Study in Malaysia
International degrees close to home, at a comfortable cost
Tuition (per year)
RM 20,000–45,000 / year
Living costs
RM 18,000–30,000 / year (RM 1,500–2,500 per month)
Intakes
February, June, September (varies by university)
Malaysia offers Bangladeshi students an unbeatable combination: internationally ranked universities, branch campuses of famous UK and Australian institutions, tuition a fraction of Western costs and a short four-hour flight home. A familiar climate, halal food everywhere and a large South Asian community make settling in effortless, while dual-degree arrangements let students transfer to partner campuses in the UK or Australia mid-course.
Why Malaysia?
- Universiti Malaya and others ranked in the global top 100
- UK and Australian branch campuses at Malaysian prices
- Just four hours from Dhaka — easy and cheap to visit home
- Muslim-majority country with halal food and familiar culture
- Credit transfer pathways to the UK and Australia
Entry requirements
Undergraduate
- HSC with GPA 2.5+ for most programmes (higher for medicine and top public universities)
- IELTS 5.5–6.0 overall, or MUET; some universities offer English placement tests on arrival
- Attested academic certificates and transcripts
- EMGS medical screening after arrival
Postgraduate
- Bachelor's degree with CGPA 2.75–3.0+ depending on university
- IELTS 6.0 overall for most master's programmes (6.5 for research degrees at ranked universities)
- Research proposal required for MPhil/PhD applications
- CV, references and attested documents for EMGS processing
Work rights & post-study options
International students may work up to 20 hours per week, but only during semester breaks or holidays of seven days or more, in approved sectors. Post-study options are limited compared with Western destinations, so most students use Malaysia as a high-quality, affordable degree base or a transfer route to the UK or Australia.
Frequently asked questions
How does the Malaysian student visa process work?
Your university applies for a Visa Approval Letter through EMGS on your behalf — there is no embassy interview. Once the eVAL is issued, you obtain a single-entry visa, fly to Malaysia and complete medical screening, after which your student pass is affixed. The whole process typically takes four to eight weeks.
Can I transfer from Malaysia to a UK or Australian campus?
Yes — this is one of Malaysia's biggest attractions. Branch campuses such as Monash Malaysia and twinning programmes at private universities allow you to complete part of your degree in Malaysia and transfer, saving 40–60% of total costs while graduating with the same certificate.
Is IELTS required for Malaysian universities?
Most universities require IELTS 5.5–6.0, but several accept internal English placement tests or offer intensive English programmes before your main course begins. This flexibility makes Malaysia a practical option if your IELTS preparation time is short.
How much should my family budget in total for Malaysia?
Including tuition, accommodation, food and EMGS fees, most students manage comfortably on BDT 8–14 lakh per year depending on the university and city. Private accommodation shared with other students keeps Kuala Lumpur costs surprisingly reasonable.
Ready to start your journey abroad?
Book a free one-to-one consultation with our counsellors — we'll map out your options, costs and timeline in under an hour.