Unlock Your Future: Study Abroad in Malaysia's Homegrown Programmes 

Thu 15 June 2023

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Homegrown Programmes

Why study Homegrown Programmes in Malaysia

Financial Aid for International Students in Malaysia

Study in Malaysia

Imagine pursuing tertiary education in a place where the cost of living doesn't burn a hole in your pocket. A place where high-quality education doesn't come with an equally high price tag. Welcome to Malaysia, a haven for international students seeking affordable and world-class education.

Malaysia’s universities are among the best in the world, with 13 of them making it to the top 600 according to the QS World University Rankings 2023. But it's not just about the rankings, these universities also have a track record of producing highly employable graduates. So not only can you expect a top-notch education, you can also look forward to a bright future ahead. Malaysia truly offers the best of both worlds: affordable tertiary education and a promising career path.

Below is a cost comparison of studying in popular study destinations:

CountryAnnual Tuition Fees (USD)Annual Cost 
of Living (USD)
Annual Total Cost (USD)
Australia24, 081
18, 01242 ,093
United States24, 91411, 65136, 565
United Kingdom21, 36513, 68035, 045
Malaysia2, 45310, 48812, 941
Singapore18, 93720, 29239, 229

The cost of living in Malaysia is one of the most affordable compared to other countries, making it an attractive option for students looking to study abroad. According to the 2023 QS Best Student Cities Ranking, Kuala Lumpur (KL) is ranked 28th and is the sixth most affordable study destination in Asia. In fact, for USD 450 to USD 570, you can get a comfortable, furnished 3-room apartment that you can share with your friends, which is a reasonable price range for students. 

Malaysia is home to several  prestigious universities including Management & Science University (MSU), Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN), Taylors University, and Multimedia University (MMU), among others.

There are two affordable ways you can study a degree in Malaysia:

  1. 3+0 dual degree: You spend three years studying at a Malaysian university while earning a reputable UK or Australian degree. For more details, refer to our 3+0 article
  2. Homegrown programmes

Homegrown Programmes

Homegrown programmes provide international students a competitive and globally recognised education as well as cultural enrichment opportunities. It is a top choice for those seeking a unique and enriching overseas study  experience. The Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) monitors the quality of all areas of the education system for credibility, ensuring public and private higher education institutions provide high-quality education and students gain useful skills for their respective fields of work.

Whether you are seeking to broaden your horizons, deepen your understanding of different cultures or simply looking for a truly unforgettable foreign study experience, you must consider homegrown programmes in Malaysia.

Below is a cost comparison of studying a homegrown programme at MMU versus similar programmes in the UK.

Programme
Malaysia Homegrown Programme (MMU)Annual Fees
Average Annual Fees in UK 
Bachelor of International Business(Hons.) RM 22,427 or USD 5,146RM 120,051 or USD 27,550
Bachelor of Finance (Hons)RM 22,417 or USD 5,144RM 89,217 or USD 20,474
Bachelor of Engineering  (Hons)RM 23,635 or USD 5,421
RM 123,320 or USD 28,300
Bachelor of Computer Science  (Hons) RM 25, 750 or USD 5,909RM 125, 063 or USD 28,700

Why Study Homegrown Programmes in Malaysia 

In Malaysia, higher education is not limited to textbook knowledge. It's also about fostering innovation, creativity and independent thinking. Malaysian universities promote a holistic approach to learning where students are encouraged to think critically and outside the box. This makes the learning experience both challenging and fun for international students. 

Malaysian homegrown programmes are designed to enable students to delve deeper into their studies equipping them with practical skills and globally applicable knowledge. With well-drilled learning materials, students have all the resources they need to excel in their chosen fields and succeed in the global job market. In short, studying these programmes isn't just about getting a degree, it's about gaining a life-changing experience that can shape your future in a meaningful way.

Additionally, Malaysian universities and colleges have strong links with industry partners which offer students the opportunity to gain practical experience and network with professionals in their chosen fields.

Financial Aid for International Students in Malaysia

On top of more affordable tuition fees and lower cost of living, international students can also take advantage of scholarships and financial aid programmes offered by Malaysian universities. Many universities in Malaysia offer scholarships based on academic merit, financial need and other factors. For example, MMU offers the MMU International Student Entrance Scholarship and MMU Merit (International Scholarship) while UNITEN offers the UNITEN Global Scholarship.

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