Mon 19 June 2023
3+0 (Study 3 years in Malaysia)
Pursuing a foreign degree in the United Kingdom (UK) or Australia can open doors to a world of career possibilities. The UK is the top choice for international students, but with average tuition fees reaching as high as USD35,045 per year and even more in major cities like London, it's no surprise that many students struggle to afford it.
| Country | Annual Tuition Fees (USD) | Annual Cost of Living (USD) | Annual Total Cost (USD) |
| Australia | 24, 081 | 18, 012 | 42 ,093 |
| United States | 24, 914 | 11, 651 | 36, 565 |
| United Kingdom | 21, 365 | 13, 680 | 35, 045 |
But don't let high tuition fees derail your ambitions. In Malaysia, you can pursue a foreign degree from the UK or Australia through its twinning programmes, as the country is an established hub for transnational education.
There are three ways you can study a foreign degree in Malaysia, but the most cost-effective option is by doing a 3+0. It means you can spend three years studying at a Malaysian university paying lower tuition fees while earning a reputable UK or Australian degree. It's a win-win situation!
3+0 (Study 3 years in Malaysia)
The 3+0 Dual Degree programme is offered by several universities in Malaysia. These include Asia Pacific University, Help University and LimKokWing University. These universities have partnered with reputable universities such as De Montfort University and the University of Derby from the UK, and Swinburne University of Technology in Australia. At partner universities, you will likely graduate with two degrees, one awarded by the host university in Malaysia, and another by the partnered university.
Below is a list of a few Malaysian universities that have collaborated with foreign universities.
| Malaysian University | Partner University |
| Asia Pacific University (APU) | De Montfort University (UK) |
| HELP University | University of Derby |
| UOW Malaysia KDU University College | University of Wollongong Australia |
| International University of Malaya-Wales | University of Wales |
| Nilai University | Oxford Brookes University & La Trobe University |
| LimKokWing University | Swinburne University of Technology Australia |
Besides partner universities and colleges, Malaysia is also host to various branch universities. These are foreign universities (from the UK, Australia and even China) who have decided to establish branch campuses in Malaysia. Examples include Curtin University Malaysia, Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus, Monash University Malaysia, the University of Nottingham Malaysia, the University of Southampton Malaysia, Heriot-Watt University Malaysia Campus.
Pay lower fees for equally high education
The cost of a 3+0 option at a partner or branch university in Malaysia typically range from USD4,900-USD11,370 (three times less than enrolling in the UK or Australia).
Below is a cost comparison of the Bachelor of Computer Science (Hons) programme between Australia's University of Wollongong and its partner university in Malaysia, UOW Malaysia KDU University College.
At UOW Malaysia KDU University College, the cost of tuition and the estimated cost of living amounts to USD51,564, which is still considerably lower than the cost of a three year tuition at the University of Wollongong.
Let's take a look at another similar example for the BA (Hons) Business Management (CMI Accredited) programme at HELP University. In Malaysia, you’ll be spending a total USD48,964 for 3 years of study, roughly half of what you could be spending in the UK.
Let’s take another example. With the 2+1 Bachelor of Business Management at Segi University, Malaysia (partnered with the University of Central Lancashire), you will be spending approximately USD11,540 for 2 years at Segi University and a further USD18,000 to study in the UK for your final year.
The estimated cost of living as a student on a budget for two years in Malaysia is USD20,976, and USD 13,680 for one year in the UK.
So, the total cost of the Business Management degree and living expenses for this 2+1 twinning is approximately USD64,196.
| Study Options | Total Tuition Fees for Degree (USD) | Total Cost of Living (USD) | Total Cost (USD) |
| Fully in UK | 55,400 | 41,040 | 96,440 |
| 3+0 | 17,500 | 31,464 | 48,964 |
Gain Overseas Experience
While a 3+0 means you are based in Malaysia, you still have the opportunity to experience what it is like to be in the UK or Australia. For example, students who pursue the Business Management BA (Hons) programme — or any programme with a dual award — at Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation, can spend up to three weeks studying at its esteemed partner De Montfort University, UK.
BA (Hons) Business Management (CMI Accredited) students at HELP University on the other hand, get to experience a 10-day study visit to the University of Derby, UK, in the final year, with the cost already included in your tuition fee.
This means that you will still be exposed to a foreign study environment and gain new perspectives while on a tighter budget
Unlock Your Future with the 3+0
With top UK and Australian universities partnering with reputable Malaysian universities, you'll get the best of both worlds: a globally recognised degree and an affordable price.
For more information, contact our counsellors here and we'll guide you through the application process from start to finish.
