Updated: 12 November 2026 · SpecTa Education

How much does it cost to study in Malaysia for Indonesian students in 2026?

For Indonesian students, studying in Malaysia in 2026 typically costs MYR 20,000–60,000 per year in tuition, depending on the programme and university. Living costs are lower than in Australia or the UK. Branch campuses such as Monash Malaysia and Nottingham Malaysia offer the same degrees as their home campuses at a lower cost.

Malaysia is a popular destination for Indonesian students because of its affordability and proximity. The figures below cover tuition and comparative living costs for 2026.

Key facts

Tuition per year (general)MYR 20,000–60,000 (2026, depending on programme and university [verify])
Number of Indonesian students in Malaysiaaround 9,900 (data 2024)
Australia living costs (comparison)AUD 20,000–25,000 per year (2026 [verify])
Australia tuition (comparison)AUD 20,000–45,000 per year (2026 [verify])
Three-year bachelor's total in Australia (comparison)AUD 120,000–200,000 (rough total for tuition and living costs, 2026 [verify])
Example branch campuses in MalaysiaMonash, Nottingham, Heriot-Watt (degree same as home campus)
Student passvia EMGS (Education Malaysia Global Services)

Tuition fees in Malaysia for 2026

Undergraduate and postgraduate tuition commonly ranges from MYR 20,000 to MYR 60,000 per year in 2026, depending on the programme and university. This is a broad range; private universities, foreign branch campuses and specialist programmes may fall near the top of or above this range.

How Malaysia compares with Australia and the UK

Malaysia is cheaper to live in than Australia or the UK. For comparison, Australian living costs are typically AUD 20,000–25,000 per year in 2026, and Australian tuition is AUD 20,000–45,000 per year. A three-year bachelor's degree in Australia can total roughly AUD 120,000–200,000.

  • Australia living costs: AUD 20,000–25,000 per year (2026)
  • Australia tuition: AUD 20,000–45,000 per year (2026)
  • Three-year Australian bachelor's total: roughly AUD 120,000–200,000

Branch campuses: same degree, lower cost

Monash University Malaysia, University of Nottingham Malaysia and Heriot-Watt University Malaysia award degrees that are the same as those from their home campuses, often at a lower tuition cost than studying in Australia or the UK. This can reduce total study costs without changing the qualification.

  • Monash University Malaysia
  • University of Nottingham Malaysia
  • Heriot-Watt University Malaysia

Student pass and Indonesian student numbers

International students, including Indonesians, apply for a student pass through Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS). The pass is required for full-time study and should be arranged after receiving an offer.

About 9,900 Indonesian students were studying in Malaysia in 2024, making it a well-established destination. Proximity, shared culture and lower costs contribute to this popularity.

Key takeaways

  • Tuition in Malaysia in 2026 generally ranges MYR 20,000–60,000 per year.
  • Living costs are lower than in Australia or the UK.
  • Branch campuses like Monash, Nottingham and Heriot-Watt award the same degrees at lower cost.
  • Student passes are processed through EMGS.
  • About 9,900 Indonesian students were in Malaysia in 2024.

Related questions

Is MYR 20,000–60,000 per year the total cost of studying in Malaysia?

No, that range covers tuition only. You also need to budget for living costs, accommodation, student pass fees, health insurance and return travel. Living costs are lower than Australia or the UK, but vary by city.

Do branch campuses really award the same degree?

Yes, Monash Malaysia, Nottingham Malaysia and Heriot-Watt Malaysia award degrees equivalent to those from their home campuses, often at lower cost than studying in Australia or the UK.

How do I apply for a Malaysian student pass?

You apply through Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) after receiving an offer from a Malaysian institution. The student pass is required for full-time study.

Is Malaysia cheaper than studying in Australia or the UK?

Generally yes. Malaysian tuition is MYR 20,000–60,000 per year, while Australian tuition is AUD 20,000–45,000 per year and Australian living costs are AUD 20,000–25,000 per year in 2026.

Are there scholarships for Indonesian students in Malaysia?

Full and partial scholarships exist for Malaysia, including some university-specific awards. Deadlines and amounts change annually, so check with the university and scholarship providers.

Sources

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