If you want to study in Malaysia from Bangladesh, the main reason students choose it is cost: tuition and living costs are generally lower than in the UK, Australia, Canada and New Zealand, and many courses are taught in English.
Malaysia also offers foreign branch campuses, rolling intakes and a familiar environment close to home. The trade-off is limited work rights and no Graduate Pass for Bangladeshi graduates at the time of writing, so it suits students focused on cost and a qualification more than on staying abroad.
- Typical postgraduate year: About RM 50,000 to RM 94,000, roughly BDT 15 lakh to 29 lakh, with tuition, living costs and visa-related fees included
- Main intakes: February or March, July or August, and September or October
- English requirement: IELTS or PTE at most universities, with some accepting a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter
- Work rights: Part-time work is limited to semester breaks, up to 20 hours per week, with approval
- After graduation: The Graduate Pass isn’t currently open to Bangladeshi graduates
Figures were correct as of 11th November 2026. Conversions use RM1 at about BDT 30.7, so they are approximate and will change.
Why Study in Malaysia as a Bangladeshi Student?
Malaysia answers the first question in the Bangladeshi decision chain, “Can I afford it?”, better than most destinations. It also offers a practical route into a respected qualification, since foreign branch campuses award degrees that are described as identical to those of the home university.
Students from Bangladesh also find it easier to settle in, with a shorter journey home, familiar food and an established Bangladeshi community.
- Lower cost: Lower tuition and living costs than the UK, Australia, Canada and New Zealand
- Branch campuses: Universities such as Nottingham, Heriot-Watt, Curtin and Southampton run campuses in Malaysia
- Rolling intakes: More start dates in the year, so a missed deadline doesn’t always mean a long wait
- English-taught courses: Many programmes are taught in English, though this varies by institution and course
- Rankings: Universiti Malaya was ranked 56th in the QS World University Rankings 2027, its highest ever position
How Much Does It Cost to Study in Malaysia From Bangladesh?
The full cost is more than tuition, so budget for the whole year. Tuition ranges widely, because public universities, private universities and foreign branch campuses price differently, and published averages vary by source.
| Cost Item |
Approximate Cost (RM) |
Approximate BDT |
Notes |
| Tuition, bachelor’s (per year) |
RM 6,500 to RM 44,600 |
BDT 2.0 lakh to 13.7 lakh |
Branch campuses and private universities sit towards the upper end |
| Tuition, master’s (per year) |
RM 30,000 to RM 60,000 |
BDT 9.2 lakh to 18.4 lakh |
Varies by course, for example MBA and engineering |
| Living costs (per year) |
RM 18,000 to RM 30,000 |
BDT 5.5 lakh to 9.2 lakh |
About RM 1,500 to RM 2,500 per month, higher in Kuala Lumpur |
| Visa processing |
RM 1,060, plus RM 579 refundable if unsuccessful |
About BDT 32,500, plus BDT 17,800 |
Charged through the university’s EMGS application |
| Medical insurance (per year) |
RM 500 to RM 800 |
About BDT 15,000 to 25,000 |
Mandatory, and costs vary by provider |
Putting these together, a postgraduate year is about RM 50,000 to RM 94,000, or roughly BDT 15 lakh to 29 lakh. Proof-of-funds requirements for Bangladeshi applicants aren’t published as a single figure, so confirm the amount with your university before you plan your savings or loan. Part-time work won’t offset these costs much, so don’t count on it for your living budget.
Can I Get Admitted to a Malaysian University From Bangladesh?
Entry requirements depend on the university and course. For bachelor’s degrees, universities look at your HSC or A Level result and subjects, and some ask for a foundation or diploma first. For postgraduate study, you will usually need a bachelor’s degree with a minimum CGPA, and work experience helps for MBA and professional courses.
For English, most universities ask for IELTS or PTE, and some accept a Medium of Instruction letter from your previous institution or their own English assessment. Around 70% of Bangladeshi students don’t reach their required score on the first attempt, so plan for a retake and treat it as normal.
StudyIn’s English language preparation can help you get ready, and you can compare programmes through Malaysia course search.
Expert View
“Malaysia works best for students who have a clear course in mind and a fixed budget. If staying abroad after graduation is your main goal, compare it with other destinations first, because the work and post-study options are different.” – Sabrina Mahbub, Country Manager, StudyIn – Bangladesh.
When Are the Intakes and How Does the Student Visa Work?
The main intakes are February or March, July or August, and September or October, and some universities add others. If you want the September 2027 intake, start comparing courses and booking your English test now, because the visa also takes time. Your university submits the Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) application after you accept an offer and pay the required deposit.
