Malaysia’s population of more than 32 million people is spread over two distinct regions, mainland Southeast Asia and part of the island of Borneo in the South China Sea.

The capital, Kuala Lumpur – home to the instantly recognisable Petronas twin towers – was named the world’s most affordable city for students by QS in its Best Student Cities 2022 report (and ranked 31st overall).

Around half of Malaysia’s population is ethnically Malay, but there are also many Malaysian Chinese, Malaysian Indians and indigenous groups. Studying there will provide a great insight into this diverse and dynamic nation – not to mention giving you an unmissable opportunity to sample its stunning rainforests and beaches.

Malaysian universities

Universities in Malaysia are a mix of 20 publicly-funded and 47 private institutions offering internationally-recognised courses at undergraduate and postgraduate level.

It was revealed that 22 Malaysian institutions made it into the QS World University Rankings 2022.

The nation’s leading institutions include:

• Universiti Malaya (65th)

• Universiti Putra Malaysia (143rd)

• Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (144th)

• Universiti Sains Malaysia (147th)

• Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (191st).

There are also 11 international universities with an overseas campus in Malaysia, including the following from the UK:

• Heriot-Watt University

• Newcastle University (medicine)

• University of Nottingham

• University of Reading

• University of Southampton (engineering).

Australia’s Monash University has a Malaysia campus too.

Degrees courses in Malaysia

There are more than 2,300 undergraduate degree-level courses available in Malaysia. They typically take between three and five years to complete. You’ll need to have A-levels or equivalent in order to win a place – although specific entry requirements vary by course and university.

Intakes are in January, April or September depending on the course.