Malaysia is steadily gaining popularity as a destination for international students, thanks to its high-ranking universities, affordable tuition fees, and relatively low cost of living. Eight Malaysian institutions are ranked in the top 500 universities globally, according to the 2025 QS World University Rankings, which continues to attract students from across the world.
One of the key factors driving this trend is the affordability. Compared to traditional study-abroad destinations, Malaysia offers a significantly lower cost of living. It is roughly a third of the cost of living in the United States and about half of what students would spend in Canada or Ireland.
Tuition fees are also notably budget-friendly. The average annual fee for undergraduate programmes stands at around Rs 5 lakh (approximately US$ 6,000), making it an attractive option for those seeking quality education without the heavy financial burden associated with studying abroad.
In recent years, Malaysia has seen a steady increase in the number of international students. In 2023, the number of Indian students grew by 18 percent, with India becoming the fifth largest contributor to the student population in the country. While students from Asia and Africa made up the largest groups, Malaysia’s reputation as an accessible and welcoming destination has been spreading.
Postgraduate courses, in particular, have seen a rise in popularity since 2019, with more students opting to further their studies in Malaysia. The country’s post-study work policies have also been a major draw, offering flexibility to international students. In 2024, the Malaysian government introduced special graduate passes for students from India and China, allowing them to remain in the country under specific conditions after completing their studies.