Malaysia - An International Hub for Quality Higher Education

Malaysia today is a popular destination for the pursuit of higher education. Established, reputable universities from around the world have set up campuses here, working jointly with Malaysian universities and colleges to offer internationally accredited degrees and diplomas in almost every discipline.

There are now more than 60,000 students from 150 countries pursuing tertiary education here. They come to Malaysia because it has a unique Asian culture, a safe and secure environment, a low cost of living and many fascinating places for tourist destination. They come to Malaysia because we offer a dynamic international environment and a cost-effective route for quality education.

A Popular Destination

A charming blend of green forests, long stretches of sandy beaches, mountain peaks and emerald islands, Malaysia has been a popular destination for centuries. As a key stop on the ancient spice route, it was a trading post that became a natural melting pot of cultures and religions. Arabs, Indians, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch and the English found this peninsular particularly fascinating. Malacca once held the distinction of being the ancient region’s most important entreport. Here, global economy thrived as spices, silks, gold and silver traded hands and were transported to all parts of the world.

With such a colorful history and heritage, it is no surprise that the same strengths continue to be the same attractions to the world. In addition, it pulls visitors for its added allure of modern cities, shopper's paradise, luxury resorts, as well as its quaint nooks of living history and cultural diversity.

World-Class Education

In the last decade, Malaysia has added another notch to its attractions by becoming a highly-attractive skills training and tertiary education destination for students from around the world. These young people are drawn by the increasing presence of some of the world’s most renowned universities, who offer various options to gain their diplomas and degrees through twinning arrangement with local institutions, transfer of credit, franchise and branch campus packages. Within the region, Malaysia provides the best destination for pursuing academic qualification.

The national education system comprises of the following levels of education:

• Pre-school / Kindergarten education for children aged 4 to 6

• Primary education from age 7 to 12 (Standard 1 to Standard 6 for 6 years)

• Secondary education from age 13 to 17 (Form 1 to Form 5 for 5 years)

  • Lower secondary from age 13 to 15 (Form 1 to Form 3 for 3 years)

  • Upper secondary from age 16 to 17 (Form 4 to Form 5 for 2 years) with the option to choose either
    - Academic secondary education
    - or Technical/Vocational secondary education
    - or Religious secondary education

• Post-secondary education / Pre-university from age 18 (for 1 to 2 years)

  • either Form Six (for 1.5 years), or

  • Matriculation (for 1 year)

• Tertiary / Higher education

  • Certificate and Diploma Education at Polytechnics / Colleges from age 18 onwards

  • Education at Teacher Training Institutes from age 18 onwards

  • Undergraduate studies from age 19 or 20 (for 3 to 5 years)

  • Postgraduate studies [Master’s Degree or Ph.D studies, after acquiring a Bachelor’s degree] (for 1 to 5 years).