MYR 89,200 total tuition
Universiti Malaya Software Engineering, 3.5-year course example; tax extra
After HSC, check whether the university offers direct entry or asks for a foundation year, and confirm the teaching language for your programme.
Study in Malaysia from Bangladesh
Tuition, living costs, the EMGS Student Pass process, scholarships and work rules, checked against Education Malaysia, the Immigration Department and university pages.
Not sure where to start? Get a free study assessmentLast updated 29 September 2026Figures checked against official sources, listed at the end
About Malaysia: highlights
Malaysia is one of the most affordable and well-travelled routes for Bangladeshi students, with a climate close to Dhaka’s and more than 11,000 Bangladeshi students already enrolled. The trade-off is limited work rights, both during and after study.
- Rough annual budget: about MYR 40,000 to 55,000 a year for a public-university example, combining Universiti Malaya’s MYR 89,200 Software Engineering degree (3.5 years) with RM 1,500 to 2,500 a month in living costs.
- Student Pass costs: about RM 2,700 to 3,250 in EMGS fees, medical screening and insurance, plus a personal bond of RM 1,500 for most nationalities that is refunded when you leave and cancel your pass.
- Visa process: your university applies to EMGS for you, usually taking 4 to 8 weeks once the file is complete. Bangladeshi students also need a single-entry visa to travel.
- Work while studying: only during breaks of more than 7 days, up to 20 hours a week, with prior Immigration approval.
- After graduation: the 12-month Graduate Pass does not list Bangladesh as eligible as of August 2026.
- Visa outlook: no refusal-rate data is published, but the route is well established; about one in four international students in Malaysia is Bangladeshi.
Key facts about Malaysia
Studying in Malaysia
3 to 4 yearsTypical bachelor’s degree
1 to 2 yearsTypical master’s degree
Breaks onlyPart-time work, with approval
11,000+Bangladeshi students enrolled
Country stats
Kuala LumpurCapital
Malaysian ringgit (MYR)Currency
English and Bahasa MalaysiaTeaching languages
2 hoursMalaysia is ahead of Dhaka time
Weather and community
24°C to 33°CKuala Lumpur, all year
No winterHot, humid and rainy, like Dhaka
Kuala LumpurLargest Bangladeshi student hub
1 in 4International students who are Bangladeshi
Why study in Malaysia?
Lower cost
- Tuition and living costs well below the UK, USA or Australia.
- The Student Pass costs a few thousand ringgit, not a large surcharge.
Foreign degrees locally
- Several UK and Australian universities run branch campuses.
- Public universities such as Universiti Malaya teach many courses in English.
A familiar environment
- A climate close to Dhaka’s and a large Bangladeshi community.
- A well-travelled, established visa route.
Cost of studying in Malaysia
Malaysian fees are often quoted for the whole programme rather than per year, so check the fee period on every quote. Ask whether tax is added to international fees.
Tuition by study level
Check the course fee
International master’s fees differ by programme; confirm any tax
Compare subject match, CGPA, English evidence and whether the course is by coursework or research.
Check the research fee
Ask about supervision, funding and tax
The Malaysia International Scholarship covers tuition and a monthly allowance for selected master’s and PhD students.
Upfront and living costs
What Bangladeshi applicants plan for, from EMGS and the Immigration Department.
| Cost | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Student Pass fees | ~RM 2,700 to 3,250 | EMGS processing and eVAL (plus 8% tax), medical screening, insurance, iKad and sticker |
| Personal bond | RM 1,500 (most countries) | Refunded when you leave and cancel your pass properly |
| Living costs in Kuala Lumpur | RM 1,500 to 2,500/month | Penang and Johor Bahru are usually cheaper |
| Funds to show | RM 18,000 to 30,000/year | Living costs plus the year’s tuition |
| IELTS Academic | ৳31,100 | Computer-delivered price in Bangladesh |
A private room can cost double a shared room in the same building. Shared housing near campus is the biggest saving.
Calculate your Malaysia study cost
Universities in Malaysia
Researched starting points, not a complete list or a ranking. Confirm the awarding institution, campus and teaching language for every programme.
Universiti Malaya
Kuala Lumpur- Type
- Public research university
- Example course
- Software Engineering, 3.5 years
- Intake
- October listed for the example
Education Malaysia
Official study portal- Run by
- Education Malaysia Global Services
- Use it for
- Finding recognised institutions
- Also handles
- Your Student Pass application
Malaysia scholarships for Bangladeshi students
The Malaysian government’s main international award is open to Commonwealth countries, which includes Bangladesh.
Malaysia International Scholarship
Ministry of Higher Education
- Covers
- Tuition and RM 1,500/month
- Round
- 2026-27 closed
- Level
- Master’s and PhD
- Age limit
- 40 (master’s), 45 (PhD)
Needs a CGPA of 3.00 or second-class upper, IELTS 6.0 or English-medium study, and a research proposal for research degrees. 24 listed universities.
View on official site ↗Scholarship listing
Education Malaysia (EMGS)
- Covers
- Varies by award
- Deadline
- Set by each provider
- Level
- All levels
- Providers
- Government and universities
The official directory of scholarships open to international students in Malaysia, including university merit awards.
View on official site ↗Malaysian Student Pass from Bangladesh
Your university applies to Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) for your Student Pass. Once approved, you receive an electronic visa approval letter (eVAL), and Bangladeshi students also get a single-entry visa before travelling.
