8 Reasons to Study in Malaysia

Malaysia is located in Southeast Asia, between Singapore and Thailand. This warm and welcoming country is full of natural beauty and innovation, making it an emerging study destination for thousands of students around the world.

In fact, according to UNESCO, it is the 11th most popular study destination in the world, and it is easy to see why. We spoke with several students from Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), one of Malaysia's top 15 universities in the 2021 QS Asia University Rankings, to find out why Malaysia is such a great place to study.

Its growing reputation in global higher education rankings

A decade or so ago, Malaysia was not known as an international study destination. Today, that has changed. In recent years, the Malaysian government has invested heavily in the country's higher education sector, aiming to build it into a leading education hub in Southeast Asia and beyond.

Amjad Iqbal, originally from Pakistan, chose to pursue a PhD in engineering at UTAR in Peninsular Malaysia. "For those seeking an internationally recognised education, Malaysia is one of the best destinations," he told us. "An education in Malaysia will give you the tools to power your future."

And you'll benefit from more than just excellent educational quality...

It's easy on your finances

Compared with the US and the UK, studying in Malaysia remains a very affordable option for international students.

"I don't need to spend much to live here, and tuition is cheap," said Indonesian student Muhammad Iqbal Budiawan.

When it comes to living costs, international students should budget around MYR 14,400 per year on average, or roughly USD 3,440-4,600. This covers food, travel, and accommodation. Of course, if you plan to spend extra time traveling between semesters, you should still plan your budget early, because international students cannot work during the semester.

In the QS Best Student Cities rankings, the capital, Kuala Lumpur, was named the world's second most affordable student city for two consecutive years, which Amjad sees as a major draw.

"Beyond being at the forefront of quality education, Malaysia's affordable international metropolis offers rich cultural immersion and memories that can last a lifetime," he said.

Is there a language barrier?

Many Malaysian universities offer degree programs taught entirely in English, such as Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman. The university also offers short-term English courses for students who want to develop their speaking, reading, writing, and listening skills.

Although the country's official language is Malay, English is widely spoken as well, and other languages and dialects, including Mandarin, Cantonese, and Tamil, are commonly heard.

Even if you have a strong grasp of English, having a basic understanding of Malay is useful and polite. In fact, it is considered one of the easiest languages in the world to learn.

"Trust me," Muhammad said. "You'll be delighted when someone tells you that your Malay is better than a local's!"

Become part of a rich and diverse culture

Malaysia's diverse cultural heritage is reflected in its people, food, architecture, religion, festivals, and languages. Studying here, you'll find yourself fully immersed in every aspect of Malaysian culture.

"Malaysia is wonderful in every way," Muhammad said. "The people here are very friendly, regardless of your race, ethnicity, or religion. I've made many friends from different backgrounds, and I've learned their languages too.

"There are so many different festivals here, which means plenty of holiday time to enjoy them. And the food! There is only one word to describe it: heaven. Basically, my favorite thing about studying in Malaysia is Malaysia itself," Muhammad concluded.

Enjoy perfect weather all year round

Anyone put off by cold, rainy weather will love Malaysia's warm, sunny climate throughout the year. Its hottest average temperature is 84.2°F, while its coolest average temperature is only two degrees lower at 82.4°F. Yes, really.

Still, it is wise to carry an umbrella or something waterproof, because spontaneous tropical showers are common on the peninsula between April and October.

Malaysia is one of the world's safest and most peaceful countries

According to the 2020 Global Peace Index, Malaysia was ranked the 20th safest country in the world and fifth in the Asia-Pacific. Malaysia welcomes all religions and ethnicities, and Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Indigenous communities all live in the country, creating a rich cultural heritage that can be appreciated through the many festivals and cuisines celebrated across the country throughout the year.

It is also among the most biodiverse places on earth

From endless golden beaches to more than 30 national parks showcasing Malaysia's rainforest flora and fauna, the country is a true natural gem for anyone who loves the outdoors and exploring to the fullest.

Many of Malaysia's rainforests and national parks are also home to some of the world's most incredible wildlife. The hornbill, known for its bright, long curved beak and massive wingspan, is Malaysia's national bird, while the Malayan tiger, Asian elephant, and Malayan tapir are all native to the jungles of Peninsular Malaysia.

You'll step outside your comfort zone

Studying abroad is an experience in itself, so it is important to go in with an open mind. While you are there to earn a degree, you will want to make the most of the chance to be somewhere new, see the sights, explore, meet new people, and maybe even make lifelong friends.

Whether you are crossing half the globe or hopping from one island to another, it will be a steep learning curve. But it is also a chance to step outside your comfort zone, become more independent, and change the way you think and see the world.

For Muhammad, moving from Indonesia to Malaysia was something he knew he needed to do.

"For me, I wanted to step outside my comfort zone, but at the same time, I didn't want to be too far from familiar surroundings. So Malaysia was the best choice for me," he explained.