Other than its picturesque locales, enviable culture and warm and friendly people, Malaysia is transforming into a very popular education hub; because of its high-quality education system, world-class universities, infrastructure and comfortable and affordable living. In fact, the country ranks 11th in the world when it comes to housing the number of international students.
Malaysian Universities
Malaysia is home to a number of international university branch campuses, its primary goal being expanding and improving the country’s domain of higher education options for international students. Few of these branch campuses include those operated and managed by UK’s University of Nottingham and Australia’s Monash University.
Malaysia’s focus for expanding its educational opportunities through its branch campuses has also manifested in the new EduCity development in Johor, just 5km north of Singapore. This 350-acre campus is EduCity™ Iskandar Malaysia is a fully integrated education hub which is expected to play an integral part in the success of Malaysia’s Economic Transformation Programme. Shared by eight international branches run by leading universities from around the world, EduCity™ comprises universities and institutes of higher education, student accommodations, academia industry action and R&D centers and recreational and sports facilities. It is the first of its kind in Asia.
Applying to Malaysian Universities
Once you have decided to pursue your higher education in Malaysia, the next logical step is to applying to the universities there. There are plenty of degree options offered by different universities here in Malaysia. So, finding your area of interest and finding a University which will offer you the desired courses should not be a difficult task.
Admission dates can however vary across universities and regions. However, The actual admissions process for most colleges, both undergraduate and postgraduate start from February (semester one), and then subsequently in mid-late July (semester two).
Documents needed for Application
- 1 passport size photograph with white background (35mm x 45mm)
- A copy of your Passport -Your passport data page (bio-data page with your face, name etc.) and all pages with Visa information.
- A copy of your offer letter is required in order to apply for a student visa in Malaysia.
- Copies of all academic records, certificates or transcripts of studies previously undertaken.
- Pre-arrival Medical Examination Report from your country of residence if screening was done at a non-EMGS registered overseas clinic (as applicable).
- Personal Bond signed by the institution in Malaysia on your behalf.
English Language Proficiency Test
The Malaysian University English Test (MUET) evaluates your English proficiency of pre-university students for entry into university. It is mandatory for all students who wish to apply to first degree programmes in Malaysian public and private universities and colleges. The test measures the student’s proficiency in listening, reading, speaking and writing. It reports a student’s level of proficiency based on an aggregated score range of 0 – 300. The MUET is conducted by the Malaysian Examinations Council, which is a statutory body established under the Malaysian Examinations Council Act 1980.
The target band score varies with universities and courses that the student wishes to opt for. For instance, most courses in the Malaysian universities set the minimum requirement of a Band 3 in MUET, whereas students who want to pursue Law, Medicine, English Linguistics, TESL and English Literature are required to obtain at least a Band 4.
Alternatively, If you are a student from a non-English speaking nation then the college or institution may ask for your TOEFL or IELTS score. But this also differs from institution to institution. Since most of the A-Level students plan to further study overseas, they are eligible to take either IELTS or TOEFL instead of MUET. Also, as IELTS and TOEFL tests are held throughout the year, you can take it whenever you are ready, as long as you get your test result before you apply for admission into a Malaysian University.
Eligibility for Admission to a Malaysian University
Eligibility for Undergraduate programs
UEC (Unified Examination Certificate) Senior Middle level – with overall marks of at least 75 per cent
STPM (Sijil Tinggi Persekolhan Malaysia – Malaysia Higher School Certificate) – principal level passes
Matriculation Certificate (Matrikulasi)
Polytechnic Certificate
Eligibility for Post-graduate program
Bachelor’s degree (from a recognized public university)
Bachelor’s degree (from a recognized private university)
Successful completion of a recognized pre-master’s course
Level of English required
All applicants should have an qualified IELTS or TOEFL with a minimum score – IELTS 6 or TOEFL Paper Based 550 or TOEFL Computer Based 213. It is mandatory for those who apply for Bachelor of English language and literature.