: IELTS Band 5 and above. If you do not have these results, many universities also allow 1 or 2 semesters of English training before joining the degree program.

A Second Home

Malaysia is easily one of the most beautiful countries on Earth. During inter-semester breaks or long weekends, international students create lasting memories here by taking advantage of the bustling city life, serene natural beauty, amazing food, and diverse culture that only Malaysia can offer.

Speaking of diverse, did you know Malaysia has over 130,000 international students from 136 countries?

That means no matter where you’re from, you will find both countrymates and fellow students from a wide range of countries. With Malaysia being an open and hospitable culture, you will fit right in without feeling too homesick!

Are you looking for a spot at one of Malaysia’s medical universities?

Admissions for 2021 are now open! We recommend applying through MyUniZone as we are currently offering
up to 5 applications FREE of charge until 31 December 2020.

Which universities are worth applying to? Here are some of Malaysia’s best private medical universities you should consider next intake:

About SETARA Ratings:

Developed by the Ministry of Higher Education, SETARA Ratings are based on a rigorous assessment methodology to rate an institution’s teaching, research, and services. There are currently 6 tiers although no university has reached 6 stars (Outstanding). The rest of the tiers are 5 Star (Excellent), 4 Star (Very Good), 3 Star (Good), 2 Star (Satisfactory), 1 Star (Weak). They are an overall indication of factors including curriculum quality, resources, governance, quality of graduates, and graduate satisfaction.

For more detailed information on the SETARA ratings, click here.

Indonesian students come to Malaysia year after year to enjoy the perks of studying in Malaysia: globally recognised degrees, affordable tuition, Western and halal lifestyle, and beautiful landscapes adorning the terrain of both West and East Malaysia.

These are some of the many features of Malaysia that keep Indonesian students coming back year after year. Keep reading to learn more what Indonesian students enjoy most about studying here.

Easier Access to Quality Education

With a population of more than 273 million people, it is very difficult to get a seat at one of Indonesia’s universities. The sheer competition alone leaves hundreds of thousands of eager students without a place to get a degree. Malaysia is an attractive destination for these students. Malaysian private universities are highly ranked and globally recognised, while being accessible to students from any economic background.

Perfecting Language Skills

Many Indonesian students want to study in English medium universities to perfect their language and communication skills. Most private institutions in Malaysia teach in English and students at these intuitions come from a wide range of countries. This creates an atmosphere by which Indonesian students can actually practice their language in a meaningful way, be it in the classroom, campus, or around town.

Affordable Tuition and Cost of Living

It’s no secret – Jakarta, the education hub of Indonesia has a high cost of living. That fact combined with high tuition fees make studying there a burden on many families from rural areas and other states far from the nation’s capital. That’s why, albeit counterintuitively, studying in Kuala Lumpur can be the same if not cheaper than studying in Jakarta.

In Mercer’s 2020 Cost of Living Survey, Malaysia was ranked 144^th, meaning it had the lowest cost of living out of all the ASEAN countries. The average monthly expenses for an international student in Kuala Lumpur is roughly RM1850 (IDR6.6 juta) including accomodation, food, transport, and entertainment. The cost of living can be higher or lower, depending on how the student budgets. Hostels and off campus housing near universities offer affordable rent prices and often times these condominiums have additional facilities such as swimming pools, gyms, cafes and restaurants for recreation, food, and leisure.

For a more detailed breakdown of cost, read our blog The True Cost of Living for International Students in Malaysia.

Sister Cultures

Besides geographic location, one of the most unifying aspects between Indonesia and Malaysia is that they share a similar language, religion and culture.

Bahasa Melayu and Bahasa Indonesia share the same linguistic root - Standard Malay, or the language used in the Royal Courts Malacca, Johor, and Riau. Indonesian and Malay languages are mutually comprehensible, although some of the vocabulary used may vary. This makes it comfortable for Indonesian students, as they are able to communicate in both English and Indonesian and be understood by a majority of Malaysians.

In regards to religion, Indonesia and Malaysia are both Muslim majority countries with well developed religious infrastructure. Malaysia boasts many of the world’s most beautiful masjids, and has well developed religious programs, a booming Halal industry, and is a world leader in Islamic Finance. This attracts Muslims from Indonesia and around the world to learn and develop Islamic knowledge in the areas of religion, finance, and law, to take back to their home countries.

