Thinking about studying abroad? Malaysia is becoming a top choice for Pakistani students looking for quality education, affordable tuition fees, and a welcoming environment.
With English as the main medium of instruction and a lifestyle that feels close to home, Malaysia is an excellent destination for your higher studies.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about studying in Malaysia for Pakistani students—from the best universities to scholarships, student visas, and more!
Why Pakistani Students Choose Malaysia
Many Pakistani students are choosing Malaysia for good reasons:
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Affordable Education – Compared to Western countries, Malaysian universities offer high-quality education at a fraction of the cost.
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Cultural Similarities – As a Muslim-majority country, Malaysia provides a familiar environment, with halal food widely available and mosques in every city.
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English-Medium Education – Most universities teach in English, making it easier for Pakistani students to adapt.
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Close to Pakistan – A short flight away, Malaysia is convenient for students who want to visit home during holidays.
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Multicultural and Safe – Malaysia is known for being friendly and safe for international students, with a vibrant mix of cultures.
Number of Pakistani Students in Malaysia
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, “There are an estimated 160,000 Pakistani nationals residing in Malaysia, belonging to various walks of life.”
“Over 3800 Pakistani students are studying in higher education institutes in Malaysia, making Pakistan the 3rd largest source of international students in Malaysia.”
Know more about Pakistan-Malaysia relations on this page.
Best Universities in Malaysia for Pakistani Students
Malaysia has many reputable universities offering a range of courses. Some of the best options for Pakistani students include:
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Universiti Malaya (UM) – The highest-ranked university in Malaysia with strong research programs.
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Taylor’s University – A top private university known for business and hospitality programs.
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Asia Pacific University (APU) – Great for IT and engineering programs with a strong industry focus.
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University of Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) – Specializes in engineering and technology-based programs.
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International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) – Popular among Pakistani students due to its strong Islamic values and diverse academic programs.
Popular Courses to Study for Pakistani Students in Malaysia
Pakistani students in Malaysia often enroll in programs that offer excellent career prospects.
Some of the most popular courses include:
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MBBS and Healthcare – Medicine, Pharmacy, and Nursing are in high demand.
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Engineering – Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, and Software Engineering are top choices.
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Business & Management – BBA, MBA, and Finance courses are widely chosen.
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IT & Computer Science – With Malaysia’s tech industry growing, IT-related degrees are a great option.
Learn more about each specific course or specialization by visiting this page.
General Admission Requirements for Pakistani Students
Getting into a Malaysian university is straightforward. Here’s what you’ll need:
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Academic Certificates – Matriculation, Intermediate, or A-levels for undergraduate programs. For postgraduate programs, a bachelor's degree is required.
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English Proficiency – IELTS or TOEFL scores may be required if English was not the medium of instruction in previous studies.
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Passport & Student Visa Documents – A valid passport, academic transcripts, and a letter of acceptance from a Malaysian university.
Read more about the cost of living in Malaysia for international students in this article.
Scholarships for Pakistani Students in Malaysia
Many universities and the Malaysian government offer scholarships to international students, including Pakistanis. Some of the top options include:
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Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS) – Offered by the Malaysian government.
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University-Specific Scholarships – Universities like APU, Taylor’s, and Sunway offer merit-based scholarships.
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Commonwealth Scholarships – Available for postgraduate students from Commonwealth countries, including Pakistan.
Student Visa Process for Pakistani Students
Getting a Malaysian student visa is simple. Here’s the process:
📌 Required Documents:
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Offer letter from a Malaysian university
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Passport (valid for at least 18 months)
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Academic transcripts and certificates
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Health examination report
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Visa processing fee.
📌 Processing Time:
Usually takes 4 to 6 weeks. Once approved, you’ll receive a Visa Approval Letter (VAL) to enter Malaysia.
Know more about visa application for Pakistani students in Malaysia in this article
Cost of Studying in Malaysia for Pakistani Students
Malaysia is budget-friendly compared to other study destinations. Here’s an estimate of what you’ll need:
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Tuition Fees – Ranges from RM 10,000 to RM 50,000 per year depending on the university.
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Living Expenses – Around RM 1,500 to RM 3,000 per month, including accommodation, food, transport, and entertainment.
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Accommodation – On-campus housing is cheaper, ranging from RM 300 to RM 1,500 per month.
Accommodation Options for Pakistani Students
You can choose between:
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On-Campus Accommodation – Convenient and affordable, costing RM 300 to RM 1,500 per month.
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Off-Campus Housing – Renting apartments or shared housing costs between RM 700 to RM 2,500 per month, depending on the location.
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Student Residences – Many Pakistani students prefer student hostels for affordability and community living.
Here is a full comparison between living on campus vs. off campus for university students.
Life in Malaysia as a Pakistani Student
Living in Malaysia is exciting and comfortable for Pakistani students. Here’s why:
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Halal Food Everywhere – From local street food to international restaurants, halal options are easy to find.
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Pakistani Community – Many Pakistani student societies organize events and offer support.
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Affordable Public Transport – Buses, MRT, and Grab (similar to Uber) make commuting easy.
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Healthcare & Safety – Malaysia has excellent healthcare facilities, and international students get medical insurance.
Part-Time Work Opportunities
As an international student, you can work part-time for up to 20 hours per week during semester breaks. Popular jobs include:
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Restaurant and café work
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Retail and sales assistant roles
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Tutoring and freelance jobs
Ready to Study in Malaysia?
If you’re a Pakistani student looking for a global education experience close to home, this could be the perfect place for you!
Let YourUni Educational Consultancy take care of your degree application from A to Z.
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!
