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Cost of studying in Malaysia

Tuition, living costs and the official EMGS Student Pass fees, with a worked first-year example.

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Last updated 29 September 2026Figures checked against official sources, listed at the end

Malaysian study costs at a glance

MYR 89,200UM Software Engineering, whole 3.5-year course
RM 1,500 to 2,500Living costs per month in KL
RM 1,600EMGS processing fee (+8% tax)
RM 456 to 958Insurance per year
RM 1,500Personal bond, most countries (refundable)
RM 300UM application fee (3 choices)

Tuition

Malaysian fees are often quoted for the whole programme. Universiti Malaya’s Bachelor of Computer Science (Software Engineering) costs MYR 89,200 in total over 3.5 years, about MYR 25,500 a year, with tax extra. Private universities and foreign branch campuses usually charge more. Always check whether a quote is per semester, per year or for the whole course.

Official EMGS Student Pass fees

FeeAmountNotes
New student processing feeRM 1,600Courses over 6 months; plus 8% service tax
eVAL processingRM 150Plus 8% service tax
Medical screeningRM 250Optional through EMGS if your university clinic does it
InsuranceRM 456 to 958/yearEMGS plans; your university may offer others
iKadRM 50Student identity card
Student Pass stickerRM 60Per year of the pass
Entry visaRM 0 to 50Depends on nationality
Personal bondRM 1,500For countries not listed separately; refunded when you leave

Adding these up gives about RM 2,700 to 3,250 in fees for a first-year student, plus the refundable personal bond.

Worked example: first year at Universiti Malaya

Tuition: MYR 89,200 ÷ 3.5 yearsAbout MYR 25,500
Living: 12 × RM 2,000 (assumed)RM 24,000
EMGS fees and insurance (upper estimate)RM 3,250
Personal bond (refundable)RM 1,500
Total before flightsAbout RM 54,250

Calculate your full study cost

Enter all costs in the same currency. No fee or exchange rate is filled in automatically.

Other costs can include travel, visa fees, insurance and one-off charges. Do not deduct a scholarship you have not been awarded.

Enter your figures to calculate a full-course estimate.

Formula: ((annual tuition + 12 × monthly living) × years + other costs) × (1 + contingency ÷ 100). This is not a visa financial-evidence calculation.

Cost FAQs

Can I work to cover my costs?

Not during term. Students can only work in breaks of more than 7 days, up to 20 hours a week, with prior approval.

Do I get the personal bond back?

Yes, when you leave Malaysia and your Student Pass is cancelled properly.

Is Kuala Lumpur more expensive than Penang?

Usually. Shared housing near campus is the biggest saving anywhere.

See the money you must show

Official sources

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 listed 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.