There are also culinary similarities. Indonesian and Malaysian cuisine, although distinct, bear strong similarities in terms of ingredients used and cooking methods. There are plenty of Indonesian restaurants throughout Malaysia and students from Indonesia are happy they can enjoy both familiar dishes and completely new ones.

Close to Home

An extra yet important expense international students face is the cost of returning home during inter-semester vacations, long holidays, or important family events. For Indonesians studying in farther away countries like the US, UK, and Australia, going home is an expensive journey, and many do not go back more than once a year, if they have the means.

On the other hand, Malaysia is only a 2-3 hour flight from most Indonesian states. For Indonesians in Borneo, one can even drive to the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak if they wish to study there. Major airlines such as Airasia and Malindo offer dozens of flight options every day that make it cheap and quick to pulang kampung.

(Source: SilverKris: A quick guide to Penang’s street food)

Your alarm goes off. Oh no! It’s 8am and your lecture is in 30 minutes. After brushing your teeth and putting on the last clean outfit you have left, you head out of your hostel room. But before you head to class, your stomach grumbles. Surely you can’t focus on intense subjects on an empty, rumbling stomach.  So then, what is there to eat?

These 5 Malaysian breakfast foods will keep your tummy happy and give you the energy you need to make it through the day.

#1 Nasi Lemak

Main Ingredients: Steamed coconut and pandan leaf rice, hard boiled egg, samba, dried anchovies, peanuts, and cucumber.

Nasi Lemak is a flavourful staple dish among all people in Malaysia. The focal point is the coconut milk steamed rice, accompanied by a rich and spicy sambal (chili paste), a hard-boiled egg, dried anchovies, and cucumbers. All of these ingredients are then wrapped in an aromatic pandan leaf, usually in a pyramid shape.

Many people also enjoy adding a protein component such as ayam goreng (fried chicken), sotong sambal (chili cuttlefish), or beef rendang (stewed beef).

Best of all, most places sell nasi lemak for only RM1 or RM2! Perfect for those on a tight budget looking for a delicious breakfast that won’t break your budget.

#2 Roti Canai

Main Ingredients: Dough, Ghee, Water, Dal (on the side)

Similar to paratha in South Asian cuisine, roti canai is a flat bread made of dough, ghee, and water, which is then repeatedly kneaded and folded until layers within the dough are formed. Its then cooked on a flat grill and served with dal (lentil soup) and curry.

There are no shortage of roti canai variations. They can be filled with egg (roti telur), onions (roti bawang), cheese (roti cheese), and condensed milk (roti boom) and a range of other combinations. Roti is usually paired with an omelette (telur dadar) or chicken, beef, or fish curries.

Roti Canai are usually the cheapest food item at your neighbourhood Nasi Kandar or Mamak restaurant, which are restaurants of Indian origin but that have evolved into iconic Malaysian mainstays.

#3 Mee/Bihun Goreng

[Source: Resepi Bihun Goreng Resepi Mak Che Nom]

Main Ingredients: Mee (Yellow noodles) or Bihun (Rice noodles), Dark Soy Sauce, Chicken, Cabbage and other vegetables.

Who doesn’t love a bowl of noodles in the morning, or anytime for that matter? For Malaysians, Mee Goreng (fried noodles) or Bihun Goreng (fried vermicelli) hits those morning munchies just right.  Both of these dishes involve frying up noodles with soy sauce, shallots, garlic, and then stir frying in vegetables, eggs, and chicken or seafood. Sambal is typically served on the side and adds spiciness for those who enjoy a bit of heat. Breakfast hawker stalls charge between RM2-5 ringgit for this dish, depending on quantity.

#4 Roti Kaya Bakar with Soft Boiled Eggs

Main Ingredients: Toasted White Bread, Kaya spread, Eggs

For a breakfast that’s a little less greasy and equally delicious, toast and eggs are a solid option. A classic breakfast originating from Hainanese immigrants working on British ships, Roti Kaya Bakar has been popular in Singapore and Malaysia since the early 20^th century. The dish is quite simple - White bread is toasted with creamy and slightly sweet kaya (coconut) spread, and served with 2 soft, runny boiled eggs that are topped with a bit of soy sauce and white pepper. It pairs very well with coffee, tea, or milk and is also great as a mid afternoon snack! Kaya toast can be found at normal eateries for RM5-10 as a set with coffee but varies depending on the swankiness of the café you’re eating it.

