Study in Malaysia

Did you know that Malaysia is Asia’s most loved country?

Malaysia is a country in Southeast Asia that consists of two regions (West and East Malaysia) separated by the South China Sea. According to a study ranking democracy, friendliness, diversity, respect, and the number of visitors in an Asian country, Malaysia ranks number 1.

With such a good rating, it’s easy to see how the country has become a favourite study destination for most students. In fact, around a decade ago, Malaysia was not a go-to first-option study destination, but today, it’s a reputable study destination attracting many international students.

In this article, you’ll find out all about the student experience that awaits you when you enrol in a Malaysian university.

We will cover topics such as:

• Study in Malaysia Statistics
• Why Study in Malaysia
• Top Universities to Study in Malaysia 2025
• Affordable Universities and Colleges in Malaysia 2025
• Malaysia as an Affordable Pathway to Studying in Canada, the USA, or New Zealand
• Scholarships in Malaysia
• Top In-Demand Careers in Malaysia 2025
• Top Courses to Study in Malaysia 2025
• Grading System in Malaysia
• Eligibility Criteria to Study in Malaysia
• Study in Malaysia Application Process
• Important Timelines for Study in Malaysia
• Cost of Living and Studying in Malaysia
• Student Life In Malaysia
• Best Cities to Study and Live in Malaysia
• Top Jobs in Malaysia for International Students
• Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in Malaysia
• Permanent Residency (PR) After Study in Malaysia
• Conclusion

Study in Malaysia Statistics

According to data from Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS), which promotes Malaysia as an education hub, 65,208 international students applied to study in the country at all levels of higher education in 2023.

The number of international students applying to study in Malaysia has been increasing over the years, with a minor disruption in 2020 during the pandemic, as shown below.

Other interesting statistics about study in Malaysia include:   

• As of 2023, more students had chosen to apply to private universities (26,321) than public universities (23,073). 
• In 2023, the most international students who applied to study in Malaysia came from China (26,627), Bangladesh (6,574), Indonesia (4,309), Nigeria (1,417), and Yemen (1,767).
• The top five courses that international students applied for in 2023 include:
  • Social Sciences, Business and Law (20,095)
  • Science, Mathematics and Computing (8,868)
  • Engineering, Manufacturing, and Construction (4,915)
  • Arts and Humanities (5,301)
  • Education (3,800)
• 4,063 African students applied to study in Malaysian institutions in 2023.

Why Study in Malaysia

Here are the reasons why international students choose to study in Malaysia.

a) Malaysia Has Impressive Universities

The Malaysian government has invested heavily in higher education in the country (RM 15.3 billion or $3.2 billion), and the results are quite vivid. Currently, a total of eight institutions feature in the top 500 universities in the world according to QS world university rankings of 2025.

In addition, many reputable foreign universities have set up branches in the country. For example, the British higher education institution Heriot-Watt University has a branch in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Therefore, Malaysia’s high-calibre institutions make it an education hub and a go-to study destination for most international students.

b) Malaysia Has Plenty of English-Taught Programmes

While the official language is Bahasa Malaysia (also known as Malay), most universities and colleges teach in English. International students have an easy time studying various programs and interacting with lecturers and other students even without knowing Malay.

In addition, most urban businesses in the country use English in their operations. This is an advantage for students looking for work during and after study.

c) Affordable Cost of Study

Students worldwide often consider the cost of study and whether it will give them value for their money. Malaysia offers this and more.

You can cover your tuition with approximately $4,000 to $6,000 in a year, while your annual living expenses may range between RM 19,200 and RM 24,000 ($4,000 to $5,000).  

d) Malaysia is Safe

Malaysia is the 10th safest country in the world according to the 2024 Global Peace Index. In the Asia Pacific region, it ranks as the 3rd safest country behind Singapore and New Zealand. International students, therefore, have an easy time studying and exploring the Asian country without worrying about their safety.

e) Malaysia is Progressive

The service and industrial sectors mainly drive Malaysia’s highly developing economy. The country is slowly moving away from agriculture, though the sector still contributes materially to its GDP.

