Top Foreign Universities in Malaysia - International Branch Campuses & Global Degrees
Foreign Universities in Malaysia – Full Guide: Rankings, Fees (MYR), Intakes, Pathways
Malaysia is the top country in Asia for hosting international branch campuses of globally recognized foreign universities. These universities allow students to earn UK, Australian, or Chinese degrees at much lower MYR fees, all while maintaining the same academic quality.
Today, Malaysia is home to top-ranked foreign universities from the π¬π§ United Kingdom, π¦πΊ Australia, and π¨π³ China. Many of these institutions are positioned within the QS World University Rankings’ Top 100–300 range, making Malaysia a major global destination for affordable, high-quality higher education.
β What Makes Foreign Universities in Malaysia So Popular?
Foreign universities in Malaysia award students the same degree they would receive at the home campus — whether in the UK or Australia — along with valuable benefits such as:
β
Huge Cost Savings (40–60%)
Students pay Malaysian tuition in MYR while still earning a globally recognised UK or Australian degree.
β
UK / Australia / China Transfer Flexibility
Begin your studies in Malaysia for 1–2 years and transfer to the main campus abroad, Or complete the full degree in Malaysia itself.
β
English as the Main Teaching Language
This makes it a great choice for students coming from Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and many other regions.
β
Universities Ranked in the QS Top 100–300
Numerous international universities in Malaysia are ranked higher than many private universities and have strong worldwide rankings.
β
Modern, Safe, and Culturally Diverse Campuses
β Key Intake Periods: • February / March • July / August • September / October
A few programs also provide rolling intake options throughout the year.
β Top Foreign Universities in Malaysia
Here, you can explore the full list of foreign universities in Malaysia, including their rankings, fees, key program strengths, pathway options, and images.
1. Monash University Malaysia (Australia)
Nation: Australia
QS Global Ranking 2025: The world's top 50
Location: Bandar Sunway, Selangor
π₯ What Makes Monash Malaysia Exceptional
• You earn the same degree certificate that Monash University in Australia awards
• The university is internationally respected for Medicine, Pharmacy, Engineering, IT, and Business
• It provides state-of-the-art research facilities
• Graduates are highly valued and widely employable
Check out the fees for our programs (in MYR):
Bachelor’s: RM 45,000 – RM 65,000 each year
Master’s: RM 35,000 – RM 55,000 each year
We have intakes in February, July, and October.
Plus, there are great opportunities for mobility to the UK, USA, and Europe, along with a guaranteed transfer to Monash, Australia, and various pathway options!
2. University of Nottingham Malaysia (United Kingdom)
Nation: United Kingdom
QS Global Ranking 2025: Top 100 worldwide
Location: Semenyih, Selangor π₯ Reasons Students Select Nottingham, Malaysia
The same degree as Nottingham, UK
British education quality
Large 125-acre green campus
Strong programs in Engineering, Psychology, Business, CS
π° Costs (MYR)
Bachelor’s: RM 40,000 – RM 55,000
Master's: between RM 28,000 and RM 45,000
April and September intakes
Transfers to Nottingham, UK, or China at any time
3. Heriot-Watt University Malaysia (United Kingdom)
Nations: United Kingdom
QS Global Ranking: The world's top 250
Location: Putrajaya
π₯ Emphasis
Top-ranked for Actuarial Science, Engineering, Business
Eco-friendly, modern campus
Mobility to UK and Dubai campuses
π° Fees
Bachelor’s: RM 35,000 – RM 48,000
RM 30,000 to RM 45,000 for master's
Intakes π
January, April, September
4. Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak (Australia)
Nation: Australia
QS Global Ranking: Worldwide Top 250
Location: Sarawak's Kuching π₯ Why It’s Popular Australian degree at Malaysian cost
Strong for Engineering, IT, Design, Business
Excellent industry relationships
π° Fees Bachelor’s: RM 25,000 – RM 38,000
Master’s: RM 20,000 – RM 35,000
π
March, August, and September intakes
5. Xiamen University Malaysia (China)
Nation: China
QS Rank: Global Top 400
Location: Selangor's Sepang π₯ Highlights First foreign branch of a renowned Chinese university
Exquisite research facilities and architecture
Reasonably priced
π° Fees Bachelor’s : RM 18,000 to RM 28,000.
Master's: RM 20,000 and RM 30,000
π
Intakes February, September
β Foreign Universities in Malaysia
1. Ranking & Fees
University
Country
QS Ranking 2025
Fees (MYR/year)
Best Programs
Monash University Malaysia
Australia
Top 50
45,000–65,000
Medicine, Pharmacy, Engineering
Nottingham Malaysia
UK
Top 100
40,000–55,000
Engineering, Psychology, CS
Heriot-Watt Malaysia
UK
Top 250
35,000–48,000
Actuarial Science, Engineering
Swinburne Sarawak
Australia
Top 250
25,000–38,000
IT, Engineering, Design
Xiamen University Malaysia
China
Top 400
18,000–28,000
Business, Marine Science
2. Pathway / Credit Transfer Comparison
University
Transfer to Home Campus
UK
Australia
Canada
China
Monash Malaysia
β Yes
Limited
β Full
Yes
No
Nottingham Malaysia
β Yes
β Full
Limited
Limited
Yes
Heriot-Watt Malaysia
β Yes
β Full
Limited
Limited
No
Swinburne Sarawak
β Yes
Limited
β Full
Limited
No
Xiamen Malaysia
β Yes
No
No
Limited
β Full
3. Intake
University
Main Intakes
Minor Intakes
Monash Malaysia
Feb, July, Oct
–
Nottingham Malaysia
April, Sept
June (selected)
Heriot-Watt Malaysia
Jan, April, Sept
–
Swinburne Sarawak
March, August
Sept
Xiamen Malaysia
Feb, Sept
–
β Pathways to UK, Australia, China, USA & Canada
One of the strongest reasons students choose foreign universities in Malaysia.
π¬π§ UK Pathway
Nottingham → Nottingham UK
Heriot-Watt → Edinburgh UK
Taylor’s, Sunway, INTI → 2+1 / 1+2 UK degrees
π¦πΊ Australia Pathway
Monash Malaysia → Monash Australia
Swinburne Sarawak → Swinburne Melbourne
π¨π³ China Pathway
XMUM → Xiamen University China
πΊπΈ USA Pathway
Through partner programs (INTI/SEGi/HELP)
π¨π¦ Canada Pathway
University of Toronto
UBC
York University
(Available through transfer partner programs)
β Why Malaysia Is the Best Place to Study a Foreign Degree
Economical: 40–60% Tuition Fee
Get the globally recognised degree
Ensure a Safe Multicultural Environment for Study
Career opportunities are excellent
Contemporary and appealing campuses
Low living expenses (RM 1,200–2,000 per month))
Malaysia continues to hold its strong position among preferred destinations for international students pursuing global degrees at economical rates.
The foreign universities in Malaysia provide students with the following ultimate study experience:
β Global degree (UK/Australia/China)
β Less fees in MYR
β QS’ Top Ranked Universities
β International mobility
β Wonderful campus life
For those seeking to graduate in Malaysia or transfer to the UK, Australia, or China, there is no better value than the Malaysian branch campuses.