#5 Nasi Kicap Telur

(Source: Seriouseats)

Main Ingredients: Rice, Soy Sauce, Egg

It’s the end of the month, your bank balance only has 2 digits, and it will be a few days until you have money to spend – desperate times calls for desperate measures. However, desperation does not mean you can’t eat deliciously cheap. Enter the last dish on this list – Nasi Kicap Telur.

Nasi Kicap Telur is exactly what the dish is made out of: Nasi (White Rice), Kicap (Soy Sauce), Telur (Egg) – in other words, White Rice with Soy Sauce and Egg. No fancy or expensive ingredients from gourmet gastronomy outlets required, just 3 simple ingredients you likely have in your kitchen or pantry. The sweetness of the soy sauce coupled with the creamy yolk blend together and infuse onto the rice, giving each bite the impression that it took more time to prepare than it actually did. Remember, low budget does not mean less tasty!

Without further ado, let’s break down the average cost of living for an international student in Malaysia.

University Tuition and Fees

The single largest cost for international students are their university tuition fees. According to the Malaysian Department of Higher Education, a Bachelor of Computer Science (Software Engineering) degree can range from $5,000 to $30,000 (RM20-120k)  total for a 3.5 year program, depending on the university.  This is far lower than in Western countries, where tuition fees can range from $10,000-$50,000 (RM40-200k) a year in countries like the US and Australia.

For new international students, the upfront costs will be slightly higher for your first semester, as you will have to pay some additional fees typically not charged to local students.

To give an example, here’s a breakdown of the first year cost for a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering at INTI University:

Therefore, it is important to put away some extra money to cover these additional costs so that the registration and enrollment process is not delayed. We also recommend using MyUniZone, which allows students to pay only 1 application fee of USD100 to apply to up to 5 universities.

Hostel & Housing

While new in Malaysia, most international students opt for campus hostels their first year, as they are unfamiliar with the new environment, and would prefer living next to campus at a designated university hostel. Most campus hostels have the basics: bed, table, wardrobe, and maybe a ceiling fan or air conditioning. There are also shared facilities such as bathroom, laundry area, convenience shop, and sometimes a small restaurant or useful shops.

These forms of accomodation tend to be on the higher end of the scale. INTI University’s cheapest hostel accommodation is a non air conditioned twin sharing room for RM1,320 a month, while its most expensive is a single room with air conditioning for RM2,820 a month.

On the other hand, off campus housing in a condominium or room in a landed property can be a more affordable option and easy to find once you’re settled into living in Malaysia. Depending on the type of room, furnishings, and features, a room in an off-campus condominium will range between RM500-1,500 or RM750 per month on average, including wifi and utilities. The cost is much more flexible here, as you can negotiate rent with the landlord or pick and find a room that suits you both your budget and your preferences the best. You also have more freedom, as there are no university rules to adhere to.

Average Cost per month: RM600 Rent + RM 150 Utilities = RM750

Day to Day Expenses (Food, Transport, Lifestyle)

The real savings begin in your day to day expenses. International students, especially coming from the Middle East, South Asia, or Southeast Asia, will find that Malaysia is a country where they can live a productive and enjoyable student life on a lower budget than even their home countries!

Food

Malaysian cuisine is world renowned for elevating local ingredients and flavors into sumptuous dishes that are both delicious and affordable. Breakfast in Malaysia will only cost you between RM3-5 for dishes such as nasi lemak, roti canai, or bihun goreng. Lunch and Dinner at most Malaysian restaurants range from RM8-15 for staples like fried rice, Malaysian curries, or tandoori chicken and naan.

For more about Malaysian breakfast, read our previous blog What’s for Breakfast? 5 Morning Malaysian Delights.

Average Cost per month: RM800 for 3 meals a day

Transport

In terms of infrastructure, Malaysia has spent billions of ringgit over the last 3 decades building modern roads and highway systems, as well as public transportation including buses and trains. For international students, the most commonly used public transport is the Light Rail Train (LRT) in Kuala Lumpur. The LRT gets you to all of the major areas in KL that you would likely be visiting for the cost of RM2-5 per trip depending on your start/end points. There are also Rapid buses in KL, Penang, and Kuantan that go to many more locations in the city. With modern e-hailing, students can also use Grabcar (like Uber) to get from place to place. The cost will surely be higher, but there are plenty of drivers and is especially useful if public transport is closed.

