Foreign Students in Malaysia: Diversity, Education & Lifestyle

Wrapped up in the heart of Southeast Asia, Malaysia has grown as a key destination for higher education.

Because of its blend of world-class universities, cultural diversity, and affordable lifestyle, foreign students in Malaysia get to live a unique experience of their own.

If you are curious to know more about how foreign students in Malaysia experience the culture, education and lifestyle, stick around and we will have you covered.

Overview of International Students in Malaysia

Foreign Students in Malaysia Diversity, Education & Lifestyle (2)

According to the International Educational Scientific and Cultural Org (IESCO), there are approximately 170,000 foreign students in Malaysia from 162 countries.

This number includes 50,000 international students expected to enroll in Malaysian universities by the end of 2024, as reported by the Study International channel.

As Malaysia grows to be a key hub for higher education, the government is set to increase the number of foreign students in Malaysia to 250,000 in the year 2025.

Foreign Student in Malaysia by Region

International students in Malaysia come from various regions, with significant representation from Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

(source: EMGS official website)

According to recent statistics, the largest group of international students comes from Asia, particularly China, India, and Indonesia.

Know more about the spike in the number of international students in Malaysia on the official EMGS (Education Malaysia Global Services) webpage.

Top Universities for Foreign Students in Malaysia

Malaysian universities attract a good number of international students due to their academic reputation. These universities include:

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM): UTM is known for engineering and technology programs that attract a large number of students from China, Indonesia, the Middle East, and more.

Taylor’s University: One of Malaysia's best private universities, Taylor’s offers internationally recognized programs, attracting international students from over 80 countries.

Asia Pacific University (APU): Being the leading private university in technology and innovation, APU is amongst the top choices for international students studying in Malaysia.

Foreign Universities in Malaysia

Foreign Students in Malaysia Diversity, Education & Lifestyle

Malaysia is home to a number of foreign universities from countries like the UK, Australia, and Ireland.

International students in Malaysia choose to study in these foreign universities due to several reasons:

Tuition fees in Malaysia are significantly more affordable compared to the country of origin.
The climate is warm and inviting
Cost of living in Malaysia is student-friendly

Know more about foreign universities in Malaysia and the reasons why international students choose them in this article.

Education Cost for International Students in Malaysia

The average tuition fees for international students in Malaysia is relatively affordable compared to other regions.

The fees vary depending on the type of university. Here is a comparison between public and private universities in terms of annual fees:

Public Universities: tuition fees for foreign students in Malaysia at public universities typically range from RM 7,000 to RM 25,000 per year (approximately $1,500 to $5,500 USD).
Private Universities: on average, tuition fees for undergraduate programs range from RM 10,000 to RM 70,000 per year (approximately $6,500 to $15,000 USD)

For some affordable university options in Malaysia, check out this article that lists the most affordable universities in Malaysia 2024.

Cost of Living for Foreign Students in Malaysia

The cost of living for international students in Malaysia may differ based on the city they choose to study in.

However, generally speaking, the average cost of living in Malaysia for international students including rent ranges from RM1,700 to 2,600 (USD 365 - 557).

See a detailed breakdown of monthly expenses for international students in Malaysia in this article.

Looking to Become one of many International Students in Malaysia?

Are you thinking about making the big move to Malaysia to pursue higher education? Say less and we have got your back!

We at YourUni Educational Consultancy can assist you in finding the right university and environment for yourself.

Get free consultation with our educational consultants now to know more about what makes Malaysia a suitable option for you.

Written by Shahd Ashraf

Updated 2 days ago | min read

Shahd Ashraf is a reader, a writer, an English teacher, and a lover of classical language. Her passion for language began when she joined a poetry club in college. Shahd’s writing extends beyond words and yearns to connect with the reader on a meaningful level.