A Foreigner's Survival Guide to Studying in Malaysia

Nevertheless, don't be discouraged as there are ways to cut down cost. 

1. Search funding - when it comes to finding scholarships, a good place to start is your local or national governments as they may offer support to study abroad.

If you're looking for funding in Malaysia, there are certain facts you must be aware of: First, funding is sometimes available for research degrees and Second, there are only a handful of full scholarships for international students.

Most of the time, merit scholarships offered by private universities/colleges are there to help you out. Recently, I stumbled upon this scholarship grant that's open for international students who want to study in Malaysia.

Where to find: 

• EasyUni Scholarship 2015
• EasyUni Find Scholarships

2. Become a student assistant - if you find it difficult to make ends meet, securing a part-time job within campus is a better option than working outside campus because you get to save on transportation and food. Depending on your current education qualification, a postgraduate student can earn as much as RM1,000/mo or more as a student assistant.

Usually a student assistant helps lecturers/professors in their research programmes, filling out survey forms, taking in calls or responding to emails, checking test papers, data entry and so forth.

Second, if you're a grammar nazi, you can charge up to RM500 for editing a 20-page term paper. And lastly, if you can't find jobs inside campus, your other option would be to find jobs that can be done and completed online. 

Where to find: 

• Easyuni SAP
• rarejobs.com
• 51talk
• Sankei Online English

3. Be smart when choosing student accommodation - accommodation prices in Kuala Lumpur will be considerably more than in the suburbs. Most universities will have student hostels provided for international students but don't go on housing-hysteria mode yet as there are a couple of ways to save on accommodation. 

First, price differences between student hostels and apartments can be dramatic. So check nearby apartments or houses as they may offer affordable accommodation.

Second, consider room sharing or rooms that come with basic furnishings as fully furnished rooms or units cost more. A mattress, a study table and chair and lights will be things you'll need on a daily basis. Sharing is not ideal but you can handle it. And lastly, negotiate, always ask for the best price and go for an all-inclusive rent. 

Where to find: 

• hostelhunting.com
• Ibilik.my
• Mudah.my

4. Actually there are MORE tips to reduce your expenses! -  The first three are the major ways to help you save on expenses while pursuing your studies in Malaysia but there is a gazillion of creative ways to cut cost. You only need to be curious and be optimistic! 

What to read: 

• 7 Tips To Be A Cheapskate Student in Malaysia
• Campus Life: How To Survive University
• 17 Tips To Save Money As A Student
• 8 Dorm Room Hacks To Keep You Organized
• Birthday Freebies for Students in Malaysia

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