The industrial sector is booming, with companies such as Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas), and Shell Malaysia thriving in the country. This creates a conducive environment for engineering students to study and succeed in their industrial careers.

In addition, the services sector, which is fuelled by Malaysia’s diverse culture and booming tourism sector, is flourishing. In fact, Malaysia is the 14th top tourist destination in the world. The service sector, therefore, offers many employment opportunities for students during and after their studies.

Job creation in the Malaysian economy is also well demonstrated by the employment rate of students after graduation from various Malaysian universities. For example, the post-graduation employment rate at several Craydel partner higher education institutions is as follows:

• Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation – 99% within 6 months after graduation
• INTI International College – 97% within 6 months after graduation
• Heriot-Watt University Malaysia – 95% within 6 months after graduation
• SEGi University – 85% within 6 months after graduation

Top Universities to Study in Malaysia 2025

The latest QS world university rankings have the following 10 universities as the top-ranked in Malaysia.

Affordable Universities and Colleges in Malaysia 2025

While education in Malaysia is affordable, applying to any of the following universities can help you manage your education costs even further. Affordable universities and colleges in Malaysia in 2025 include:

Malaysia as an Affordable Pathway to Studying in Canada, the USA, or New Zealand

If you’re looking to reduce your education costs even further, you can use Malaysia as a pathway to USA, Canadian, and New Zealand universities, saving almost half on your tuition fees and living expenses.

Here is how you can do this.

INTI International University and Colleges Pathway

INTI International University and Colleges in Malaysia has a degree transfer program. Through this program, you can transfer to highly-rated academic institutions in the USA, Canada, and New Zealand.

Which Universities Can You Transfer to After Studying in Malaysia?

In the USA, you can transfer to:

• Arizona State University
• Cornell University
• Northwestern University
• Ohio State University
• San Francisco State University
• SUNY – The State University of New York
• Texas A&M University
• University of Michigan
• University of Minnesota
• University of Virginia
• University of Washington

In Canada, you can transfer to:

• University of Waterloo
• University of Alberta
• University of Manitoba
• University of Victoria
• University of Windsor
• University of Lethbridge
• Trent University

In New Zealand, you can transfer to:

• University of Waikato

How Much Can You Save?

Students save costs by paying the affordable fees at INTI for a particular course and then proceed to other universities in their second or third years of study. By doing this, international students save costs ranging between $50,000 to $150,000, depending on the course of study.

Case example:

For example, let’s say you enrol in INTI’s Bachelor of Accountancy program for two years, which costs RM 22,298 (approximately $4,743) per year. Later, you transfer to Arizona State University for the remaining two years, where the program costs $43,280 per year.

Instead of paying around $170,000 for four years at Arizona State University, you pay around $96,000 ($9,000 + $86,000) by studying at both INTI and ASU, respectively, for four years, thereby saving around $77,074 and receiving the same degree and post study work rights as if you have studied all four years in the USA.

In addition, you’ll save on living costs by more than $30,000, spending around $52,000 (2 years in Malaysia and 2 years in the USA) instead of around $84,000 for four years in the USA.

Benefits of the INTI Transfer Degree Program

• You’ll have a smooth experience with the transfer of your credits to the USA, Canada, and New Zealand universities.
• You have a wide range of universities and colleges to choose from
• You get a dedicated INTI university placement team to help you with the transfer
• You’ll have the advantage of getting the post-graduation work permit, which is readily available in Canada, New Zealand and the USA as opposed to Malaysia
• You’ll have a path to permanent residency (PR) in Canada, New Zealand or the USA

Scholarships in Malaysia

Scholarships in Malaysia may cover full or partial tuition fees and even your monthly stipend financial obligation. The following scholarships are available for international students in Malaysia.

