15 Cheapest Universities in Malaysia for International Students

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In Malaysia, there are a lot of affordable universities that you can find. Enrolling in these schools will help you fulfill your dream of studying in Malaysia without paying a lot. These institutions also provide well-rounded academic programs and curriculums, allowing students to earn a degree with less burden on their pockets.

Now, if you’re planning to study in Malaysia, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 48 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Malaysia, make sure to read more!

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Cheap Bachelor's Colleges and Universities in Malaysia for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Malaysia ordered by their tuition fee for international bachelor's students.

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) 2,040 MYR - 7,760 MYR 87%
Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP) 3,000 MYR - 4,000 MYR 80%
Islamic Science University of Malaysia 5,500 MYR - 6,500 MYR 63%
Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) 6,000 MYR 60%
Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) 6,300 MYR - 30,200 MYR 58%
Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka 7,000 MYR - 8,000 MYR 53%
Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) 8,000 MYR - 8,900 MYR 46%
Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) 8,400 MYR - 10,000 MYR 43%
Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) 10,200 MYR - 20,200 MYR 31%
Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) 10,400 MYR - 14,300 MYR 30%
University of Malaya 11,800 MYR - 58,200 MYR 20%
Sultan Zainal Abidin University 11,900 MYR - 14,900 MYR 20%
Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) 12,900 MYR - 18,700 MYR 12%
International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) 15,000 MYR - 50,000 MYR -2%
UCSI University 15,000 MYR - 30,300 MYR -2%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 14,700 MYR for universities in Malaysia.

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1. Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK)

Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) was established in the year 2006 with the aim of being an institution that not only offers degree courses but also brings about entrepreneurial development. The university offers academic programs that give the graduates a good environment for fulfilling their social responsibilities and which in turn favors global prosperity. UMK has three campuses in different districts in Malaysia, namely, Bachok, Jeli, and Pengkalan Chepa.

2. Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP)

Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP) is famous for its science and technology courses. The university excels in the scientific area, which is why it invests more in laboratories and facilities to enhance its research and development sector. Throughout the years, the institution has showcased its skills in molding professional graduates capable of meeting the standards and needs of the industry.

3. Islamic Science University of Malaysia

The Islamic Science University of Malaysia (USIM) is a public institution in Nilai, Malaysia, that integrates spiritual and Islamic values with conventional scientific knowledge. USIM also has a branch campus located in Kuala Lumpur focusing on medicine. As part of its goals, USIM wants to produce graduates with high societal impact. They hope to achieve this by producing graduates that are not only devout and disciplined but also knowledgeable and skilled.

4. Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM)

Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) was initially founded in 1993 as Pusat Latihan Staff Polytechnic but was later renamed in 2006 to honor Tun Hussein bin Dato’ Onn, the third prime minister of Malaysia. It is a public university that holds true to its polytechnic roots by producing graduates with technical skills and relevant competencies to meet labor demands.

5. Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS)

Situated close to Mount Kinabalu and the South China Sea, the Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) has one of the most beautiful campuses in Southeast Asia, with access to beaches, mountainous views, and forests. Students of UMS get to study in a serene environment close to natural wonders while engaging with a passionate community of students and lecturers that care deeply about personal growth and creativity.

6. Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka

The Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka is a public university located in Malacca, a UNESCO world heritage city with a rich multi-cultural history. It is home to one of the best engineering programs in Malaysia and also has a strong and innovative IT department. Since UTeM’s inception in 2000, the university has placed a strong emphasis on practice-based learning. As a result, it is considered the pioneer of ‘Application and Practice Oriented’ education in Malaysia.

7. Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT)

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) is a marine-focused institution that aims to be well-reputed and works to produce graduates that form a sustainable global community. Formerly known as Malaysian Science and Technology University College (KUSTEM), UMT officially gained full university status in 2007 and has been working toward its goals since. It takes part in international academic activities, having students graduating internationally and locally in the different levels of education offered in the institution.

8. Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM)

Offering a diverse range of programs but with an emphasis on management, the Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) has one of the best management courses in Malaysia. Students of UUM get the privilege of being mentored by top-tier business and management professionals in the country. The university has two campuses to make studying convenient for its students, with the main campus in Sintok, Changlun, and the other in Kuala Lumpur.

9. Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)

The Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) initially started as a school of agriculture in 1931 but grew into an influential college in the Selangor region. In 1971, the government of Malaysia converted the college into a complete university capable of educating its students in a wide range of topics and areas.

10. Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA)

Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) is a world-class university focusing on technical courses such as engineering, biotechnology, data science, and more. The institution already has various campuses scattered around the country, with more than 10,000 students trained annually. Since its establishment, the university has aimed to allow its students to gain extensive real-world exposure to prepare them for the latest developments and updates in their fields of interest.

