Types of Degree in Malaysia – Guide to Programs, Duration & Costs

So, you’re thinking about studying in Malaysia? Well, that is pretty awesome! 

In fact, whether you’re a local student or someone considering moving here for your education, this guide will walk you through everything that you need to know about degrees in Malaysia. 

Whereas we’ll cover the different types of programs that are available, how long they take, how much you need to save up, and even some fun facts about studying here. 

Therefore, by the end of this post, you’ll have a clear idea of what’s out there and which path might be right for you. 

Introduction to Degrees in Malaysia

As of now, Malaysia is quickly becoming a popular destination for students from all over the world. 

Why would that be the case?

Well, it’s not just because of the amazing food (though that’s definitely a bonus). The country gives out high-quality education at affordable prices, with universities that are globally recognised. 

Plus, Malaysia is a place where you can meet students from different kinds of cultures, so you’ll get to experience a mix of traditions while you study.

Moreover, degrees in Malaysia follow the British education system, which means they’re rigorous and respected worldwide. 

Therefore, whether you’re looking to start your career or deepen your knowledge regarding the major that you are keen on, Malaysia has options for you.

As a matter of fact, from foundation programs to PhDs, you’ll find a degree that fits your goals.

Why Study for a Degree in Malaysia?

Let’s be honest—choosing where to study is a big decision. 

So, here’s why Malaysia might just be the perfect place for you:

• First of all, this is a fantastic opportunity for budget students. Speaking of which, compared to countries like the US, UK, or Australia, tuition fees in Malaysia are much lower. In addition to that, you’ll also find that living costs are pretty reasonable.

• Secondly, Malaysian universities are climbing the global rankings. In fact, institutes like Universiti Malaya and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia are making progress internationally. Plus, many institutions also provide twinning programs, which let you study part of your degree in Malaysia and the rest abroad. How cool is that, right?

• Lastly, Malaysia is a safe and welcoming place. Whereas English is widely spoken, especially in academic areas, so language barriers won’t be a huge issue. And let’s not forget the beaches, rainforests, and their cities—all within reach during your holidays.

Types of Undergraduate Degrees in Malaysia

Alright, let’s get into the main point. 

If you’re starting your higher education journey, here are the main undergraduate pathways you can find in Malaysia:

Foundation & Diploma Pathway

Think of these as your initial steps to a full bachelor’s degree. 

In fact, foundation programs usually last one year and are designed to prepare you for university-level studies. 

Plus, they’re great if you’re still figuring out what you want to major in. 

Diplomas, on the other hand, are more focused and practical. 

Whereas they typically take two to three years and can lead directly to a job or allow you to transfer into the second year of a bachelor’s program.

Bachelor’s Degree

As you may already know, this is the classic undergraduate qualification. 

Bachelor’s degrees in Malaysia usually take three to four years, depending on the field. 

For example, engineering and architecture programs tend to be longer. 

The reason for that is these degrees give you a deep dive into your chosen subject and often include internships or industry placements.

With that being said, one thing that students love about bachelor’s degrees here is the flexibility. 

As many programs let you customise your studies by choosing electives or combining majors. 

Therefore, if you think about it, it’s like building your own academic path by picking the educational aspects that suit your interests!

Types of Postgraduate Degrees in Malaysia

If you’ve already got an undergraduate degree under your academic qualifications and want to level up, Malaysia has plenty of postgraduate options too. 

So, here’s what you need to know:

Master’s Degree

A master’s degree is all about specialization. 

Whereas it usually takes one to two years to complete, depending on whether you’re doing coursework, research, or a mix of both. 

In fact, some programs, such as MBAs, focus on practical skills, while other majors, like the pure sciences, lean heavily on research. 

However, you can take these facts for granted because either way, you’ll gain advanced knowledge and stand out in the job market.

Doctorate (PhD)

If you’re passionate about research and want to become an expert in your field, a PhD might be best for you. 

Whereas these programs can take anywhere from three to five years and involve developing intense research schedules. 

While it’s a big commitment, getting a PhD opens doors to many educational aspects, leadership roles, and specialized careers.

With that in mind, Malaysia is particularly strong in fields like engineering, technology, and environmental science when it comes to postgraduate studies. 

Therefore, universities here are investing heavily in research facilities, so you’ll have access to modern resources to continue your studies.

Professional Degrees in Malaysia

Now, let’s talk about professional degrees. 

These are qualifications that prepare you for specific careers, often requiring licensing or certification. 

Specifically in Malaysia, popular professional degrees include engineering, law, business, tourism, and healthcare.

For instance, if you dream of becoming a doctor, you can enroll in a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery program, which usually takes five years.  

Similarly, aspiring lawyers can follow a law degree with a legal practice course. 

Duration of Each Degree Type

How long does each type of degree take? 

Well, here’s a quick breakdown, along with some extra details to help you to plan your academic journey:

Foundation Programs: 1 Year

Foundation programs are designed to be short and sweet. 

Whereas they usually last just one year, which is perfect if you’re eager to dive into your bachelor’s degree without spending too much time on preliminary studies. 

Plus, these programs are often offered by universities as a direct pathway into their undergraduate courses. 