• The Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP) Scholarship – It’s offered by the Malaysian government to international students from developing countries and covers postgraduate studies.
• The Malaysian International Scholarship (MIS) – It’s a government initiative to attract top talent to the country. It’s available in Malaysian public and private universities and covers Master’s and PhD programmes only.
• The Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP) – This scholarship is available to international students from Commonwealth countries who want to study at the postgraduate level in Malaysia.
• Public and private universities also have their own running scholarships. You can quickly check your eligibility with a Craydel counsellor.

If you apply to an undergraduate course through Craydel, you can get the following discounts and scholarships. 

• Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation – Up to 30% on undergraduate courses
• INTI International University – Up to 45% for undergraduate 1st year
• INTI Malaysia – 15% scholarship

Top In-Demand Careers in Malaysia 2025

Based on current market deficiencies, future market trends in various sectors, and high job remuneration, these are the top careers in demand in Malaysia.

1. Accountancy and Finance

According to Hays Malaysia, 26% of employers are looking for accountants and finance professionals, especially in middle management. The employers have further reported difficulty recruiting these experts. This shortage of professionals comes at a time when the country’s financial and fintech sector is thriving due to a strong economy.

In addition, salaries in this field can be very rewarding. Banking executives can make up to RM 200,000 ($42,460) annually, which is quite attractive given living expenses. International students who choose this career benefit from getting employment and making good money while at it.    

2. Healthcare Profession

The healthcare sector in Malaysia is grappling with a shortage of doctors and nurses. The number of doctors and medical interns has dropped from 6,134 in 2019 to 3,271 in 2023. The government is predicting a shortage of nurses, reaching 60% by the year 2030. In addition, there has also been a decline in the number of medical graduates since 2017.

As stakeholders monitor and establish policies to alleviate the situation, international students can take advantage of the opportunity to study a healthcare program at a Malaysian university. After all, the salary is impressive, even for entry-level medics. For example, a surgeon can earn up to RM300,000 ($63,700) annually.    

It is important to note, however, that if you pursue medicine in Malaysia, you will not qualify to do your residency / internship in Malaysia as an international student. 

3. Cyber Security

In a country that is implementing digital practices in all sectors, cyber security is key to maintaining the integrity of these systems.

As of 2023, the country had 15,248 cybersecurity professionals. However, this number is insufficient. A study by the Centre for Instructor and Advanced Skill Training (CIAST) shows that Malaysia needs 12,000 more experts in this field to reach the target of 27,000 professionals in 2025.

International students can study a cyber security course in Malaysia and receive an annual salary of at least RM 150,000 ($31,850), which is expected to grow by 2028.

4. Engineering

Malaysia is currently facing a shortage of 30,000 engineers in 2024, according to a statement by Malaysia’s Prime Minister. The Ministry of Higher Education is taking an active role in reducing the shortage by developing a plan via the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutes in the country.

With an economy primarily driven by the industrial sector, there is a need to fill in this gap to maintain quality standards in the country. If you’re passionate about building things, a lucrative profession awaits you that can pay at least RM 200,000 ($42,460) for civil engineers. 

5. Digital Marketing

Just like most developing countries, more businesses in Malaysia are hiring digital marketers to position their brands in the dynamic online landscape. According to a publication by Free Malaysia Today, an online news portal, demand for digital marketing specialists is growing by 100% every year.

The average annual remuneration of digital marketing specialists in Malaysia can begin at RM 100,000 ($21,230) per year, and this figure is expected to grow in the coming years.

Top Courses to Study in Malaysia 2025

In a dynamic Malaysian job market, it’s important to choose a course that aligns with your passion and interests while still offering a promising career in terms of employability and salary. We have done the research for you and come up with the following top five courses in the country. 

1. Business Management

This course involves the study of planning, organising, and controlling a business’s day-to-day activities. A business management course will give you skills in areas such as finance, human resources, marketing, operations, and even entrepreneurship. Undergraduates in Malaysia study a business management course for four years.

2. Information Technology (IT)

IT is a broad study that encompasses the study of how computer hardware and software integrate to facilitate the transfer of data. This course involves subjects like networks, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, web development, and data science, which you can choose to specialise in the course of your studies.   