Average Cost per month: RM150 if used daily

Lifestyle

Malaysia’s beautiful terrain and plentiful attractions draw millions of tourists from around the world each year. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a coffee shop dweller, a beach fanatic, or just looking for a nice place to relax, Malaysia is a welcoming environment for students to enjoy. Since everyone has different interests, MyUniZone has compiled a list of different prices of common things international students spend on:

How much will an international student spend per month in Malaysia?

Drawing from the figures above, here is a breakdown of the average monthly expenses for an international student:

The total cost of living for an international student in Malaysia is roughly RM1,850 per month. This of course can fluctuate based on the type of accommodation you wish to stay in, the food you wish to eat, how often you use public transport, and how much you spend on leisurely activities. Nevertheless, compared to other countries, Malaysia is an affordable destination where students can get their degree while creating lifelong memories of their time abroad!

You may have your heart set on one particular university – perhaps your friends are going there, or the course curriculum sounds exciting, or the campus looks like a wonderful place to live for 4 years. You go through other Universities' pages but your focus is still fixated on your #1 choice.

In this situation, should you even bother applying to other Universities?

The old adage “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket” is appropriate here. It’s critical during the time after your secondary school education finishes to have as many options as possible. And often, it’s not until you have a confirmed option that you take it seriously.

What is the best number of universities to apply to?

There’s no magic number really, but ideally 5-10 applications are good numbers to keep in mind. But not just any universities. It is important to spread out your applications based on your chance of acceptance.

Let’s say we have 5 applications. The first application should go to your ‘dream’ school. Your dream school is the university where you barely make the academic qualifications, but the university is your top choice based on factors that were important to you – university rankings, tuition cost, location, student diversity, etc.

The next 3 applications should go to ‘target’ schools. Target schools are universities which you meet or exceed the academic qualifications and therefore have a higher chance of acceptance than dream schools. If your dream school doesn’t rejects you, these are universities you would be perfectly happy going to instead.

The last application should go towards a ‘safety’ school. As the name implies, a safety school is a university in which you exceed academic requirements and generally speaking, the university has a high acceptance rate. While you may not find it a perfect fit, a safety school meets many of your personal requirements and therefore should be highly considered as a last option. At least you’ll still have decent alternatives to get your degree.

Tips for Multiple University Applications:

• Using Excel or Word, make a list of your top choices and programs
• Include information like application deadline, GPA and English requirements, Tuition fees, and other factors important to you.
• Take a deep breath and wait for those offer letters to come rolling in!

You can save a lot of time and energy if you apply through MyUniZone, where you can use 1 universal application to apply to up to 5 universities for one fee. If there are additional documents needed by the university, they will reach out to you via e-mail to request them.

The perks of living in Malaysia are many: globally recognised degrees, affordable tuition, Western and halal lifestyle, and beautiful landscapes adorning the terrain of both West and East Malaysia.

These are what keep Bangladeshi students coming back year after year. Keep reading to find out more benefits of studying in this lush tropical paradise!

A Bridge to the West

After passing HSC, Alim, or A-Level exams, Bangladeshi students have tough choices to make. Should they study locally or try for the U.S., Europe, or Australia? The difficulty in gaining admission to local Universities along with intense competition often turn Bangladeshi students away studying at home.

Studying abroad is a great alternative, allowing students to gain a high-quality education with greater career prospects after graduation - without all the drawbacks.

What Bangladeshi students look for is a country that can get them the degree they need, but also provide them a rich experience that will benefit them throughout their lives.

Things like making good friends, exploring new cultures, exposure to a diverse range of people from across the globe, and most importantly – qualifications that can assure them postgraduate admission to Universities in wealthy nations in the West.

Malaysia is the ideal destination for students with these life objectives in mind. The nation hosts a range of private Universities’ satellite or foreign branch campuses, such as China's Xiamen University and Japan's Saito College and others.

These Universities often provide twinning programmes, allowing students to spend 1 or 2 of their years of study on their main campus.

Additionally, the private sector has invested heavily in education as the job market has grown. The results have led to high quality private tertiary education that ranks on par with more established names.

Some examples are Asia Pacific University, INTI International College Kuala Lumpur, Management and Science University, Sunway University, SEGi College.

