Eligibility Conditions for Studying at Malaysia
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Eligibility Conditions for Studying at Malaysia

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Raushan
Raushan Kumar
Assistant Manager Content
Updated on Nov 22, 2024 12:58 IST

Malaysia is gradually becoming a popular study abroad destination and is attracting students around the globe due to its affordability, quality of life, top-notch education, and more. However, to get into a university in Malaysia, you will have to fulfill certain admission requirements. In this article, we will talk about the eligibility conditions for studying at Malaysia, language requirements, and more.

Eligibility conditions for studying at Malaysia

Education has become one of the topmost priorities of the Federal Government of Malaysia in the last decade. It is committed to providing quality education to all students. In Malaysia, the admission process and eligibility requirements vary from institute to institute.

With its diverse culture, affordable living costs, and reputable universities, studying in Malaysia offers various advantages. However, prospective students must meet specific eligibility conditions to gain admission to Malaysian universities. Generally, a minimum percentage of 75% in the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) or equivalent qualifications is required for undergraduate programs. Additionally, international students need to demonstrate proficiency in English through recognized tests such as IELTS or TOEFL, with a usually IELTS score requirement of 6.0 or above.

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Furthermore, students must provide essential documentation, including academic certificates, proof of financial stability, and a valid student visa application. Understanding these eligibility requirements is crucial for Indian students looking to study in Malaysia, as it helps streamline their application process and ensures they meet the necessary criteria for their desired programs.








Three Intakes in a Year

In Malaysian universities and colleges, there are three intakes in a year. To apply for a particular program, send your applications at least three months prior to the commencement of the course.







  1. For April session, send in your applications by February
  2. For June session, send in your applications by April
  3. For the November session, send in your applications by September

General Eligibility Conditions

Should be a pass in Malaysian Certificate of Education (SPM) examination with a distinction in Bahasa Melayu/Bahasa Malaysia paper or a distinction in Bahasa Melayu/Bahasa Malaysia July paper

In case, if you have completed your studies from an English speaking country, then you don't need to take the entrance tests like SAT, GRE, IELTS, TOEFL. If a student is from a non-English speaking nation then the college or institution may take a test for the English language. But this also differs from institution to institution.

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Eligibility for Undergraduate Programs

To be eligible for an undergraduate program in Malaysia, one must have completed:

  • UEC (Unified Examination Certificate) Senior Middle level - with overall marks of at least 75 per cent
  • STPM (Sijil Tinggi Persekolhan Malaysia - Malaysia Higher School Certificate) - principal level passes
  • Matriculation Certificate (Matrikulasi)
  • Polytechnic Certificate

For the Post-graduate Programs

One must have completed:

  • Bachelor's degree (from a recognized public university)
  • Bachelor's degree (from a recognized private university)
  • Successful completion of a recognized pre-master's course

Level of English Required

To be eligible for admission to Malaysian colleges, all the applicants should have an internationally recognized English language qualification such as IELTS or TOEFL. The minimum score that is accepted for entry is IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL Paper Based 550 or TOEFL Computer-based 213. It is mandatory for those who apply for Bachelor of English language and literature.

Required Documentation to study in Malaysia 

When applying to study in Malaysia, students must prepare and submit several important documents:

  1. Academic Transcripts and Certificates
  2. English Language Proficiency Certificate
  3. Passport Copy
  4. Passport-sized Photographs
  5. Letter of Acceptance
  6. Visa Application Form
  7. Financial Documents (a minimum bank balance of MYR 40,000 is often required).
  8. Health Examination Report
  9. Statement of Purpose (SOP)

For Indian students planning to study in Malaysia, understanding these eligibility conditions is important for a smooth admission process. By ensuring they meet the academic requirements, demonstrate English proficiency, and prepare the necessary documentation, students can imporove their chances of getting admission at one of Malaysia's top universities. 

Eligibility conditions for studying at Malaysia FAQs

Q. What are the requirements for international students in Malaysia?

A. In order to secure an admission in a university in Malaysia, all the international students must have completed at least 11 years of elementary education to get into a bachelor's program. For a master's degree program, you must have a bachelor's degree from a recognized public/private university. Apart from the academics, you must take up a recognized English proficiency exam such as IELTS/TOEFL and submit the scores as a part of the admission process.