3. Engineering

Are you interested in building, creating, and solving societal problems through innovation? Then Engineering is the course for you. It involves the science of designing machines and structures.

In Malaysia, it’s the cornerstone of developing the industrial sector in line with technological advancements. International students can study various engineering options like civil, electrical, chemical, petroleum, and geological at top universities like SEGi University and the Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation (APU).

4. Medicine

Medicine is a top course in Malaysia if you are interested in the health sciences. MAHSA University in Malaysia has an excellent Bachelor of Medicine program in the university’s main faculty of medicine.

While you will not be able to do your residency / internship in Malaysia as an international student, many students still pursue medicine in Malaysia and then return to their home countries due to the high quality of education and affordability. 

5. Digital Marketing

Digital marketing involves promoting brands and businesses through the Internet using digital forms of communication. It’s a relatively new and exciting field that is growing rapidly in Malaysia.

A degree in digital marketing will give you skills to identify trends and consumer behaviour so that you can come up with creative campaigns to help boost businesses.

Grading System in Malaysia

The grading system in Malaysia is similar to that in most countries and study destinations, with only minor differences. International students often familiarise themselves with the system quickly. Most universities and colleges in Malaysia incorporate the following grading system into their courses.

Eligibility Criteria to Study in Malaysia

International students who wish to study in Malaysia need to have the following documents ready before starting the application process.

• Certified copies of your academic qualifications
• Certified copies of your academic transcripts
• Copy of your passport
• Passport photos taken on a white background
• Medical and laboratory report
• IELTS/TOEFL copies to evaluate your proficiency in the English language

You’ll also need to visit the university website and check other course-specific requirements for different programmes. If you apply through Craydel, a counsellor will do this for you and advise you accordingly.

Study in Malaysia Application Process

The application process in Malaysia is straightforward and has fewer complexities. However, to ensure timely and accurate applications, a Craydel counsellor can help you make your application.

They will take you through the following steps to ensure that you are familiar with what is required at each stage until you enrol in your dream university in Malaysia.

1. Deciding on the Course of Study

Your Craydel counsellor can help you decide on what to study if you’re unsure. They will provide expert advice and even direct you to do a Career Match Assessment using Craydel’s industry-leading career matching tool. Afterwards, you’ll be able to choose the right course that can lead to your ideal career. 

It’s an essential step because it ensures that you’ll be confident in what you study, which will lead to a feeling of fulfilment and satisfaction during your studies in Malaysia. Other benefits of choosing the right course include:

• It increases your chance of getting a job after graduation
• Choosing the right course may increase your earnings in the future
• You will have a better student experience when studying a course that you’re interested in

2. Making the Application

Applications to study in Malaysia are made through Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS). You must meet all the requirements needed to ensure timely processing of your offer letter. Your Craydel counsellor will ensure your application is complete and on time and has a high chance of resulting in an offer letter.

3. Getting an Offer Letter

At this stage, you receive an offer letter that reserves your place at your university. You must confirm it and prepare documents to start the processing of your student visa.

4. Applying for a Malaysian Study Visa

You’ll need the following documents to apply for a Malaysian Student Visa.

• A well-filled application form 
• Scanned copy of Passport (must contain all the pages, even the blank ones)
• Passport photos on a white background
• Academic certificates
• A duly signed Medical declaration form
• Results of IELTS/TOEFL English certification

Once the application is made, you can track its status on the EMGS website.

It is important to take note of the following with your visa application:

• Visa processing may take up to 3 – 6 weeks. It’s advisable to make the applications at least 8 weeks before the intake dates to ensure a smooth process.
• You should also avoid entering Malaysia during this time to avoid inconveniences with your Visa approval.
• If you decide to change your course at this stage, you’ll be required to apply for a new student visa.

5. Preparing for your Stay and Enrollment

After processing your documents, you’ll get a Visa Approval Letter (VAL). At this point, congratulations are in order! You are about to start a new life in Malaysia.

At this stage, you can also book your flight to Malaysia and send the details to the school. They will arrange your pick-up and drop-off at your pre-arranged accommodation.

