Study in Malaysia from Bangladesh
Affordable international degrees close to home, in a Muslim-friendly country.
Tuition (per year)
MYR 20,000 – 55,000
Living Cost
MYR 1,500 – 2,500 / month
Main Intakes
Jan, May & Sep
Part-time Work
During breaks
Processing
EMGS · 2 – 6 weeks
Student Visa
Student Pass
Why Study in Malaysia?
Malaysia is one of the most affordable study destinations for Bangladeshi students. You can earn a UK or Australian degree at a branch campus for a fraction of the cost, enjoy a Muslim-friendly lifestyle with halal food everywhere, and be just a 4-hour flight from Dhaka.
Low Cost, High Quality
Tuition and living costs are far lower than the UK, USA or Australia.
International Branch Campuses
Study at Monash, Nottingham, Heriot-Watt, Southampton and more — and receive the same degree as the home campus.
Muslim-friendly
Halal food, mosques and a familiar culture make it easy for Bangladeshi students to adjust.
Close to Home
Only a 4-hour flight from Dhaka with affordable airfares.
English-taught Programs
Almost all private university programs are taught in English.
Credit Transfer & 2+1 Programs
Start in Malaysia and transfer to the UK or Australia to finish your degree.
Education in Malaysia
All programs are accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA). International students apply through the university, and the student pass is processed by Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS).
| Level | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation | 1 year | Entry to bachelor’s after HSC |
| Diploma | 2 – 2.5 years | Can lead to year 2 of a degree |
| Bachelor's Degree | 3 – 4 years | Includes 2+1 transfer options |
| Master's Degree | 1 – 2 years | Coursework or research |
| PhD | 3 – 4 years | Affordable research degrees |
Popular Universities in Malaysia
A selection of highly ranked and student-favourite institutions. Our counsellors will shortlist the best fit for your profile and budget.
Universiti Malaya (UM)
Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia’s top university · Global top 100
Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)
Serdang
Public research university
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)
Bangi
Public research university
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)
Johor Bahru
Engineering & technology
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)
Penang
Science & research
Taylor’s University
Subang Jaya
Top private university
Sunway University
Subang Jaya
Partner of Lancaster University
INTI International University
Nilai
QS #406 (2027) · UK, US & Australian partner degrees
Monash University Malaysia
Bandar Sunway
Australian branch campus
University of Nottingham Malaysia
Semenyih
UK branch campus
Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
Putrajaya
UK branch campus
Asia Pacific University (APU)
Kuala Lumpur
IT & computing focus
UCSI University
Kuala Lumpur
Affordable private university
Most In-demand Courses
INTI International University
Putra Nilai, Negeri Sembilan
Part of INTI Education Group, which has been educating students in Malaysia for 40 years since 1986. The Nilai campus is a self-contained university town about 30 minutes from Kuala Lumpur International Airport. INTI is known for its strong industry links, a highly international student body and transfer pathways to partner universities in the UK, USA and Australia.
- Rose 103 places in the QS World University Rankings 2027 — its best result to date
- Ranked in the global top 50 for international students (QS 2026)
- Business ranked 251–300 in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026
- American Degree Transfer Program — start in Malaysia, finish your degree in the USA
- Dual-award and partner degrees with universities in the UK, USA, Australia and France
Popular Programmes
Partner Universities
- Coventry University (UK)
- University of Hertfordshire (UK)
- Sheffield Hallam University (UK)
- Southern New Hampshire University (USA)
- Swinburne University of Technology (Australia)
- CY Cergy Paris Université (France)
- Intakes
- January, May & August (varies by programme)
- Foundation
- Approx. RM 22,000 (full programme)
- Bachelor's
- Approx. RM 83,000 – 98,000 (full programme)
- Scholarships
- Merit awards up to 100% tuition for top A-Level / Foundation achievers
Fees are indicative programme fees from published listings; international student fees may differ.
When Can You Start?
Start your application early — popular courses and scholarships fill up fast.
January / February
Main intake
Most programs at private and public universities.
May
Second intake
Many private universities.
September
Major intake
Most public universities and all private ones.
Tuition & Living Costs in Malaysia
Tuition Fees
- FoundationMYR 15,000 – 30,000 (full)
- DiplomaMYR 15,000 – 25,000 per year
- Bachelor's (Private)MYR 25,000 – 55,000 per year
- Bachelor's (Public)MYR 12,000 – 25,000 per year
- Master's DegreeMYR 25,000 – 60,000 (full)
Living Expenses
- AccommodationMYR 500 – 1,200 / month
- FoodMYR 500 – 800 / month
- TransportMYR 100 – 200 / month
- Phone & InternetMYR 50 – 100 / month
- EMGS, Medical & InsuranceMYR 1,500 – 2,500 (first year)
Kuala Lumpur is the most expensive city; Penang, Johor Bahru and Cyberjaya are cheaper. Most students live comfortably on MYR 1,500 – 2,500 per month.