Q. Is Malaysia a good choice for study?

A. Yes, Malaysia is an emerging study abroad destination and offers world-class education for students around the globe. Some of the best reasons to pursue your higher education in Malaysia are affordable tuition fees, low cost of living, top-notch education, post-study work permit, scholarship opportunities, part-time job opportunities, and more. Also, there are a variety of streams for you to choose between. Some of them are: Computer Science, Medicine, Business, Agriculture and Veterinary, Graphic Design, and many more.

Q. Is Malaysia cheap to study?

A. On an average, the annual tuition fee for bachelor’s courses is in the range of INR 2 L - INR 9 L. Whereas, pursuing a master’s degree course will cost you around INR 2 L - 13 L per academic year. Hence, it can be said that the cost of education in Malaysia is very affordable for international students, as compared to other study abroad destinations.

Q. Can I study in Malaysia without IELTS?

A. Yes, you can study in Malaysia without IELTS as a few universities do not mandate the submission of the English proficiency exam scores as a part of their admission process. However, majority of the universities, especially the top-ranked ones do require the proof of proficiency in the English language. The minimum IELTS score requirements for universities in Malaysia vary. However, an IELTS score of 6.0 or above makes you eligible for admissions in most of the Malaysian universities.

Q. How much bank balance is required for Malaysia student visa?

A. To obtain a Malaysia student visa, you should have minimum MYR 40,000 (INR 7.5 L) in your bank account. This amount is a proof of your finances to study in Malaysia. Keep in mind that having this bank balance in Malaysian currency will be beneficial.

When it comes to the cost of visa, the single entry and multiple entry visa fee, as well as the transit visa fee for study visa Malaysia is MYR 50 (INR 940) for Indian students.

Q:   Is it hard to get into Uni Teknologi Malaysia?

A:

University of Teknologi Malaysia is a moderately competitive university to get into, as its acceptance rate stands at 60%. This figure tells us that almost 60 out of every 100 applicants manage to get enrolled in the university, which is more than half of all the applicants. Therefore, once an applicant fulfills University Teknologi Malaysia Johor admission requirements i.e.; competitive grades, standardized test scores, English language requirements as well as relevant documents, they are most likely to secure an admission to the university. However, students must not take this lightly and apply to the university within the deadlines in order to get enrolled as a student.

Q:   What are the best things for University Technology Malaysia students to do on weekends?

A:

According to some of student reviews over an unofficial source, students can take part in the following activities: 

  • You can go out of the campus and explore different types of food and go for shopping
  • In the campus, you can play all kinds of sports such as cricket, football, tennis, basketball, etc. 
  • Enjoy watching movies at the theatres
  • Have barbecue in Desaru beach
  • Enjoy Kota Tinggi waterfall
  • Check out different malls like Paradigm Mall, Aeon Mall, Central Square, etc. 
  • Visit Danga Bay
  • Try hiking at Tanjung Piai

Q:   How much does it cost to study at UTM Malaysia?

A:

UTM Malaysia cost for international students can be checked from the table given below:

Courses

1st Year Tuition Fees

MS (5 courses)

INR 38 K - 5 L

MBA/PGDM (1 course)

INR 5 L

BE / BTech (4 courses)

INR 4 L

MIM (3 courses)

INR 3 L - 5 L

BE7 PG (1 course)

INR 3 L

Executive MBA/PGDM (1 course)

INR 4 L

BBA (2 courses)

INR 1 L - 4 L

Living Cost

The cost of living for international students studying at UTM is low compared to international students. The living cost will vary from USD 200 – USD 400 a month depending on individual needs and lifestyle. The accommodation for on-campus students is around USD 120 – 250 per month. On the other hand, the off-campus accommodation cost can vary from USD 100 – USD 500 per month.

Also Read: BBA4 of Living for International Students in Malaysia 

Q:   Will the degree from University of Nottingham (UK) be of same value as University of Nottingham (Malaysia)?

A:

The University of Nottingham campuses in China and Malaysia will provide the degree to the students with the same equal value. The campuses will follow the UK learning and teaching style for the students to get the similar environment. This degree will be fully official in the UK with automatic recognition, as well as it will be valid in Malaysia and China respectively. 

The quality of teaching will also remain equivalent along with the academic standards that are decided by the entire Nottingham University and the campuses follow its governance. The quality of teaching and learning at the University of Nottingham China campus has also been compared to the main flagship campus in UK. These are some of the reasons why the degree in the Malaysia and China campuses will be of the same value as in UK.