Important Timelines for Study in Malaysia

The journey to start your higher education journey in Malaysia starts 9-12 months prior to the intake date with the simple question of where and what you want to study.

This duration is key to preparing the required documents, making the application on time, getting your visa, and planning your trip. However, you can submit applications one or two months prior to an intake if there are spots available in your selected course.

Here are the specific dates that you need to keep in mind during the application period.

Popular Intakes for Study in Malaysia

There are three Intakes in a year in most Malaysian universities and colleges. They include:

• January Intake
• May Intake
• September Intake

When Should You Apply?

To avoid missing out on intakes, you should make applications before the following dates.

• January Intake – The deadline is in November
• May Intake – The deadline is in March
• September Intake – The deadline is in July

However, you may even be able to apply up to 4 – 6 weeks before the intake date for some courses.

Course Duration for Study in Malaysia

Undergraduate studies take 3 or 4 years to complete, while master’s programs take 2 years. Foundation courses take 1 year for those who don’t qualify for direct entry into an undergraduate degree. 

Cost of Living and Studying in Malaysia

There are over 150,000 international students studying in Malaysia who originate from over 140 countries. If you ask why they chose Malaysia, affordability and quality is often the top answer. Even the capital city, Kuala Lumpur, features in the top 10 affordable cities in the world.  

Malaysia offers incredible value for the money that you invest in your education because you still get a quality education even with the low tuition fees. In a year, students spend about $4,000 to $6,000 on tuition.

Living costs are also quite affordable and may range between $400 to $500 per month. To give you a better picture, here is a detailed breakdown of the living costs per month:

• Accommodation – $255 per month 
• Food – Starting at $160 per month
• Transport – $30 per month
• Mobile and Internet – $25 per month
• Lifestyle and entertainment – $20 per month

Student Life In Malaysia

As an international student, getting the most out of your education is important. However, getting the whole experience of living in a foreign country is even better! Here is how you can have a wholesome experience in Malaysia.  

Campus Life

Malaysian universities and colleges are up to par with modern learning systems and methods. This means that international students experience top-tier education in both the classroom and in the practical application of their programmes.

In addition, student-led clubs and activities are excellent ways to indulge in extracurricular activities. Some universities also provide amenities such as gyms and cafeterias right on campus, which is great for international students staying on campus.

Culture and Language

Malaysia is predominantly a Muslim country, so it’s good practice to adhere to practices that are in line with the religion. For example, avoid public displays of affection or wearing very revealing clothing in public.

In addition, it’s not uncommon to interact with people from different nationalities. This is an advantage to international students who want to broaden their thinking and mindset on a global scale. As a bonus, most Malaysians are well-versed in the English language, so communication barriers are limited.

Weather

Malaysia has a tropical climate. It’s usually hot and humid throughout the year, even during the dry seasons. When packing, ensure you bring along breathable fabrics like cotton and linen to cope with the hot weather.

Transport

International students have an easy time moving around in cities and the country’s countryside due to the extensive infrastructure in place. The rapid rail transit system is particularly an efficient public system for intra-city transport. 

Food

Apart from traditional Malay food, Malaysian food has influences from several of its neighbours, such as India, Thailand, and Chinese. In addition, you’ll also find modern fast-food restaurants like KFC and Burger King.

The street food culture is widespread in Malaysia, and at the centre of it all is nasi lemak. It’s often referred to as the unofficial dish of Malaysia.

The dish consists of rice flavoured with coconut milk. Tasty accompaniments include roasted peanuts, boiled eggs, beef curry, vegetables, seafood, and a chilli sauce (sambal).

Malaysians originally ate nasi lemak for breakfast, but today, people also eat it for lunch and supper.

Best Cities to Study and Live in Malaysia

Malaysia is home to some of Asia’s dynamic and exciting cities. A few of them are very appealing to international students due to several factors like affordability, plentiful student amenities, high quality institutions, and the friendliness of the locals. Here are five of these cities.

