Eligibility Criteria for Indian Students to Study in Malaysia

Eligibility Criteria for Indian Students to Study in Malaysia

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Raushan
Raushan Kumar
Assistant Manager Content
Updated on Apr 9, 2026 13:15 IST
Keep the eligibility criteria in mind while considering Malaysia as your study abroad destination. Malaysia is gradually becoming a popular study abroad destination and is attracting students around the globe due to its affordability, quality of life, top-notch education, and more. However, to get into a university in Malaysia, you will have to ful

Malaysia is becoming a popular destination for study abroad due to its affordable education and quality universities. Many international students choose Malaysia for its diverse culture and lower living costs. To apply, you must meet Malaysia admission requirements, including eligibility criteria, English language scores, and required documents for university admission.

Eligibility conditions for studying at Malaysia

Education has been a key focus for the Malaysian government over the past decade, with strong efforts to improve quality and attract international students. Today, study in Malaysia is becoming popular among Indian students due to affordable living costs, cultural diversity, and globally recognized universities.

However, Malaysia eligibility requirements may vary depending on the university and course. In general, international students must meet academic criteria and demonstrate English proficiency through tests like IELTS or TOEFL. Most universities require a minimum IELTS score for Malaysia of 5.5 to 6.0, though this may differ by program.

Applicants are also required to submit essential documents, including academic transcripts, proof of financial support, and a valid student visa. It is important to check specific university requirements before applying.

Understanding these study requirements in Malaysia helps students plan better, avoid delays, and ensure a smooth admission process. With proper preparation and accurate documentation, Indian students can successfully pursue higher education in Malaysia.

Table of contents
  • Study Intakes in Malaysia
  • General Eligibility Requirements to Study in Malaysia
  • Documents Needed to Study in Malaysia
  • Top Reasons Indian Students Choose to Study in Malaysia
  • Study in Malaysia FAQs

Study Intakes in Malaysia

Malaysian universities typically offer three main intakes in a year: April, June, and November. These Malaysia intake months may vary slightly by university and course. Planning your study in Malaysia intake in advance helps ensure timely application, visa processing, and better chances of admission to preferred programs.

Session

Application Deadline

April

February

June

April

November

September







General Eligibility Requirements to Study in Malaysia

Should be a pass in the Malaysian Certificate of Education (SPM) examination with a distinction in the Bahasa Melayu/Bahasa Malaysia paper or a distinction in Bahasa Melayu/Bahasa Malaysia July paper

If you have completed your studies from an English-speaking country, then you don't need to take the entrance tests like SAT, GRE, IELTS, or TOEFL. If a student is from a non-English speaking nation then the college or institution may take a test for the English language. But this also differs from institution to institution.

Eligibility for Undergraduate Programs in Malaysia

To be eligible for an undergraduate program in Malaysia, one must have completed:

  • UEC (Unified Examination Certificate) Senior Middle level - with overall marks of at least 75 per cent
  • STPM (Sijil Tinggi Persekolhan Malaysia - Malaysia Higher School Certificate) - principal level passes
  • Matriculation Certificate (Matrikulasi)
  • Polytechnic Certificate

Eligibility for Postgraduate Programs in Malaysia

One must have completed:

  • A degree of Bachelor
  • Pre-master's course completion certificate

Level of English Required

To join Malaysian colleges, you must have an English test like IELTS or TOEFL. The minimum score is IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 60 and more. It is needed for students applying for Bachelor of English language and literature.

Documents Needed to Study in Malaysia

If you want to study in Malaysia, you must have some important documents ready:

  • Academic transcripts
  • English certificate like IELTS or TOEFL
  • Passport copy
  • Passport size photo
  • Letter of acceptance from university
  • Visa form
  • Financial documents (bank balance around MYR 40,000)
  • Health report
  • SOP (statement of purpose)

You should check all requirements before apply, this makes your application easy and faster.

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Top Reasons Indian Students Choose to Study in Malaysia

Many Indian students now see Malaysia as good place for higher studies. Last few years, Malaysia is more popular for students from India. Here are some main reasons why they study there:

Low cost of education and living

One reason is cheap education. Compared to USA, UK, or Australia, tuition fees in Malaysia is lower. Living cost is also cheap. Students can manage monthly expenses easy without stress.

Good quality education

Malaysia has many top universities and international colleges. Some are branches of UK or Australian universities. Degree from here is accepted in many countries. Education system is good and focus on practical learning.

English as medium of instruction

Most courses in Malaysia are taught in English, which is good for Indian students. Many Indian students study English back home, so they can understand better and learn without problem.

Cultural similarities

Malaysia and India share many culture things. Many Indians live in Malaysia. You can find Indian food, temples, and festivals. So students don’t feel too far from home.

