Why Study in Malaysia?

Malaysia has been a popular study abroad destination for a while now, and its appeal continues to grow. With the government aiming for increases in international students and Kuala Lumpur rising in the ranks of the world's best student cities, there has never been a better time to consider Malaysia for your international education.

Not sure if Malaysia is the right destination for you? Here are five reasons to consider studying in Malaysia.

Malaysia offers high-quality, highly ranked education

Malaysia has some outstanding universities. While the University of Malaya, founded as the King Edward VII College of Medicine in 1905, is the country's oldest and most prestigious university, there are at least seven other Malaysian institutions that rank among the top universities in the world.

One big sign of Malaysia's quality and prestige as a study destination is its increasing popularity with Chinese students. Chinese enrollment in Malaysian higher education institutions increased by more than 400 percent in the past five years, and Chinese students make up approximately a sixth of all international students in Malaysia.

Malaysia also partners with countries and universities around the world to promote higher education exchanges and research collaboration. In 2023, the UK and Malaysia renewed their education partnership for a further five years, and in 2025, Malaysia worked to establish Memorandums of Understanding in relation to higher education with several countries, including Norway, Poland, and Singapore.

You can study in English

Another reason Malaysia is so popular with international students is that most of its higher education institutions use English as the language of instruction. This makes Malaysian degrees accessible to anyone who is a proficient or native speaker of English.

Furthermore, many Malaysian universities and institutions have transnational education (TNE) agreements with universities in other countries, like the UK and Australia. Students can study in Malaysia at a partnered university or program, and then either earn a dual or joint degree from both the Malaysian institution and the university abroad, or earn a single degree from the university abroad. In some cases, these TNEs include an in-person study at the university abroad or allow students to transfer credits to the foreign university.

Malaysia is a vibrant and multicultural country

Malaysia is a great place to meet people from all over the world and experience life in a vibrant, multicultural society. It's population is just as diverse as its universities! Around 50 percent of the population is Malay, while the other half is made up of people from China, India, and many other nations. Most Malaysian inhabitants speak Malay, but you'll also hear English - the country's second official language - as well as Mandarin and Tamil.

Malaysia's landscape is just as diverse as its people. The country is split into two regions, with about 40 percent of the country located on the peninsular region that shares a border with Thailand, and the remaining East Malaysia spread across the northern section of the island of Borneo.

When you are not studying, you can visit iconic landmarks such as the Petronas Towers, the iconic twin skyscrapers in Kuala Lumpur that were the tallest buildings in the world until 2004. And you can take weekend trips to Malaysia's rainforests, mountain regions, tropical islands, or one of its four UNESCO World Heritage sites.

One of these four is Kinabalu Park. Located on the west coast of Sabah, this national park is home to 4,500 species of fauna, 326 types of bird, around 100 mammal species, and Malaysia's highest mountain, Mount Kinabalu!

Malaysia is safe and affordable

In general, Malaysia is considered one of the safer countries in Southeast Asia, with a high standard of living and a lower crime rate than some of its neighbors. In 2024, Malaysia ranked #10 on the Global Peace Index and #3 in the Asia Pacific region, just behind Singapore and New Zealand. The country fell to #13 in 2025, but still ranked above Canada, the Netherlands, and Belgium.

It's also very affordable. Kuala Lumpur is one of the most affordable cities in the world for students. Course fees at the city's universities are generally lower than many European and US schools, and students can live quite comfortably on a budget of around $550 USD per month.

International students can also work in Malaysia, though they are limited to 20 hours of work per week during semester breaks and have to be employed in approved sectors.

You'll graduate with exciting career opportunities

Malaysia is a very exciting place for students interested in business, technology, and innovation. It's a strategic hub for business, and Kuala Lumpur is an emerging strength in the region.

Malaysia's numerous business schools and programs are highly ranked and accredited by international organizations like AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS. Graduating with a business degree from a Malaysian university will give you a strong footing in Asian business and beyond.

For students looking for opportunities in technology and innovation, the Malaysian government offers strong support for digitization and developing technologies, like AI, robotics, machine learning, and data science.

Malaysia's main industries include electronics and electrical engineering, financial services, and healthcare, which give students great options for internships and graduate positions. And for students from one of the many countries that are eligible for the Malaysian Graduate Pass, staying and working in Malaysia after graduation is a very real option.

Conclusion

Malaysia is a destination where you can pursue a world-class education, meet new people from diverse backgrounds, and discover exciting opportunities in business, innovation, and technology.

For students seeking a friendly and affordable destination, Malaysia offers a warm, open culture, high-standard living at low costs, and a gateway to the rest of Southeast Asia and beyond.