- Accept your offer, then your university applies for your Visa Approval Letter (VAL) through EMGS
- Receive the VAL, which Malaysia’s Education Malaysia site says takes about 14 business days after the application stage
- Get your Single Entry Visa or e-Visa if required, and Bangladesh is listed among the countries that can apply for the e-Visa
- Travel, complete your post-arrival medical screening and register with your university
- Receive your Student Pass and i-Kad, which usually takes about 10 business days
Overall, Education Malaysia’s guidance suggests about 3 to 4 weeks, but peak intakes can run slower. Read the official Education Malaysia student visa guidance and let your university or a StudyIn counsellor check the steps for your case.
Can You Work While Studying in Malaysia?
Only to a limited extent. International students on a Student Pass can’t work freely, and the published rules allow part-time work only during semester breaks or holidays, up to 20 hours per week, in a short list of sectors such as restaurants and hotels.
Approval is arranged through your university and the Immigration Department, and unauthorised work can lead to your visa being cancelled. Rules can change, so confirm them with your university.
What Happens After You Graduate in Malaysia?
This is where Malaysia differs most from the UK, Australia, Canada and New Zealand. The 12-month Graduate Pass isn’t open to Bangladeshi graduates at the time of writing, because Bangladesh isn’t on the official EMGS list of eligible nationalities. That list has changed before, so check it before you apply. Staying on generally means an employer-sponsored Employment Pass, and no outcome is guaranteed.
If you plan to return to Bangladesh, a degree from a recognised Malaysian university or branch campus can support your career, but check how your qualification is recognised in Bangladesh.
This matters most for regulated professions, where you should check the requirements of the relevant Bangladeshi professional body.
Which Universities Can You Choose From in Malaysia?
Malaysia has three types of institution: public universities, private universities and foreign branch campuses. Public universities such as Universiti Malaya are usually cheaper, while private universities and branch campuses cost more but often offer more intakes and international support.
Foreign Branch Campuses
These campuses teach for well-known UK, Australian and Irish universities, and are described as awarding degrees identical to those of the home university. They also tend to be at the upper end of Malaysian tuition, so compare fees before you shortlist.
Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia and the RCSI and UCD campus are medical schools, which are expensive and long, so they suit only a small number of students. For business, engineering and computing courses, compare the other five campuses, and check each university’s HSC or bachelor’s entry requirements, since they vary by course.
Private Universities
Course availability, fees and entry requirements differ for every university, so check each profile before you apply. You can also browse all Malaysian universities and institutes to compare options, and a StudyIn counsellor can help you shortlist by budget, course and English score.
Is Malaysia the Right Choice for You?
- Malaysia may suit you if: Budget is your main limit, you want a recognised degree at a lower cost, or you plan to return to Bangladesh after graduating
- Consider other destinations if: Staying abroad after graduation or working part-time during term matters most to you
- Consider timing if: You aren’t ready for the September 2027 intake, since a later intake may leave more time to prepare funds and an English score
How Can StudyIn Help You Study in Malaysia?
Choosing between public universities, private universities and branch campuses is hard to do alone, especially when fees, entry requirements and recognition differ so much.
StudyIn has over 20 years of experience helping students abroad, and the Bangladesh team supports you from eligibility and English requirements through shortlisting, applications, scholarships, financial evidence, visa preparation and pre-departure.
The service is free, so book a counselling session to check your profile, compare Malaysia with other destinations and plan your budget.
FAQs
Is Malaysia good for Bangladeshi students?
Yes, particularly for students whose main limit is budget. Tuition and living costs are generally lower than in the UK, Australia, Canada and New Zealand, but work rights are limited and Bangladeshi graduates aren’t currently eligible for the Graduate Pass.
How much does it cost to study in Malaysia from Bangladesh?
A postgraduate year typically costs about RM 50,000 to RM 94,000, roughly BDT 15 lakh to 29 lakh, including tuition, living costs and visa-related fees. Costs vary by university, course and city.
Do I need IELTS to study in Malaysia?
Most universities ask for IELTS, PTE or an equivalent test. Some accept a Medium of Instruction letter or their own English assessment, so check your chosen university.
Can I work while studying in Malaysia?
Only in limited circumstances. International students can generally work part-time only during semester breaks, for up to 20 hours per week and in permitted sectors, with immigration approval arranged through the university.
Can Bangladeshi students stay in Malaysia after graduating?
Not through the Graduate Pass, because Bangladesh isn’t on the EMGS list of eligible nationalities at the time of writing. Staying on usually needs an employer-sponsored Employment Pass.
When should I apply for the September intake in Malaysia?
Start as early as possible, ideally several months before your start date. Visa processing alone can take around 3 to 4 weeks, and many universities also run February and July intakes.
Is a Malaysian branch campus degree the same as the UK or Australian degree?
Foreign branch campuses award degrees that are described as identical to those of the home university. Check each programme and how it is recognised before you apply.