Safe and friendly country

Malaysia is safe. People are friendly and helpful. Country is also student-friendly with many services for international students. Parents feel more secure sending children here.

Easy visa process

Getting student visa in Malaysia is not very hard. Visa process is simpler than many countries. This makes Malaysia more attractive for Indian students.

Job opportunities

Candudates can get easy job offers after completing their studies in Malaysia. 

If you Indian student want to study in Malaysia, it important to know eligibility conditions for easy admission. You need meet academic marks, show English proficiency, and keep all documents ready. This help you more to get seat in top universities in Malaysia. After you get admission letter from university, next thing is apply for Malaysia Student Visa.

Study in Malaysia FAQs







Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   How much bank balance is required for Malaysia student visa?
A: 

To obtain a Malaysia student visa, you should have minimum MYR 40,000 (INR 7.5 L) in your bank account.

Q:   Is it hard to get into Uni Teknologi Malaysia?
A: 

University of Teknologi Malaysia is a moderately competitive university to get into, as its acceptance rate stands at 60%. This figure tells us that almost 60 out of every 100 applicants manage to get enrolled in the university, which is more than half of all the applicants. Therefore, once an applicant fulfills University Teknologi Malaysia Johor admission requirements i.e.; competitive grades, standardized test scores, English language requirements as well as relevant documents, they are most likely to secure an admission to the university. However, students must not take this lightly and apply to the university within the deadlines in order to get enrolled as a student.

Q:   What can international students study in the Uni Teknologi Malaysia?
A: 

International students are eligible for a variety of Bachelor's and Master's programs offered by the University of Teknologi Malaysia. For students planning to pursue a research degree, the university has a programme named Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), which is a research-only qualification. Mentioned below are UTM Malaysia University courses for international students:

1) Undergraduate Courses:

  • Bachelor of Biomedical Engineering with Honors;
  • Bachelor of Chemical Engineering with Honors;
  • Bachelor of Nuclear Engineering with Honors;
  • Bachelor of Chemical Engineering (Bioprocess) with Honors;
  • Bachelor of Chemical Engineering (Gas) with Honors;
  • Bachelor of Petroleum Engineering with Honors;
  • Bachelor of Civil Engineering with Honors;
  • Bachelor in Software Engineering with Honors; and
  • Bachelor of Computer Science (Computer Network and Security) with Honors.

2) Graduate Courses:

  • Engineering - (Civil, Chemical & Energy, Computing, Electrical, Mechanical);
  • Social Science & Humanities;
  • Environmental Sciences;
  • Management;
  • Science; and
  • Technology & Informatics.
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Written by
Raushan Kumar
Assistant Manager Content
Raushan Kumar is a skilled writer and a Study Abroad Expert in the Editorial Team at Shiksha. He oversees various aspects of studying abroad, including educational opportunities, entrance exams, colleges, latest new Read Full Bio
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Comments

(16)

Z

Zainab Shaju

2 years ago

hi, I am an Indian student following CBSE syllabus. I would like to know the entry requirements for Malaysian universities as a student following CBSE curriculum. Thank you.

Reply to Zainab Shaju

s

sathira shajan

4 years ago

Hii, iam sathira shajan from india. I have one backlog in second semester (bca). I wish to study in Malaysia.can i take admission for mca from Malaysia Should i need ielts? Advise me please

Reply to sathira shajan

R

Rahul Singha

4 years ago

Hello Sathira. Appearing for your IELTS exam is entirely subjective to your university admission guidelines. You can check out popular universities in Malaysia here: https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/malaysia or get in touch with our study abroad counsellors here: https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/appl

...Read more

U

Umaru Sampati

6 years ago

Hi! I am from Nigeria and holds a master in public administration at 61% average and wish to pursue a PhD in same discipline in any of the top ranking universities in Malaysia precisely Kuala Lumpur. Advise please

Reply to Umaru Sampati

U

Umaru Sampati

6 years ago

Hi! I'm from Nigeria with a masters in public administration at 61% average and wish to enroll for a PhD in same discipline with any of the top ranking universities in Malaysia precisely Kuala Lumpur. Advise as appropriate please

Reply to Umaru Sampati

A

Aquillin Antony

6 years ago

Hey, I am from india, I have done b.tech in 2019 and want to do MBA from Malaysia...for getting admission in good colleges, only IELTS is needed right?

Reply to Aquillin Antony

You may give IELTS and if you do not want to appear in IELTS then you can submit a certificate from your last attended college that your medium of instruction is in English. So on that basis, you can also get admission to Malaysia university (University of Malaya) https://aasc.um.edu.my/entry-requir

...Read more

Hi Aquillin, yes IELTS is mostly accepted in Malaysian universities. You may confirm the university requirements from their website, if you have selected your universities. Thanks!