Training and Higher Education
in Malaysia in 2026
Boost your career in the heart of Southeast Asia. Discover a world-class education system that blends academic excellence, technological innovation and cross-cultural immersion.
Why choose Malaysia for your studies?
In 2026, Malaysia stands out as ASEAN's leading education hub, attracting more than 200,000 international students every year.
Academic Excellence & Dual Degrees
Benefit from exclusive partnerships with British, Australian and American universities. Earn a globally recognised degree while living in the tropics. Branch campuses such as Monash or Nottingham offer the same quality as their home institutions.
See options for children →Competitive Cost
Tuition fees and the cost of living in Malaysia are up to 60% lower than in Europe or the USA, with no compromise on quality.
Average annual budget (living costs included)
Tech & AI Focus
New specialised programmes in Artificial Intelligence and the Green Economy, developed in partnership with the tech giants based in Cyberjaya.
Continuing Education for Professionals
Already in a job? Explore the career opportunities paired with flexible Executive MBAs, designed for expat professionals in Kuala Lumpur.
A system modelled on the Anglo-Saxon approach
Malaysia's higher education system is structured to make international mobility easy. Split between the public sector (IPTA) and the private sector (IPTS), it offers rare flexibility. Public universities such as the University of Malaya (UM) are renowned for their research intensity, while private universities stand out for their modern facilities and close ties to industry.
- Bachelor's degree: Typically 3 to 4 years.
- Master's degree: 1 to 2 years (by coursework or by research).
- Doctorate (PhD): 3 to 5 years, focused on innovation.
In 2026, the academic year mainly follows two principal semesters (February and September), with short intensive sessions over the summer. This structure lets students prepare their move abroad within precise application windows.
2026 Study Budget Calculator
Estimate your tuition fees and monthly living costs.
The admission journey in 5 steps
1. Choosing your programme
Find your course on the EMGS portal. Check that the programme is accredited by the MQA (Malaysian Qualifications Agency).
2. Language tests
English is the language of instruction. Prepare for your IELTS (min. score 6.0) or TOEFL. Some centres offer intensive preparatory courses to bring you up to level.
3. Application & Acceptance
Submit your translated and certified diplomas. Receive your Offer Letter, which is essential for the visa.
4. Student Pass (Visa)
Check out our complete visa guide. The application is made online through the university.
The global recognition of your degrees
In Malaysia, quality is closely monitored by the Ministry of Higher Education through the MQA agency. This accreditation guarantees that your degree will be recognised not only for working in Malaysia, but also for continuing your studies or building a career in Europe, North America or Australia.
MQA Accredited
A strict government quality standard.
Washington Accord
Mutual recognition for engineers.
Good to know for international students
"Many dual-degree programmes exist with European schools (notably in engineering and business). This lets you earn a Malaysian and a European degree at the same time."
Join the French-speaking networkWhere to study in Malaysia?
Kuala Lumpur & Klang Valley
The beating heart. Access to the world's largest companies and a lively nightlife.
Discover the neighbourhoods →
Penang (George Town)
The "Silicon Valley of the East". Ideal for technical studies and food lovers.
Living in Penang →
Johor Bahru (EduCity)
On the border with Singapore. An ultra-modern education hub with state-of-the-art facilities.
Focus on Johor →Continuing Education
For Professionals
Moving abroad is the perfect time to upskill. In Malaysia, "Executive MBAs" and professional certifications (PMP, Digital Marketing, AI) are highly sought after by the international community.
Evening & Weekend Classes
Built to fit around a full-time schedule.
Micro-credentials
Short, highly specialised courses of 3 to 6 months.
Check out our section on French-speaking employment to see the skills in demand in 2026.
Frequently asked questions about training
Ready to transform your future?
Join the thousands who have chosen Malaysia to excel. Free resources and a close-knit community are waiting for you.