Study PhD in Malaysia

If you are searching for an interesting destination for education and career progress, you may want to study PhD in Malaysia.

This country offers a number of options for universities and programs. It grew to be an attractive study destination for international students.

PhD structure

PhD study in Malaysia is not regular as in other countries, such as Singapore. It mainly consists of the academic research. Students have to attend research methods’ courses in their first year.

Mostly, this will be the only condition for the course. Moreover, the PhD student will need to submit regular presentations about the PhD researches, in addition to a research presentation “defense” before the final thesis presentation.

PhD Study Fees in Malaysia

The fees structure in the Malaysian public universities may be somehow complex.

So, you should spend some time searching for the costs involved. In general, PhD education is offered in Malaysia at lower costs than in other countries, such as the UK, USA, and Australia.

Most of the universities have separated fees structure for the international students.

There might be additional fees for the “international students” or they might be combined with other fees, such as the tuition fees/ research fees/ supervision fees. All vary according to the institution and subject.

PhD Costs in Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)

Learn more about the costs of studying and living in Malaysia

Applying for a PhD

There is no centralized postgraduate application agency in Malaysia. Students send the applications directly to the individual universities (or even the graduate individual schools) using the application form.

They could also be submitted via the websites (if the form is available online).

You can apply for more than one university, but make sure you know what you have to submit in your application, as it differs from one institution to another.

Some will require only a letter, while others will require a complete academic history and research plan.

It is common to submit a research proposal (or at least an abstract) when applying for a PhD degree.

There are a few numbers of institutions that do not require either submitting a research proposal or identifying prospective supervisors when you apply.

Then, the institution will assign you a supervisor and develop your thesis while you are at the institution.

Admission Conditions for a PhD Study in Malaysia

In general, the program requires holding a master degree in a relevant discipline, or a master degree and research experience.

Some universities also accept the first-class Bachelors degree, namely the fast track to PhD.

In disciplines such as management or business, applicants may have to show readiness for graduate studies through specific entry examinations, such as GRE or GMAT.

Language Requirements

The international applicants from countries, in which English is not a teaching language, must submit an evidence of proficiency.

They must supply TOEFL or IELTS certificates before receiving their university admission.

In the public universities in Malaysia, the international students have to pass the Malay language course to be qualified to graduate at the end of their study duration.

Discover our tips to succeed your IELTS

Health Requirements

The health requirements are often a part of the admission process. The public universities will have strict restrictions:

The admission of the students who suffer from infectious diseases, such as malaria or tuberculosis, will be postponed until they are treated in their home country.

Furthermore, students who are positively tested for AIDS, cancer, or narcotics are not allowed to register.

Other cases, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, will not prevent the students from registration.

But, students will have to prove that their condition will not affect their study.

Top Universities in Malaysia for a PhD Study

Malaysia aims to be a top-choice center for higher education, with a number of institutions offering students several PhD programs to pick from. 

Public universities

These are subsidized by the Malaysian government while remaining independent in the matter of administration, teaching, and research. Here are some of the best universities of Malaysia offering PhD study programs: 

• University of Kuala Lumpur
• University of Malaya
• UKM Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
• Universiti Sains Malaysia
• University Putra Malaysia
• Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

Private universities

The second option to pursue a PhD study in Malaysia are private institutions. They are funded by private organizations, with their educational quality maintained by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).

International branch campuses and twinning programs with foreign universities

This is an increasingly widespread practice of universities in Malaysia to establish a collaboration with a renown international institution. Among the most popular are the Monash University from Australia or the Nottingham University from UK.

Discover also our top universities in Malaysia