How to Study in Malaysia Without Taking the IELTS Exam

Studying abroad is a dream for many students, and Malaysia has quickly appeared as one of the top destinations for international education in Asia. With its high-quality universities, affordable tuition fees and multicultural environment, it provides a welcoming landscape for students from different parts of the world. As it possesses a reliable political environment and open economy, Malaysia is growingly preferred by students from India, Bangladesh, Africa, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe. The country has implemented numerous measures to deliver quality education through the National Accreditation Board and, subsequently, the Malaysian Qualifications Agency. These fundamental changes directly impacted the education sector. In the QS World University Rankings 2026, 8 Malaysian universities have ranked among the top 300 universities.

Here are some reasons why Malaysia is a desirable study destination before getting into the language requirements.

High-Quality Education:
The Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), the Malaysian Qualifications Framework (MQF), the quality assurance system, as well as internationally recognized universities such as University of Malaya (UM), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), and international branch campuses (e.g., Monash University Malaysia) are internationally recognized.

Reasonable Tuition & Living Costs:
Malaysia offers a much lower cost of education compared to the US, UK, Australia, and many other countries.

Cultural Variety:
International students easily adapted to this fusion of Western and Asian cultures.

Prime Location:
It is in Southeast Asia, a travel and international exposure center.

Partner Universities:
Top-ranked universities from the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand have partnerships with Malaysian universities, where students can transfer credits and get a dual degree.

1. English-Medium Education Background
If you studied at a previous education (secondary school, diploma, or bachelor’s degree) in English, most Malaysian universities will accept it as proof of language proficiency. A formal letter from your university or school stating that your lessons were taught in English may be needed.

2. Alternative English Tests
Instead of IELTS, some universities accept:
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
PTE (Pearson Test of English)
Malaysian University English Test, or MUET, is a well-known local substitute.

3. University-Administered English Placement Test
Students can take an internal English placement test when they first arrive or when they are admitted to many Malaysian universities.
You can begin your studies right away if you pass.
If you don’t, you may be asked to take a short English preparatory course before your main program.

4. Foundation or Pre-Sessional English Programs
Some universities offer a foundation year or an English preparatory course for students without IELTS. Completing this course qualifies you to enter your desired degree program.

Many Malaysian Universities are accepting international students without requiring any language testing scores. So, here are mentioned some university names–

• SEGi University
• City University Malaysia
• Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation
• Manipal International University (MIU)
• INTI International University

The Malaysian government is keen to attract the brightest minds from around the world, including those from Bangladesh. The main recipients of scholarships in Malaysia are those with strong academic backgrounds and good grades. Therefore, the government annually provides various partial waivers and fully-funded scholarships to Bangladeshi students. Scholarships are a great way to kickstart your academic career. There is constant competition among top students for fully funded scholarships, which can make the process a bit competitive, but we are here to help. Some of the top scholarships in Malaysia for Bangladeshi students–

• Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS)
• Malaysia Commonwealth Scholarship
• Monash University Malaysia International Scholarship
• University of Nottingham Malaysia International Scholarship
• Curtin University Malaysia International Student Awards
• UCSI University International Student Scholarship
• Taylor’s College Scholarships for International Students

As a Bangladeshi student, all you need to do is follow the steps correctly to get a scholarship in Malaysia. Here is a step-by-step approach if you want to apply for a scholarship in Malaysia–

Select University and Program
Shortlist your desired programs and what universities offer them. You must look at the universities that have lower English language requirements or that do not require IELTS.

Identify Scholarships
You should research and identify scholarships for Bangladeshi students. You must see their eligibility, deadlines, and grant amount.

Organize Your Documents
Assemble all necessary records, including prior degrees and transcripts, certificates and diplomas, and publications of research papers. Also, you need to write a compelling personal statement.

Submit Application Before Deadline
Since Malaysia scholarship deadlines are tighter, you must quickly prepare, proofread, and submit the application separately or with university admission.

Studying in Malaysia without IELTS is possible if you fulfill other requirements, such as proof of English-medium education, taking an alternative English proficiency test, or enrolling in a pre-sessional course. Malaysia is a good choice for students due to its diversified culture, affordability, and the quality of education, which is outstanding. If you’re considering studying abroad but are worried about language requirements, Malaysia may be the ideal destination to achieve your academic dreams.

Career Paths is the most renowned and reliable Student Consultancy Firm in Bangladesh since 2007. It can ease the total process with professional commitment, from application submission, document preparation, to visa processing. Let’s see how it will assist you–

• Making a proper assessment for admission.
• Guiding you to choose the right program and university according to your career plan and eligibility.
• Assisting in documentation.
• Assisting in getting scholarships.
• Helping with the visa process.
• Ensuring tuition fee waivers to qualified, deserving & eligible students.
• Finding accommodation and booking an air ticket.
• Helping to find part-time jobs.

Student life in Malaysia varies based on the city you are studying in, as Malaysia has several interesting metropolises to explore, where you can find a bevy of cultural institutions and entertainment opportunities. No matter where you study, there’s always something to do and see in Malaysia. Malaysia universities provide rich experiences for students in academic excellence, research & innovation, and quality of life.

Universities such as INTI and Taylor’s, which collaborate with foreign institutions to offer degrees in various fields, offer credit transfer or dual degree programs to international students in Malaysia. To transfer credits, courses from an accredited program in the student’s home country must have at least an 80% content similarity and a minimum grade of C (or B for English). Dual degrees entail completing a portion of a program at a partner university overseas and another portion at the Malaysian Institution.

Generally, Malaysian universities are open with respect to study breaks. A few universities have reported that breaks of several years of study have been accepted, especially in public universities. Therefore, successfully explaining a study gap requires an explanation as to why the gap existed and which relevant experience or knowledge was acquired in the interim. Furthermore, the country of Malaysia offers gap year programs for those students.

Malaysian university education is affordable at various public and private institutions. The tuition fees of public universities are usually lower than those of private universities. Bachelor’s degree programs are typically less costly than master’s or PhD programs, although some PhD programs can be uniquely inexpensive. Another thing is that expenses change according to the city and lifestyle.

• Foundation (1 year): RM 19000 to RM 32000 (Scholarship Available).
• Diploma Programs (2 years): RM 13500 to RM 38500 per year. (Scholarship Available)
• Degree Programs (3-4 years): RM 22,500 to RM 70000 per year (Scholarship Available)
• Postgraduate Programs: RM 26000 to RM 84000 for the entire program.(Scholarship Available)
• Accommodation Cost: The estimated cost of living for students ranges from RM1500 to RM2000 per month.

International students who wish to enjoy a quality education without the hassle of taking a language examination can study in Malaysia. By selecting universities with alternative credential recognition or English proficiency pathways, students have more flexibility in pursuing their academic aspirations. Malaysia may be the perfect choice for your next academic endeavors if you are considering a study abroad program that offers a superb blend of accessibility, affordability, and international recognition.