When it comes to foreign students seeking higher education, Malaysia is a highly sought-after destination. Because of Malaysia’s low tuition costs, pleasant climate, rich cultural diversity, and—above all—reasonably low cost of living, students from all over the world have chosen it as their place of study.
The costs of living in Malaysia involve a number of things, including the cost of education, the cost of living for students, the cost of food, the cost of transportation, and other extra expenses.
This post is perfect for you if you’re wondering how much it costs for foreign students to live in Malaysia. We’ll be looking at a thorough overview of living expenses in Malaysia for international students in this piece.
Affordable Malaysian universities
Malaysia is highly popular because of its affordable tuition fees in various universities. Among some available top-ranked affordable universities, we are highlighting five affordable universities below:
Universiti Teknologi Mara
Graduate: USD 2,480.48 – 5,000.08
Post-Graduate: USD 1,875.12 – 4,867.96
University of Malaya
Graduate: USD 2,524.48 – 5,896.08
Post-Graduate: USD 1,895.12 – 4,978.96
University Putra Malaysia (UPM)
Graduate: USD 2,485.35 – 5,245.08
Post-Graduate: USD 2,121.12 – 6,846.96
Open University Malaysia (OUM)
Graduate: USD 2,858.35 – 5,245.08
Post-Graduate: USD 2,978.12 – 6,122.96
USCI University
Graduate: USD 2,797.35 – 4,857.08
Post-Graduate: USD 2,757.12 – 5,746.96
Accommodations in Malaysia vary in price depending on their location and nature. Students have the option of individual rentals, shared apartments, or on-campus living.
Monthly cost of on-campus housing: RM400 to RM800
Monthly rent for shared apartments: RM600 to RM1,200
Monthly rent for private apartments: RM1,200 to RM2,000
The capital city of Kuala Lumpur could have more expensive rental rates than smaller communities. When compared to international norms, the whole cost is still reasonable.
Malaysia’s cost of living
Do you want to study overseas without going over budget? Malaysia might be the best place for you to go! Malaysia is attracting a lot of international students because of its esteemed universities and reasonably priced living expenses.
Cities like Kuala Lumpur, Subang Jaya, and Shah Alam are ranked among the best in Malaysia by the QS Best Student Cities 2025.
A Bangladeshi student would require, excluding rent, an average of INR 39,308 a month to cover living expenses. Planning your finances for the duration of your stay in Malaysia requires an understanding of the general cost of living at the study location of your choice.
Malaysian food prices
Monthly food and grocery expenses for students range from 200 to 350 EUR. You shouldn’t spend more than that if you cook and shop wisely (check supermarkets for sales and discounts).
The following are some typical costs for food items in Malaysia:
One bread loaf costs 0.70 euros.
One liter of milk costs 1.40 euros.
12 eggs cost 1.15 euros.
White cheese, 1 kg: 9.50 EUR
Apples, 1 kg: 2.10 EUR
Bananas, 1 kg: 1.15 EUR
Two euros for one dinner at reasonably priced restaurants
View additional living costs in Malaysia.
Reading materials, books, and stationery
Books and stationery should cost between RM50 and RM100 (US$12.50 to $25) a month, although this will mostly depend on the course you are enrolled in and the quantity and type of assignments you have to do.
Hospitalization and medical insurance
Even though you might not have to pay for medical bills every month, setting away RM50 (US$12.50) each month will cover you in the event that you require outpatient care at a private clinic during the year. You will need to spend approximately RM500 (US$125) a year for medical and hospitalization insurance, which is not included in this estimate.
Markets and Shopping
Malaysia is well known for its booming retail tourism industry, which offers everything from global luxury brands like Suria KLCC or Pavilion Kuala Lumpur shopping centers to incredible bargains on Petaling Street.
Free shuttle service is provided by a few shopping malls near KL city center. To find out if retail malls like 1 Utama retail Mall offer a free shuttle bus service between Mid Valley Megamall and nearby MRT stations to Bangsar MRT Station, check with the mall information desk.
Try looking for local produce at farmer’s markets if you’re looking for something a bit more regional. Additionally popular are night markets, which provide a wide selection of refreshments and trinkets.
Transportation
International students can enjoy a wide range of efficient transportation options in Malaysia. It is also easy to navigate thanks to its wide road networks, inexpensive domestic flights, and well-developed public transit system, which includes buses, LRT, and MRT in places like Kuala Lumpur. Here are some of the average prices for transportation in Malaysia:
Rail Systems
LRT/MRT/Monorail: fares range from 0.21 to 1.50 USD per trip
ETS/KTM: fares range from 1.00 to 20.00 USD, based on the journey length.
Bus service
Rapid/Go-KL: A single trip costs between 0.21 and 1.10 USD.
Buses: Prices vary significantly by distance and range from around 7.50 to 11 USD.
E-hailing service:
Grab: Prices are affected by distance and time of day, but they usually range from 1.50 to 10.00 USD.
Malaysia offers international students a unique opportunity to experience a vibrant culture and affordable, top-notch education. Thanks to reasonably priced housing, delicious cuisine, and efficient transit, students may live comfortably without going over their budget.
By keeping expenses under control and searching for local deals, Malaysia remains a fantastic destination for students on a limited budget.
Contact Skystar Global right now for personalized guidance and informed advice to ensure a seamless and enjoyable study abroad experience!