Malaysia
Last updated: April 20, 2026

Study in Malaysia counseling has started for the January intake.
About Malaysia
Malaysia consists of three federal territories and 13 states. It is a federal constitutional monarchy in Southeast Asia, sharing land borders with Indonesia, Brunei, and Thailand, and maritime borders with the Philippines, Singapore, and Vietnam.
A multicultural and multi-ethnic country, Malaysia's constitution confirms Islam as the state religion while protecting the freedom of its citizens to follow their religion of choice. Due to colonial influence, the official mechanism combines legal procedures outlined by English common law within a Westminster parliamentary system.
The head of state, known as Yang di-Pertuan Agong, is selected from the hereditary rulers of Malaysia's 13 states. The prime minister is considered the head of government.
Facts about Malaysia
- Kuala Lumpur, the capital, is the sixth most visited city in the world.
- Foreign policy focuses on neutrality and maintaining peaceful relations with all countries.
- Tourism is Malaysia's third-largest source of foreign exchange revenue.
- The country has one of Asia's most developed telecommunications networks and infrastructures.
- Being born in Malaysia does not automatically grant citizenship. However, a child born to two Malaysian parents outside the country is granted automatic citizenship. Malaysia does not allow dual citizenship.
- The main ethnic groups are Malay and Bumiputra. The constitution defines Malay as Muslim, practicing traditional culture and customs.
- Hari Kebangsaan, or National Day, is celebrated on August 31, commemorating independence from British colonial rule in 1957.
Climate of Malaysia
Malaysia experiences tropical weather. It is humid due to its proximity to the South China Sea, with average temperatures between 70 and 80°F (20 and 30°C). The rainy season brings heavy rain between October and November and through February on the west and east coasts.
Language in Malaysia
The official language is Malaysian, with English as the second most spoken language. Manglish, a colloquial English influenced by Malay, Chinese, and Tamil, is also commonly heard.
Religion in Malaysia
Islam is the state religion, with nearly 60% of the population practicing the Muslim faith. Other religions include Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, and Confucianism. Sharia courts handle religious matters for Muslims, while public courts have jurisdiction over cases like divorce, marriage, apostasy, and inheritance.
Flag of Malaysia
- Capital: Kuala Lumpur
- Population: 32,049,700 (2017 estimate)
- Area: 329,750 km² total (328,550 km² land)
- Language: Malay, English
- Gross Domestic Product: 31,450.03 Crores USD (2017)
- Currency: Malaysian ringgit (1 MYR ≈ Rs. 18)
- National Symbol:
Types of institutions in Malaysia
1. Private Institute
There are three types of private institutions:
A. College Colleges are independent institutions that prepare students to sit as external candidates for degrees at different universities or run prescribed courses for those universities' degrees.
B. University College A university college is a higher educational institution with the power to award degrees but does not have full university status, though it often works toward that goal.
C. University A university awards undergraduate and postgraduate degrees and is devoted to research across its various faculties.
2. Branch Campus of Foreign Universities
There are four branch campuses of foreign universities in Malaysia, with others in the pipeline:
- Curtin University of Technology (Australia)
- Monash University (Australia)
- Swinburne University of Technology (Australia)
- University of Nottingham (UK)
Degree options in Malaysia
1. Certificate
- Entry requirements: 'O' level or equivalent (SPM / GCE) with 1 credit.
- Age range: 17 and above.
- Duration: 1-1.5 years.
- The certificate program is an option for students unsure of their tertiary focus or who did not perform satisfactorily in high school.
2. Foundation / Pre-University
- Entry requirements: 'O' level or equivalent (SPM / GCE) with 5 credits.
- Age range: 17 and above.
- Duration: 1 - 1.5 years.
- Foundation programs prepare students for degree courses. Popular options include the Canadian Pre-University Program, South Australian Matriculation, and American Degree Program.
3. Diploma
- Entry requirements: 'O' level or equivalent (SPM / GCE) with 3 credits.
- Age range: 17 and above.
- Duration: 2 - 3 years.
- A diploma program covers modules similar to a degree program but is more focused. READ MORE
Twinning Degree Programs
Malaysia offers internationally recognized qualifications through "2 + 1" and "2 + 2" twinning degree programs.
The "2 + 1" undergraduate twinning program involves studying in Malaysia and receiving a degree from an international university. Through partnerships with universities in countries like Germany, the UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and France, students gain experience in two countries while earning an accredited degree.
The "2 + 2" twinning agreement, popular with US institutions (often called the American Degree Program or ADP), allows students to complete pre-installed and transferable coursework in a Malaysian college before finishing their degree at an American partner university.
International students are drawn to Malaysia for this intercultural experience. Twinning programs offer significant savings on tuition and living expenses. For example, a "2 + 1" law program could save up to USD $30,000 compared to studying all three years in the UK.
The "3 + 0" system is an extension of the twinning program, where the entire undergraduate degree from a leading foreign university is completed at a private institution in Malaysia.
Earn While You Learn in Malaysia
One Year Diploma in Hospitality Management
This is an Earn While You Learn program, combining 1 month of study with 11 months of paid internship. Students get practical training and firsthand exposure in hospitality. The course is economically sustainable, with on-job training positions ready for each trainee.
Students learn all aspects of hotel management, including housekeeping, F&B operations, bar operations, and kitchen assistance. READ MORE
Why Malaysia and how IDEAL can help?
With over 30 years of experience in international education, Malaysia's well-structured higher education system offers international credentials at competitive rates. By the beginning of 2010, over 80,000 international students from more than 100 countries were enrolled in courses ranging from diploma to postgraduate levels.
Malaysia's popularity as an international education destination reflects global trust. Most private institutes, language schools, and public universities have experience providing the supportive environment international students need. Studying in Malaysia equips you with globally relevant knowledge and skills while offering a comfortable, rich experience.
Find the right university with IDEAL
Malaysian institutions are diverse. Education can be public or private, with variations in student numbers, degree types, costs, and housing. Finding the perfect fit and navigating different admission standards is challenging.
IDEAL can assist you in finding the appropriate Malaysian university through our search tools and authorized consulting agents. We consider factors like your academic background, goals, and personal accomplishments to match you with suitable institutions. We help secure conditional admission before you leave your home country.
If you are interested in studying in Malaysia, you are welcome to Admission Guardian. We ensure your successful career and future by making the admission process easier and more beneficial. to assist you.







