Study in Malaysia
Study in Malaysia for Sri Lankan Students
Malaysia has emerged as one of the most preferred study destinations for Sri Lankan students, offering world-class education at affordable costs. With over 200,000 international students currently studying in Malaysia, the country is expected to host over 300,000 international students by 2025. Sri Lanka holds the 2nd position in terms of the number of international students in Malaysia, making it a familiar and welcoming environment for Sri Lankan students.
The country boasts more than 590 higher education institutions, with 29 of them securing ranks in the QS World University Rankings 2026. Malaysia’s progressive, multicultural society enables dynamic lifestyles, and the country is ranked as the 2nd most peaceful country in Asia and 10th in the world. English is widely used throughout Malaysia, eliminating language barriers for international students.
Why Study in Malaysia?
Educational Excellence and Recognition
Malaysia offers high-quality education through its world-class universities that provide impactful education to change the world. Malaysian degrees are internationally recognized and highly sought after by employers worldwide. The education system in Malaysia is rapidly improving, with many institutions now ranking among the top 200 universities globally.
Affordable Education Costs
One of the most compelling reasons to choose Malaysia is its affordable cost of education. The cost of studying in Malaysia is relatively affordable compared to other study destinations and is almost similar to studying in private universities in Sri Lanka. Students can obtain a foreign degree at an affordable cost, which opens up lucrative career opportunities.
International Degree Options
Malaysia serves as a destination for international degrees, with top-ranked UK and Australian universities having branch campuses in the country. This allows students to earn internationally recognized degrees without the high costs associated with studying directly in these countries.
Cultural Familiarity and Safety
The familiar culture helps Sri Lankan students lead a happy life in Malaysia. The country offers rich diversity and multicultural living experiences while maintaining excellent safety standards. Malaysia’s unique blend of Eastern and Western cultures creates an ideal environment for international students.
Employment Opportunities
Malaysia provides excellent part-time job opportunities for international students. The seamless immigration procedures and 100% visa guarantee at the quickest time make it convenient for Sri Lankan students.
Credit Transfer Opportunities
Malaysian universities allow transferring credits to Australian, Canadian, and UK universities, providing flexibility for students who wish to continue their education elsewhere.
Top Courses To Study In Malaysia
Malaysia offers a wide variety of programs and courses across different fields. Here are the most popular courses for international students:
Medical and Healthcare Programs
- MBBS and Medical Programs: Medicine programs typically last five to six years and are highly regarded internationally
- Healthcare and Allied Health Sciences
- Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences
Engineering and Technology
- Computer Science and Information Technology
- Data Science and Analytics
- Electrical and Mechanical Engineering
- Civil and Chemical Engineering
Business and Management
- MBA (Master of Business Administration)
- Banking and Finance
- Business Administration
- Tourism and Hospitality Management
Popular Course Details and Fees
| Course | Level | Annual Tuition Fees (RM) | Top Universities |
|---|---|---|---|
| MBA | Master's | 30,000 - 70,000+ | Taylor's University, SEGi University, HELP University, APU |
| Computer Science | Bachelor's/Master's | 15,000 - 60,000 | Taylor's University, APU, University of Malaya |
| Engineering | Bachelor's/Master's | 20,000 - 60,000 | Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Universiti Putra Malaysia |
| Medicine & Healthcare | Bachelor's/Master's | 40,000 - 80,000 | University of Malaya, Taylor's University, SEGi University |
| Banking & Finance | Bachelor's/Master's | 20,000 - 60,000 | Taylor's University, APU, University of Malaya |
Top Universities in Malaysia
Public Universities
Malaysia’s public universities are highly ranked and offer quality education at affordable costs:
| University | 2026 QS Rank |
|---|---|
| University of Malaya (UM) | 58 |
| Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP) | 251 |
| Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) | 126 |
| Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) | 134 |
| Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) | 153 |
| Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) | 134 |
Private Universities
Leading private institutions include:
| University | 2026 QS Rank | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Taylor’s University | 253 | Top non-government-linked in SE Asia |
| Sunway University | 410 | Largest global rank improvement |
| University | 2026 QS Rank |
|---|---|
| University of Nottingham Malaysia | 7 |
| University of Wollongong Malaysia | 184 |
| Swinburne University of Technology Malaysia | 294 |
Requirements to Study in Malaysia
Academic Requirements
Undergraduate Programs
- SSC/HSC or O-Level/A-Level with minimum GPA of 3.50 out of 5.00
- 12 years of schooling or equivalent
- Relevant subject prerequisites depending on the chosen program
Postgraduate Programs
- Bachelor’s degree with minimum CGPA of 2.5 out of 4.0
- Two reference letters for Master’s programs
- Relevant work experience for certain courses
Doctoral Programs
- Master’s degree with relevant research exposure
- Research proposal
- Publications (if available)
English Language Proficiency
- IELTS: Score of 5.5 to 6.5 (depending on program and university)
- TOEFL: Minimum score requirements vary by institution
- PTE or Medium of Instruction (MOI) may be accepted
Required Documents
- All academic certificates and transcripts
- Full passport (recommended validity of 18 months)
- English language proficiency certificate
- CV/Resume
- Passport-sized photos (217×280px or 35×45mm, white background)
- Contact details (student, parents, and close relatives)
- Parents’ passport copy/NID (optional)
- Job certificate (for Master’s programs only)
- Recommendation letters (for Master’s programs only)
Intakes to Study in Malaysia
Public Universities
Public universities in Malaysia typically have 2 intakes per year:- Main Intake: September/October
- Secondary Intake: February/March
Private Universities
Private universities offer more flexibility with 3 intakes per year:
| Intake Period | Application Deadline | Recommended Application Time |
|---|---|---|
| April Session | February | 3 months prior |
| June Session | April | 3 months prior |
| November Session | September | 3 months prior |
Primary Intake Season
September is the primary intake for most Malaysian universities, offering students access to a wider variety of programs and institutions during this period.
