Last updated on September 17, 2026
Tuition is only one part of the total cost of studying in Malaysia. International students also need to budget for accommodation, food, transportation, Student Pass requirements, insurance, SST and other study-related expenses.
Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) publishes tuition and cost-of-living guidance, but your actual expenses will depend on your university, programme, location and lifestyle. Understanding these costs before applying can help you build a more realistic budget for your 2027 intake.
How Much Does it Cost to Study in Malaysia?
There is no single cost for every international student. Your total budget depends on your university, programme, level of study, and lifestyle. Many Pakistani students aiming to study in Malaysia cannot budget without knowing what each university actually costs.
According to Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS), the published average annual tuition range for an international student pursuing a bachelor’s degree is shown in the table. These represent official public vs. private university fees in Malaysia.
| Institution type | Average annual tuition |
| Public university | USD 2,500–5,000 |
| Private institution | USD 6,000–9,500 |
6% SST on International Tuition Fees
International students should also account for Malaysia’s 6% Service Tax (SST) on taxable higher-education services. The tax applies to higher-education services provided to non-Malaysian students by relevant public and private higher-education institutions.
The 6% SST has applied to these education services since 1 July 2025. The exact amount depends on the taxable fees charged by your institution, so check your university’s latest fee schedule to confirm whether SST is included or shown separately.
EMGS also states that costs may fluctuate depending on the market, and international students may pay more than Malaysian students because of factors including the academic programme and visa-related costs. This makes Malaysia university fees for international students higher than for local students.
For example, if you are planning for a 2027 intake, these figures are useful for initial budgeting. However, you should not treat them as your final 2027 fee schedule.
Always check the current fee quoted by your chosen university and programme before making financial commitments.
Cost of Living in Malaysia for International Students
Tuition is only one part of your study-abroad budget. You will also need to budget for accommodation, food, transportation, internet, insurance and other everyday expenses.
Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) provides a cost-of-living guide for international students covering everyday expenses. However, your actual spending will depend on your accommodation, location, and personal lifestyle.
Rather than relying on one blanket figure for every student, build your budget around your actual university and accommodation choice. A student living arrangement close to campus may have a different monthly budget from someone choosing different accommodation or spending patterns.
- Accommodation: Around USD 150 per month for a twin-sharing room
- Food: Meals can start from around USD 3 per day, while local food stalls and coffee shops commonly offer meals for around USD 1–3
- Public transport: USD 20–30 per month
- Internet and mobile: Around USD 10 per month
- Laundry: Around USD 2 for a 10kg wash
This is particularly important when comparing universities. A lower tuition fee does not automatically mean a lower total cost if other expenses are substantially different.
Student Pass and Other Study-related Costs
International students need to consider immigration requirements as part of their Malaysia study budget.
The Malaysian Immigration Department states that the Student Pass facility is available to non-citizen students aged three and above, including students pursuing higher education. For higher education, eligible applicants include students admitted to public universities and approved private higher education institutions.
For higher-education applications, applicants must be outside Malaysia when the application is submitted. The process involves:
- Academic screening by EMGS
- Relevant immigration procedures
- Students from countries requiring a visa must apply for a Single Entry Visa after eVAL approval through the official eVISA portal.
After arriving in Malaysia, students must complete a post-arrival medical examination within seven days. Following the medical examination and EMGS support letter, the institution can submit the Student Pass endorsement application to the relevant Immigration Office.
The Immigration Department currently lists the Student Pass fee at RM60, while visa fees vary by country. (www.imi.gov.my)
You should also budget for requirements such as health insurance. For the UA/IPTS Student Pass category, the Immigration Department lists a recognised Malaysian health insurance policy with coverage of at least 12 months among the required documents. Other requirements include an offer letter, academic results and transcripts, passport documentation and a stamped Personal Bond form.
What is an iKad for International Students?
An additional document international students should understand is the iKad.
EMGS describes the iKad as an identification card for foreign students that can be used as identification in Peninsular Malaysia. It is issued only after the Student Pass has been endorsed in the passport, and it is not a replacement travel document. (hub.emgs.com.my/ikad-for-international-students/)
The iKad contains information including:
- Student photograph
- Passport numbers
- Nationality
- Institution name
- Student Pass duration
The iKad application is made when a new Visa Approval Letter application or renewal application is submitted, and EMGS states that an RM50 fee is included in the application fees.