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is the largest city in Malaysia, with a population of 8,815,630. It’s also Malaysia’s capital. Out of 150 cities ranked by QS as the best student cities of 2025, it ranks number 23, which is impressive. Here are more reasons behind this ranking. 

a) It’s home to an engineering marvel

Engineering enthusiasts will love this one! Kuala Lumpur is home to the Petronas Twin Towers, the world’s largest twin towers.

The city’s crown jewel is 88 storeys high and soars at a staggering 451.9 metres. It has a sky bridge that connects the two towers at levels 41 and 42.

The Petronas Twin Towers were built to make Malaysia a global player, and they did just that. They took 7 years to complete and now stand as an iconic landmark in the city. During your studies in Kuala Lumpur, take the time to experience the tower firsthand and enjoy amazing views!

The city is home to top universities in the country

Out of the top 10 institutions in the country, two are from Kuala Lumpur. They include Universiti Malaya (UM), which ranked the 1st in the country, and UCSI University, which ranks 7th in the country.

If you apply through Craydel, you can get access to top-tier universities in the city like:

• King’s University College Malaysia
• Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation
• Heriot-Watt University Malaysia

c) Kuala Lumpur is affordable

The cost of study in Kuala Lumpur is around $4,900 per year, and living costs are as low as RM 18,000 ($3,820) per year. With such low figures, it’s no wonder it ranks as a top 10 city in affordability worldwide.

d) It ranks highly in employability

Kuala Lumpur is a thriving metropolis that attracts local and international businesses. Therefore, job opportunities are plentiful for students after graduation. In fact, according to QS rankings, Kuala Lumpur ranks 16th in employability.

After graduation, students can get employment in industries like construction, electronics, IT, tourism, and financial services.

e) The city is well-connected

Public transport in the city is one of the best in the country, consisting of roads and railways. Buses and taxis serve the city, but the railway system is the most popular. It consists of the Light Rail Transit (LRT), Mass Rapid Transit (MRT), and Monorail. 

In addition, the country has the largest airport, Kuala Lumpur International Airport, which opens up the country to the world. As an international student living in Kuala Lumpur, it’s a good gateway to your home country and back.

Subang Jaya

Subang Jaya is located in the Petaling district of Selangor state. With a population of close to 1 million, it is the sixth most populous city. Students choose to study and live in the city for the following reasons.

a) It has globally acclaimed Institutions

The city is home to Malaysia’s 6th-ranked university, Taylor University, which ranks 251 worldwide. In Subang Jaya, you also have access to INTI International College Subang when you apply through Craydel.

b) The city has a high student population

Many people see Subang Jaya as a student city due to the presence of several universities and colleges, such as Taylor, INTI, and Monash University. In fact, some areas, like SS15, are associated with plenty of student accommodation. This is a plus for international students who can easily find affordable accommodation and interact with plenty of other students.

c) Subang Jaya offers plenty of recreational facilities

In the course of learning, students also need to unwind after long periods of study. In Subang Jaya, students can relax or engage in other activities in parks and sporting centres. Popular entertainment centres include Empire Shopping Gallery, Sunway Pyramid, Summit USJ, and Subang Parade. These establishments have shops, cinemas, and restaurants.

d) The Subang Jaya urban area is well-connected

Moving from one area of the city to another is easy due to the well-established public transport system (Buses, trains, taxis). This means that you can stay out of campus and conveniently commute to school every day.

e) Its proximity to Kuala Lumpur

By road, the capital is around 25 km away, less than half an hour from Subang Jaya. This is very convenient for international students who can enjoy all the services and benefits of Kuala Lumpur while still living in Subang Jaya.

Petaling Jaya

Like Subang, Petaling Jaya is a city in the Petaling district of Selangor state. Its population is around 807,879 people. Commonly dubbed as ‘PJ’ by the residents, here is why it makes a good student destination.

a) It’s home to established universities of good repute 

The 10th highest-ranked university in Malaysia (Sunway University) is located in the city. It ranks 539 globally according to QS rankings, offering world-class education in arts, hospitality, engineering, and life sciences.

