Law Course in Malaysia : Complete Guide for International Students

Overview

Are you thinking of pursuing a law course in Malaysia? Malaysia has become a prime destination for students who wish to pursue a legal career as it offers the lowest fees for tuition, well-accredited universities, and a lively multicultural. Be it the most affordable Malaysian law degree or a government-established Malaysian university, the country boasts various options to fulfill local and international students' desires.

The legal education system in Malaysia is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in legal principles, practical skills, and ethics, thus equipping them to succeed in a variety of career paths such as corporate law, litigation, or public service. Here's why Malaysia is an ideal destination for law studies and what makes its universities stand

Why Choose Malaysia for a Law Degree?

Malaysia is considered one of the most respected education hubs, which creates some special benefits for the pursuit of a law degree in Malaysia:

• Affordable Tuition Fee
  • Malaysia is famous for cheaper higher education, especially the cheap law degree in Malaysia, and the cost does not bring a compromise on the level of quality because of course standards.
• Globally Recognized Universities
  • Malaysian universities, whether private or government-run, offer law courses that are recognized globally. Their curricula often integrate elements of international law and local legal practices, making graduates highly competitive in the global job market.
• Cultural Diversity
  • Learning in Malaysia will expose the students to a multicultural society, which will enhance better understanding of different legal systems and cultural practices.
• Diverse Legal Frameworks
  • Malaysia's legal education is unique because of its blend of common law and Islamic law, giving a balanced view to the students.

International Students Studying Law Course in Malaysia

Malaysia has emerged as a destination for international students seeking to pursue a law degree in Malaysia. High academic standards, multicultural environment, and affordable tuition fees attract aspiring legal professionals from all over the world.

Students can pursue bachelor's, master's, or doctorate programs in a variety of law courses offered in Malaysia. Government universities, like Universiti Malaya (UM) and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), are renowned for their excellent quality law courses in Malaysia government universities. There are also private institutions, like Taylor's University and Brickfields Asia College, offering flexible and affordable law programs.

For those looking for affordability, Malaysia has some of the cheapest law degrees available, with annual tuition ranging from MYR 15,000 to MYR 40,000, according to the institution. Tuition fees for programs taught in English will provide global applicability, with entry requirements usually including academic transcripts, English proficiency in IELTS or TOEFL, and a personal statement.

Malaysian law graduates understand the Malaysian and international legal systems extensively with the potential of turning out lawyers, legal advisors, or policy makers. Malaysia's diverse legal landscape will create a complete platform for international students to get a robust foundation in law with a vibrant experience.

Study Law in Malaysia- Best Universities, Admission, Fees, Scholarships

Studying Law at a Malaysian University will teach you the aspects of human life. It sharpens your mind and strengthens your understanding of the full range of humanities and social sciences

While studying law in Malaysia, you will be able to practice in Malaysia's court systems and civil codes. By acquiring a degree in the legal field, you'll be able to enter the world of justice with an advantaged educational background. There are many different types of law degrees in the country, but pursuing a course in one will allow you to master the field. Below are some of the benefits of studying law in Malaysia.

You'll also be able to enter the High Court of Malaya as an advocate or solicitor. In addition to practicing law, graduates can apply for membership in the Malaysian Judiciary after graduation. The International Islamic University Malaysia is ranked among the Top 300 QS rankings in the field of law. It also has dedicated centres for law research, and in 2014, it won the International Space Law Moot Court Competition. As you can see, the legal field in Malaysia is highly lucrative and has a bright future.

Postgraduate LAW Courses in Malaysia

If you're pursuing a postgraduate law courses in malaysia, you'll have a wide range of opportunities in this exciting field. There are many fields within the field of law, and the need for lawyers will always be high. While the number of opportunities in the field of law in Malaysia is increasing, the requirements to get accepted are very different from other countries. For example, you will be required to have an English language proficiency of at least 6.5 or a TOEFL score of 88. In addition, you'll need to apply for a student visa in the country where you plan to study.

Top Law Universities in Malaysia

Source: QS Ranking 2025

Education Levels of Law Courses in Malaysia

Malaysia provides full-scale legal education at various levels to meet the requirements of aspiring legal professionals. Whether you are looking for the cheapest law degree in Malaysia or aiming to study law in Malaysia at top institutions, there are several pathways available.

