About Country
Malaysia is a country with a lot of different culture, ethnicities and religion. Area wise Malaysia is the 66th largest country. It is located in south-East Asia. It has land borders with Thailand in West Malaysia, and Indonesia and Brunei in East Malaysia. Malaysia is a country where one can find different cultures and ethnic group living together.
Malaysia is the only country which is located in a zone that is not effected by drastic whether changes or big natural calamities. It is easily accessible to different countries via water or Air. Due to its centre position it is business hub and head quarters of many giant MNC’s.
There are 3 federal territories of Malaysia namely Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan. The country has 7 major international Air-Ports.
Transport system in Malaysia is the longest highway of the country, the North-South Expressway, extends over 800 kilometres between the Thai border and Singapore. Light Rail Transit and Monorail are the cheapest and most affordable used transportation.
Some Facts
Capital: Kuala Lumpur
Population: 27.9 millions (2009 estimate)
County code: +60
Currency: Malaysian Ringgits
Language: Bahasa Malaya is the official Language though English is widely used and spoken. Indian dialects like Tamil and Hindi are commonly spoken among Chinese and Indian community respectively.
Religion: Islam is the official religion of the country but other religions like Christianity, Hinduism, and Buddhism are also practiced. There is freedom of religion ,like in India.
Time difference: 8 hrs ahead of the Standard Greenwich Time.
Food: Malay, Chinese and Indian food are easily available but other cuisines like American, Thai, Italian etc. restaurants are also there.
Climate: It generally ranges between 21c’ to 32c’
Natural Resources: Tin, petroleum, timber, copper, iron ore, natural gas, bauxite.
Major Regions/ Cities
Peninsular Malaysia (also known as West Malaysia) comprises 11 states like: Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Penang, Selangor and Terengganu).
Together with Sabah and Sarawak (located in East Malaysia), they make up the 13 states of Malaysia.
There are also three Federal Territories (namely Kuala Lumpur – the capital of Malaysia; Putrajaya – the Federal Government Administrative Centre; and Labuan – a ‘tax-free’ island located off the coast of Sabah).
Education System
The Malaysian education system is more than 30 years old. From last few years, it has developed tremendously by the introduction of some of the excellent Universities and foreign universities offshore campuses. The Malaysian Education system is divided into 4 categories, following are in details:
Internationally Affiliated Degrees:
Students who cannot afford to get a degree from Australia, UK, USA and New-Zealand, can get it easily in Malaysia. In Malaysia, there are many colleges and Universities which give affiliated degrees from Universities in these countries at the very low fee structure.
“2+1 “ Twinning Degree Programs:
Student has an option to study both in Malaysia and other countries (preferred location) at same tuition fees that of Malaysia. Student can study 3 years in Malaysia and 1 year in UK, USA, Australia, Germany, France, Canada and New Zealand. With this option they have the exposure of two countries at the same time.
Foreign Bachelor’s degree in Malaysia:
Students have an opportunity to get the entire foreign university degree programme in Malaysia. These are provided by Private Institutions. The qualification from these programmes will be awarded by the partner universities. Upon graduation, students can easily pursue their master’s degree at the partner university overseas.
Foreign University off shore Campuses in Malaysia:
At present there are 4 foreign off shore campuses at Malaysia namely- Monash University (Australia) Nottingham University (UK) Curtin University of Technology (Australia) Swinburne University of Technology ( Australia) By enrolling at any of these campuses located in Malaysia, you will pay lower tuition fees and have an option of completing one semester at these Universities in their home countries. The degrees offered at these campus are identical to those offered at the main campus.
Part time work during studies
International students going for Diploma or Under-Graduate studies are allowed to work 20hrs/week on weekends during studies, whereas students going for Master’s or PhD level are allowed to work full time during studies.
Work opportunities after studies
The Malaysian economy has grown very fast in last few years, GDP growth was -1.7% in 2009 and in increased to 10.1% in 2010. Malaysia is the Asia pacific head quarters of around 1,000 MNC’s in the world. Malaysian University specialises in International recruitment. Recruitment in MNC’s, Banks, Medical Institutes located in countries like Australia, USA, Canada, New Zealand etc is done through Malaysia. HSBC’s Australian and Honk-Kong branches recruitment takes place at Malaysian Universities.
After the completion of studies employer will arrange a work visa for you.
English Requirement
English Requirement is not very strict in Malaysia. IELTS/TOEFL/PTE or any other English test is not required at the time of admission at any level though it is recommended.
Fee Structure
Tuition fees for 2009/2010 for undergraduate, non-E.U. students at a higher education institution are as follows:
Under Graduate studies-
PRIVATE COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES: RM 45,000 to 75,000 for the entire course.
FOREIGN UNIVERSITY BRANCH CAMPUS: RM 60,000 to RM95, 000 for the entire course 2+1
TWINNING PROGRAMS: RM 45,000 to RM 90, 000 for the entire course
Post Graduate studies-
MBA by PUBLIC MALAYSIAN UNIVERSITIES: RM 13,000 to RM 25,000 per year
MBA by PRIVATE MALAYSIAN UNIVERSITIES: RM 21,000 to RM 30,000 per year
Non Medical degrees at Public Universities: RM 1,800 to RM 6,000 per year.
PhD: RM 2,700 to RM 8,000 per year
Cost of Living
Along with studies living in Malaysia is also extremely affordable. Students can live easily, happily and stress free in here. Approximately RM 1, 000 to RM 1,500 per month. Accommodation expenditure ranges from RM 300 to RM 450 per month.
