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Cost of Studying in Malaysia for Indian Students 2027: Fees, Living Costs and Visa
The cost of studying in Malaysia for Indian students is typically ₹7 to 16 lakh a year at a private university and ₹9.5 to 19 lakh at a UK branch campus, including tuition and living costs. That makes Malaysia one of the most affordable routes to an internationally recognised degree.
Cost of Studying in Malaysia at a Glance (2027)
| Cost | Per year (MYR) | Approx. INR |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition, private university (bachelor’s) | 15,000 to 40,000 | ₹3.5 to 9.4 lakh |
| Tuition, UK branch campus (bachelor’s) | 25,000 to 55,000 | ₹5.9 to 12.9 lakh |
| Living costs | 10,560 to 31,200 | ₹2.5 to 7.3 lakh |
| Student visa and EMGS fees (first year) | 2,600 to 3,000 | ₹61,000 to 70,500 |
| Typical total, private university | 30,000 to 67,000 | ₹7 to 16 lakh |
INR conversions are approximate, at MYR 1 = ₹23.5 (October 2026). Medicine and dentistry cost more.
Budget Changes to Know for 2027
- Stronger ringgit: The ringgit has risen to around ₹23.5, up from about ₹21 in older budgets, so rupee costs are roughly 10% higher than many older estimates.
- No fixed bank balance: Malaysia doesn’t set a minimum bank balance for the Student Pass, but you’ll pay around MYR 3,000 in visa costs plus a refundable personal bond before you travel.
How Much Are Tuition Fees in Malaysia for Indian Students?
Tuition depends mainly on the type of institution. Public universities are cheapest but have limited international places, private universities sit in the middle, and UK branch campuses cost more but award the UK parent university’s degree.
| Level | Per year (MYR) | Approx. INR |
|---|---|---|
| Diploma | 8,000 to 20,000 | ₹1.9 to 4.7 lakh |
| Bachelor’s, public university | 4,000 to 15,000 | ₹0.9 to 3.5 lakh |
| Bachelor’s, private university | 15,000 to 40,000 | ₹3.5 to 9.4 lakh |
| Bachelor’s, UK branch campus | 25,000 to 55,000 | ₹5.9 to 12.9 lakh |
| Master’s, public university | 2,500 to 19,000 | ₹0.6 to 4.5 lakh |
| Master’s, private or branch campus | 27,000 to 47,000 | ₹6.3 to 11 lakh |
| PhD | 15,000 to 35,000 | ₹3.5 to 8.2 lakh |
For example, private universities such as Asia Pacific University, UTAR and SEGi University and Colleges sit towards the lower and middle of these ranges, while branch campuses such as University of Nottingham Malaysia and Heriot-Watt University Malaysia sit higher. Fees, rankings and entry requirements are compared side by side across the best universities in Malaysia.
Tuition fees by subject (private university bachelor's)
| Subject | Per year (MYR) | Approx. INR |
|---|---|---|
| Accounting | 22,000 to 40,000 | ₹5.2 to 9.4 lakh |
| Business and finance | 25,000 to 45,000 | ₹5.9 to 10.6 lakh |
| Computer science and IT | 28,000 to 55,000 | ₹6.6 to 12.9 lakh |
| Engineering | 30,000 to 60,000 | ₹7.1 to 14.1 lakh |
| Hospitality and tourism | 20,000 to 38,000 | ₹4.7 to 8.9 lakh |
| Medicine (MBBS) | 55,000 to 120,000 | ₹12.9 to 28.2 lakh |
Exact fees vary by programme, so check the specific courses in Malaysia on your shortlist.
What Are the Living Costs in Malaysia for Indian Students?
Indian students in Malaysia typically spend MYR 880 to 2,600 a month (about ₹20,700 to 61,100) on living costs, depending on city and lifestyle. Kuala Lumpur is the most expensive, while Penang and Johor Bahru are usually cheaper.
| Expense | Per month (MYR) | Approx. INR |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation, on campus | 200 to 600 | ₹4,700 to 14,100 |
| Accommodation, shared off campus | 400 to 1,200 | ₹9,400 to 28,200 |
| Food and groceries | 250 to 500 | ₹5,900 to 11,750 |
| Transport | 100 to 200 | ₹2,350 to 4,700 |
| Utilities, internet and mobile | 160 to 270 | ₹3,760 to 6,350 |
| Personal expenses | 170 to 420 | ₹4,000 to 9,870 |
Estimates based on Education Malaysia’s cost of living guidance. On-campus accommodation often includes utilities.
Expert View
“Families usually plan for tuition and rent but forget the money due before departure. Keep around ₹1 lakh aside for EMGS fees, insurance and the personal bond, and book on-campus housing for your first semester so your monthly costs are fixed while you settle in.” – Priyanka Baruah, Counsellor, StudyIn.
How Much Does a Malaysia Student Visa Cost for Indian Students?
Most first-year costs for the Malaysia student visa are paid through your university to EMGS. Expect to pay around MYR 2,600 to 3,000 (about ₹61,000 to 70,500) in total.
