Thu 15 June 2023
Do you aspire to study abroad in the UK, US or Australia but can’t afford to pay the exorbitant fees? The UK is the most popular study destination for international students. However, it costs an estimated USD35,045 on average for a single year of study while studying in London can cost even more. In most cases, high tuition fees often kill the dreams of many students hoping to study in these countries.
The table below shows a rough estimate of the annual expenditure required for the top academic destinations of Australia, the US and the UK.
| 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 |
In terms of total cost of study, this will burn a bigger hole in the pocket. For example, the total cost of a business degree at De Montfort University, UK is about USD56,100 for 3 years of study. The average cost of living including accommodation, transport, food and personal expenses can easily total to around USD41,040. This means you’ll be spending a total cost of up to USD97,140 during these three years.
With the above being said, did you know there is a way to get an international study experience without compromising on the quality of education? Malaysia — home to 170,000 international students from 162 countries — is fast becoming the preferred study destination for international students in Asia. The country is an established TNE (transnational education) hub with a well-developed higher education system. Enrolling in twinning programmes, a form of transnational education, is a popular choice among students.
The Types of Twinning Programmes in Malaysia
If you’re eager to have a UK or Australia degree but on a tighter budget, enrolling in a twinning programme is the best way to live your dream. A twinning programme is an academic course that is recognised or created in partnership with two universities, usually a local college/university and a foreign university. When completed, you will be awarded a degree from that foreign university.
Twinning programmes are popular among international students because they are more affordable, and students save anywhere from 30% to 50% off the cost of a full degree at the foreign university. With tuition fees ranging from USD4,900 to USD11,370 in Malaysia, as well as a more affordable cost of living, Kuala Lumpur is hailed as the most affordable city in Asia to study, with a score of 82.8, beating out cities like Jakarta, Bangalore and Gwangju.
Below are the types of twinning programmes offered in Malaysia;
2+1 (2 years in Malaysia + 1 year abroad)
The most popular twinning programmes among international students are those that offer a 2+1 combination. This means a chance to study for two years in Malaysia before completing the final year of the degree in the UK or Australia.
The credits you earn in the first two years of your degree as well as the modules you complete can be transferred so that you can continue your studies abroad. This way, you can get the full experience of living in the UK or Australia, inclusive of the vibrant activities, culture and lifestyle.
For example, if you study a 2+1 Business Management BA (Hons) programme at Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (partnered with De Montfort University, UK), you will be spending USD 32,600 (including an additional cost of USD 18,600 to study in the UK). The estimated cost of living as a student on a budget for two years in Malaysia (USD 20,976) and one year in the UK (USD 13,680) comes up to USD 34,656
So, the total cost of the Business Management degree and living expenses for this 2+1 twinning is approximately USD 67,256.
Refer to the table below for a better understanding and comparison:
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 | 55,800 | 41,040 | 96,040 |
| 2 + 1 | 29,540 | 34,656 | 64, 196 |
In a nutshell, if you’re interested in studying abroad but want to save money, the 2+1 twinning programme is the way to go.
For more information, contact our counsellors here and we’ll help you find the best option for you and guide you through the application process from start to finish.
