Wed 14 June 2023
Distance between Malaysia and Bangladesh
The University Grants Commission (UGC) of Bangladesh reports that almost 30% of Bangladeshis who pursue higher education abroad choose Malaysia as their study destination. Although Bangladesh has a significant number of universities and colleges, the demand for certain courses often exceeds the available capacity, leading students to seek education opportunities elsewhere.
Bangladesh ranked second in the number of international students in Malaysia in recent years, with 7,548 students enrolling in 2022 alone. In addition, the Malaysian Statistics Department records an approximate 228,700 Bangladeshi nationals living in Malaysia, highlighting the growing ties between the two nations.
In this article, we will explore the reasons Bangladeshi students make their way to Malaysia for international exposure.
Language Advantage
One of the significant advantages of studying in Malaysia is that Bangladeshi students can quickly learn Bahasa Malaysia (BM), the official language in Malaysia. Learning BM is relatively easy for Bangladeshi students as the language has a similar tone to Bangla, the national language of Bangladesh.
Admed, a Bangladeshi student who pursued higher education at a private university in Malaysia, found it easy to learn BM due to its similarity to Bengali.
“The university offered BM courses, which helped me adapt to the local culture and communicate with locals. I was determined to learn the language and within six months, I was speaking BM fluently. It made a massive difference in my experience as a student in Malaysia, and I would highly recommend other Bangladeshi students to take advantage of this opportunity,” Admed said.
High-Quality Education
Malaysia is home to reputable universities. The country has a well-established education system that emphasizes academic excellence and research. Many universities in Malaysia are globally recognized for their academic programs and offer a diverse range of courses in various fields of study.
The Malaysian government has heavily invested in education and it is evident in the quality of the education system. The universities in Malaysia have state-of-the-art facilities and employ highly qualified and experienced teaching staff. Furthermore, many of these universities have partnerships with universities in other countries, providing students with opportunities to study abroad and gain international experience.
Many Bangladeshi students prefer to study Computing and IT, Accounting & Finance, Psychology and Engineering in Malaysia.
There are 3 affordable ways one can study for a degree in Malaysia:
Distance between Malaysia and Bangladesh
Proximity is another factor that makes Malaysia an attractive destination among Bangladeshi students. The cost of airfare from Bangladesh to Malaysia is also relatively low compared to other top study destinations like the US or the UK. This means that students can travel between countries with relative ease and affordability. Another factor is the high frequency of flights.
A flight from Kuala Lumpur to Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, takes around four hours, making it a relatively short distance compared to other student cities. This proximity comforts many Bengali families, who feel at ease knowing that their children are not far away and can easily come home if needed. At the same time, this sense of proximity can also be comforting for students who may feel homesick or isolated in a foreign country.
The cost of flights between Kuala Lumpur and Dhaka can vary depending on factors such as time of year, how far in advance you book your ticket and which airline you choose. Here are several airlines that have been known to offer affordable flights between Kuala Lumpur and Dhaka:
Since the time difference between Malaysia and Bangladesh is only two hours, it’s easy for students to communicate with their families and friends back home. Students can remain in regular contact with their loved ones, be it through phone calls, video chats or social media.
Affordable Cost of Living
When it comes to pursuing higher education, the cost of tuition is often a major concern for students and their families. Malaysia is an affordable country to live and study in. The tuition fees and cost of living in Malaysia are lower compared to many other academic destinations and students can find accommodation and other necessities at a reasonable price.
In fact, the cost of studying in Malaysia is almost equivalent to attending a private university in Bangladesh.
By choosing to study in Malaysia, you can gain valuable education and experience while keeping your expenses at a manageable level. For example, renting a single-bedroom flat in Kuala Lumpur is approximately USD 542, while the price in Penang is approximately USD 250. On the other hand, rental prices in London would cost around USD 2,105 and USD 2,934 in New York.
Additionally, Bangladeshi students can enjoy their native cuisine in Malaysia, with numerous Bangladeshi restaurants in larger cities such as Kuala Lumpur specializing in traditional dishes like Biryani, Dhal, Kabab, Paratha and Shorba.
Here are some approximate prices for some of popular Bangladeshi dishes in Malaysia:
Financial Aid for International Students in Malaysia
In addition to the already affordable tuition fees and low cost of living, Bangladeshi students studying in Malaysia can further benefit from various financial aid programs and scholarships offered by Malaysian universities. These scholarships are designed to assist international students based on their academic merit, financial need and other factors.
For example, Multimedia University (MMU) offers the MMU International Student Entrance Scholarship and the MMU Merit (International Scholarship). Monash University Malaysia offers the Monash High Achiever Award while UNITEN provides the UNITEN Global Scholarship. These scholarships are just a few examples offered to international students by Malaysian universities.
Study in Malaysia
Investing in your education can lead to academic and financial success, and studying in Malaysia offers an excellent education at a fraction of the cost compared to other popular study destinations. Bangladeshi students studying in Malaysia can enjoy a welcoming and familiar environment with a thriving community that provides a sense of home away from home.
For more information, contact our counselors here and we'll guide you through the application process from start to finish.
