Studying | Healthcare | Accommodation | Travel | Visa | Student Voice
Malaysia is host to ten local public universities, one international university, six private universities and over 500 Public Higher Educational Institutions (PHEIs) providing further education studies opportunities. Funded solely by the private sector, and open to all races in Malaysia as well as foreign students, PHEIs complement and supplement the government's efforts in education development.
For non-Malaysian citizens, your application for registration into a higher education institution should be done directly to your chosen institution, through its Registrar's Office, Academic and Admission Department.
If you enter Malaysia for work, you are required to undergo a medical examination. For more information about the medical examination system and registration procedures, please visit Fomema.
Note: Quarantine will be imposed on those who fail to produce vaccination certificates from countries prone to specific illnesses, especially (Malay) yellow fever.
The cost of living varies depending upon your chosen lifestyle! With a range of on- and off-campus accommodation available, you will be able to find one that suits your budget. Speak with your international officer for help in understanding the application procedure for accommodation. They can also provide help and contacts when searching for off-campus accommodation.
All international and domestic flights land at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), which is 95 km south of Kuala Lumpur. As there is no boat service between Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia, you will have to fly if you intend to travel between the two. Air Asia is a local no-frills operator that flies to the main cities and towns in Malaysia, offering cheaper flights than their main competitors.
For an express rail link to and from the airport, visit Klia Ekspres for more information.
In Malaysia, buses and taxis are the most common form of transport. Air-conditioned express buses and non-air-conditioned regional buses are available from Kuala Lumpur to many other towns in Peninsular Malaysia.
City taxis are metered. In the capital, Kuala Lumpur, taxis can be recognised by their red and white colour, and charge for the fare using a meter.
Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) is a rail network that offers connections throughout Peninsular Malaysia.
Within Kuala Lumpur, a light rail transit and monorail service exists. Look out for the special offers available for tourists.
Foreign students are allowed to study in Public or Private Educational Institutions which have been approved by the Ministry of Home Affairs. You will need the following documents in your application for a student pass/visa:
- An official offer letter from your selected institution.
- A completed IMM form, with 14 photocopies.
- 2 copies of your passport.
- 2 passport photographs.
Students will have to show their approval letters upon arrival into the country. For insurance purposes, your issued student pass will refer you to your respective State Immigration Department. A representative from your educational institution is required to meet and greet you upon arrival.
Note: Nationals from The People's Republic of China and Commonwealth Independent States who wish to study in Public Educational Institutions are required to obtain prior consent from the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Malaysia. Those from The People's Republic of China are required to obtain their entry visa prior to entry and are not allowed direct entry into Malaysia.
Learn from the experiences of other students and share your experiences of going overseas at International Student Blogs and Forums.
