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5 Affordable Universities in Malaysia 2024-2025

Malaysia is a Southeast Asian country, and it is divided into two regions: Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia. There are around 32,779,000 people in the country as of 2024. Its neighboring countries include Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia, Cambodia, Brunei, and the Philippines. The country’s capital is Kuala Lumpur, while Bintulu is its largest city. Here, we will be looking at affordable universities in Malaysia for international students.

There are a handful of iconic places in the country, including the Petronas Towers, Gunung Mulu National Park, and Batu Caves. Aside from these recognizable landmarks, Malaysia is also known for its delectable cuisine like nasi lemak, curry laksa, and beef rendang.

Moving on to the country’s education sector, the system follows the structure of a 6+3+2+2 model, which means there are six years of primary education, three years of lower secondary education, two years of upper secondary, and two years of pre-university senior secondary study. It must be noted that primary education is compulsory. Moreover, students can choose to enroll in public schools wherein there are no tuition fees for all Malaysians.

Other than this, they can opt for a private school or a homeschooling program. After the last two years of senior secondary study, students can pursue vocational or tertiary education. There are currently 478 institutions for higher education in the country.

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Cheap Universities in Malaysia

1. UCSI University

UCSI University is located in Kuala Lumpur, and it is considered one of the best private universities in the country for foundation, undergraduate, and postgraduate programs. In 2024, the QS World University Rankings included the institution in the Top 50 Under 50, which is a list of the top universities under 50 years old. Currently, the center of learning is among the top 1% of all universities across the globe.

Now, there are over 12,000 students at UCSI. This community of learners at the university is diverse in terms of culture, as there are many international students at the institution. Furthermore, the institute has four campuses: Kuala Lumpur Campus, Kuching Campus, Terengganu Campus, and Springhill (Port Dickson) Campus.

The tuition fees depend on the student’s chosen program at this affordable university in Malaysia. Additionally, it is important to note that the costs usually increase by Year 3 of the study duration.

2. Universiti Putra Malaysia

The University of Putra Malaysia (UPM) is an affordable Malaysian university located in Serdang. It is an eminent learning and research center with students and staff from all around the globe. As a multi-disciplinary university with a rich historical background, it is no surprise that they are consistently part of top university lists such as those of QS World University Rankings and Shanghai Ranking.

Moreover, its 16 faculties have a remarkable range of course offerings. In line with that, the tuition depends on a student’s chosen study program, regardless if they are at the undergraduate or postgraduate level.

3. Universiti Tenaga Nasional

A private university established in 1999, Universiti Tenaga Nasional or UNITEN is owned by Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB). Moreover, the university has two campuses. One is in Purajaya and the other is Bandar Muadzam Shah, Pahang. It focuses on Engineering, Computer Science & Information Technology, Business, Accounting, Finance, Energy Management, and other related learning areas.

At UNITEN, there are numerous programs offered at the Undergraduate level. This includes the Foundation, Diploma, and Bachelor programs. As for the Postgraduate level, there are Master & PhD programs. In both levels, the English & Preparatory Programs are available.

At this cheap university in Malaysia for international students, the tuition fees depend on the student’s chosen study program. Postgraduate degrees have varying structures, such as Research, Coursework & Research, and Coursework & Project. Moreover, the total amount to be paid might also change as the actual study duration of the student will be taken into consideration.

4. Xiamen University Malaysia

  • Tuition Fee:
    • Undergraduate – 24,000 RM to 27,000 RM per year
    • Postgraduate – 13,200 RM to 35,000 RM per year
  • Tuition Link

Founded in 2015, Xiamen University Malaysia (XMUM) is owned by China’s Xiamen University, which is considered as XMUM’s parent university. The campus is filled with state-of-the-art facilities like multimedia lecture halls, seminar rooms, tutorial rooms, a gym, a library, various laboratories, and even an Olympic-sized swimming pool.

The medium of instruction for all programs is English. Although, a few Chinese Studies and Traditional Chinese Medicine courses are taught in Chinese. In line with this, the programs at XMUM are all recognized internationally, and these even have dual accreditation from the Malaysian and Chinese governments.

Completing a degree takes three years if a student is in arts, management, or economics. On the other hand, it takes four years for those in engineering and science. Lastly, traditional Chinese medicine programs have a five-year study duration.

Similar to the affordable Malaysian universities mentioned above, the tuition fees at XMUM vary depending on a student’s chosen program.

5. Monash University Malaysia

Widely known as the first foreign university in Malaysia, Monash University Malaysia opened in the year 1998. It is a research-focused institute of higher education that is consistently included in top university lists by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings and QS World University Rankings.

Currently, they have around 8,400 students hailing from over 78 different countries. Moreover, Monash Malaysia offers a wide range of courses at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Programs in arts, business, engineering, information technology, medicine & health sciences, psychology, and pharmacy & science are available at the university.

Again, much like most universities, the exact amount of the tuition fee will depend on the student’s chosen course.

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