Quick Facts.
- Population: 32 million people (2018)
- Capital: Kuala Lumpur with more than 7 million inhabitants, the administrative capital, however, is Putrajaya with less than 100,000 inhabitants!
- Name: Malaysia
- Motto: ‘Unity is Strength’
- Government: Constitutional monarchy. Federation of 13 states and three territories. The country also has a king who is elected every five years.
- Language: Malay (Bahasa Malaysia)
- Religion: mainly Islam (60%). There are also Buddhists (20%), Christians (9%) and Hindu (6%)
- Currency: 1 Ringgit = 100 sen
- Why Study in Malaysia?
Malaysia’s international education sector has grown tremendously in the last decade and the country is fast becoming a centre of educational excellence in South East Asia. Malaysia is currently the world’s 11th most preferred study abroad According to UNESCO, Malaysia has captured a 2% market shhttp://www.thechopras.com/are of international students in the fast-growing private education sector. Malaysia currently has more than 80,000 international students from more than 100 countries. International students enjoy a safe and comfortable living environment with 21st-century amenities, good healthcare and medical facilities, excellent educational institutions, and world-class recreational and sports facilities. Malaysia offers international students many options for quality education programs at an affordable cost. In addition, Malaysia is becoming a preferred country for foreign investment in the higher education sector. There are many foreign university branch campuses in Malaysia at present and more are expected to be established in the near future. The government welcomes foreign universities to establish branch campuses in Malaysia, particularly in Iskandar Malaysia’s EduCity in Nusajaya (Johor) and Kuala Lumpur Education City (KLEC). Due to all these reasons, students want to study in Malaysia to further their dreams. - Living in Malaysia
Malaysia is located at the heart of South-East Asia and is a lively multi-cultural country. It is well known as a dynamic tourist destination and also for its capital, Kuala Lumpur, which boasts some of the most spectacular architecture in the world (and some of the tallest buildings!). In recent years, Malaysia has opened up to foreigners of all nationalities, creating a dynamic environment in which to work and study.
One of the newly industrialized countries, Malaysia has a booming economy (annual growth is around 5%) which performed beyond expectations over the last two decades. Sectors such as services, manufacturing, agriculture, mining and construction have all experienced growth and this has been reflected by an increase in national spending.
Key Facts:
- Malaysia had 13 states and 3 federal territories, divided into Peninsular Malaysia (where 80% of the population lives) and the states of Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo
- Parliamentary democracy
- Population: 28 million
- The main religion is Islam but other religions are well represented
- While Kuala Lumpur is the capital, the federal government is in Putrajaya
- 5 main ethnic groups, hence several languages are commonly spoken (in addition to English)
- The climate is tropical with monsoon seasons (which will happen at different times of the year depending on which part of Malaysia you live)
- Peninsular Malaysia has a coastline which extends nearly 1,900km (1,200 miles)
- Cost
Living costs/banking
Despite the current worldwide economic situation, Malaysia continues to be a country with a high standard of living as well as a very affordable place to live and study.
Examples of prices
- Inexpensive restaurant, 2-course meal with soft drink: MYR7-10.
- Monthly public transport pass (Regular Price): MYR50-100
- Monthly gym subscription: MYR150
- Cinema ticket: MYR12
Opening a bank account is not compulsory but will be needed if you are to receive a stipend or to avoid paying unnecessary fees when paying for your day-to-day expenses. The international student’s office/service in your university may provide guidelines to open a bank account in Malaysia. You will most likely require:
- A confirmation letter from your university
- Your passport and Student Pass
- A cash deposit of around MYR250
- Proof of address
There are plenty of local banks as well as international banks with branches in Malaysia. They all have different fees and terms & conditions so be sure to read all the documentation carefully.
Visa Processing
International students are required to have a Student Pass (equivalent to a student visa) to study in Malaysia. A Student Pass is an approved document issued by the Immigration Department.
Once you have an offer of admission, your visa application can be made through your university’s International Students’ office/service prior to entry for a fee (see below). Your University will provide you with guidelines and forms to apply for your Student Pass. Please note that your Student Pass is only valid to study at the University it refers to. If you wish to transfer to another university, a new Student Pass will be required.
Visa application-associated fees:
- Processing fee: MYR50-60
- Visa fee: varies according to the country of origin
- Personal bond fee, refundable upon completion of your degree: MYR200–2000
Immediate family members (spouse and children) are allowed to stay with you in Malaysia. They will be given a Social Visit Pass for the duration of your course. You and your family may have to demonstrate that you have adequate financial resources to live in Malaysia.
You (and your family, if applicable) are recommended to register (and their family, if applicable) at your local embassy/consulate while you are staying in Malaysia (the procedure will vary depending on your country of origin).
Students from countries such as Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nigeria, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and India are required to obtain an approval letter/visa clearance from the Immigration Department of Malaysia before entering Malaysia.