These Universities are well known in Malaysia for producing well rounded students who have in-demand skills and are easily adaptable to changing economic landscapes.

The Halal Western Lifestyle

Over 90% of Bangladesh’s 166+ million people are Muslim. It is no surprise then that Bangladeshis choose Malaysia as a destination for studying and working. As an Islamic nation, Malaysia boasts a sprawling number of Masjids throughout the major cities and towns. Even petrol stations have a surau to pray in!

In fact, one of Malaysia’s major GDP sources is halal tourism. Muslims from around the world are drawn to the picturesque Masjids, the diverse array of halal foods, and trendy Muslim fashion Malaysia has to offer. The ‘Adhan’ (call to prayer) can be heard whether you are sitting in your hostel room, or exploring the sights.

Major western food brands such as KFC, McDonalds, Pizza Hut and others are all 100% Halal certified according to the Halal Department of JAKIM, the country’s Islamic Development Department. That’s right – many Muslims don’t try their first double cheeseburger in the U.S., they come to Malaysia!

Whether you are very strict in your practices or a more liberal type Muslim, Malaysia welcomes Muslims from across the Ummah with open arms. This is especially important for parents, who may want to visit their son or daughter during their studies.

Which leads to the next benefit…

It's Close to Home!

No matter how much international students like being away from home, there is always a yearning to visit family, especially during important celebrations like Eid-al-Fitr or occasions such as a family member’s wedding, or the birth of a baby. For Bangladeshi students in the U.S. or Australia, going back home is very costly and time consuming, requiring the purchase of expensive plane tickets and extensive planning.

On the other hand, the average round trip flight to Kuala Lumpur from Dhaka is roughly RM1500 (BDT 29000) and only takes a mere four and a half hours. The low cost of flights and flying time means more time spent with family, whether you visit them back home, or they visit you in Malaysia. 

Study What You ACTUALLY Want

One of the problems in South Asian countries is a lack of specialisation in courses. Most private institutions in Bangladesh only provide subjects they feel will make them big profits, rather than offering a diverse range of courses that with more unique and specific courses.

Luckily in Malaysia, private institutions have found a balance of providing high quality education in both widely chosen programmes and subjects such as Computer Science, Medicine, Engineering, and more niche subjects like 3D Animation Design, Marine Biotechnology, Interior Architecture.

Students who seek to become future business leaders study subjects such as Retail Management, Tourism Management, and Business Management which leads them to careers owning or managing large and successful businesses. For study options in these areas, click here.

Now is the best time to study to get a Bachelor’s degree in a field you didn’t dream was possible.

An Amazing Environment to Explore

When students have free time on the weekends or in between semesters, they like to EXPLORE! Malaysia is a lush tropical paradise that allows you to go from the hustle and bustle of the major cities, to the serene waterfalls of Malaysian jungles within an hour’s drive. There’s certainly an advantage of studying in a country that is also a vacation destination for millions of tourists around the world.

There are many popular hotspots for students to visit on in their downtime. Kuala Lumpur, the nation’s capital, boasts luxurious shopping malls and entertainment outlets. Penang is the gastronomic capital of Malaysia, boasting arguably Malaysia’s best food – Nasi Kandar, Char Kuay Teow, Penang Laksa, Hokkien Mee, and fresh local seafood, to name just a few. Malacca, an important historical city, takes you back in time to Malaysia’s colonial past, which you can explore via rickshaw (Yes! Rickshaw!), river boat, or even walking.

For students who crave nature, Malaysia has no shortage of eco destinations. If you want to catch some sun and relax on the beach, consider an island retreat in Langkawi, Perhentian, Redang, or Tioman islands. You’ll be able to go scuba diving, snorkeling, and sunbathing in a secluded environment. Cameron Highlands is a scenic hill station, with gorgeous hillside tea gardens and a cold breeze that will refresh your spirit. There are also numerous waterfalls, hiking trails, ATV tours, and nature resorts that will sure to pique your curiousity.

Malaysia is truly an All-in-One Education Destination

A Bangladeshi student can truly grow as a person while studying in Malaysia. Whether they want to go deep into their academic field, meet a diverse range of people from nations around the world, explore natural beauty, or a mix of all these things, this humble Southeast nation is a perfect fit as an education destination. Why not apply now? MyUniZone can help you secure a spot in a private University in Malaysia – browse the perfect course for you at MyUniZone.