K M Enayet Hossain
08 October, 2022

7 min read

Guide

Apply to Study in the UK from Malaysia

UK is the second best choice by Malaysian students aspiring for higher education overseas. Find key information about study in the UK entry requirements, how to apply, document requirements, visa application procedures etc. for Malaysian students applying from Malaysia.

Classified as a ‘low risk’ country, Malaysia is in top 10 for UK student visa grant with 99% approval rate. UKVI has ‘differential evidence requirement’ arrangements for Malaysian students - Malaysian nationals applying for student visa in Malaysia do not need to provide education certificates or bank statements with their visa applications.

More Malaysian students have been showing growing interests to study in the UK year on year. 6,702 Malaysian students came with study visa in the year ending March 2022; the number was 6,373 in 2021 and 3,869 in 2020. To meet the growing demand by Malaysian students, our dedicated student service team provide end-to-end admission and student visa support to Malaysian students looking to study in the UK.

Admissions are open at our partner universities in the UK – submit your initial application to commence your Study UK journey.

Study in the UK – Key Information

Academic level
Level 3 to Level 8

Qualification type
Foundation, Undergraduate, Postgraduate & Doctorate

Study mode
Full-time, part-time or on-line

Duration
0.5 year to 4 years*

Intakes
Throughout the year*

Scholarship
Yes*

Study UK – submit admission inquiry

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Take the first step to your study in the UK journey

Find a course 

Choose the right course that meets your academic and career goals for the financial budget you have.

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Find a University

Research and choose the right university and campus location for the course you have decided to study.

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Find how to apply

Learn what documents and information you will require to make a successful application for your admission.

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Contact us

Contact our professional team for further details and support for admission and student visa application.

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  1. Offering 15,000+ courses at 100+ study locations
  2. Availing almost any subject and year-round intakes
  3. Helping students from any country, on-line and off-line
  4. Providing end-to-end services, almost 24/7
  5. Maintaining 99% visa success rate
  6. Equipping 14+ years accumulative admission experience

Cost of Studying in the UK for Malaysian Students

The cost breakdowns below are average figures of expenses that a typical Malaysian student will spend on commonly studied subjects at commonly chosen universities in the UK while living a UK life like other international students. However, these costs may vary for certain courses at top universities. For living and maintenance costs, students are in control and can choose to spend more or less as per their financial ability or necessity. This is a general guideline for Malaysian students to prepare for their budget to study in the UK.

Tuition Fee

Course Level Average Cost (GBP) Average Cost (MYR)
Foundation courses (Full fees) 10000 to 15000 49628 to 74442
Undergraduate courses (per year) 11000 to 15000 54590 to 74442
Postgraduate courses (Full fees) 11000 to 16000 54590 to 79405
Doctorate courses (per year) 14000 to 16000 69479 to 79405

Most of the universities offer some scholarship ranging from GBP 500 to GBP 5000 which will reduce tuition fee cost.

Living cost and Maintenance costs per month

Details Average Cost (GBP) Average Cost (MYR)
Accommodation 400 to 500 1985 to 2481
Utility bills 30 to 40 149 to 198
Travel 100 to 150 496 to 744
Food 140 to 180 695 to 893
Mobile phone 10 to 30 50 to 149
Entertainment 40 to 100 198 to 496
Other casual irregular costs 20 to 50 99 to 248

Students get 30% discount on travel card and different types of discount on shopping.

Visa application and IHS (International Health Surcharge) fee

Details Cost (GBP) Cost (MYR)
Student visa application (One-off) 348 1727
IHS (per year) 470 2332

Visa application and IHS (International Health Surcharge) fee may change per year by Home Office. Please check visa application fees calculator & IHS fees calculator to find out how much you will have to pay for your application.

For up-to-date currency rate, please check oanda.com.

