Scholarships to Study in Malaysia for International Students
Top Universities in Malaysia for International Students in 2026
Not many students know this, but when it comes to finding a country to study abroad that is affordable and offers globally recognised degrees, then the Asian nation, Malaysia is right there on the list. As an Indian student, if you are not ready for cultural shock but wants to Study Abroad, then pick Malaysia as your next study destination. Today, in this blog, we are going to explore what makes Malaysia a popular study destination amongst Indian and international students. Furthermore, we are also going to explore top universities in Malaysia that offer high-quality education. So, without further ado, let’s see why Malaysia should be on your list when it comes to study abroad in 2026.
Why Study in Malaysia?
Before we go towards Top Universities in Malaysia, let’s look why you should plan to study in Malaysia in the first place.
Top Universities to Study in Malaysia
Now that you saw some reasons why you should prefer to Study in Malaysia, let’s look at the list of top universities to study in Malaysia. This list not only consists of universities offering best education and global opportunities but also that are affordable and budget-friendly to you. So, let’s get to the point.
1. University of Malaya
Location: Kuala Lumpur
Type: Public University
QS World Ranking 2025: 65
University of Malaya is one of the oldest universities in Malaysia and is constantly ranked as number 1 university in Malaysia. Established in 1905, the university is known for its academic excellence, research output, and global partnerships. With a strong global reputation and international alumni network, the university is one of the best educational institutions for students who are interested in R&D as the faculty is globally renowned. Furthermore, the tuition fee is highly affordable and with a high graduate employability rate, the university is first choice of many who wants to study in Malaysia. Some of the popular courses of this university include Medicine and Health Science, Engineering and Technology, Law and Social Science, Business and Accountancy.
2. Heriot-Watt University, Malaysia
Location: Putrajaya
Type: Private (Branch Campus of Heriot-Waitt University, UK)
Global Parent Ranking: Top 300
Heriot-Watt University is Malaysia is another branch of the Heriot-Watt university that is originally situated in the UK. With a modern lakeside campus, the college is ideally located in Putrajaya. The reason why many students are picking Heriot-Watt University in Malaysia is that they get to study as per the UK curriculum and receive a UK degree at a fraction of the cost. With strong industry links and internship opportunities in the UK or Malaysia, the university is ideal for those who wants to gain the maximum advantage from their abroad degree. Furthermore, some of the top courses of the university include Actuarial Science, Mechanical and Civil Engineering, Business and Finance, and Computing and Data Science. This university is ideal for students who are aiming for a career in tech and finance.
3. Monash University, Malaysia
Location: Bandar Sunway, Selangor
Type: Private (Branch Campus of Monash University, Australia)
QS Global Ranking 2025: 37
Monash University, Malaysia is like Heriot-Watt University, Malaysia. Having another branch of the globally renowned Monash University, Australia, the Monash University in Malaysia is highly suitable for students who wants to gain a globally recognised degree without having to study in an expensive country like Australia. The university offers a strong alumni network, helping students get in touch with experts from around the world. As a world-renowned university for research, the university provides excellent graduate outcomes. It is the industry partnerships that offer internship programmes ensuring students secure a job after graduation and get best industry knowledge during the course. Some of the popular courses of Monash University, Australia include Business and Economics, Engineering, Medicine and Health Sciences, and Pharmacy and Psychology.
4. Taylor’s University
Location: Subang Jaya, Selangor
Type: Private University
QS Asia Ranking 2025: 49
Amongst all the technical, business, and engineering courses, if there is one top ranking university in Malaysia that is into culinary arts and hospitality then it is Taylor’s University. One of the leading universities in Malaysia, offering globally recognised courses in Hospitality and Tourism, Culinary Arts, Business and Finance, and Architecture and Design. The university offers dual degree programmes with top UK and Australian universities, making it a favourable choice for many international students. Furthermore, this constantly top ranked university in Asia offers strong career services and opportunities for global internships. The excellent campus facilities like industry-standard labs and kitchens for hospitality programmes and student support is one of the reasons that makes this university popular amongst international students.
5. UCSI University
Location: Kuala Lumpur
Type: Private University
QS World Ranking 2025: 284
An educational hub that offers medical learnings and performing arts under the same roof is the best place for students who wants to explore all the fields and then pick one. UCSI University is a well-established private university that combines academic learning with practical work experience. The university offers strong co-op (internship) programmes that give students real-world exposure during their studies. With over 4,000 industry partnerships, the university for sure offers great internship and job placement opportunities. The university also has a strong reputation in pharmacy, music, and engineering, ensuring to help students in every possible manner. Furthermore, to make education affordable for international students, there are various scholarships available. Popular courses offered by USCI University include Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Engineering, Music and Performing Arts, and Hospitality and Tourism.
Find Your Perfect University to Study in Malaysia with MetaApply IE
Now that you have an overview of the top universities to study in Malaysia, it’s natural to feel a bit confused about which course to choose and which university will be the right fit. To help ease that confusion and provide you with a clear direction, MetaApply IE is here for you. We understand how overwhelming it can be to navigate through thousands of great options when planning your study abroad journey. But if you’re aiming for global opportunities, let MetaApply IE guide you through the process and help you shortlist the most suitable choices.
Connect with our counsellors today to discover which of the universities listed above aligns best with your academic and career plans. If financial concerns are holding you back, don’t worry, we’ve got that covered too. From grants and Scholarships to Education loans, we’ll walk you through all the available options.
So, don’t wait any longer, get in touch with our experts today.
Frequently Asked Questions
The University of Malaya (UM), located in Kuala Lumpur, is ranked as the No 1 university in Malaysia. It consistently ranks among the top 100 universities globally and is known for its academic excellence and research.
Heriot-Watt University and Monash University are top choices for international students due to their globally recognised degrees, English-taught courses, and international faculty, offering a quality education at a more affordable cost that their home campuses.
Yes, Malaysia is an excellent study destination offering affordable tuition, diverse culture, globally recognised universities, and a safe environment for students. English is widely spoken, benefitting international students in getting the best education exposure along with great adventures, quality education, and modern infrastructure.
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