- EMGS processing fee: MYR 1,728, including service tax, for a pass of up to 12 months
- eVAL fee: Around MYR 160, including service tax
- Health insurance: MYR 498 to 644 a year through EMGS plans
- Medical screening: Around MYR 250 to 340, after arrival
- Student Pass sticker and i-Kad: MYR 60 and MYR 50
- Entry visa for Indian nationals: Around MYR 50
Fees are set out in EMGS’s official schedule of fees. Your Student Pass is renewed each year, at a much lower cost than the first-year total.
What One-Off Costs Should Indian Students Budget For?
| Cost | Amount | Approx. INR |
|---|---|---|
| Personal bond (refundable) | MYR 750 for Indian nationals | ₹17,600 |
| English test (IELTS, PTE or TOEFL) | Paid in INR | ₹17,000 to 19,000 |
| One-way flight from India | Varies by city and season | ₹20,000 to 40,000 |
| Rent deposit and set-up costs | MYR 800 to 2,000 | ₹18,800 to 47,000 |
The personal bond is held by Immigration and returned when you finish or leave your course; some universities collect a higher amount. Some private universities accept internal English tests or waive requirements for English-medium students, and if you do need a score, focused IELTS preparation can save you a costly retake.
Which Scholarships Can Reduce the Cost of Studying in Malaysia?
- Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS): A government award for master’s and PhD study covering tuition and a monthly living allowance, tenable at Malaysian public universities and selected private institutions. The 2026/27 round ran from 4th March to 3rd April 2026, so expect the next call around March 2027. Check that India is on the recipient country list.
- APU merit awards: Asia Pacific University offers tuition discounts for international students based on academic results.
- University merit awards: Most private universities and branch campuses offer merit scholarships and early-application discounts linked to specific intakes.
Most awards are assessed alongside your admission application, so the best way to cut your bill is to apply for scholarships in Malaysia at the same time as your offer, well ahead of your chosen intake in Malaysia.
Can Part-Time Work Help Cover Costs in Malaysia?
Only a little. International students can work up to 20 hours a week, but only during semester breaks or holidays longer than 7 days, and only with Immigration Department approval.
- Permitted sectors: Restaurants, petrol kiosks, mini markets and hotels
- Pay: Malaysia’s minimum wage is RM1,700 a month, roughly RM8 to 9 an hour
- Realistic impact: Useful pocket money during breaks, but not enough to fund tuition or term-time living costs
Longer-term return on your investment depends more on graduate opportunities, so it’s worth understanding jobs in Malaysia for Indian graduates and the Employment Pass salary threshold before you choose a course.
Tips to Reduce Your Cost of Studying in Malaysia
- Choose your city carefully: Penang and Johor Bahru are generally cheaper than central Kuala Lumpur
- Start on campus: Fixed rent with utilities included makes your first semester easier to budget
- Cook at home: Hawker meals are cheap, but home cooking cuts food costs further
- Use public transport: Kuala Lumpur’s LRT, MRT and bus network is inexpensive
- Apply early: Early-application discounts and scholarships often close before the intake starts
Plan Your Malaysia Budget With StudyIn
For most Indian families, Malaysia offers a recognised degree at a manageable cost, but the real total depends on your institution, course, city and timing. A clear budget before you apply avoids surprises later.
StudyIn, formerly SI-UK, has over 20 years of experience across multiple study destinations. Our counsellors help you compare fees, shortlist universities, find scholarships, manage your EMGS visa and prepare for departure. If you’re still deciding whether to study in Malaysia, we’ll help you weigh it up.
FAQs
What is the total cost of studying in Malaysia for Indian students?
Most Indian students spend ₹7 to 16 lakh a year at a private university and ₹9.5 to 19 lakh at a UK branch campus, including tuition and living costs. Medicine costs more.
What are tuition fees in Malaysia for Indian students?
Bachelor’s tuition is typically MYR 15,000 to 40,000 a year at private universities and MYR 25,000 to 55,000 at UK branch campuses, about ₹3.5 to 12.9 lakh.
How much do I need per month to live in Malaysia as a student?
Most Indian students spend MYR 880 to 2,600 a month, about ₹20,700 to 61,100, depending on city, accommodation and lifestyle.
How much does a Malaysia student visa cost for Indian students?
Expect around MYR 2,600 to 3,000, about ₹61,000 to 70,500, in first-year EMGS, insurance, medical and visa fees, plus a refundable personal bond of MYR 750.
Is there a minimum bank balance for a Malaysia student visa?
Malaysia doesn’t set a fixed minimum bank balance for the Student Pass, but you must pay EMGS and visa fees and a refundable personal bond, and some universities ask for proof of funds.
Can Indian students work part-time in Malaysia?
Yes, up to 20 hours a week, but only during semester breaks or holidays longer than 7 days, in approved sectors and with Immigration Department approval.
Which city in Malaysia is cheapest for students?
Penang and Johor Bahru are generally cheaper than central Kuala Lumpur, especially for accommodation.