• Foundation in Law
  • Overview: The Foundation in Law is a pre-university program aimed at equipping students with the basic knowledge of law and preparing them for a degree in law.
  • Duration: Normally 1 year.
  • Best For: Students who have completed SPM or equivalent qualifications and are looking to pursue a law degree in Malaysia.
  • Where to Study: It is offered by both private and government universities such as Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM).
• Bachelor's Degree in Law (LLB)
  • Overview: The LLB is the main qualification degree one must possess before one becomes a lawyer. They gain the in-depth knowledge and exposure of legal principles and practices.
  • Duration: 3 to 4 years
• Where to Study:
  • Government Institutions: Low cost law program in Malaysia can be undertaken in any of the following government universities in Malaysia
  • Universiti Malaya (UM)
  • Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)
  • International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM)
  • Private Colleges: Taylor's University, HELP University and other similar colleges.
• Why Take This Course
  • An affordable choice for those seeking the lowest law degree in Malaysia without sacrificing quality.
• Master of Laws (LLM)
  • This is a postgraduate course where law graduates or practicing lawyers can specialize in specific areas like Corporate Law, Human Rights, or International Law.
  • Duration: 1 to 2 years (full-time or part-time).
• Who Should Register:
  • Graduates who intend to pursue a law course in Malaysia for career progression.
  • Specialists looking for academic appointments or professorial positions
• PhD in Law
  • PhD in law is a research-based program for one who intends to contribute to the legal literature.
  • Duration 3 to 5 years
  • Academic careers, high consultancy, or policy-making
  • Where: UM, UKM etc.

Why study law in Malaysia?

• Quality Education
  • Malaysian universities have a curriculum that is solid.
• Affordability
  • Availability of cheapest law degrees in Malaysia is a big advantage.
• International Acceptance
  • Graduates from Malaysian law programs are well-respected worldwide.
• Variety
  • Both law courses in Malaysia at private colleges and law courses in Malaysia government universities offer a flexible route for students.

Comparison of Law Course in Malaysia, Australia and UK

Duration of Law Study in Malaysia

After completing your studies in STPM/ Matriculation/ A- Levels, you will need more than 3 years to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in Law from Malaysia. After completing the Undergraduate degree you can proceed to study for the CLP ( Certification in Legal Practice) exam which will take approximately 9 months to complete. Once you have appeared for all required examinations, you will have to attend the Nine-Month Pupilage before you are certified to practice as a lawyer

Cost of Bachelor's & Master's Law Degree Course in Malaysia

Just like the entry requirements, Universities charge differently for their Bachelor's degrees in Malaysia. Tuition Fees are much more affordable in Public Universities than in Private Universities

The price range according to the type of university is as below

• Public universities – RM 4,000 – 7,200
• Private universities – RM 60,000 – 100,000

Living Cost to Study Law Course in Malaysia

Career Opportunity of Law in Malaysia

Other than practising law in the courtroom, lawyers can find jobs in other areas such as:

• Academician
• Advocates & Solicitors
• Attorney-General’s Chambers
• Arbitrator
• Company Secretary
• Corporate Counsel
• Forensic Investigator
• Judiciary
• Lecturer
• Legal Secretary
• Legal Writer & Editor

Top Fields For Law Course In Malaysia

• Corporate Law
  • Overview: Deals with the legal aspects of business and corporations, including mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, intellectual property, and compliance.
• Key Areas
  • Mergers & Acquisitions
  • Corporate Finance
  • Securities Law
  • Antitrust & Competition Law
  • Why It's Popular: Corporate law provides a very high-paying career and is highly in demand by the top law firms and multinational companies.

• Criminal Law
  • Overview: Concerned with laws relating to crime and punishment, criminal defense, prosecution, and protection of civil liberties.
• Key Fields:
  • Criminal Defence
  • Criminal Procedure
  • International Criminal Law
  • Why It Is In Demand: Criminal law is a key part of any country's legal system, and specialists in this area may act as prosecutors, defense lawyers, or even collaborate with police agencies.