Another notable institution in the city is SEGi University, which you can apply to easily through Craydel. 

b) It’s a member of the UNESCO GNLC

Since June 2018, the city has been part of the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC). As a result, Petaling Jaya is at the forefront of promoting lifelong learning to marginalised people in the city and impacting their indulgence in entrepreneurship.

In addition, the city also offers continuous programmes to working people to improve their skills. As a result, international students experience fast career growth after graduation.  

c) It’s near Kuala Lumpur

Petaling Jaya is very close to the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur (about 15 kilometres away). In fact, Petaling Jaya was originally a satellite township for the capital and was granted city status in 2006.

The proximity of the two towns allows you to get the best of both urban areas, making options like commuting possible. For example, you can live in Petaling and attend school in Kuala Lumpur and vice versa.  

d) Petaling Jaya has popular attractions

As an international student looking for the whole Malaysian experience, you can visit popular attractions located close to or near the city. They include The Curve Shopping Mall, the Sunway Lagoon Theme Park, the Sultan Abdul Aziz Royal Gallery, and Taman Aman Park.

e) The city offers gastronomical delights

If you love sampling different cuisines, you will love studying and living in the city. Kuala Lumpur offers all sorts of food, ranging from Asian to Western cuisine, in restaurants located all over the city. The best thing is that you won’t even have to spend a lot on food, as it’s quite affordable even for students.

Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu is a coastal city on the eastern side of Malaysia. It’s the capital of Sabah state. It has grown from a small fishing village to a modern city. Its current population is around 601,121. You’ll like Kota Kinabalu as a student city for the following reasons.

a) You’ll have access to reputable universities

If you like the appeal of studying near a seaside city in Malaysia, Kota Kinabalu is the right student destination. Through Craydel, you can make this dream come true by studying at INTI International College Sabah and MAHSA College Sabah.

b) It’s a laid-back city

If you prefer studying away from the hassle of a dynamic urban place like Kuala Lumpur, then Kota Kinabalu is the ideal place for you. It offers a slower-paced life compared to other Malaysian cities. Some may even call it a town by the seaside despite its city status.

However, you’ll still not lack the usual amenities that big cities have to offer, like malls, restaurants, and entertainment spots. It’s a win-win kind of city for many students.

c) It has amazing beaches

What better way to spend your free days in your academic calendar than on the beach? Kota Kinabalu offers this experience to students who live in the city. Students engage in beach and water activities at Tanjung Aru Beach and Taman Awam Teluk Likas, which have biking trails and jogging tracks.  

d) There are plenty of sights and attractions

Kota Kinabalu’s location is ideal for tourists. It is surrounded by mangrove forests, wildlife preserves, hot springs, and Mount Kinabalu, which forms the city’s backdrop. In your free time, you can explore these areas and get the full Malaysian experience.

e) It’s a business hub

Kota Kinabalu is the main business and economic hub for the state of Sabah in Malaysia. A major reason behind this is the Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park (KKIP), which rests on a 8,320-acre land. The park has been instrumental in developing several industries in the city. This is good news for international students who can get employment after graduation in these industries.

Jenjarom

Jenjarom is a town situated in the Kuala Langat district of Selangor state. It has a population of about 24,857 people. The town may be small, but it attracts international students for the following reasons.

a) It’s home to a top medical institution

The Malaysian Allied Health Sciences Academy (MAHSA) University is located in Jenjarom. It offers various courses in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, health sciences, nursing, and bioscience.

