Complete Budgeting Guide for Students in Malaysia

Studying in Malaysia is one of the most affordable options for quality international education. This comprehensive guide will help you plan your budget effectively.

Tuition Fees

Undergraduate Programs

• Public Universities: RM 20,000 - RM 40,000 per year
• Private Universities: RM 30,000 - RM 70,000 per year
• Medicine (MBBS): RM 150,000 - RM 200,000 per year

Postgraduate Programs

• Master's (Coursework): RM 25,000 - RM 60,000 total
• Master's (Research): RM 15,000 - RM 40,000 total
• PhD: RM 20,000 - RM 50,000 total

Monthly Living Expenses

Accommodation

• On-campus housing: RM 300 - RM 800/month
• Shared apartment: RM 500 - RM 1,000/month (per person)
• Studio apartment: RM 1,000 - RM 2,000/month
• Homestay: RM 800 - RM 1,200/month (meals included)

Food & Dining

• Budget meals: RM 5 - RM 10 per meal
• Mid-range: RM 15 - RM 30 per meal
• Monthly estimate: RM 600 - RM 1,000
• Tip: Campus cafeterias and local food courts are most economical

Transportation

• Public transport (monthly): RM 100 - RM 200
• Ride-sharing (occasional): RM 100 - RM 300/month
• Note: Many students use Grab or public buses/trains

Miscellaneous Expenses

• Phone & internet: RM 50 - RM 100/month
• Personal care & toiletries: RM 100 - RM 150/month
• Entertainment: RM 200 - RM 400/month
• Books & supplies: RM 100 - RM 300/month

Total Monthly Budget

Economy: RM 1,500 - RM 2,000/month Moderate: RM 2,000 - RM 3,000/month Comfortable: RM 3,000 - RM 4,500/month

Money-Saving Tips

1. Cook your own meals - Save up to 50% on food costs 2. Use student discounts - Most attractions offer student rates 3. Share accommodation - Split rent with roommates 4. Buy second-hand textbooks - Or use library resources 5. Use public transport - Get monthly passes for better rates 6. Take advantage of free campus facilities - Gym, library, study spaces 7. Plan major purchases during sales - Malaysia has great sale seasons

One-Time Initial Costs

• Visa & immigration fees: RM 1,500 - RM 2,500
• Medical examination: RM 200 - RM 500
• Student insurance: RM 500 - RM 1,000/year
• Bedding & essentials: RM 300 - RM 800
• Security deposits: RM 1,000 - RM 2,000

Banking & Money Management

• Open a Malaysian bank account upon arrival
• Major banks: Maybank, CIMB, Public Bank, RHB
• Most banks offer special student accounts with no minimum balance
• Use online banking apps for easy money management

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Reduce your costs significantly:

• Merit scholarships: 10-100% tuition waiver
• Need-based financial aid available
• Part-time work opportunities (20 hours/week allowed)

Contact ZEDEX for scholarship guidance and application assistance.