Living in Malaysia – Postgraduate Guide

There’s nowhere else quite like Malaysia: combining stunningly biodiverse equatorial rainforests and secluded islands with the glittering, hypermodern capital city of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia is a truly unique study abroad destination.

If you’re considering a Masters in Malaysia, you’re not alone – this Southeast Asian country is becoming a regional higher education hub, hosting increasing numbers of international students from around the world.

This page will give you an overview of what you need to know about student life in Malaysia, from accommodation and living costs to local culture and transport.

Situated across the Malay Peninsula and part of the island of Borneo, Malaysia is a multicultural and modern Southeast Asian nation that welcomes thousands of international students each year.

Malaysia’s diversity is a result of the country’s large Malay, Orang Asli, Chinese, Indian and Eurasian populations. These ethnic groups play an important role in Malaysia’s cultural identity, hosting many vibrant festivals and celebrations over the course of the year. Malaysian cuisine also benefits from this diversity – hungry postgraduates can treat themselves to everything from nasi goreng (stir-fried rice with meat and vegetables) to mouth-watering street food stalls and sophisticated restaurants in the capital of Kuala Lumpur.

Speaking of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s biggest city is a major regional urban hub and home to the Petronas Towers – the tallest twin towers in the world. The city boasts beguiling mix of colonial-era buildings and dizzying skyscrapers, along with a world-class shopping scene.

Masters students in Malaysia will also be drawn to its outstanding nature reserves and wildlife centres, including the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and the Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre.

Depending on your preferences, you can usually choose between university-owned accommodation and private housing for your stay in Malaysia.

University-owned student housing is usually on-campus, but some institutions may also offer off-campus flats to Masters students. This type of accommodation is usually cheaper than private alternatives and could be available in the form of residential halls, shared apartments or single rooms.

These are some indicative prices of university-owned accommodation in Malaysia:

• Single room in a hall of residence – MYR 372-1,395 (USD $80-300) per month
• Room in a shared apartment – MYR 372-930 (USD $80-200) per month

Private accommodation is another option and comes in several varieties: high-rise condominiums, shared flats and houses. Here are some typical rental prices you’ll find in Malaysia:

• Private apartment – MYR 465-3,256 (USD $100-700) per month
• Shared apartment – MYR 232-1,163 (USD $50-250) per month
• Private condominium – MYR 697-9,304 (USD $150-2,000) per month

So, whether you’re sticking to a tight budget or looking to live in luxury, you should be able to find some suitable accommodation!

Despite enjoying a high quality of life, the cost of living in Malaysia is relatively low, making it an attractive destination for international students.

You can get a good meal for as little as MYR 12 (USD $2.58), with an upmarket three course meal for two costing around MYR 80 (USD $ 17.21).

A monthly travelcard will set you back MYR 60 (USD $12.91), while a cinema ticket is MYR 18 (USD $3.87).

International students in Malaysia can work for up to 20 hours a week during holidays and semester breaks.

You’ll need to make an application for part-time work through your university’s international office and can only work in the following areas:

• Hotels
• Mini markets
• Petrol kiosks
• Restaurants

Hopefully you’ve now got an impression of what postgraduate life in Malaysia involves, whether that means hanging out with orangutans at a conservation centre or sampling the country’s mouth-watering array of cuisines. These are a few other practicalities to take into account if you’re considering a Masters in Malaysia.

Health insurance

As part of the terms of your student visa, you’re required to be covered by a local Malaysian health insurance policy from the day of your arrival in the country.

Your university will be able to advise you on a suitable health insurance package. Expect to pay around MYR 620 per year (USD $150) for medical coverage.

Banking

Opening a local bank account once you’ve arrived in Malaysia will make regular payments like tuition fees and rent easier to make. The process of opening an account isn’t too complicated and some universities even have on-campus bank branches.

You’ll usually need to bring along the following documents:

• Student visa
• Passport
• Letter of acceptance from your university
• Proof of address

Most Malaysian banks also ask for a deposit of about MYR 250 (USD $60).

Transport

There are lots of transport options across Malaysia. Inter-city bus travel is comfortable and affordable, while long-distance trains connect Malaysia to Singapore and Thailand. Kuala Lumpur has an efficient transit system, with a monorail, light rail and commuter rail options.