Since its establishment in 2004, it has grown to incorporate other courses in business, information Technology, Hospitality, and Engineering. You can get into this centre of excellence by applying through Craydel.

b) It feels like a close-knit community

Due to the town’s less than 30,000 residents, it has a sense of community. The locals are also friendly to foreigners and are ready to help you get to know the town more deeply. 

c) Experience Chinese culture in a Malaysian setting

Most of the town’s residents are of Hokkien Chinese descent. As a result, there is a lot of Chinese cultural influence. For example, the FO Guang Shan Dong Zen Temple and the Ban Siew Keng Temple attract many tourists every year, which has helped the town grow economically.

d) There are employment opportunities in and near Jenjarom

About 25 kilometres away from the town is Port Klang, which is Malaysia’s largest port. This port is a source of employment for students in the town after graduation. In addition, health facilities like Darul Ehsan Medical Centre and Shah Alam Medical Centre take up most health graduates from MAHSA University.

e) Students find accommodation easily

While MAHSA University provides sufficient on-campus accommodation, there is still the option of residing outside campus since Jenjarom has plenty of housing options. For example, housing options are available close to campus, ranging from single, superior, standard, triple, and Quadruple rooms.

Top Jobs in Malaysia for International Students

Many international students wonder whether they can study and work in Malaysia. The simple answer is yes, but the government sets conditions. They include;

• You can only work 20 hours a week during school breaks. Working part-time while still attending classes is not allowed in the country.
• You must have a valid student pass.
• You must have approval to work beforehand from the Department of Immigration. This application is made through the educational institution that you are enrolled in

These conditions are set to protect the academic progress and quality of education that international students receive in the country. If you comply with the set rules then you’re set to supplement your living finances while studying in Malaysia with the jobs below.

On-Campus Jobs in Malaysia

Since international students are only allowed to work during school breaks, you can not work on campus.

Off-Campus Jobs in Malaysia

Specific jobs that you can work in Malaysia while still a student include:

• Waiter
• Petrol station attendant
• Minimart bagger
• Store clerk

Temporary Graduate Visa in Malaysia

Here are the temporary and short-term visas available to students after graduation.

Graduate Pass

After graduation, students from 23 countries (Australia, New Zealand, Brunei, Singapore, South Korea, Japan, Germany, United Kingdom, France, Canada, Switzerland, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, United States, Oman, and Bahrain), are allowed to stay in Malaysia.

They can stay in Malaysia for an additional 12 months, provided they get a Graduate Pass. It allows them to do the following:

• To work in Malaysia without requiring sponsorship from an employer
• To travel freely in and out of Malaysia (Multiple Entry Visa)
• To bring their dependants to join them in Malaysia 

If you are not from one of these countries and would like to stay in Malaysia, you need to secure a job and get an Employment Pass.

Expatriate Employment Pass

After graduation, you can continue staying in Malaysia for 2 to 5 years with an Expatriate Employment Pass, which is a type of work permit. To get one, you need to first find employment in the field that you studied. Your employer then applies for the work permit on your behalf.

For a successful application, you must ensure the following:

• Make sure the company you wish to work for is authorised to make the application. If not, it must register with the Expatriate Services Division.
• Make sure to provide all the required documents and ensure they are in order. For example, your passport needs to be valid for at least 18 months from the time you get your job offer to allow for sufficient processing time.

It’s important to note the following information about the Employment Pass:

• If you change employers, you’ll need to make another application for an Employment Pass.
• If your job pays you RM 5,000 per month, you are allowed to apply for a dependent pass and bring your spouse, children under 18 years old, and parents to Malaysia.

Permanent Residency (PR) After Study in Malaysia

The common way for international students to get PR after studying in Malaysia is by seeking employment. The Expatriate Employment Pass can serve as a pathway to PR. Afterwards, you can apply for PR at the Malaysia Immigration Department by meeting the following conditions.

• You need to have stayed in Malaysia as an expatriate for five consecutive years
• You need to have a stable income from a job in Malaysia
• You need to have sponsorship from a Malaysian citizen
• You need to have no criminal record
• You need to have undergone a health examination before making the application

After your application is approved, you will be issued with a Malaysian Permanent Residency (MyPR) card.

Conclusion

From the affordable fees and living costs, reputable higher learning institutions, beautiful landscapes, and a culturally friendly country to foreigners, all factors point to international students having a wonderful time when they choose to study in Malaysia.

If you wish to join the international student community in Malaysia, contact Craydel today and watch as we make your dream of studying in the Asian country a reality.