Study in Malaysia
Malaysia is one of the most affordable English-speaking study destinations in Asia, home to international branch campuses of leading UK and Australian universities (Monash, Nottingham, Heriot-Watt) alongside strong public universities like Universiti Malaya. With low tuition, low living costs, a straightforward EMGS Student Pass process, and a flight of roughly 4.5 hours from Kathmandu, Malaysia is an increasingly popular choice for Nepali students who want a globally recognized degree without the price tag of the West.
Tuition Range
RM 10K - 90K/yr
Visa Type
Student Pass (EMGS)
Work Hours
20 hrs/wk (breaks)
Living Cost
RM 1.5K - 2.5K/mo
Top Scholarship
MIS (full + RM 1.5K/mo)
Why Study in Malaysia
Top Reasons to Choose Malaysia
Among the Most Affordable Destinations
Tuition starts from around RM 10,000/yr at public universities, while private universities and branch campuses charge roughly RM 30,000-90,000/yr — well below the UK, USA or Australia. Living costs of RM 1,500-2,500/month make Malaysia one of the cheapest ways to earn an international degree.
UK & Australian Degrees in Asia
International branch campuses like Monash University Malaysia, University of Nottingham Malaysia and Heriot-Watt University Malaysia award exactly the same degree as their home campuses — but at a fraction of the cost of studying in the home country.
Everything Taught in English
English is the medium of instruction across nearly all international and private programs in Malaysia. There is no new foreign language to master, which makes the academic transition smooth for Nepali students.
Twinning & Credit-Transfer Pathways
Flexible 3+0, 2+1 and credit-transfer (twinning) programs let you complete part or all of a UK, Australian or US degree in Malaysia, then transfer to the partner university abroad — a smart way to lower total cost.
Gateway to ASEAN Careers
Kuala Lumpur is a regional business hub with operations from global multinationals, opening up internships and graduate exposure. A Malaysian degree is an affordable launchpad for careers across Southeast Asia and beyond.
Safe, Multicultural & Close to Home
Malaysia is politically stable, multicultural and welcoming, with a large South Asian community, halal food widely available, and a short, affordable flight from Kathmandu — making it easier for families to visit.
Visa Process
EMGS Student Pass Process
Secure an admission Letter of Offer from an EMGS-registered Malaysian institution and pay the required tuition deposit.
Your institution submits the Student Pass application to Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) on your behalf through the EMGS/STARS online portal — students cannot lodge it themselves.
EMGS completes academic and document screening and issues the Approval to Study, then forwards your file to the Immigration Department of Malaysia for the Visa Approval Letter (VAL).
Receive your eVAL (electronic Visa Approval Letter) once approved in principle — typically within 4-6 weeks.
Apply for a Single Entry Visa (SEV) through Malaysia's official eVISA portal — Nepali passport holders need this before travel.
Travel to Malaysia and complete the compulsory post-arrival medical examination within 7 days of arrival.
Your institution submits your passport to the nearest Immigration Office to have the Student Pass sticker endorsed; it is then renewed annually.
Estimated Cost
EMGS + Immigration charges approx RM 3,200-4,950 for the first year (renewal approx RM 930-1,000/yr) — approximately NPR 96,000-1.5 Lakh. Apply via the official EMGS portal (educationmalaysia.gov.my).
Processing Time
4-6 weeks (up to 8 weeks)
Cost Breakdown
Cost of Studying in Malaysia
| Category | Estimated Range | In NPR |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition (Public University) | RM 10,000 - 30,000/yr | NPR 3.0 - 9.0 Lakh/yr (approx.) |
| Tuition (Private / Branch Campus) | RM 30,000 - 90,000/yr | NPR 9.0 - 27.0 Lakh/yr (approx.) |
| Living Expenses | RM 18,000 - 30,000/yr | NPR 5.4 - 9.0 Lakh/yr (approx.) |
| EMGS Student Pass (First Year) | RM 3,200 - 4,950 | NPR 96K - 1.5 Lakh (approx.) |
| Health Insurance & Medical | RM 500 - 1,000/yr | NPR 15K - 30K (approx.) |
| Total Annual Estimate | RM 32,000 - 95,000/yr | NPR 9.5 - 28.5 Lakh/yr (approx.) |
Universities
Top Universities in Malaysia
Universiti Malaya (UM)
Monash University Malaysia
University of Nottingham Malaysia
Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
Taylor's University
Sunway University
Scholarships
Scholarships for Nepali Students
Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS)
Full tuition + RM 1,500/month living allowance
Master's and PhD applicants with a minimum CGPA of 3.5; applications open roughly March-April each year via MOHE (biasiswa.mohe.gov.my)
Branch Campus Merit Scholarships (Monash, Nottingham, Heriot-Watt)
Up to 50% tuition reduction
High academic achievers; merit-based; varies by campus and program
Taylor's University Scholarships
Up to 100% tuition (merit-based)
Strong academic results; competitive selection by program and intake
Sunway University & UCSI Scholarships
Partial to full tuition awards
Merit-based; awarded on results and program availability
Public University (IPTA) Fee Discounts
Reduced international tuition
Merit-based; offered at select public universities for strong applicants
Work Rights
Work Rights in Malaysia
During Studies
Nepali students on a Student Pass may work up to 20 hours per week, but only during semester breaks and approved holidays of more than 7 days — not during regular term time. Work is limited to approved sectors (restaurants, mini-markets, hotels, petrol stations), and you must obtain a part-time work endorsement through your institution and EMGS first.
After Graduation
Malaysia does not offer an automatic long-term post-study work visa like Australia or Canada. Graduates who secure a job offer can have their employer sponsor an Employment Pass (or Professional Visit Pass). A limited graduate stay-back option exists in some cases, so always confirm the current rules with your university and the Immigration Department.
Post-Study Visa
Student Pass is tied to your course and renewed annually. After graduation, working requires an employer-sponsored Employment Pass.
Before applying to universities in Malaysia, you will need to demonstrate English proficiency. Most universities in Malaysia accept multiple test formats. Review the English proficiency tests for study abroad to compare IELTS, PTE, Duolingo, and TOEFL side by side, including country-specific IELTS score requirements.
Your application will also require a strong Statement of Purpose. Our SOP writing guide for Nepali students includes Malaysia-specific tips and the exact structure admissions committees expect. For financial requirements, see the financial documents guide with country-wise bank balance requirements and NRB regulations.
Ready to begin? Follow our complete study abroad application process from Nepal for a step-by-step walkthrough from choosing your destination to boarding your flight.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore More
Continue Your Research
Cost of Studying in Malaysia
Tuition, living costs, EMGS Student Pass and insurance fees in RM and NPR
Malaysia Student Visa (EMGS Student Pass)
Step-by-step EMGS Student Pass process, documents and fees for Nepali students
Top Universities in Malaysia
Universiti Malaya, UPM, Sunway, Monash Malaysia and branch campuses profiled
Malaysia Scholarships
Malaysia International Scholarship and university awards for Nepali students
Ready to Study in Malaysia?
Study Abroad from Nepal helps Nepali students study abroad from Nepal with confidence. Get personalized advice from our Malaysiaeducation specialists — we'll help you choose the right university, prepare your application, and guide you through the visa process.