Cost of Studying and Living in Malaysia
by StudyMalaysia.com on January 9, 2025 | International Students, Why Study in Malaysia, Top Stories
Malaysia continues to be a top choice for international students seeking affordable, high-quality education. With its competitive tuition fees, low cost of living, and globally recognized qualifications, Malaysia offers exceptional value for money. Whether you’re pursuing a pre-university programme, a bachelor’s degree, or postgraduate studies, this guide will help you understand the updated costs of studying and living in Malaysia in 2025.
Why Malaysia? Affordable Education Without Compromising Quality
One of the biggest reasons international students choose Malaysia is its cost-effective education system. For example:
- A 3+0 UK engineering degree (3 years) in Malaysia costs approximately RM80,000–RM100,000 (US17,000–US17,000–US21,000), while the same degree in the UK would cost £36,000–£45,000 (RM200,000–RM250,000 or US43,000–US43,000–US54,000).
- By studying in Malaysia, students can save up to RM120,000–RM150,000 (US25,000–US25,000–US32,000) in tuition fees alone.
When you factor in the lower cost of living, the savings are even more significant. According to the QS Best Student Cities 2025, Kuala Lumpur remains one of the most affordable cities for students, offering a perfect blend of low living costs and high-quality education.
What Makes Up the Cost of Studying in Malaysia?
The cost of studying in Malaysia includes two main components:
- Course Fees: Tuition fees and other academic expenses.
- Living Expenses: Accommodation, food, transportation, and personal expenses.
Let’s break these down further.
1. Course Fees
Course fees vary depending on the level of study, the institution, and the programme. Below is an updated breakdown of estimated costs for 2025:
A. Pre-University Programmes
If you’ve completed IGCSE or O-Levels, Malaysia offers a variety of pre-university programmes to prepare you for a bachelor’s degree. Here’s an updated cost estimate:
| Programme | Duration | Estimated Tuition Fee (RM) | Estimated Tuition Fee (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cambridge GCE A-Levels | 15–18 months | RM20,000–RM40,000 | US4,300–US4,300–US8,600 |
| SACE International (Australia) | 11 months | RM22,000–RM30,000 | US4,700–US4,700–US6,400 |
| AUSMAT (Australia) | 10 months | RM18,000–RM26,000 | US3,900–US3,900–US5,600 |
| International Baccalaureate (IB) | 24 months | RM120,000–RM130,000 | US25,800–US25,800–US28,000 |
| Monash University Foundation Year (MUFY) | 12 months | RM26,000–RM30,000 | US5,600–US5,600–US6,400 |
Note: Exchange rate used is US$1 = RM4.65 (as of October 2025).
B. Bachelor’s Degree Programmes
Malaysia offers a wide range of bachelor’s degree programmes, including 3+0 foreign degrees, twinning programmes, and home-grown degrees. Here’s an updated cost comparison:
| Field of Study | Duration | Estimated Tuition Fee (RM) | Estimated Tuition Fee (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business | 3 years | RM35,000–RM60,000 | US7,500–US7,500–US12,900 |
| Engineering | 4 years | RM40,000–RM80,000 | US8,600–US8,600–US17,200 |
| Information Technology | 3 years | RM35,000–RM60,000 | US7,500–US7,500–US12,900 |
| Medicine | 5 years | RM300,000–RM450,000 | US64,500–US64,500–US96,800 |
| Pharmacy | 4 years | RM120,000–RM200,000 | US25,800–US25,800–US43,000 |
C. Postgraduate Programmes
For those pursuing a master’s degree, Malaysia offers affordable options:
| Programme | Duration | Estimated Tuition Fee (RM) | Estimated Tuition Fee (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Business Administration (MBA) | 1–1.5 years | RM30,000–RM50,000 | US6,450–US6,450–US10,750 |
| Master of Engineering | 1–2 years | RM25,000–RM40,000 | US5,400–US5,400–US8,600 |
| Master of IT | 1–2 years | RM30,000–RM45,000 | US6,450–US6,450–US9,700 |
2. Cost of Living in Malaysia
The cost of living in Malaysia is one of the most affordable in the region. On average, an international student should budget RM1,500–RM2,500 (US320–US320–US540) per month, depending on location and lifestyle. Here’s a breakdown:
| Expense | Estimated Monthly Cost (RM) | Estimated Monthly Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | RM400–RM800 | US85–US85–US170 |
| Food | RM600–RM900 | US130–US130–US190 |
| Transportation | RM100–RM200 | US20–US20–US40 |
| Utilities (electricity, water, internet) | RM100–RM200 | US20–US20–US40 |
| Personal Expenses | RM200–RM400 | US40–US40–US85 |
| Total | RM1,500–RM2,500 | US320–US320–US540 |
Tip: Cooking at home or sharing accommodation with friends can help reduce costs significantly.
What to Study in Malaysia
Find courses and search for programmes offered by Malaysian institutions. Foundation, Diploma, Certificate, Degree, Masters, PhD, Short Courses.
Discover Your Ideal Study Programme!Why Malaysia Stands Out
- Affordable Tuition Fees: Save up to 50–70% compared to studying in the UK, US, or Australia.
- Low Cost of Living: Enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without breaking the bank.
- Global Recognition: Degrees from Malaysian institutions are recognized worldwide.
- Cultural Diversity: Experience a multicultural environment that feels like home.
- Strategic Location: Easy travel to and from Southeast Asia, including Indonesia.
Final Thoughts
Studying in Malaysia is not just about affordability—it’s about gaining a world-class education in a vibrant, welcoming environment. With updated costs for 2025, it’s clear that Malaysia remains one of the most cost-effective study destinations for international students.
References
- Image by Ulrich Dregler from Pixabay: https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=507295
- Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia (MOHE) - https://www.mohe.gov.my
- QS Best Student Cities 2025 - https://www.topuniversities.com/world-university-rankings
- StudyMalaysia.com Research Team
- Exchange rate: US$1 = RM4.65 (October 2025).
Source: Study in Malaysia Handbook 10th Ed.All rights reserved. No part of this editorial contents may be reproduced, copied, translated, or stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means without the written consent from the publisher Challenger Concept (M) Sdn Bhd (www.studymalaysia.com/challenger)
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