The Best Cities in Malaysia for International Students to Study Abroad

7 Sky Consultancy
7 min readAug 23, 2024

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Malaysia, which has been called the “heart of Southeast Asia,” has become one of the most popular places for international students to study because it offers both a great education and a lively cultural experience. When you’re an international student thinking about where to study in Malaysia, you should know that the country is a mix of old and new, which gives people from all over the world a lot of different options. Which city you choose to live in while studying in Malaysia is a very important choice because it can have a big impact not only on what you learn but also on your personal growth and how happy you are with your life abroad in general.

This article will talk about some of the best cities in Malaysia for international students. It will do this by looking at a number of factors, such as cost of living, quality of education, job opportunities, and lifestyle, so if you don’t have any study abroad consultants helping you, these tips might come in handy when you’re making your choice.

What Should Be Considered When Selecting A Study City?

Cost Of Living

When planning to move to a university town or city anywhere in the world, including Malaysia, one of the first things you should do is look into how much it costs to live. Different parts of the same country may have higher or lower standards depending on their economic activities. This means that they attract different types of residents whose needs are also very different when it comes to money. Being more developed than other cities might mean that Kuala Lumpur has better services but higher prices, which can make it expensive, especially for people who don’t make a lot of money each month. On the other hand, Penang and Johor Bahru might have cheaper housing options while still meeting the high standards of quality of life that people expect from their cities. So, you should think about both your financial situation and your personal preferences to make sure you have a great stay.

Education Quality

A lot of universities in Malaysia are ranked among the best in the world, which shows how proud the country is of its education system. These words mean that you should think about where in Malaysia would be best for you to study based on the course you want to take and how accredited the school might be, especially if you are from another country. Most of the good colleges in Kuala Lumpur, which is the capital city, have well-known and excellent academic records. At the same time, both Penang and Kota Kinabalu can boast a wide range of programs and many research opportunities through their universities.

Job Opportunities And Post-Graduation Prospects

This is something that needs to be thought about during the decision-making process because most international students want to find work after they finish their courses abroad. Because of this, one should pick a place to study that not only gives them the chance to get work experience but also makes it easier for them to get a job later on. Because there are both local and multinational companies in cities like Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru, which are economic powerhouses, they could offer more job opportunities in a wider range of fields. In these areas, there may also be a lot of networking events where students can meet potential employers while still in class. It’s also easy to find internships because many businesses are based in big cities and need extra help during busy times to stay competitive, even after students graduate.

Lifestyle & Cultural Experiences

Malaysian culture is shown in different ways in each city. So, there is no exception when picking the best place to study abroad in this country. For instance, Kuala Lumpur is known as a cultural hub because it has restaurants serving food from around the world as well as traditional dishes cooked in Malaysia. Penang, on the other hand, is proud of its lively arts scene and is a historical city full of old buildings. Finally, Kota Kinabalu is perfect for nature lovers because it has so many natural attractions, such as islands, marine parks, and more. So, a person’s interests and way of life should help them choose a city that fits well with the kinds of experiences they want to have while they’re away from home.

Top 5 Cities in Malaysia for International Students

Penang: The Cultural Hub

Penang, which is known as the “Pearl of the Orient” because of its rich history and artistic spirit, is a popular tourist destination for students. George Town is the capital city of Penang and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is famous for its beautiful street art, colonial buildings, and many traditional food markets. There are many great programs in arts, design, technology, and other subjects at many universities in Penang. This place has a laid-back vibe that makes students feel like they are part of a community that values creativity and heritage.

Johor Bahru: The Affordable Choice

Johor Bahru is a great choice for people who want to save money without giving up quality. Johor Bahru is at the southernmost point of Malaysia. It is cheaper to live there than in cities further north. Singapore’s closeness also makes it possible for students in this area to do internships across borders. It’s different because you can enjoy both the conveniences of city life and the peace of nature. This makes it useful and educational for all learners.

Kota Kinabalu: The Nature Lover’s Paradise

Kota Kinabalu, which is on the island of Borneo and is the capital of the state of Sabah, is a great place for nature lovers. This city has beautiful scenery and fun things to do outside. On one side, it has lush rainforests, and on the other, it has the South China Sea. Students who come to study here can enjoy things like Mount Kinabalu, which is the second-highest peak in Southeast Asia, as well as the beautiful beaches and colorful sea life. It’s also important that reputable schools offer environmental science classes along with marine biology programs. This brings in people who are interested in conservation and sustainability issues.

Malacca: The Historical Gem

Malacca is a very old city, so every corner you turn adds a touch of old-world charm to modern conveniences. There are museums with artifacts from many cultures, like Dutch, Chinese, and others, and cultural festivals held all year long that show this. Some buildings were built during colonial times and are still standing. Students who come here to study will also be able to enjoy a slower pace of life while being close to many places where they can learn more about the city’s heritage sites, such as A Famosa and Stadthuys. Also, this city has universities that teach courses in history, cultural studies, and hospitality management, making it the best place to go if you want to learn about Malaysia’s past.

Practical Tips for International Students

Accommodation Options

It’s important to find a good place to live when you first start living as a student abroad. Most cities offer a range of choices, such as private apartments or dorms for college students. Do some research on different neighborhoods based on your budget and lifestyle preferences. Also, think about how far the neighborhoods are from campus or college, how easy it is to get to public transportation, and what kinds of amenities are nearby.

City Navigation

The public transport in Malaysia is pretty good, so it shouldn’t be too hard to get around a new city. For example, Kuala Lumpur has a lot of trains, buses, and ride-sharing services that make it easy for anyone to get around the city and see other sights. For tourists who want to easily get around smaller cities like Malacca and Kota Kinabalu, they can rent bicycles or take the local bus system.

Job Opportunities for Students

While they are studying abroad, many international students look for part-time jobs to make extra money and get experience. Kuala Lumpur is a city with lots of job openings. Another is Johor Bahru, who has jobs in retail, the hospitality industry, and as a tutor, among other things. You can ask your university about the rules for student employment in the country as well as any resources that might help you find part-time work that works with your schedule.

Finishing Up Your Study Abroad in Malaysia

Where you choose to study abroad in Malaysia is very important because it can have a big impact on both your academic success and personal growth during this time. Because of this, you should think about a lot of things before making your choice. Because every town has its opportunities and challenges, each person should match their wants with what each place has to offer so far. If you want to be somewhere with a lot of activity, Kuala Lumpur is the best choice. However, people who are interested in art might choose Penang, while people who are more interested in nature would be better off in Kota Kinabalu. Still, here are a few examples. Don’t limit yourself; instead, think about all the different ways things could go because every experience helps you grow. Always remember that you should learn new things.

Discover new landscapes, live with people from different cultures, and make friends for life: Malaysia’s best study cities are waiting for you! For more information on studying in Malaysia, you can talk to study abroad consultants or 7 Sky Consultancy. These companies help international students who want to study in Malaysia by giving them professional advice. Share this article with other students who might find it useful to learn about the best cities in Malaysia to study abroad.

Are you all set? Take a chance and start your adventure in Malaysia today!

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7 Sky Consultancy

7 Sky Consultancy Pvt Ltd, established in 2021, is a trusted name in the realm of study abroad consultants. Headquartered in Lahore, Pakistan.