Q:   How can I get into UTM Malaysia?

A:

UTM Malaysia admission requirements vary as per the undergraduate and graduate courses. The admission requirements are given below:

Undergraduate

  • The applicants are required to have a Senior High School Certificate or equivalent pre-university qualification
  • Meet the English language proficiency requirements

The applicants are required to pass the Faculty interview (if applicable)

Master’s Degree

  • The applicants are required to have a bachelor’s degree with good honors from UTM Malaysia or any other institute of higher learning recognised by the State

OR

  • The applicants should have a qualification equivalent to a bachelor’s degree and experience in the relevant field recognised by the Senate

Doctoral Degree

  • The applicants should have at least a master’s degree

Also Read: Eligibility Conditions for Studying at Malaysia 

Q:   What are the entry requirements for the MSc Software Engineering course of UTM Malaysia?

A:

UTM entry requirements for international students for an MSc Software Engineering course are given below:

  • A bachelor’s degree
  • IELTS Academic with 6.0 score / TOEFL with a score of 60 / PTE with 69 overall score
  • Application materials like academic transcripts, English language proficiency certificate, copy of passport, passport size photograph, etc.

Q:   How is applying to Mahsa University different from applying to other Universities in Malaysia?

A:

Depending on a number of variables, applying to Mahsa University in Malaysia could be different from applying to other universities in the nation as it entails particular steps and regulations which makes it different from the other Malaysian Universities. Students perspectives on their time at Mahsa University, especially in the medical sector, might shed light on the institution's administration, faculty, and general standard of instruction, which makes it different from other institutions.

Q:   How is applying to AIMST University different from applying to other Universities in Malaysia?

A:

Applying to AIMST University different from applying to other Universities in Malaysia in several ways.

Firstly, the institute admits the students based on the merit without interview. They are judged only on the basis of pre interview criteria. Morever,  AIMST University offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various fields such as medicine, engineering, business, and social sciences. The other universities also includes the interviews. Here the english proficiency exam accepted is only IELTS anfd TOEFL.

About the Author
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Written by
Raushan Kumar
Assistant Manager Content

Raushan Kumar is a skilled writer and a Study Abroad Expert in the Editorial Team at Shiksha. He oversees various aspects of studying abroad, including educational opportunities, entrance exams, colleges, latest new... Read Full Bio

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Comments

(16)

Z

Zainab Shaju

10 months ago

hi, I am an Indian student following CBSE syllabus. I would like to know the entry requirements for Malaysian universities as a student following CBSE curriculum. Thank you.

Reply to Zainab Shaju

s

sathira shajan

3 years ago

Hii, iam sathira shajan from india. I have one backlog in second semester (bca). I wish to study in Malaysia.can i take admission for mca from Malaysia Should i need ielts? Advise me please

Reply to sathira shajan

R

Rahul Singha

3 years ago

Hello Sathira. Appearing for your IELTS exam is entirely subjective to your university admission guidelines. You can check out popular universities in Malaysia here: https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/malaysia or get in touch with our study abroad counsellors here: https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/appl

...more

U

Umaru Sampati

4 years ago

Hi! I am from Nigeria and holds a master in public administration at 61% average and wish to pursue a PhD in same discipline in any of the top ranking universities in Malaysia precisely Kuala Lumpur. Advise please

Reply to Umaru Sampati

U

Umaru Sampati

4 years ago

Hi! I'm from Nigeria with a masters in public administration at 61% average and wish to enroll for a PhD in same discipline with any of the top ranking universities in Malaysia precisely Kuala Lumpur. Advise as appropriate please

Reply to Umaru Sampati

A

Aquillin Antony

5 years ago

Hey, I am from india, I have done b.tech in 2019 and want to do MBA from Malaysia...for getting admission in good colleges, only IELTS is needed right?

Reply to Aquillin Antony

You may give IELTS and if you do not want to appear in IELTS then you can submit a certificate from your last attended college that your medium of instruction is in English. So on that basis, you can also get admission to Malaysia university (University of Malaya) https://aasc.um.edu.my/entry-requir

...more

Hi Aquillin, yes IELTS is mostly accepted in Malaysian universities. You may confirm the university requirements from their website, if you have selected your universities. Thanks!