Choosing where to study is one of the biggest decisions a family makes. Every year, students from across Asia, Africa and the Middle East choose Malaysia. This page sets out why, and it is also honest about the things that take some getting used to.
Qualifications you can trust
Malaysia has a national quality system for higher education. The Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) accredits programmes and keeps a public register where anyone can check whether a programme is accredited. Before you accept an offer, you can look up the programme yourself.
Malaysian universities are also becoming better known internationally. Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS), the government body that handles international students, notes that more than 20 Malaysian universities now appear in the major world rankings.
You also have a wide choice of institution. There are public universities, private universities and colleges, and branch campuses of universities from overseas. At a branch campus you can earn the parent university’s degree without leaving Asia.
Learning in English
Many programmes are taught in English, especially at private institutions and branch campuses, and English is widely used in daily life in the cities. Students who want to strengthen their English before or during their studies will find plenty of language centres and support.
Always check the language of instruction for the specific programme you are considering. EMGS also asks for an English language certificate when your student visa application is made, so it is worth planning your English test early. See our student visa guide for details.
A multicultural, welcoming society
Malaysia brings together Malay, Chinese, Indian and indigenous cultures, and you will see this in its food, languages and festivals. People of many faiths live and worship side by side, and you will find mosques, temples and churches in every major city.
For Muslim students, halal food is easy to find. For everyone else, the variety of food is one of the best parts of student life. EMGS describes Malaysia as a friendly and peaceful country, and many students say it helps that they can find a community from home while also making friends from all over the world.
Sensible costs
EMGS lists reasonable costs as one of the main reasons students choose Malaysia. Tuition, food, transport and housing are generally affordable, and some institutions offer scholarships. Costs vary a lot by city and lifestyle, though. In the QS Best Student Cities 2027 ranking, Kuala Lumpur placed 15th in the world, but its affordability score fell compared with the year before. Our cost of living guide gives published budget examples.
Easy to reach, easy to explore
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is a regional hub with direct flights to many countries. EMGS runs an International Student Arrival Centre (ISAC) in both KLIA terminals to help new students before they pass through immigration, and the counter operates 24 hours.
Once you are settled, beaches, rainforests, highlands and historic towns are all within reach for weekends and holidays.
Options after you graduate
Graduates who complete a Bachelor’s degree or higher at a Malaysian institution can apply for a Graduate Pass. EMGS describes it as allowing graduates to stay in Malaysia for up to 12 months after graduation. During that time they can travel and work in permitted sectors without needing an employer to sponsor them. Conditions apply, so check the current EMGS rules before you plan around it.
What takes some getting used to
Malaysia suits many students well, but it helps to go in with open eyes:
- The weather. It is hot and humid all year, with heavy rain at times.
- Strict visa rules. Part-time work is only allowed in limited circumstances, and immigration rules are taken seriously. Our visa guide explains them.
- Homesickness. This is normal, especially in the first few months. Reaching out early makes a real difference.
- Getting around. Public transport is good in the Klang Valley but more limited in other areas, so where you live matters.
How AntsEducare can help
AntsEducare is the education arm of ANTS Resources, which has been based in Petaling Jaya since 1985. Once you are here, we help you feel at home:
- Friendship and community. Dinners, outings and camps with students from other campuses, and GO>MORE, our volunteer programme.
- Language support. We offer English, Bahasa Malaysia and Mandarin, including weekly one-to-one English conversation sessions on campuses.
- Settling in. Our cultural immersion activities, sports and recreation, and coaching and mentoring help you find your feet.
Get in touch with us - we would love to meet you.