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South-eastern Asia, capital Kuala Lumpur

How to Apply to Universities in Malaysia (2027): Step by Step

Malaysia teaches most of its international degree programmes in English and runs three yearly intakes, in February, July and September. Public universities are the cheapest route to a degree and private universities and foreign branch campuses offer more English-medium choice and faster admission, with the whole visa process run through Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS).

Verified 7 Sep 2026 Sources
Public tuition, per year
$2,500 to $5,000
international students
Living cost, per month
Not listed
typical range
Work during study
20 h
per week
Post study work
1 yr
after graduation
Intakes
February, July, September
main application cycles

Foundation and pre-university

  1. Finish secondary school (O-Level, IGCSE, SPM or equivalent) and choose a foundation, A-Level, or matriculation-style programme at the university or college.
  2. Apply directly to the institution with school transcripts and a certified passport copy; most foundation programmes set no separate English test score and place students into an internal English class instead.
  3. Receive a conditional or full offer letter, then begin the Student Pass process once a place is confirmed.

Bachelor's degree

  1. Confirm the programme's academic entry requirement (STPM, A-Level, IB, a recognised foundation, or a diploma with a minimum CGPA) and its English test minimum.
  2. Submit the online application directly to the university (each university runs its own portal; there is no single national application system for international students) with certified transcripts, passport copy, passport photo and an English test score or a letter confirming English-medium prior study.
  3. Pay the application fee where one applies and wait for the faculty to assess the application, typically a few days to a few weeks.
  4. Accept the Letter of Offer and pay any required deposit or first semester fee.
  5. The university applies to EMGS for a Visa Approval Letter (eVAL) on the student's behalf; EMGS carries out document, background and medical-declaration checks before issuing it.
  6. Applicants from countries that need one apply for a Single Entry Visa or e-Visa, then travel to Malaysia, complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card, and undergo post-arrival medical screening before the Student Pass is endorsed in the passport.

Master's and PhD

  1. Confirm the department's entry requirement (a bachelor's degree with a minimum CGPA for master's; a master's degree or an outstanding bachelor's for PhD) and identify a supervisor where the programme is research-based.
  2. Apply through the university's graduate school portal with transcripts, a research proposal or statement of purpose for research degrees, reference letters, and an English test score.
  3. Follow the same EMGS Visa Approval Letter, visa and arrival process as for a bachelor's degree once an offer is accepted.
Sources, checked 7 September 2026
  1. https://educationmalaysia.gov.my/
  2. https://educationmalaysia.gov.my/plan-your-studies/discover-malaysia/5-easy-steps-to-study-in-malaysia
  3. https://educationmalaysia.gov.my/plan-your-studies/plan-your-budget/cost-of-living
  4. https://educationmalaysia.gov.my/blogs/cost-to-study-in-malaysia-what-to-prepare
  5. https://educationmalaysia.gov.my/get-in-touch/faq
  6. https://visa.educationmalaysia.gov.my/guidelines/
  7. https://visa.educationmalaysia.gov.my/student-visa/calculate-application-fees
  8. https://visa.educationmalaysia.gov.my/guidelines/required-documents
  9. https://visa.educationmalaysia.gov.my/guidelines/insurance-new-2026
  10. https://www.imi.gov.my/index.php/en/main-services/pass/student-pass/
  11. https://rai.malaysia.gov.my/study