If an iKad is lost or damaged, replacement fees apply. EMGS currently lists RM150 for the first request, RM300 for the second, and RM500 for the third and subsequent requests. Students must notify their institution immediately and provide a police report to the institution when applying for a replacement.
Scholarships to Study in Malaysia in 2027
Scholarship availability and eligibility can change each year. The examples below are based on currently published scholarship information and should be rechecked when the 2027 application cycles open.
Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS)
The Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS) is a Malaysian Government initiative for eligible international graduates pursuing full-time postgraduate studies in Malaysia.
The 2026 MIS guidelines cover Master’s and PhD studies and list participating public universities as well as selected private institutions, including Multimedia University (MMU). The published benefits include payment of tuition fees directly to the university and a RM1,500 monthly living allowance.
However, the 2026 guidelines should not be presented as confirmed 2027 scholarship terms. Students planning for 2027 should check the official MIS portal when the relevant application cycle opens. (biasiswa.mohe.gov.my/INTER/)
University scholarships and merit awards
Universities also offer their own funding opportunities.
For example, APU’s published international student Merit Awards provide tuition-fee discounts based on academic results. Its 2026/2027 published criteria include awards of 10%, 20% or 30% for specified A-Level, O-Level/IGCSE and IB results. The awards are subject to the university’s conditions, including maintaining a minimum CGPA of 2.50 for subsequent years where applicable.
Similarly, Monash University Malaysia also lists scholarships for international students. Its published Monash High Achiever Award for new students provides a RM10,000 annual tuition-fee waiver for eligible undergraduate students, subject to the stated conditions. Other awards are available for specific programmes and achievement categories.
Sunway also lists entrance, talent-based, and other scholarship and financial-aid opportunities, with eligibility and conditions varying by programme.
Could you qualify for a scholarship or tuition discount? Check with our AEL Consultants scholarship experts to understand your options.
How Much Should You Budget for Malaysia in 2027?
There is no single budget that applies to every international student. For a realistic estimate, calculate your expected costs across four areas:
- Tuition and SST: Check your university’s latest programme fee and applicable 6% SST.
- Living expenses: Include accommodation, food, transportation, internet and other daily expenses.
- Immigration and insurance: Budget for Student Pass, visa-related charges where applicable, health insurance and other required costs.
- Scholarships: Check government and university scholarships that may reduce your overall study costs.
For 2027 planning, use the latest official figures as a starting point and confirm programme-specific fees, scholarship conditions and immigration requirements with your chosen university and the relevant authorities.
Planning to Study in Malaysia in 2027?
Your total study cost depends on your programme, university, scholarship eligibility and lifestyle. AEL Consultants can help you compare study options, understand expected costs and explore universities and scholarships based on your academic profile and budget.
Want to know how much your Malaysia study plan could cost? Contact AEL Consultants today for free, personalised guidance on universities, admissions, scholarships, and the Student Pass process.
FAQs
What is the average tuition fee in Malaysia for international students?
According to EMGS, published average annual bachelor’s tuition ranges are approximately USD 2,500–5,000 at public universities and USD 6,000–9,500 at private institutions. Actual fees vary by university and programme.
Is Malaysia affordable for Pakistani students?
Malaysia can be an affordable study destination for Pakistani students, but the total cost depends on tuition, SST, accommodation, food, transportation, insurance and other expenses. Compare the full cost of your chosen programme and university before applying.
Can international students get scholarships in Malaysia?
Yes. Malaysia offers several scholarship and financial-aid opportunities for international students. The Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS) is available for eligible international graduates pursuing full-time postgraduate studies, with the 2026 guidelines covering Master’s and PhD study. Universities also offer their own scholarships and merit awards. APU’s published 2026/2027 merit awards, Monash University Malaysia’s High Achiever Award, and scholarship and financial-aid opportunities at Sunway are a few popular options for international students.
What is the cheapest way to study in Malaysia?
Costs vary by university, programme, accommodation and lifestyle. Public universities generally have lower published average bachelor’s tuition ranges than private institutions, but students should compare total costs rather than tuition alone.
How much should I budget for studying in Malaysia in 2027?
There is no responsible one-size-fits-all figure because costs vary according to your university, programme, and lifestyle. For 2027 planning, the blog recommends calculating your budget across four categories: tuition, living expenses, immigration and health requirements, and scholarships.
