How Much Does It Cost to Study in Malaysia?
A detailed breakdown of tuition fees and monthly living expenses for international students at top Malaysian universities.
Malaysia has become one of the most popular destinations for international students from the GCC, South Asia, and Africa. Compared to Western countries, Malaysia offers world-class education at a fraction of the cost — without compromising on quality.
In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about the cost of studying in Malaysia, including tuition fees for Engineering and Computing programs at APU and realistic monthly living budgets.
Tuition Fees at APU Malaysia
Annual tuition ranges vary by program. All fees below are in USD and cover one academic year.
Engineering
- Mechatronics Engineering$4,800 – $6,500
- Mechanical Engineering$4,800 – $6,200
- Electrical & Electronics Engineering$4,500 – $6,000
- Software Engineering$4,500 – $5,800
Computing & Technology
- Artificial Intelligence$4,800 – $6,200
- Cyber Security$4,800 – $6,000
- Data Science$4,500 – $5,800
- Computer Science$4,200 – $5,500
Business & Finance
- Accounting$3,800 – $5,000
- Banking & Finance$3,800 – $5,000
- International Business$3,800 – $5,000
- Digital Marketing$3,500 – $4,800
Total Program Cost Estimate
A typical 3-year degree costs approximately $13,500 – $19,500 in total tuition. This is roughly 40–60% less than equivalent programs in the UK, USA, or Australia.
Monthly Living Expenses
Kuala Lumpur and the surrounding Klang Valley offer a comfortable student lifestyle at an affordable cost.
Accommodation
On-campus dormitory or shared apartment near the university.
Food & Groceries
Eating at campus cafeterias, local hawker centres, and cooking at home.
Transportation
Public buses, trains (MRT/LRT), and occasional ride-hailing.
Internet & Phone
Mobile data plan and broadband (usually included in shared housing).
Health Insurance
Mandatory student medical insurance provided by most universities.
Books & Materials
Textbooks, lab supplies, and digital resources.
Total Monthly Budget: $400 – $835
Most students spend around $600 – $700 per month comfortably. Sharing accommodation and cooking at home keeps costs at the lower end.
One-Year Cost Summary
Combine tuition and living expenses for a realistic first-year budget.
Budget-Friendly Year
- Tuition: $13,500
- Living: $4,800 ($400 x 12)
- Visa & Misc: $500
Comfortable Year
- Tuition: $18,000
- Living: $8,400 ($700 x 12)
- Visa & Misc: $700
Why Study in Malaysia?
Thousands of GCC students choose Malaysia every year. Here is why it is one of the best-value study destinations in the world.
- Tuition fees are 40–60% lower than UK, USA, or Australia
- No IELTS required for many programs at APU
- Scholarship opportunities based on academic merit
- English-taught degrees recognized worldwide
- Safe, multicultural environment with modern infrastructure
- QS 5-Star rated universities with strong industry links
Ready to calculate your budget?
Our education advisors can help you plan your finances, explore scholarships, and start your application to APU Malaysia.