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Malaysia
Malaysia is known for its diversity of cultures, natural beauty and close proximity to Australia. The urban areas are cosmopolitan, however it also boasts large rural areas that remain pristine and are steeped in tradition.
The Study Malaysia website provides comprehensive information and relevant links and contacts on education in Malaysia for international student subscription.
Tourism Malaysia has information about Malaysia for travellers, complete with updated facts, accommodation, events listing and other useful tips.
Planning your studies in Malaysia
Education Malaysia provides six easy steps to planning an international student’s study in Malaysia.
Links to Malaysia Government websites-foreign affairs
The official website of the Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Links to Malaysia Government websites -immigration
The official website of the Malaysian Department of Immigration.
Malaysia and embassy and consulates in Australia
HIGH COMMISSION OF MALAYSIA
7, Perth Avenue Yarralumla, ACT 2600
Tel: (02) 6273 1543/1545/1546
Fax: (02) 62734340/ 2496
www.malaysia.org.au/main.html
Immigration Matters
email: immigration@malaysia.org.au
General Enquiries
malcanberra@malaysia.org.au
consular@malaysia.org.au
Australian embassy and consulates in Malaysia
The Australian High Commission, Kuala Lumpur www.malaysia.embassy.gov.au
No. 6, Jalan Yap Kwan Seng, 50450 Kuala Lumpur
General line: 603-2146 5555
General fax: 603-2141 5773
Australian Honorary Consul, Kota Kinabalu
Suite 10.1, Level 10
Wisma Great Eastern ,65 Jalan Gaya
Kota Kinabalu, Sabah 88000 Malaysia
Tel: (60 88) 267 151
Fax: (60 88) 266 509
Email: andrewsmk@yahoo.com
Australian Honorary Consul, Kuching
Australian Consulate
Suite 504, 5th floor ,Wisma Bukit Mata Kuching
Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman
93100 Kuching, Sarawak
Telephone: (60 82) 233 350
Fax: (60 82) 313 388
Email: diting@tm.net.my
Australian Honorary Consul, Penang
1-C Lorong Hutton
10050 Penang
Telephone: (604) 262 5285 / 263 3320
Fax: (604) 263 3320
Tertiary studies in Malaysia
With over 50 private and public higher learning institutions, Malaysia offers a varied range of choices for international students.
The Study Malaysia website provides updated information relating to Tertiary Studies in Malaysia and it includes useful details for international students intending to study in Malaysia.
The Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education website provides comprehensive information on the higher education system and its various sectors as well as useful links and contact details for international students.
Fees and funding
For information on the cost of studying in Malaysia visit Education Malaysia.
Scholarships
Information for International and Malaysian students is available at Study Malaysia.
Studying in English
English language is part of the school curriculum in Malaysia and is taught as a second language. Over recent years the Malaysian Government has taken active measures to raise the standards of the language.
List of and links to universities in Malaysia
A search engine for courses and Malaysian private and public institutions can be found at Education Malaysia
List of and links to VET or technical colleges in Malaysia
A search engine for courses and Malaysian private and public institutions can be found at this section of Education Malaysia
Living in Malaysia
Costs and Budgeting
Cost of living for many overseas students in Malaysia is relatively cheap. Depending on the location and type of accommodation, rents can be anywhere between RM 250 - 1500 (A$96-$576) a month. A budget of RM 1500 - 2000 (A$576-$769) provides a comfortable stay in Malaysia
Visa and entry
Students participating in short term exchanges may be able to apply for a social visa for three months. Exchange students can also apply for a student visa. See the immigration website for up-to-date information or contact the Malaysian Embassy in Australia.
The Travel Malaysia Guide provides a step-by-step guide on the Malaysian student visa application process.
The official website of the Department of Immigration Malaysia on this page provides a guide on student visa application.
The Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education provides comprehensive guidelines for international students on the Do's and Don’ts in Malaysia .
Managing and accessing money – banking
Malaysia has internationally linked banking and financial services sector including Islamic banking services. There are automated teller machines (ATMs) available and most credit cards are accepted with VISA and MasterCard enjoying wider acceptance.
Accommodation
Rents are monthly and do not always cover water, electricity or furnishings. Home stays are also an option in some areas.
Most established institutions have residential arrangements and officers who will help find accommodation.
For more information on accommodation options, please download the AEI Malaysia Internships and Studies Guide, at Internship Overseas and refer to page 12.
Health care and insurance
International students studying in any Malaysian institution are required to be covered by insurance which covers medical care, repatriation and accidents. The cost of this will be incorporated in the overall fees. A medical examination is also compulsory for all international students who are in the country for six months or more. The institution will facilitate this procedure. General medical care is provided by both private and public centres. A visit to a GP will cost between RM 40 – 60(A$15-25) inclusive of medication.
For more information on health care and insurance options, please download the AEI Malaysia Internships and Studies Guide, at Internship Overseas and refer to page 13.
Conditions regarding Working in country
International students are not allowed to work full time in Malaysia. However, during internships, an allowance or stipend is permitted and students on vacation may work over a short period of time.
Most work environments employ a universally accepted code of conduct with a few rules that make way for cultural practices, like long prayer times for Muslims on Fridays and public holidays for religious cultural events.
For more information on working and internship in Malaysia, please download the AEI Malaysia Internships and Studies Guide, at Internship Overseas and refer to pages 10-11 and 16-17.
The "Study in Malaysia Guide" provides references and guidelines
Information for Australian students intending to pursue internships in Malaysia can be found at Internships and Studies in Malaysia.