• International Law
  • Introduction: Relates to legal provisions that regulate relations between nations, such as treaties, human rights, and international bodies.
• Key Fields:
  • International Human Rights
  • International Trade and Investment Law
  • Environmental Law
  • Humanitarian Law
  • Why It's Popular: International law is fundamental for those who have an interest in global diplomacy, human rights, and multinational legal practice.

• Family Law
  • Overview: Includes the legal matters of family life such as divorce, child custody, adoption, and domestic violence.
• Key Areas:
  • Divorce and Separation
  • Child Custody and Adoption
  • Domestic Violence
  • Prenuptial Agreements
  • Why It's Popular: Family law is perhaps one of the most emotionally rewarding fields since it is directly related to persons and families.

• Environmental Law
  • Overview: Deals with legal issues involving the environment, including natural resources, pollution control, and sustainability.
• Key Areas:
  • Environmental Regulation
  • Climate Change Law
  • Natural Resource Management

Eligibility Requirement for Law Study in Malaysia

The duration of studying LLB in Malaysia University depends on whether it includes a professional year or not. In the professional year, you will have to prepare for the CLP exam, which is included in your curriculum so that students don't have to take it after they have graduated with their Bachelor's Degree from a best University in Malaysia for Law. 

Entry requirements vary depending on the institution, but typically the criteria for a Bachelor’s degree in law are:

• SPM or O Levels – passed with a minimum of 3 credits including English, and
• Foundation or Diploma – passed with a minimum CGPA of 2.00, or
• STPM or A-Levels – minimum 2 principal passes, or
• Any other qualifications that are deemed equivalent by the university

If you have not included the CLP exam In your course then you have to take this course up after you get your Graduate degree in Law from Malaysia. The CLP course is for one whole year, which makes your study of 4 years if included in your curriculum.

In General, a bachelor’s degree programme is of :

• 3 years if the programme does not include a professional year
• 4 years if the programme includes a professional year

What subjects will be studied?

Good law courses ensure that students have a mix of theoretical knowledge and practical experience. Here are examples of a few topics you might cover in a general law degree programme:

• Legal Methods
• English and Malaysian Legal System
• International Human Rights and Humanitarian law
• Criminal Procedure
• Mooting (simulation of a court proceeding)

Application Process for Law Courses in Malaysia

If you are looking to take a law course in Malaysia, including taking a cheapest law degree in Malaysia at the government university, here's how:

Step 1: Conduct Research on Law Courses and Universities

• Determine the universities that have the law courses offered, including Universiti Malaya (UM), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), and Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM).
• Compare different programs with regard to your affordability and quality of taking law courses in Malaysia government universities.

Step 2: Check Admission Requirements

• Foundation in Law: SPM equivalent with minimum credits.
• LLB (Bachelor of Laws): STPM (A-Level equivalent), matriculation, or a recognized foundation in law.
• Postgraduate Law: A recognized law degree (LLB) for LLM or equivalent qualifications for a PhD. English proficiency tests like IELTS or TOEFL may be required for international students.

Step 3: Prepare Application Documents

• Academic transcripts and certificates.
• Proof of English language proficiency (if applicable).
• Copy of passport (for international students).
• Personal statement or essay (few universities require this).
• Letters of recommendation (if needed).

Step 4: Submit Application

• Apply online directly through the university's portal for most.
• For some government universities, you will have to use the UPU or Unit Pusat Universiti system for undergraduate programs.
• As long as your application is complete and you meet the deadline, you are good to go.

Step 5: Pay Application Fees

• Pay the non-refundable application fee set by the university. Each university charges a different fee.

Step 6: Interview (If Necessary)

• For some law courses, particularly the most competitive in Malaysia, the universities would want to interview you or conduct an entrance test.

Step 7: Get Offer Letter

• Once your application has been accepted, you can get a conditional or unconditional offer letter.
• The condition may include finishing your previous course or supplying missing papers among other things.

Step 8: Accept the Offer

• Acceptance of the offer is made by signed acceptance form, and in some case, a deposit payment is applied.

Step 9: Student Visa Application (Overseas Students)

• Oversea students must apply for their student visa via Education Malaysia Global Services.
• Submit application letter, your passport among other documents.

