Choosing the right university or college
When deciding on an institution, you should:
- Log on to the website of the university or college to find out if they have the courses you are interested in and the facilities you need.
- Find out if the tuition fees are within your budget.
- Find out if they have accommodation on campus and if you can cover the cost of living.
- Find out if the campus is located (city or the countryside) and if the course you intend to apply for is conducted at the main or branch campus.
- Contact the institution directly for the latest information on their courses or application process once you have narrowed down your choices.
- While it is comforting to have friends from home studying at the same university, don’t just enrol at a university just because your friends are studying there. It is important that you choose one that can meet your education needs.
Choosing the right course
When deciding on a course, you should:
- Find out the type of qualification (degree) offered and whether it is recognised in your country.
- Find out what specialisations (majors) are offered.
- Compare the programmes with your own objectives and determine if it will help you achieve your chosen career path
- Find out about the teaching approach used as well as its assessment methods.
- Ensure you meet the admission requirements (including level of English language proficiency).
- Talk to the students of the programme for a student’s perspective on the pros and cons of the course before you make your final decision.
- Other information
It is important to ensure that the course you are applying for is accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency and the institution you are applying to is licensed to enrol internationals students.
You are also advised to check the closing dates for application and apply as early as possible to secure a place for your preferred programme. Applying early would also give you more time to plan for your travel arrangements, accommodation, student visa, etc.
After you have received a letter of offer from the university or college, you should read the offer letter carefully and take note of the registration date, tuition fees and other information. Send a reply to the institution to confirm your acceptance as soon as possible or call the institution if you need more information to help you decide if you should accept the offer.
Spend some time to find out more details about the local culture, people, food, weather, etc. at the city/state where the institution is located. This will help you be better prepared and subsequently, settle in more quickly at the institution.
For expats, you need to ensure that you have a valid passport and student visa to enter and remain in Malaysia for the duration of your studies.
Contact the institution for assistance in arranging for accommodation and assess the different options available.