Can International Students Study Part-Time Degree in Malaysia?

Malaysia is a top choice for international students, offering world-class education, affordable tuition, and a vibrant cultural experience. 

Many students looking for flexible study options often wonder: Can international students study part-time degrees in Malaysia?

In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about studying part-time degrees in Malaysia.

Can International Students Study Part-Time Degree in Malaysia?

The short answer is NO. Malaysia’s visa regulations require international students to enroll in full-time programs only. ./

Let’s break down why this is the case and explore what alternatives are available.

Here are the main reasons why international students cannot pursue part-time studies in Malaysia:

✅ Visa Regulations

The Malaysian Immigration Department requires international students to be enrolled in a full-time course to qualify for a student visa. 

✅ Work Limitations

To pursue part-time studies in Malaysia, it is presumed that the student is working full-time and can only commit to part-time studies.

With that in mind, Malaysia has strict work restrictions. International students can work 20 hours per week during semester breaks ONLY.

In other words, international students in Malaysia do not qualify for a part-time degree because they cannot work full-time in Malaysia.

✅ University Policies
Most Malaysian universities do not offer part-time degree programs for international students, as their accreditation and compliance with visa regulations require full-time enrollment.

What Study Options Are Available for International Students?

Although part-time degrees are not an option, international students can still consider the following alternatives:

🎓 Full-Time Degree Programs
This is the standard study option for international students, covering bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD programs in various fields.

💻 Online & Distance Learning Programs
Some Malaysian universities offer distance learning (DIL) programs. 

However, these programs do not qualify for a student visa, meaning students would need to study remotely from their home country.

📜 Short-Term Professional Courses
Short courses, language programs, and professional certifications are available. However, student visas are typically not provided for these programs.

Top 10 Universities for Online Degrees in Malaysia

Here are some of the best universities that offer part-time online degree programs in Malaysia:

1. Open University Malaysia (OUM)

2. Wawasan Open University

3. Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM)

4. Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL)

5. Universiti Tun Abdul Razak (UNIRAZAK)

6. Management & Science University (MSU)

7. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)

8. Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)

9. INTI International University

10. Universiti Malaya (UM)

Learn more about the universities offering online distance learning for international students in this article. 

Can International Students Work While Studying Full-Time?

Since part-time study is not an option, many students ask if they can work while studying full-time. The answer is yes—but with limitations.

Part-Time Work Regulations

• Allowed only during semester breaks (maximum 20 hours per week).

• Jobs permitted: restaurants, petrol stations, mini markets, and hotels.

• Requires university and immigration approval.

Know all the information surrounding working in Malaysia for international students in this article.

Part-Time Degree in Malaysia Alternative

Since part-time degrees in Malaysia are not available for international students… What is an alternative?

International students can enroll in a full-time degree course as usual, and if they need to take breaks between semesters, they can postpone their studies for a semester. 

This process is called postponement of studies, where the admission department at the university allows the student to ‘freeze’ their studies for a specific duration of time.

Each university has it’s own regulations for the postponement of studies, so be sure to check with your university before doing it.

Looking to Study in Malaysia as an International Student?

If you’re ready to take the leap, the top universities in Malaysia are ready to welcome you! 

Let YourUni Educational Consultancy guide you through the process. Contact us for personalized advice on your journey to study in Malaysia.

We'll guide you through the entire application process—from preparing your documents to submitting your application, handling your visa, arranging accommodation in Malaysia and even picking you up in the airport when you arrive.

Get in touch with our team now for free consultation and advice!