Step 10: Registration and Enrollment

• Registration at the university and orientation.
• Pay tuition fees and finalize your enrollment before the course commencement.

Visa Process for Law Courses in Malaysia

If you are an international student looking forward to studying law in Malaysia, including courses at government universities that offer the lowest-priced law degrees in Malaysia, you will need to apply for a student visa. Here is how you can do it in detail:

• Obtain Admission in a Malaysian University
  • Apply to a reputed university that offers a law degree in Malaysia, like Universiti Malaya (UM) or Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).
  • Ensure that you qualify for the program in terms of academic and language requirements, whether you join a law course in Malaysia government university or a private institution.
• Receive Your Offer Letter
  • Once you get admission into the program, you will receive an offer letter from the university. This is the most critical document for your visa application.
• Apply Through EMGS
  • The Malaysian government has centralized the student visa application process on the EMGS portal.
  • Present your application with all required documents. Proof of enrollment in a Malaysian program for a law degree should be attached to the application.
• Prepare All Necessary Documents
  • Offer Letter issued by the university.
  • Academic Transcripts (certificates of secondary school or previous degree).
  • Valid Passport for at least 18 months.
  • Photographs, passport-sized, as per the Malaysian visa regulations.
  • Evidence of Finance (bank statements or scholarship letters).
  • Medical Report (carried out by registered clinics).
  • Payment receipt for the Visa Fee (depending on the length of your stay).
• Submit your Visa Application
  • Log into the EMGS portal and upload all your documents.
  • Pay the visa processing fee.
• Obtain Visa Approval Letter (VAL)
  • Once approved, EMGS will issue you the Visa Approval Letter (VAL). This is an essential document for entering Malaysia.
• Malaysia Visit
  • You can go to Malaysia with the VAL. Once you arrive, the immigration officer will issue you with a temporary pass.
• Post-Arrival Formalities
  • You undergo medical screening at an approved clinic in Malaysia.
  • Forward the medical report to EMGS.
  • You collect your student visa sticker from the Immigration Department and it will be placed on your passport.

Application Timeline for Law Courses in Malaysia

Are you planning to start law in Malaysia? Look below for an exhaustive intake calendar, depending on what law course in Malaysia, government university you apply or searching for the lowest or cheapest law degree in Malaysia.

• Universitites research and Short list: (6-12 Months ahead of the intake)
  • Research Universities which would provide you the best in Law studies. It is possible with Universiti Malaya(UM), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia(UKM) Universiti Teknologi MARA(UIBM).
  • Verify programme information, fees payable and eligibility requirements. Not many countries offer cheaper higher-education options compared to studying law courses in government universities of Malaysia.
• Confirm Intake Applications (6-9 months before intake)
  • There are typically two principal intakes by the different universities in Malaysia- namely, February/March and September/October
  • Usually applications open 2-3 months prior to an intake.
  • IntakeApplication DateFebruary/MarchNov.-DecemberSeptember/OctoberJun.-July3. Procure necessary documents 5-6 months prior to intake
  • Assemble following documents:
  • Academic record/ transcripts/certificates.
  • The document showing the student`s English proficiency like IELTS/TOEFL (if needed).
  • Personal statement and/or letters of recommendation.
  • Passport (for international students).
• Apply for Places (3-6 Months Before Commencement)
  • Apply using the university's website or through the UPU (Unit Pusat Universiti) portal for public universities.
  • Pay application fee and upload all the necessary documents.
  • Private universities have their portals for application, too.
• Interview Sessions (If Necessary) (2-4 Months Before Commencement)
  • Some institutions might call for an interview or entrance test before you are accepted into their Malaysian law degree programs.
  • Ensure you are available for such processes if called.
• Offer Letter (1-3 Months Before Intake)
  • You will be sent either a conditional or unconditional offer letter upon being accepted.
  • If your offer is conditional, you need to fulfill those conditions.
• Student Visa Application (For International Students) (1-3 Months Before Intake)
  • Submit your visa application through Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) by using your offer letter.
  • Wait for the visa to be approved (2-6 weeks).
• Registration and Enrollment (1 month before intake)
  • Pay for tuition fees and register either online or in person at the university
  • Attend the orientation program for new students.