The number of international students in Malaysia is steadily increasing as the country positions itself as an attractive place to study abroad. Find out why Malaysia is a popular study destination and how to get a student visa to Malaysia

Malaysia is easily one of the best Asian study abroad destinations, with thousands of students from all over the world applying to study in the country every year.

Read on to learn about the benefits of studying in Malaysia and the opportunities for international students in the country.

Studying in Asia

While many Western universities, including those in Canada and the US, have struggled with funding in 2024, Asian universities are on the rise, investing more in both education and international student recruitment.

Asian universities are increasingly featured in global university rankings, with Malaysia emerging as the fastest-rising country.

In 2025, 65% of Malaysian universities improved their rankings in the QS World University Rankings 2025.

Why is studying in Malaysia so popular among international students?

1. Highly ranked universities

Malaysia is home to eight universities in the QS World University Rankings (2025).

2. Relatively low cost of living

Malaysia’s cost of living is much lower than other popular destinations. For example, the cost of living in Malaysia is 30% lower than in the US and half that of Canada and Ireland.

3. Affordable tuition fees

The average annual undergraduate tuition fee is around US$6,000.

4. Cultural and religious factors

Malaysia is predominantly Muslim, making it an attractive destination for Muslim students. There is also a large Chinese-speaking community, which attracts Chinese applicants.

Which countries are students from?

Most students come to study in Malaysia from Asian and African countries, the main source of applicants to Malaysia are representatives of the following countries:

1. China - 26,630 applications.

2. Bangladesh - 6,570 applications.

3. Indonesia - 4,310 applications.

4. Pakistan - 1,940 applications.

5. India - 1,900 applications.

6. Yemen - 1,770 applications.

7. Nigeria - 1,420 applications.

8. Japan - 1,400 applications.

9. Sudan - 1,310 applications.

10. Egypt - 880 applications.

The most popular educational programs in Malaysia

Most foreign students come to Malaysia to obtain a bachelor's degree. There has also been an increase in students studying at the master's and postgraduate levels since 2019.

Among the fields, social sciences, business and law attract the most foreign applicants.

Document for studying in Malaysia for international students

Foreign students who want to study in Malaysia need a student ID card. This rule applies to applicants from any country in the world, including citizens of Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Kenya and Zimbabwe.

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Procedure for obtaining a student visa to Malaysia

1. Enroll in a Malaysian university

Obtain an official letter of admission from your chosen institution and pay the required application fees.

2. The university initiates the application process for a student ID card

Your university contacts the Malaysian immigration authorities to register the application on your behalf. They will ask you to read the official application form and digitally sign it after completing it.

3. Prepare the required package of documents

You will need to send your university several documents so that they can complete the application. A detailed list follows.

4. Pay the visa processing fee

In addition to the government fee, some universities charge a processing fee. The exact amount will depend on the institution.

5. Wait for the decision

The immigration authorities usually notify the university of the outcome of your application within a week.

6. Get your approval letter

If all goes well, your university will send you a Visa Approval Letter (VAL). This is a temporary student pass that allows you to enter Malaysia. You will need to present this to the immigration authorities upon arrival.

7. Inform the university of your arrival

Send your arrival dates, airport location and flight numbers to the university. A representative from your institution will usually meet you at the airport.

8. Get your student ID card

Your university will send your passport to the immigration department within two weeks of your arrival. When it returns, it will contain your student ID card sticker.

The approval rate for student visas in Malaysia is 90%.

Malaysian Student Visa Application Package

- One 35 x 45 mm photograph with a white background.

- A copy of your passport.

- Acceptance letter from your Malaysian institution.

- Previous academic transcripts and transcripts.

- Medical certificate of health – You must undergo a pre-arrival medical examination at a registered clinic abroad.

- Yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are from a country or have recently travelled to a country where there is a risk of yellow fever transmission.

- A personal guarantee that all international students must sign to guarantee that they will not violate Malaysian immigration laws. If you do not violate any laws, the bond will be returned.

- Proof of English language proficiency – You must pass an English language test and attach a certificate that proves that you have an acceptable level of English. Malaysia accepts the following certificates: IELTS (International English Language Testing System), TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English), CAE (Cambridge English Advance), CPE (Cambridge English Proficiency), MUET (Malaysian University English Test)

- Proof of student health insurance.

- Specific documents for certain countries - please check with the university through which you will apply for a visa to Malaysia.

How long does it take to apply for a Malaysian student visa?

Applying for a Malaysian student visa is quick and easy. In general, the entire process from application to visa issuance usually takes four to six weeks.

The duration of the Visa Approval Letter (VAL) is 14 days, and the processing of an entry visa is one to three weeks.

Can a foreign student work in Malaysia on a student visa?

The employment rules for foreign students in Malaysia are quite strict. You are allowed to work 20 hours per week, but only during university holidays.

Working during the semester is prohibited.

Right to work after graduation in Malaysia

Students from 23 countries are eligible to receive a work permit after graduation, including Australia, the USA, the UK, Germany, Japan, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, the UK, Germany, Switzerland and Finland.

In 2024, some Indian and Chinese students were also offered a Graduate Pass under certain conditions. These rules will be valid until 2026.

The Malaysian government is positioning the country as a center of technological and intellectual leadership. As part of this, the state is creating certain initiatives and directing additional funding to the education sector. We can already say with confidence that Malaysia is a good and quite promising country for studying in 2025.

Reminder! Malaysia has introduced a travel requirement for foreign visitors - the Malaysian Digital Arrival Card (MDAC). We have already told you who should receive an MDAC in Malaysia and what information needs to be provided for smooth entry into the country.

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Igor Usyk - Head of Migration department at VisitWorld

To ensure a safe move to a new country, I advise you to consult a specialist. My colleagues, qualified specialists with a legal education, will help you avoid unpleasant situations during migration.

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