Many International students relocate to Malaysia for higher education due its quality of life and low cost of living. The cost of living in Malaysia is quite affordable compared to other countries. Not only this, its capital Kuala Lumpur has been listed in the world’s second most affordable student city by QS. The cost of living in Kuala Lumpur is seen to be around 4,579 RM (86,200 INR) per month. The tuition fee in Malaysia is somewhere around 15,500 to 23,000 RM (2,91,000 to 4,36,000 INR) per year while the average cost of living in Malaysia is estimated at 4,508 RM (84,864 INR) per month.

International students can reduce their living expenses with the help of a range of scholarships available in Malaysia, most of which are offered by the government and some by universities. International students may also receive Malaysian Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowship Plan or the Malaysian International Scholarship, upon meeting certain eligibility criteria. These scholarships generally cover expenses for accommodations, and travel costs in Malaysia.

Cost of Living in Malaysia: Travel Guide

Since Malaysia is just a few distances away from India, the average flight from India to Malaysia costs around 900 to 4,000 RM (17,000 to 75,000 INR). Mentioned below are the documents that international students need to carry to complete immigration process for Malaysia:

• Passport, with a validity of at least 6 months
• Letter of acceptance or admission offer from a Malaysian university
• Financial Support Proof
• Visa to study in Malaysia

Students upon arrival to Malaysia will be required to get their medical screening done within 7 days. Also, international students must purchase health insurance to cover healthcare expenses in Malaysia, costing around 540 to 1,112 RM (10,165 to 10,933 INR).

Cost of Transportation in Malaysia

The transportation cost impacts the most on overall living expenses in Malaysia. It advised to remain aware of the cost that each means of transportation requires in Malaysia. The average monthly expenses in Malaysia ranges from 81 to 122 RM (1,500 to 2,300 INR). Below are transportation modes and their cost in Malaysia:

• Bus: The Bus ticket in Malaysia generally costs around 1 to 3 RM (18 to 56 INR). While bus service in Malaysian Universities requires per semester payment of 60 RM (1,129 INR) with unlimited bus ride.
• Taxi: There are plenty of taxis available throughout Malaysia with a standard fare of 3 RM (56 INR). per kilometer.
• Metro: Generally available outside the city and may cost up to 3 RM (56 INR) for a single ticket. In Kuala Lumpur, the Metro ticket usually costs around 1.1 to 6.4 RM (20 to 120 INR).
• Car or Rent: Cars on rent are extensively higher with average rent of 197 RM (3,700 INR), hence it is not recommended for everyone who is on a budget.

Instead of spending money on transportation on a regular basis, international students may get a Touch 'n Go (TnG) card for 20 RM (376). Also, don't forget to open your bank account by providing the below documents:

• Malaysian student visa
• ID proof
• Valid Passport
• Certificate of enrolment or acceptance letter at a Malaysian institution
• Proof of address

A cash of 250 RM (4,700 INR) is also required in order to open a bank account.

This bank account can be used to make all your transactions with your university.

Cost of Living in Malaysia: Student Accommodation

Almost every university in Malaysia provides on campus accommodations for international students. There are also some off campus accommodations which are located just outside the university campus for international students. In any case, the students are not satisfied with on campus accommodations, they are free to look for off campus housing. The type of accommodations and location does impact the cost of living in Malaysia.

On Campus Accommodation in Malaysia

Some popular universities in Malaysia such Universiti Malaya offer guaranteed accommodations for first year undergraduate students. However, the students are required to apply for accommodations in advance to secure their place. Majority of the residence halls are full or partially furnished and are equipped with a bed, table, chair, and other utilities. Students may either choose a self catered or catered accommodations. Some of main facilities available in on campus accommodations:

• En-suite bathroom
• Air conditioning
• Television
• Fridge

Wi-fi is typically included with the admission fee. Some residence halls often offer a self service laundry with extra charges.

Cost of Living at Top Malaysian Universities

On average, students spend around 325 to 1,221 RM (6,111 to 22,960 INR) for cost of living in Malaysia per month while living on campus.

Take a look at the rent rates at top universities in Malaysia:

Off Campus Accommodation in Malaysia

There are a large number of international students studying in Malaysia due to which majority of the apartments near university campus are available for students. Depending on the distance, furniture and other amenities, students may choose any of the following accommodation options:

• Individual Rental Apartments: Individual Rental apartments may cost around 407 to 2,849 RM (7,665 to 53,659 INR) per month.
• Shared Apartments: The shared apartments on rent are slightly cheaper than Individual apartments with monthly rent of 203 to 1,017 RM (3,823 to 19,154 INR).
• Condominiums: These types of accommodations offer more facilities than apartments. The individual condominium cost around 610 to 8,142 RM (11,489 to 1.53 lakhs) while the shared condominium costs 407 to 3,256 RM (7,665 to 61,325 INR) per month.
• Property on Rent: a landed property for rent in Malaysia can expensive compared to other accommodations the rent for landed property is seen to be around 814 to 3,256 RM (15,331 to 61,325 INR)

Students are advised to look for on campus accommodations that fits their budget and avoid looking in prime locations as it will increase your living expenses in Malaysia.

Cost of Living in Top Student Cities in Malaysia

As earlier discussed, Malaysia is one of the most affordable countries as study abroad destinations. The annual living expenses in Malaysia is approximately 54,096 RM (10.17 lakhs INR). This will also include travel cost, food and accommodation expenses. Below table shows average cost in living in popular students cities in Malaysia:

As we can see, the accommodations and living expenses in Kuala Lumpur are higher than those in other cities. If we breakdown the over cost of living in Malaysia, the cost of other necessities will be:

• Food: 12 to 40 RM (226 to 753 INR) /day
• Mobile and internet: 20 to 203 RM (376 to 3,823 INR) /month
• Laundry: 61 RM (1,148 INR)

Cost of Living in Malaysia Compared to Other Countries

Although the day to day costs of living in the capital city, Kuala Lumpur, are similar to other cities in Malaysia, rents are much higher here. You can live well for much less if you choose a home outside of the city center, or in another city entirely.

International students planning to study in Malaysia must be well informed about the living expenses and must plan a budget accordingly. Planning a budget will help them reduce unnecessary expenses. The cost of living in Malaysia can also be adjusted with the help of Scholarships that will cover partial or overall cost in Malaysia.

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