Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Is the cost of living in Malaysia for international students affordable?
Malaysia has been a famous choice for global learners for many years, offering many educational programs at top-notch and globally recognized learning institutions.
Today, we will break down the cost of living in Malaysia for international students. We will also provide tips on further reducing expenses and answer frequently asked questions.
Tuition fees in Malaysia for international students
Your tuition fee has the most significant part of the cost of living in Malaysia for international students. Below are the top universities in the county and their available programs:
Universiti Pura Malaysia
Programs offered: Food science, biotechnology, computer science, architecture, economics and management, engineering, environmental studies, nursing, and more.
Tuition fee: 2,490 EUR
Programs offered: Choose from more than 140 educational programs here.
Tuition fee: 2,490 EUR
Cost of Living in Malaysia for International Students: Essentials
After the tuition fee, listed below are the daily and monthly expenses in the country courtesy of Numbeo.
Accommodation
| One-bedroom apartment in the city | 325.36 EUR |
| One-bedroom apartment outside the city | 229.61 EUR |
| Three-bedroom apartment in the city | 573.84 EUR |
| Three-bedroom apartment outside the city | 376.65 EUR |
Monthly utilities
| Electricity, heating, water, etc. | 39.49 EUR |
| Mobile phone with a monthly plan with calls and 10GB+ | 7.88 EUR |
| 60 Mbps or more internet connection at your accommodation | 23.22 EUR |
Grocery items
| 1.5 liter of bottled water | .49 EUR |
| One liter of milk | 1.39 EUR |
| A loaf of bread | .71 EUR |
| One kg of rice | 1.01 EUR |
| A dozen of eggs | 1.37 EUR |
| Local cheese | 10.49 EUR |
| One kg of chicken fillet | 3.56 EUR |
| One kg of beef | 7.06 EUR |
| One kg apple | 2.05 EUR |
| One kg banana | 1.07 EUR |
| One kg tomato | 1.06 EUR |
| One kg onion | .84 EUR |
| One kg potato | .72 EUR |
Transportation
| Monthly pass | 15.76 EUR |
| One-way ticket | .59 EUR |
| Starting rate of a taxi ride | .79 EUR |
| One liter of gasoline | .41 EUR |
Cost of living in Indonesia for international students: Non- essentials
Leisure and wellness
| Gym membership | 29.88 EUR |
| Cinema ticket | 3.55 EUR |
| Three-course meal for two at an inexpensive restaurant | 15.76 EUR |
| McDonald’s combo meal | 3.35 EUR |
| Cappuccino | 2.28 EUR |
| 0.5-liter local beer | 2.96 EUR |
| .33 liter imported beer | 3.94 EUR |
| .33 liter Coke or Pepsi | .54 EUR |
Branded apparels
| A pair of midrange rubber shoes | 58.45 EUR |
| Leather shoes | 53.87 EUR |
| Jeans | 44.44 EUR |
Tips on how to budget the cost of living in Malaysia for international students
- Sharing accommodation is one of the best ways to lessen the cost of living in Malaysia for international students. To start, join online groups and look for trustworthy flatmates.
- Cooking meals instead of buying them is an excellent way to reduce daily expenses. It is also healthier as you can pick the ingredients.
- Universities in the country offer helpful educational resources for free. So instead of buying, you can visit public and school libraries for research. Moreover, internet access is also provided in the establishments.
- Instead of buying from supermarkets, you can purchase necessities at local street markets. Aside from more reasonably-priced local produce, clothing, etc., you also have a more authentic introduction to Malaysian culture.
- Aside from lessening the cost of living in Malaysia for international students, free leisure activities allow you to bond with the locals and meet new friends. Some of the best locations in the region include the Perdana Tropical Botanical Garden, KLCC Park, Galeri Petronas, Bank Negara Museum and Gallery, and Wei-Ling Gallery.
- Another way to reduce the cost of living in Malaysia for international students is by riding GoKL buses. They are free and have stops at major entertainment and shopping areas.
- Furthermore, riding a bike or motorcycle to your university is also suggested as it is more affordable than public transportation. Just make sure to follow the rules and park at designated spaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for scholarships in Malaysia?
Yes, organizations, learning institutions, and the Malaysian government provide educational grants for global learners, given that you are eligible.
What are the English language requirements for international students to apply to Malaysian universities?
The majority of universities in Malaysia require enrollees to have an IELTS score of 6.0. However, several learning institutions accept lower IELTS scores.
How can I apply for a student visa to enroll in Malaysia?
Global enrollees can apply for a student visa online or directly at the Malaysian embassy in their country.
Can I work while studying in Malaysia?
Whether studying in public or private universities, global learners can work 20 hours per week to help with the cost of living in Malaysia for international students.
Do I need a student pass to study in Malaysia?
Under the government’s laws and regulations, applying for a student pass is required.
What are the requirements for a student pass?
You will need an offer letter, passport pages, passport photo, academic transcript, and medical examination report to apply for a student pass.
Is it safe to study in Malaysia for international students?
Yes, Malaysia is generally peaceful and holds a good position in the Global Peace Index.
Summing it up
With planning and research, the cost of living in Malaysia for international students can be more affordable. Also, follow our tips to budget your expenses in the country effectively.
Book a counseling session today and start your exciting journey in Malaysia! Our team of experts will efficiently guide you throughout the application process.
Moreover, regularly visit our Blog Section to learn more about studying abroad.
Aside from Malaysia, our Virtual Booth offers the best interactive view of the top universities worldwide.
About the writer
Mark has been a professional content writer for four years. He is an expert in creating articles about education and studying abroad. His writings don’t only inform; he also wants to establish emotional connections with readers.
- COST TO STUDY ABROAD: YOUR UPDATED GUIDE TO TUITION FEES, LIVING EXPENSES, AND MORE!
- BEST UNIVERSITIES IN MALAYSIA FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
- STUDY IN MALAYSIA, REASONS, APPLICATION PROCESS, STUDENT VISA AND MORE!
- STUDY IN KUALA LUMPUR AT A TOP MALAYSIAN UNIVERSITY FOR 1 OR 2 SEMESTERS
- UNIVERSITI PUTRA MALAYSIA
- UNIVERSITI KUALA LUMPUR
