Are you dreaming of pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree abroad? We certainly understand why! Malaysia is a stunning destination, offering a unique blend of cultural richness and modern amenities that consistently attract international students from around the globe.
From breathtaking marine parks to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, combined with a robust economy and a safe, welcoming society, Malaysia truly has it all. Better yet, the country remains highly accessible and affordable compared to other major international study hubs.
But just how budget-friendly is it? What should you realistically expect to spend on your living and tuition costs while studying in Malaysia?
Let's break down the numbers!
1. University tuition fees in Malaysia
Tuition fees at public universities
- Bachelor’s degrees: 2,000–4,500 EUR/year
- Master’s degrees: 500–4,000 EUR/year
While tuition costs vary depending on your chosen field and institution, some specialized degrees in Medicine can reach up to 27,000 EUR per academic year.
Tuition fees at private universities
- Bachelor’s degrees: 1,350–9,300 EUR/year
- Master’s degrees: 1,500–3,000 EUR/year
Conversely, many other undergraduate and postgraduate programs offer significantly lower entry points, with some tuition fees starting as low as 19,850 EUR per academic year.
Most affordable universities in Malaysia
Based on the wide range of study programmes available on our portal, these are currently considered some of the most budget-friendly universities in Malaysia:
- : Masters start at 515 EUR/year
- : Masters start at 626 EUR/year
- : Masters start at 1,038 EUR/year
- : Bachelors start at 1,166 EUR/year
2. Student living costs in Malaysia
To maintain a comfortable lifestyle as a student, you should budget between 450 and 800 EUR per month to cover your essential living expenses.
The official currency is the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR). As of our latest update, the exchange rate is approximately 1 EUR to 5 MYR.
3. Student accommodation costs
When choosing where to live, you generally have two primary accommodation options:
- university dormitories: 65–255 EUR per month. It’s the cheapest option that allows you to easily connect with many students; utilities are included in the price.
Renting a flat: Expect to pay between 85 and 680 EUR per month. Prices vary significantly based on proximity to the city centre. You can effectively lower costs by sharing a flat with fellow students. Don't forget to factor in monthly utilities, which typically range from 40 to 70 EUR.
4. Food costs in Malaysia
Most students spend between 200 and 350 EUR per month on food and groceries. By cooking at home and shopping strategically for local deals, you can easily stay within this budget.
Here is an overview of the typical costs for staple food products in Malaysia:
- 1 loaf of bread: 0.70 EUR
- 1 litre of milk: 1.40 EUR
- 12 eggs: 1.15 EUR
- 1 kg of white cheese: 9.50 EUR
- 1 kg of apples: 2.10 EUR
- 1 kg of bananas: 1.15 EUR
- 1 meal at affordable restaurants: 2 EUR
For a more detailed breakdown, check out these living costs in Malaysia.
5. Transportation costs
Public transport options, including buses and metro systems, are efficient, comfortable, and affordable. A single fare is roughly 0.85 EUR, while a monthly transit pass can be purchased for about 20 EUR.
Many Malaysian universities provide dedicated shuttle services that help international students navigate the city, with some services offered completely free of charge!
If you prefer using taxis, the standard starting fee is 0.80 EUR, followed by an affordable rate of 0.40 EUR per kilometer.
6. Extra costs in Malaysia
- entertainment (concerts, sports, cinema): 30–70 EUR/month
- private health insurance: 70–185 EUR/year
- visa and i-Kad fee: 200 EUR (one-time payment). The i-Kad is a biometric residence permit; you must carry it with you at all times.
7. University scholarships and grants
To attract talented and ambitious international students, numerous Malaysian universities offer a variety of generous scholarship programs:
- tuition fee waivers (full or partial)
- tuition fee waiver plus living allowance
- full grants
You can browse available opportunities on our portal or visit the official Education Malaysia website for additional listings.
As a final tip, be sure to look into our Online Result Scholarship to help fund your academic journey.