However, keep in mind that foundation programs are usually aligned to specific fields, like business, engineering, or sciences. 

So, if you’re still unsure about your major, you might want to consider a diploma instead.

Diplomas: 2-3 Years

Diplomas are perfect for having a nice balance between theory and practical skills. 

In fact, most diploma programs take two to three years to complete, depending on the field and whether you’re studying full-time or part-time. 

For example, a Diploma in Hospitality might include practical training at hotels, while a Diploma in IT could involve coding projects or internships. 

Plus, one cool perk of diplomas is that they can sometimes count toward a bachelor’s degree. 

Therefore, if you decide to go forward later, you might be able to enter directly into the second or even third year of a related program.

Bachelor’s Degrees: 3-4 Years (Sometimes Longer for Certain Fields)

To put it simply, Bachelor’s degrees are the bread and butter of higher education, and in Malaysia, they usually take three to four years to complete. 

As a matter of fact, programs in arts, humanities, and social sciences tend to stick to the three-year mark, while fields like engineering, architecture, and pharmacy often require four years or more. 

Moreover, some professional degrees, like medicine (MBBS), can stretch up to five or six years because they include clinical training. 

Therefore, if you’re planning to study part-time, expect the duration to double—though not all universities offer part-time options for bachelor’s degrees.

Master’s Degrees:1-2 Years

Master’s programs come in two main flavours, namely coursework-based and research-based. 

In detail, coursework master’s degrees are similar to bachelor’s programs but at an advanced level. 

This is because they usually take one to two years, depending on the workload and whether you’re studying full-time or part-time. 

Research-based master’s degrees, on the other hand, give you more flexibility but require you to produce a thesis. 

Whereas these can take closer to two years, especially if you’re juggling work and study. 

In addition to that, some specialized programs, like MBAs, might also include internships or industry projects, which could extend the timeline slightly.

PhDs: 3-5 Years

Think of this in this way: earning a PhD is a marathon, not a sprint. 

Whereas in Malaysia, these programs typically take three to five years, depending on the complexity of your research and how quickly you can complete your dissertation. 

As a matter of fact, full-time students usually finish faster, while part-time candidates might take the full five years or even longer. 

Anyway, during this time, you’ll be working closely with a supervisor by conducting original research and using your knowledge in your field. 

So, if you think about it, it’s a challenge but a rewarding journey, especially if you’re passionate about making an impact in academia or industry.

Also, keep in mind that these durations can change slightly depending on the university and the program structure. 

This is because some schools offer quick options by allowing you to graduate sooner if you’re willing to take on a heavier workload. 

Nevertheless, others might have longer semesters or additional requirements, like internships, industrial training, or mandatory language courses. 

Therefore, always check with the institution for specifics, as policies can differ even within the same country.

Entry Requirements for Malaysian Universities

Getting into a Malaysian university isn’t rocket science, but you do need to meet specific criteria. 

So, here’s a general overview:

For undergraduate programs, you’ll typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with good grades in relevant subjects. Plus, international students might also need to provide their English proficiency test scores, like IELTS or TOEFL.

In opposition, postgraduate programs require a relevant bachelor’s degree, and sometimes work experience too. Therefore, if you’re applying for a research-based master’s or PhD, you’ll likely need to submit a proposal outlining your intended area of study.

Average Tuition Fees for Different Degree Types

Money matters, right? Well, let’s break down the costs:

• Foundation programs: RM19,000–RM30,000 per year

• Diplomas: RM20,000–RM30,000 in total

• Bachelor’s degrees: RM35,000–RM450,000 in total (public universities are cheaper than private ones)

• Master’s degrees: RM20,000–RM50,000 per year

• PhDs: RM30,000–RM70,000 in total

Note: These are average figures; therefore, the actual amount can change. 

Popular Fields of Study in Malaysia

What are the major sectors that students tend to study in Malaysia? 

Well, here are some picks:

• Business and management

• Engineering and technology

• Medicine and health sciences

• Hospitality and tourism

• Creative arts and design

Now you might be wondering why these fields? Actually, Malaysia’s economy is booming, and industries like tech and healthcare are growing rapidly. 

Plus, its status as a tourist location makes hospitality a natural fit. 

Anyway, the point is that whatever your passion is, chances are you’ll find a program that aligns with it.

Top Universities in Malaysia for Each Degree Type

As you may already know by now, Malaysia has several world-known universities, each popular in different areas:

• For business and management: Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM)

• As for engineering and technology: Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)

• For medicine: Universiti Malaya (UM)

• For creative arts: Limkokwing University of Creative Technology

Note: Each university has its own aspect, so it’s worth visiting their websites or attending open days to see which feels like the best fit for you.

Conclusion

There you have it—a guide to degrees in Malaysia! 

Now, whether you’re eyeing a foundation program, a PhD, or something in between, Malaysia is perfect because its quality education at competitive prices is worth your time and money. 

Therefore, take your time to explore your options, and remember, there’s no “one in all” when it comes to education. 

So, find what works for you, and we believe that you’ll set yourself up for success. Good luck!

Contact TEVS a Malaysia student visa agency in Sri Lanka for more details.

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