Earnings from working in the UK on student visa

Students will have the right to work while continuing their studies in the UK i.e. 10 hours per week if they are studying foundation course, 20 hours per week studying a bachelor, masters or PhD course. Students will be able to work full time per week during holiday period in between your course.

Student earning in the UK per month

Details Average earning from student job (GBP) Average earning student job (MYR)
Part-time work 460 to 800 2283 to 3970
Full-time work 1600 to 2000 7940 to 9926

Popular subjects Malaysian Students choose to study in the UK

The most popular subjects Malaysian students choose to study at UK universities include:

  • Law & Legal Studies
  • Psychology
  • Engineering
  • Computer Science & IT
  • Health
  • Medicine
  • Dentistry
  • Business
  • Marketing
  • Social Studies
  • Arts and Design
  • Nursing
  • Education
  • Accounting & Finance
  • Building & Architecture
  • Media & Communication
  • Environmental Science
  • International Relations
  • Journalism
  • Food Science
  • Agriculture & Veterinary
  • Tourism & Hospitality
  • Logistic & Supply Chain

Documents required for admission application

In general, initially students are required to provide the following documents for university admission applications:

  • All final official academic certificates and transcripts
  • Two academic reference letters
  • Up-to-date CV
  • Passport
  • English Language proficiency certificate i.e. IELTS
  • Personal statement of purpose
  • Research proposal (for MPhil, PhD course)
  • Portfolio of works (for art/design/architecture/film etc. course)
  • ACCA registration confirmation for ACCA course
  • Past visa refusal documents (if applicable)

Why choose to study in the UK from Malaysia?

11 top reasons Malaysian students choose to study in the UK

  • Gaining leads of academic excellence from top Western country
  • Learning in hugely diverse and multicultural environment
  • Developing stature of global citizenship
  • Growing to live independently in great international arena
  • Nurturing personal growth among diverse student community
  • Enjoying world-famous art, culture, music and international football
  • Going around historical places in the UK and travelling to Europe
  • Earning during study visa and post study work visa
  • Undertaking internship and work placement to enrich CV
  • Taking personal & professional transferrable skills away to Malaysia
  • Switching to skilled work visa to craft a career in the UK

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)s

What course I can study in the UK with my Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM)?

With the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) or the Malaysian Certificate of Education or UEC (Unified Examination Certificate – Senior Middle Level) qualification, you will usually qualify for a foundation course/international foundation year in the UK.

What course I can study in the UK with my Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM)?

With the Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) or the Malaysian Higher School Certificate or or a Matrikulasi (Matriculation Certificate), you will meet entry requirements of undergraduate courses (bachelor degree) in the UK.

Qualifications of Foundation courses, South Australian Matriculation, and Canadian Pre-university courses will be considered for entry to the first year of bachelor degrees. College / Institute / Polytechnic Certificates/Diplomas (2 or 3 years post-SPM) are considered for entry to the second or third year of bachelor degrees on a case-by-case basis.

Can I study in the UK from Malaysia without IELTS/other English tests?

Yes, if you have Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) 1119/GCE O level, then most of the UK universities will exempt you from IELTS or other English Proficiency tests. You need to have Grades 1-6 (for awards up to 2008) or grades C or above (for awards from 2009) in English Language. Note that the qualification must be jointly awarded by the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES).

Do I need to maintain maintenance funds for UK student visa application from Malaysia?

If you are a Malaysian Citizen applying for your student visa from Malaysia which is a low risk country, you do not need to submit evidence of maintenance funds but you still need to maintain it as required by UKVI. They may ask to submit it any time after your visa application.

Do I need to submit my educational certificates with my student visa application from Malaysia?

Malaysian students applying from UK student visa from Malaysia do not need to submit educational certificates with their visa application. However, you may need to submit these if UKVI ask for these after your application.

Need more information?

If you are not sure about your admission needs and want to consult us before making your decision, get in touch with our student counsellors –

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  • 12 May, 2013
  • John Doe
  • Lifestyle

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