Cost of Studying in Malaysia
Tuition Fees
Public Universities
| Study Level | Annual Tuition Fees (RM) |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Programs | 9,800 - 22,050 |
| Postgraduate Programs | 2,450 - 19,600 |
| PhD Programs | 7,000 - 12,000 |
| Study Level | Annual Tuition Fees (RM) |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Programs | 6,615 - 45,570 |
| Postgraduate Programs | 7,350 - 14,700 |
| PhD Programs | 9,000 - 12,000 |
- Bachelor’s degrees: 2,000-4,500 EUR/year (public) and 1,350-9,300 EUR/year (private)
- Master’s degrees: 500-4,000 EUR/year (public) and 1,500-3,000 EUR/year (private)
Scholarships To Study In Malaysia
Government Scholarships
Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP) Scholarship
- Coverage: Tuition fees and monthly allowances worth RM 3,500
- Benefits: Return economy-class airline ticket
- Target: Developing countries including Sri Lanka
Other Government Scholarships
- Malaysia Government Scholarship
- Malaysia Commonwealth Scholarship
- Malaysian International Scholarship
University-Specific Scholarships
Many universities offer their own scholarship programs:
- Merit-based scholarships
- Need-based financial aid
- Tuition fee waivers
- Research assistantships
- Graduate teaching assistantships
Types of Financial Support
The scholarships for international students in Malaysia include:
- Loans
- Tuition fee waivers
- Education funds
- Bursaries
- Grants
Malaysian universities provide a wide array of scholarship choices based on the level of education and academic merit.
Post-Study Work Opportunities in Malaysia
Part-Time Work During Studies
International students in Malaysia have access to excellent part-time job opportunities while pursuing their studies. This allows students to gain work experience and supplement their income during their academic journey.
Post-Graduation Employment
Malaysia offers favorable conditions for international graduates:
- Growing job market in various sectors
- Multinational companies presence providing international exposure
- Technology and innovation hubs creating opportunities in emerging fields
- English-speaking work environment advantageous for Sri Lankan graduates
Career Prospects
The country’s rapid economic development and status as a regional business hub create numerous opportunities for skilled graduates. Malaysia’s strategic location in Southeast Asia makes it an ideal launching pad for regional and international careers.
Partner Institutions in Malaysia
Universities
Can I study in Malaysia without IELTS?
Yes, you can study in Malaysia without IELTS from Sri Lanka, but it depends on your field of study, academic level, and the specific university requirements. Some universities may accept alternative English proficiency tests or conduct their own assessments.
How long does it take to get a student visa for Malaysia?
Malaysia provides a high visa approval rate and a fast, student-friendly immigration process for Sri Lankan applicants.
Are Malaysian degrees recognized internationally?
Can I transfer credits from Malaysian universities to other countries?
What is the best time to apply for Malaysian universities?
It’s recommended to send applications at least 3 months prior to the commencement of the course. September is the primary intake with the widest variety of programs available.
How much does it cost to study in Malaysia compared to Sri Lanka?
The cost of studying in Malaysia is almost similar to studying in private universities in Sri Lanka, but you receive an internationally recognized degree with better career prospects.
Is Malaysia safe for Sri Lankan students?
Yes, Malaysia is ranked as the 2nd most peaceful country in Asia and 10th in the world. Safety is not a concern for international students, and the familiar culture helps Sri Lankan students adapt easily.