Fri 20 Sept 2024
Many articles emphasise Malaysia's Muslim-friendly environment, but here at ApplyRadar, we’re cutting through the fluff to give you a detailed look at why studying in Malaysia is a smart choice for Middle Eastern students. From affordability to world-class education, here’s everything you need to know!
Malaysia boasts several top-ranking universities recognised globally for their academic excellence. For instance, In the QS Star Rating System, HELP University was awarded the maximum 5 Stars in 9 categories of endeavour, including Online Learning and Business and Management Studies; in the QS World University Ranking, HELP is placed No. 1 in Asia for Outbound Student Exchange in recognition of our achievements in placing students in top institutions worldwide and for being a university of choice for students from many continents. Institutions like Management and Science University (MSU), Asia Pacific University (APU), and Multimedia University (MMU) have also earned international recognition. For example, MSU has been awarded the QS 5-Star Rating for Teaching, Facilities, and Employability, APU received the QS 5-Star Rating for Online Learning, and MMU is recognised by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) and has won numerous awards for its research and development contributions.
Option 1: Affordable, High-Quality Homegrown Education
One of the most compelling reasons to study in Malaysia is the affordability of its education system. Here in Malaysia, private universities offer a very wide range of study disciplines. This affordability, combined with the high quality of education, makes Malaysia an attractive destination for students seeking value for their money. Most private universities partner with industry leaders and foreign universities to provide quality education. For instance, MMU collaborates with global tech giants such as Huawei and Microsoft to ensure their curriculum meets industry standards and provides students with real-world skills. Similarly, APU has established partnerships with various international universities and tech companies, enhancing its programmes with a global perspective and practical insights. Tuition fees in Malaysia typically range from $5,000 to $6,000 per year, significantly lower than in countries like the US or UK.
Option 2: Twinning Programmes – A Pathway to Global Education
Twinning programmes allow students to partly study in Malaysia, and then transfer to a university in another country to complete their degree programme. For Twinning programmes, the university’s degree course would have been assessed and the subjects mapped out by their overseas partner university for a guaranteed transfer. Malaysia's twinning programmes provide a cost-effective way to gain international exposure.
SEGi offers twinning programmes with universities from multiple countries, these include the University of Greenwich and the University of Sunderland in the UK, the University of Southern Queensland in Australia, and Troy University in the USA. The approximate price range for the twinning programme at SEGi University is $33,600 - $35,000
These programmes allow students to start their education in Malaysia and complete it abroad, providing a unique blend of local and international learning experiences.
Option 3: 3+0 Programmes – Overseas Certification at Local Prices
The 3+0 programmes in Malaysia allow students to complete their entire degree locally but receive certification from overseas universities. MAHSA University partners with institutions in the UK for its 3+0 programmes. For example, students can earn dual Medical degrees certified by MAHSA University and Anglia Ruskin University or Northumbria University. This arrangement provides international degrees at a fraction of the cost compared to studying all three years abroad. These programmes ensure that students receive globally recognised qualifications while enjoying the affordability and convenience of studying in Malaysia. The approximate cost of the 3+0 programme at MAHSA University, specifically for the Bachelor of Business Administration is $14,000.
INTI International University and Colleges offer 3+0 and 4+0 programmes in partnership with various prestigious institutions including Southern New Hampshire University (US), Coventry University (UK), which received a Top Gold Ranking in the UK's 2023 Teaching Excellence Framework, Sheffield Hallam University (UK), Swinburne University of Technology (Australia), ranked in the top 1% of universities worldwide in the 2024 QS World University Rankings, and CY Cergy Paris Université (France). These universities provide courses in various disciplines including culinary arts, arts and design, computing and engineering, with tuition costs ranging from $6,400 to $8,000.
Option 4: Branch Campuses – International Degrees in Malaysia
Malaysia hosts several branch campuses of renowned international universities, offering students the opportunity to earn prestigious degrees locally. For example, Henley Business School Malaysia offers business programmes with the same curriculum and certification as its UK campus, which is triple-accredited by AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS. The RCSI & UCD Malaysia Campus (RUMC) provides top-notch medical education recognised worldwide by bodies such as the UK’s General Medical Council (GMC) and the Irish Medical Council (IMC).
The University of Southampton Malaysia is a branch campus of the prestigious University of Southampton in the UK. Southampton Malaysia provides affordable UK education right here in Malaysia. Students enrolled in UoSM can save up to 60% of the cost for the same Southampton degree. There are also limited scholarships up to 100% and rewarding education grants. Studying here, students can gain professional accreditations in both the UK and Malaysia.
In summary, Malaysia stands as a premier destination for Middle Eastern students seeking affordable, high-quality education in a Muslim-friendly environment. With a vast array of options, from local degrees to twinning and 3+0 programmes, as well as branch campuses of top international universities, Malaysia offers an impressive variety of pathways to achieve your academic and career aspirations. The abundance of choices ensures you can find a programme that fits your budget and educational needs. By choosing Malaysia, you are not just selecting a degree but investing in a future filled with global opportunities and cultural enrichment. This multitude of options is why Malaysia should be your ideal educational destination.
