Study Abroad in Malaysia

Thanks to a unique multi-cultural and international flavor, low crime rates, and five universities appearing in the QS World University Rankings, Malaysia is becoming an increasingly popular study abroad destination for many.

Country overview

Malaysia is a Southeast Asian country that is a mix of the modern world and a developing nation with a peaceful multi-cultural population. Indigenous Malay and traditional tribes such as Iban and Bidayuh, live harmoniously with the large Chinese and Indian population and this blend of these cultures makes living in Malaysia very interesting and provides an international flavor. With its investment in the high technology industries and moderate oil wealth, it has become a rich nation in Southeast Asia. Malaysia, for most visitors, presents a happy mix: there is high-tech infrastructure and things generally work well and more or less on schedule, but prices remain more reasonable than, say, Singapore.

With a tropical and warm climate and inviting culture, Malaysia is a welcoming country in which to visit and study. Crime rate is low and transport links are excellent with major towns and cities connected by air, railway and buses. Politically and economically Malaysia is considered stable and there are many opportunities for a vivid cultural experience.

The capital is Kuala Lumpur (known simply as KL) and the major cities are Penang, Johor Bharu and Melaka. East Malaysia, the northern part of the island of Borneo, consists of Sarawak and Sabah and is host to some of the world's most famous jungle, the orang-utan, and to Kuching (meaning 'cat' in Malay), one of Asia's most liveable cities.

Education overview

An important result of Malaysia's carefully managed modernization is a steadily improving education system that has poured millions into research and development, and to encouraging international students into the country. In the 2010 QS World University Rankings, five universities appeared in the QS Top 500. The quality of teaching in institutions like Universiti Malaya (UM), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) has improved greatly over recent years, following a government decree that all teachers and lecturers have to possess a degree in the subject that they are teaching, which was not the case before the turn of the century.

On the back of its enduring economic and industrial boom, Malaysia is trying hard to position itself as the Asian destination of choice for international students seeking to study abroad, and with some success. Currently there are around 50,000 students from 100 countries in Malaysian tertiary education - and the country wants to promote a multicultural image that reflects the country itself. 

The governing authority of higher educational institutions is the Ministry of Higher Education which governs:

• Public Universities
• Private Universities: privately owned and established by financially sound corporations. They can confer the award of bachelor degrees & other higher qualifications
• Foreign University Branch Campuses: universities from foreign countries, which provide the option for students in Malaysia to obtain foreign tertiary qualifications locally instead of going abroad
• Private Colleges: colleges run by the private sector to provide tertiary education to school leavers

Malaysia has also seen support from a number of international universities, such as Australia's Monash University and the University of Nottingham in the UK. These have branch campuses offering exactly the same courses as their home country institutions but, of course, at a fraction of the cost.  For example, the tuition fee of a three-year UK engineering degree is priced at about US$7,600 per year in the Malaysian branch compared to US$24,000 per year in the UK main campus. Cost of living is around US$3,000 - $4,000 per year, much cheaper than the US or Europe.

Such courses offer students the chance to study at the overseas campus for one or two semesters and allows students to graduate from two universities at the same time - the Malaysian one and  the overseas host institution. Two degrees for the price of one anybody? There is also a prevalence of courses known as 'Two-plus-one' twinning degrees where you enrol in the Malaysian course and spend a year overseas at a twinned institution, perhaps in Australia, New Zealand or UK. Great for your learning and cultural understanding of two different parts of the world.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Inexpensive tuition fees and cost of living
• Well resourced private and public universities
• Vibrant and interesting cultural experience
• Safe living environment and good transportation
• English language-based courses

Cons

• Culture shock can be a problem for some students
• Low acceptance rate of international students from some countries
• Complex visa situation for some nationalities
• Inability to work regularly, if at all, on a student visa

International student accommodation

Student hostel accommodation does exist, as well as private renting, although this is not as plentiful as in many other countries. Most student hostels have a student canteen that will offer a wide variety of meals at reasonable prices. Room rates are not inclusive of bedding and cleaning. Postgraduate students may be accommodated in private residences. It should be pointed out the rates can vary depending on the type of lodging, proximity to campus and other relevant factors. Generally, information on private residences for rent are available through the Student Affairs Department and the local newspapers. Click here for more information, tips and advice on international student accommodation and university housing.

Weather/Climate

Two words describe Malaysia's climate: hot and wet, averaging 32 degreesC and 267cm of rain per year, often at the same time. Being close to the equator and with a lot of jungle interior, Malaysia rarely gets cold, though you may need a jacket around Chinese New Year in February. It is a very humid climate that can be sunny for much of the day followed by short bursts of extremely intense rain. There are monsoon patterns from December until February but, frankly, you won't notice a great deal of difference. The afternoon rains keep the temperatures down. Buy a raincoat, at least three umbrellas, and some sunscreen. When it is very humid, it can be unpleasant. Drink a lot of water all the time.

Light clothing will be best suited for Malaysia's climate. However, it is important to remember that Malaysia is a Muslim country and you must respect the national code of dress. Dress conservatively: Bermuda shorts and flip flops would be seen as crass at best of times and will not endear you to the locals.

Transport

Malaysia Air provides flights between almost all major towns and cities, as does the lowcost airline, AirAsia. Road systems in the country are generally pretty good, better than in neighbouring Thailand and Indonesia. The buses are efficient and not too bumpy and are a great way to get around because, although slow, they are a very cheap way to see rural Malaysia in all its beauty.
In the cities transport is generally excellent. KL has a modern and efficient train system to rival any in the world. Smaller towns provide an enormous number of taxis that will take you any distance for a small amount of money.

Cost of living

Cost of living is around US$3,000 - $4,000 per year, much cheaper than the US or Europe.