11. University of Malaya

The University of Malaya is the oldest and most prestigious university in Malaysia. With many academic programs to offer to domestic and international students, the institution continues innovating to provide its stakeholders with the best education possible. As a university of harmony and academic excellence, it seeks to widen its internationalization by taking in globally-competitive students and improving its research facilities to pave the way for more breakthrough discoveries.

12. Sultan Zainal Abidin University

Sultan Zainal Abidin University is a vast institution that offers a variety of courses to its students based on their interests. Other than the career courses offered, the university prides itself on having clubs and associations as well as sporting activities for the all-around development of its students. The graduate employability is at 90 percent, showing the quality of the graduates produced by the university.

13. Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR)

Named in honor of Malaysia’s first prime minister, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) is a private research university founded with a philosophy of knowledge dissemination and innovation. It is among the top private universities in Malaysia and offers courses in specialist areas like biomedical engineering and digital economy technology. The university also boasts two campus locations, providing its students with a wealth of experience and options.

14. International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM)

Integrating Islamic values and worldviews into scientific and technical education, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) aims to restore the roles of Muslims in knowledge creation and dissemination. Founded in 1983 by the government of Malaysia with aid from prominent Muslim scholars, the university has grown into a hub of innovation and extensive academic activities. In addition to skill and competencies, education in IIUM bestows students with a strong ethical conscience and a drive for societal development and impact.

15. UCSI University

UCSI University is a scientific based institution that envisions itself as being among the universities known to be leaders in academics and community engagement in the area in which it is situated. The university offers research programs with unique delivery methods meant to empower the students and encourage them to desire to be more successful  and to contribute more to society.

Cheap Master's Colleges and Universities in Malaysia for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Malaysia ordered by their tuition fee for international master's students.

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) 1,470 MYR - 7,770 MYR 86%
Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) 1,600 MYR - 14,000 MYR 84%
Multimedia University 1,780 MYR - 27,500 MYR 83%
Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) 2,915 MYR - 14,000 MYR 71%
Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) 4,600 MYR - 21,300 MYR 54%
Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) 4,620 MYR - 38,200 MYR 54%
Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka 4,680 MYR - 10,200 MYR 53%
Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP) 5,000 MYR - 9,200 MYR 50%
Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) 5,000 MYR - 55,200 MYR 50%
Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS 5,500 MYR - 100,000 MYR 45%
Sultan Zainal Abidin University 5,570 MYR - 30,900 MYR 44%
International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) 6,400 MYR - 20,300 MYR 36%
Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) 6,600 MYR - 16,400 MYR 34%
Universiti Selangor (UNISEL) 7,000 MYR - 14,800 MYR 30%
Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN) 7,200 MYR - 24,000 MYR 28%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 9,902 MYR for universities in Malaysia.

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1. Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK)

Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) was established in the year 2006 with the aim of being an institution that not only offers degree courses but also brings about entrepreneurial development. The university offers academic programs that give the graduates a good environment for fulfilling their social responsibilities and which in turn favors global prosperity. UMK has three campuses in different districts in Malaysia, namely, Bachok, Jeli, and Pengkalan Chepa.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 1,470 MYR to 7,770 MYR annually for their master's degree.

2. Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM)

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM). Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) is 1,600 MYR to 14,000 MYR.

Offering a diverse range of programs but with an emphasis on management, the Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) has one of the best management courses in Malaysia. Students of UUM get the privilege of being mentored by top-tier business and management professionals in the country. The university has two campuses to make studying convenient for its students, with the main campus in Sintok, Changlun, and the other in Kuala Lumpur.

3. Multimedia University

Multimedia University (MMU) is the first private research university in Malaysia. Initially named Telekom University (UniTELE) during its establishment in 1996 but later renamed Multimedia University in 2000, MMU specializes in information and technology-related fields. In addition, the university is located in Cyberjaya, a bustling technological hub that has been dubbed ‘the Silicon Valley of Malaysia.’ This location allows the university to benefit from the city’s technological experience allowing collaboration that is mutually beneficial.

The tuition fee at Multimedia University for incoming international master’s students is 1,780 MYR to 27,500 MYR. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR)

Another affordable university to consider in Malaysia is Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR).

Named in honor of Malaysia’s first prime minister, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) is a private research university founded with a philosophy of knowledge dissemination and innovation. It is among the top private universities in Malaysia and offers courses in specialist areas like biomedical engineering and digital economy technology. The university also boasts two campus locations, providing its students with a wealth of experience and options.

The tuition fee in Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) for master’s program for foreign students starts from 2,915 MYR.

5. Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT)

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) has some of the lowest tuition fee prices for foreign students who are planning to take a master's degree here. International master's students only pay as low as 4,600 MYR yearly.

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) is a marine-focused institution that aims to be well-reputed and works to produce graduates that form a sustainable global community. Formerly known as Malaysian Science and Technology University College (KUSTEM), UMT officially gained full university status in 2007 and has been working toward its goals since. It takes part in international academic activities, having students graduating internationally and locally in the different levels of education offered in the institution.

6. Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS)

Tagging itself as a ‘community-driven university,’ the Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) is known in the Malaysian state of Sarawak for its numerous social initiatives and commitment to sustainable development. The university also features a student-centered curriculum that continuously adapts to industry trends and enables individuals to discover their passions and nurture their creativity. Students who attend UNIMAS will find a close-knit community that values community, teamwork, and innovation.

7. Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka

The Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka is a public university located in Malacca, a UNESCO world heritage city with a rich multi-cultural history. It is home to one of the best engineering programs in Malaysia and also has a strong and innovative IT department. Since UTeM’s inception in 2000, the university has placed a strong emphasis on practice-based learning. As a result, it is considered the pioneer of ‘Application and Practice Oriented’ education in Malaysia.

8. Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP)

Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP) is famous for its science and technology courses. The university excels in the scientific area, which is why it invests more in laboratories and facilities to enhance its research and development sector. Throughout the years, the institution has showcased its skills in molding professional graduates capable of meeting the standards and needs of the industry.

9. Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL)

The Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) is a technical university offering academic and professional courses. Its main campus is in the commercial heart of Malaysia’s capital city, but UniKL has 11 other campuses spread across diverse locations in Malaysia, including places like Gombak, Bangi, and Sepang.

To better foster inter-disciplinary interaction, the university uses institutes instead of conventional faculties, and these institutes extend to all its various campus locations.

10. Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS

Established by PETRONAS, the national oil and gas company of Malaysia, in 1997, the Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS is a privately owned institution of higher learning. Tasked with the mandate of producing excellent graduates for Malaysia’s engineering and technology industry, the university has distinguished itself in science and technology with its list of prestigious graduates and its numerous research contributions.

11. Sultan Zainal Abidin University

Sultan Zainal Abidin University is a vast institution that offers a variety of courses to its students based on their interests. Other than the career courses offered, the university prides itself on having clubs and associations as well as sporting activities for the all-around development of its students. The graduate employability is at 90 percent, showing the quality of the graduates produced by the university.

12. International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM)

Integrating Islamic values and worldviews into scientific and technical education, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) aims to restore the roles of Muslims in knowledge creation and dissemination. Founded in 1983 by the government of Malaysia with aid from prominent Muslim scholars, the university has grown into a hub of innovation and extensive academic activities. In addition to skill and competencies, education in IIUM bestows students with a strong ethical conscience and a drive for societal development and impact.

13. Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM)

Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) was initially founded in 1993 as Pusat Latihan Staff Polytechnic but was later renamed in 2006 to honor Tun Hussein bin Dato’ Onn, the third prime minister of Malaysia. It is a public university that holds true to its polytechnic roots by producing graduates with technical skills and relevant competencies to meet labor demands.

14. Universiti Selangor (UNISEL)

The Universiti Selangor (UNISEL) is a renowned private university that aims to train and instill professional values and ethics among its students. It is committed to offering an academic environment conducive to learning, allowing individuals to pursue their passions and dreams in their chosen fields. More than its advanced facilities and infrastructure, the university also provides student-centered policies that put first the well-being of its constituents.

15. Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN)

Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN) is a private university owned by Ternaga Nasional Berhad, a Malaysian multinational electric company. UNITEN focuses on engineering, information technology, and management but also offers programs in other fields to provide a wealth of knowledge to its students. Graduates of UNITEN are adequately trained and come out ready to take on various roles, be it in commerce, industry, or academia.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get admission to affordable universities in Malaysia?

Applying to cheap universities in Malaysia requires you to complete different requirements depending on your degree and chosen university. These usually include admission forms, language proficiency scores, and a visa. Check out our full guide to studying in Malaysia for a more comprehensive guide!

2. What can I study at Best affordable universities in Malaysia?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Malaysia. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Malaysia is the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), which offers Law, Shariah, and Manufacturing to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) offers International Law, Islamic Banking and Finance, and Protective Security Management.

It's important to take a look at all your options when selecting where to attend post-secondary school. With so many different types of schools, degrees, and universities in Malaysia, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

So, make sure to explore the best public universities in Malaysia as well if you're looking for affordable education!

We hope that this article on affordable institutions in Malaysia for international students was helpful!

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