Scholarships to Study in Malaysia
Strong academic results, a good English score and an early application all improve your chances.
Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS)
Government scholarship for outstanding international postgraduate students.
University Merit Scholarships
Taylor’s, Sunway, APU, UCSI and others offer 10% – 100% tuition waivers based on results.
Branch Campus Scholarships
Monash, Nottingham and Heriot-Watt offer partial scholarships for high achievers.
Early Bird & Sibling Discounts
Many private universities give discounts for early application or family members.
Admission Requirements for Bangladeshi Students
Requirements vary by university and course — these are typical ranges.
Academic
Foundation / Diploma
SSC / HSC pass with GPA 2.5 – 3.0+
Bachelor's
HSC GPA 3.0+ or Foundation / A-Levels
Master's
Bachelor's with CGPA 2.5 – 2.75+ out of 4
Study Gap
Generally flexible
English Proficiency
- IELTS Academic5.0 – 6.0
- PTE / TOEFLAccepted at most universities
- Without IELTSPossible via university English test / program
Documents Checklist
- Valid passport (18+ months validity)
- SSC, HSC & bachelor’s certificates and transcripts
- English test score (if available)
- Passport-size photos
- Offer letter from the university
- EMGS application & medical check-up
- Bank statement (for some universities)
- Statement of Purpose (for postgraduate)
Student Pass (via EMGS)
Your university applies to EMGS on your behalf. Once approved, you receive an eVAL (Visa Approval Letter) to travel; your Student Pass sticker is endorsed in your passport after arrival.
EMGS & Pass Fees
Approx. MYR 1,500 – 2,500
Processing
2 – 6 weeks
Health
Medical check within 7 days of arrival
Dependants
Allowed for postgraduate students
Step-by-step Visa Process
- 1Apply and receive the offer letter
- 2Pay application & EMGS fees
- 3University submits EMGS application
- 4Receive eVAL (Visa Approval Letter)
- 5Book flight and travel to Malaysia
- 6Complete medical check after arrival
- 7Receive Student Pass in your passport
Work While You Study & After Graduation
During Your Studies
International students may work part-time up to 20 hours per week only during semester breaks or holidays longer than 7 days, in approved sectors, with permission from the Immigration Department.
After Graduation
There is no open post-study work visa. Graduates who find a job need an employer-sponsored Employment Pass. Many students use Malaysia as a stepping stone to further study in the UK, Australia or Canada.
Postgraduate students can bring their spouse and children on a Dependant Pass.
How Lexis Helps You Study in Malaysia
From your first counselling session to the day you fly — we support you at every step.
Free Counselling
One-to-one session to understand your profile, budget and goals.
Country & University Selection
Shortlist the right universities and courses for your academic background.
Application & Offer Letter
We prepare and submit your applications and follow up on offers.
IELTS / PTE / TOEFL Preparation
In-house test preparation at Lexis to reach the score you need.
SOP & Document Support
Guidance on Statement of Purpose, CV and financial documents.
Visa Filing & Interview Prep
Complete visa file preparation and mock interviews.
Scholarship Guidance
Find and apply for scholarships you are eligible for.
Pre-departure Briefing
Accommodation, travel and settling-in support before you fly.
Your Study Abroad Journey
Free Counselling
Discuss your goals, academic profile and budget with our counsellors.
English Test
Prepare and sit IELTS, PTE or TOEFL with Lexis.
University Application
Choose courses and submit applications with the right documents.
Offer & Acceptance
Receive your offer, accept it and pay the deposit.
Visa Application
Prepare your financials and file your student visa.
Fly & Settle
Pre-departure briefing, accommodation and arrival support.
Frequently Asked Questions about Malaysia
Can I study in Malaysia without IELTS?
Yes, many private universities accept students without IELTS through their own English placement test or an intensive English program before the degree.
How much does it cost to study in Malaysia?
A bachelor’s degree at a private university costs around MYR 25,000 – 55,000 per year, plus MYR 1,500 – 2,500 per month for living. It is one of the most affordable international options.
Is a Malaysian degree recognised?
Yes. MQA-accredited degrees are recognised internationally, and degrees from branch campuses such as Monash or Nottingham are identical to those awarded at the home campus.
Can I transfer to the UK or Australia later?
Yes. Many universities offer 2+1 or 2+2 programs where you finish your degree at a partner university abroad.
Is the Malaysian student visa difficult?
The EMGS process is straightforward and handled by the university. The key is a valid offer, correct documents and passing the medical check.
Other Study Destinations
Ready to Study in Malaysia?
Talk to our counsellors for a free profile assessment and a personalised university shortlist.
Get Free CounsellingFees, funds requirements and visa rules are indicative and change frequently. Please confirm the latest information with our counsellors or the official immigration website before applying.