RM 2,700 to 3,250Student Pass fees, plus a refundable bond
4 to 8 weeksEMGS processing once complete
18 monthsMinimum passport validity
7 working daysTo do medical screening after arrival
20 hrs/weekWork in breaks only, with approval
RefundablePersonal bond, when you leave
Documents required
Document checklist
- Passport copyValid 18 months or more; bio-data and visa pages
- Passport photoWhite background, 35 × 45 mm
- Offer letterFrom your Malaysian institution
- Health declaration formDownloaded from EMGS
- Academic certificates and transcripts
- English language certificateIELTS, TOEFL or another accepted test
- Personal bondLodged through your institution
- Single-entry visaArranged after EMGS approval
Step by step from Bangladesh
- Get your offer letter
Apply to the university and accept your offer. Ask whether your certificates need attestation in Bangladesh first.
- Your university applies to EMGS
The institution submits your Student Pass application with your documents.
- Pay the EMGS fees and bond
Pay the processing fee, insurance and personal bond as your institution instructs.
- Wait for approval
EMGS processing usually takes 4 to 8 weeks once the file is complete. Track it on the EMGS website or app.
- Receive your eVAL
The electronic visa approval letter confirms your Student Pass approval.
- Get your single-entry visa
Bangladeshi students need a single-entry visa to enter Malaysia as a student.
- Travel and do your medical screening
Attend an EMGS panel clinic within 7 working days of arriving.
- Get your Student Pass endorsed
Your passport is endorsed with the Student Pass after the medical screening is cleared.
Work during and after your studies
20 hrs/weekMaximum, during breaks only
7+ daysBreaks must be longer than a week
Prior approvalFrom the Immigration Department
While you study
Term-time work is not generally allowed. You can work up to 20 hours a week in breaks of more than 7 days, in permitted sectors, after Immigration approves it. Budget as if you will earn little or nothing.
After you graduate
The Graduate Pass gives 12 months to work after a bachelor’s or higher, but as of August 2026 Bangladesh is not on the eligible list. Check with EMGS before counting on it; otherwise you need an employer-sponsored work pass.
Malaysia intakes and deadlines
Common intakes
February / March and September / October
Many universities admit two or three times a year. Universiti Malaya lists an October start for its Software Engineering example.
Plan ahead
Allow 3 months for the pass
Leave time for your offer, EMGS processing and the single-entry visa before the semester starts.
Your preparation timeline
- 18 to 12 months before: Research courses, eligibility, funding and scholarship deadlines.
- 12 to 9 months before: Prepare language tests, transcripts, references and your shortlist.
- 9 to 6 months before: Submit applications by each programme’s actual deadline.
- 6 to 3 months before: Meet offer conditions, arrange funding and prepare visa documents.
- 3 to 1 months before: Apply for the visa and plan accommodation and arrival.
Keep these dates separate
A course start date, the EMGS approval, your single-entry visa and a scholarship deadline are separate milestones. The MIS round for 2026-27 has already closed, so plan for the next call.
English tests and exams
Most international programmes teach in English, especially in business, engineering and computing. Some foundation and public-university programmes teach in Bahasa Malaysia, so confirm the language for your exact course.
For admission
Accepted tests and scores are set by each programme. Some universities run their own placement test for applicants close to the required score.
For the Student Pass
EMGS asks for an English language certificate from its accepted list as part of your application.
Tests accepted by EMGS
IELTSTOEFLMUETCambridge English
Study in Malaysia: FAQs
Can I work after graduating in Malaysia?
Not through the Graduate Pass for now. As of August 2026, Bangladesh is not on its eligible list. You would need an employer to sponsor a work pass.
Can I work while studying?
Only during breaks of more than 7 days, up to 20 hours a week, in permitted sectors and with prior Immigration approval.
How much does the Student Pass cost?
About RM 2,700 to 3,250 in EMGS fees, medical screening and insurance, plus a personal bond of RM 1,500 for most nationalities. The bond is refunded when you leave Malaysia and cancel your pass properly.
Do I need a visa as well as the Student Pass?
Yes. Bangladeshi students need a single-entry visa to travel, arranged after EMGS approval.
How long does EMGS take?
Usually 4 to 8 weeks after your university submits a complete application.
When do I do the medical check?
At an EMGS panel clinic in Malaysia within 7 working days of arriving.
Is there a government scholarship?
Yes, the Malaysia International Scholarship for master’s and PhD study is open to Commonwealth countries including Bangladesh. The 2026-27 round has closed.
Can I study in Malaysia after HSC?
Yes. Some programmes accept HSC directly and others ask for a foundation year. Check the entry requirements for your exact course.
Guides to help you apply
Official sources
- EMGS: planning your studies ↗Checked 2026-09-26 · next review 2026-10-26
- EMGS: required documents ↗Checked 2026-09-29 · next review 2026-10-29
- EMGS: medical screening ↗Checked 2026-09-29 · next review 2026-10-29
- EMGS: Graduate Pass eligibility ↗Checked 2026-09-29 · next review 2026-10-29
- Immigration Department: Student Pass ↗Checked 2026-09-27 · next review 2026-10-27
- EMGS: FAQ ↗Checked 2026-09-27 · next review 2026-10-27
- MoHE: Malaysia International Scholarship ↗Checked 2026-09-29 · next review 2026-10-29
- MoHE: MIS 2026 guidelines ↗Checked 2026-09-29 · next review 2026-10-29
- EMGS: scholarship listing ↗Checked 2026-09-29 · next review 2026-10-29
- IDP Bangladesh: IELTS fees ↗Checked 2026-09-29 · next review 2026-10-29
- EMGS: schedule of fees ↗Checked 2026-09-29 · next review 2026-10-29
These are dated editorial checks, not a live data feed. Recheck the original page before applying or paying.
About this guide. Researched by the Student Visa From Bangladesh editorial team from the official sources above and last checked on 29 September 2026. We are not a university or a government agency, and admission and visa outcomes are never guaranteed. Read our editorial policy.