Master's in Malaysia - Programs, Requirements, Scholarships

Why study for a Master’s degree in Malaysia?

Malaysia has an excellent location and a low cost of living, and it's also one of the safest countries in Asia. The English language is widely spoken, as it is taught in schools, and the urban areas are home to people of many different nationalities and cultures.

Malaysian universities rank highly in Asia, and the country hosts many foreign universities, making it an excellent destination for students from all over the world. In Malaysia, you can find high-quality master’s programs at a low cost, offering a competitive postgraduate degree and unique experiences.

Cost of Master’s Programs in Malaysia

The cost of a master’s in Malaysia for international students is usually between MYR 5,000 and MYR 55,000 (about €1,000 - €12,000). This range is an estimate, as fees may vary considerably depending on the university and the field of study.

Universities in Malaysia do not offer tuition-free master’s programs, so a scholarship is the only way for international students to study for a master's degree in Malaysia without paying tuition fees.

Life as an International Student in Malaysia

Malaysia's location makes it an ideal hub for traveling to nearby countries and immersing yourself in the diverse cultures of Asia. With over thirty national parks, beautiful weather, and a vibrant culinary scene, the country offers ample opportunities for exploration, even if you choose not to leave it at all during your studies.

Malaysian universities, governments, and other institutions provide facilities for international students, including scholarships and loans to finance their studies upon request. An additional advantage of studying in the country is the fast internet connection, which can be particularly useful during your studies.

Are there any 1-year Master’s Programs in Malaysia?

In case you’d like to save some time or enter the workforce sooner, you could look for a 1-year master’s program in Malaysia. Some master's programs in Malaysia are designed to be completed in 1 year or a little more, while others may take 2 years or longer.

It's essential to research the universities and programs you're interested in to determine their duration.

Can I study for a Master’s degree in Malaysia online?

Some universities in Malaysia also offer distance-learning programs, either in a part-time or full-time format. Attending an online master’s program leads to the exact same degree as an on-campus graduate program.

The number of distance-learning postgraduate programs varies depending on the field of study and the institution, but if you want to reduce the cost of your studies or continue working in your home country, it is possible to obtain a master’s degree from a Malaysian university through distance learning.

What are the basic entry requirements of Master’s Programs in Malaysia?

Every university has its own admission requirements for its postgraduate programs. However, the basic entry requirements, which must be met in any case, are a recent certificate of English language proficiency, such as IELTS or TOEFL, a copy of your bachelor’s degree, and, most likely, a detailed transcript of grades and a personal statement as well.

To study in Malaysia, you’ll need a valid passport and a student visa.

Are there any scholarships for Master’s Programs in Malaysia?

If you want to reduce the cost of your postgraduate studies, you can apply for a scholarship. You can get a scholarship either directly from the university you attend or from other public or private organizations.

The scholarships offered are usually aimed at financially disadvantaged students or students with outstanding performance at the undergraduate level and cover part of the tuition fees and, sometimes, the full cost of attendance.

By applying to universities through Brive, you have the chance to get one of our scholarships.

Popular fields of study in Malaysia for Master’s degrees

• Public Health
• Tourism and Hospitality Management
• Psychology
• Digital Marketing
• Physiotherapy
   

Can I stay in Malaysia after getting my master’s degree?

If you want to stay in Malaysia after completing your post-graduate studies, you can apply for a work permit. However, to obtain a work permit, you must first secure a sponsorship letter from the company you plan to work for, and your application must be approved by the state.

While on a student visa, you are only allowed to work on a part-time basis during holidays and after getting permission. It's important to note that the student visa expires after the completion of your studies.

While staying in Malaysia after completing your postgraduate studies may not be as straightforward as in some other countries, it is still possible.

How to apply to a Master’s Program in Malaysia?

Once you have gathered the necessary qualifications and documents, you can apply to the graduate school of your choice. Each university follows a different application procedure, but there is also an alternative.

By applying through Brive, you have access to personalized guidance throughout the process and can easily apply to the programs you like with just one click. You can also apply for one of our scholarships and reduce the cost of your studies.

Schedule a free counseling session with one of our certified counselors, discover the programs that suit your needs, and apply to universities all over the world.