6 Students Share What It’s REALLY Like Studying in Malaysia

From bustling cities like Kuala Lumpur to quieter academic hubs like Nilai and Johor Bahru, Malaysia is becoming an increasingly popular study destination for international students. With an English-friendly environment, affordable tuition, diverse culture, and a growing list of globally recognised universities, it’s no surprise that thousands of students worldwide are coming here to study.

Malaysia may tick all the boxes on paper, but what’s the real experience like for international students on the ground?

We spoke to a few international students who have studied in Malaysia to learn more about their journeys.

Sophie James (UK)

University: The University Of Nottingham Malaysia

Course: International Relations & Asian Studies

Sophie James (pictured right) had always envisioned studying abroad, but when it came time to choose between Nottingham’s overseas campuses in China and Malaysia, she let instinct guide her. “I’m trying to live my life by feeling,” she says. “Malaysia just felt right: new, challenging, and exciting in all the best ways.”

Originally from a small village in Cambridgeshire, Sophie spent one semester at the University of Nottingham Malaysia during her final undergraduate year. While she expected cultural differences, it was the unexpected moments that left the deepest mark, like being invited to her classmate’s Malay wedding. “That’s something that would never happen in the UK. It felt so special to be part of it. I still have my Baju Kebaya hanging in my room.”

Adjusting to life in Malaysia brought its own set of internal challenges. Sophie describes it as a period of “trying on different versions of yourself”, but in hindsight, it became a turning point. A module on food and development sparked a passion that now guides her next chapter: a Master’s in Food Policy at City University of London. Currently, she’s based in Spain, working on small-scale farms to deepen her understanding of sustainable food systems: a passion she traces back to her semester in Malaysia.

Her advice to others? “Pack gratitude. It helps you stay grounded and appreciate just how special the experience really is.”

Rachel Gunardi (Indonesia)

University: UCSI University 

Course: Bachelor’s in Graphic Design

Rachel Gunardi moved to Malaysia in 2021, eager to study abroad while staying close to home. Though excited, the transition came with challenges; adjusting to in-person classes post-pandemic, navigating a new academic system, and adapting to subtle cultural differences were no easy feat for someone so far away from home.

“Malaysia and Indonesia are really similar, but everything still felt new,” she recalls.

While settling in, Rachel noticed a large gap between student life and the working world. This inspired her to co-found DEAD Enterprise, a student-run initiative aimed at real-world networking, mentorship, and collaboration. From campus marketplaces to off-campus events, the platform quickly became a space for meaningful connections.

Her time in Malaysia became more than just academic; it helped her find purpose.

“You’re not quite a student anymore, but not fully in the working world either. That in-between space is where I found myself.”

Rachel now hopes to expand DEAD Enterprise across the region, while continuing to use design as a tool for connection, clarity, and community.

Sam Fazalur (UAE)

University: Heriot-Watt University Malaysia

Course: Bachelor’s in Psychology (Forensic Psychology track)

For Sam Fazalur, Malaysia was the first country he chose for himself. After years of moving between France, the UK, the US, and the UAE, he arrived in 2019 to begin his degree in psychology at Heriot-Watt University. It was a decision driven by both affordability and independence, one that would mark a significant turning point in his life.

“Malaysia was where life finally felt like my own,” he says.

What began as a general interest in psychology evolved into a focused passion for forensic work. With small class sizes and niche electives, Sam often found himself in one-on-one sessions with lecturers, which deepened his learning. Outside the classroom, he interned with the Royal Malaysia Police, gaining hands-on experience in field operations and criminal investigations.

Living and studying in Malaysia pushed Sam to grow beyond the textbook. He learned to navigate new systems, build a life from scratch, and chase his interests without apology. Years later, even as his path has taken him into football coaching in the Middle East, Sam credits Malaysia as the place that shaped his mindset and gave him the space to figure things out.

Megumi Uchiyama (Japan)

University: University of Nottingham Malaysia

Course: International Communication with Performing Arts

When Megumi Uchiyama left Tokyo to study in Malaysia, she was looking for change, but she didn’t expect the experience to shift her worldview entirely. What started as a spontaneous decision during the pandemic soon became one of the most formative chapters of her life.

Megumi immersed herself in campus life at the University of Nottingham Malaysia through the Literature and Drama Society, eventually rising to president. But beyond the stage, it was her exposure to Malaysia’s diverse cultures, especially the visibility of Muslim life, that left a lasting impression.

“I grew up with a lot of misconceptions about Islam,” she said. “But living here, seeing it as a normal part of everyday life, changed me.”

One moment that stood out was when a close friend struggled to find halal food and prayer spaces during a visit to Japan. It made Megumi realise how invisible Muslim needs are back home, and how much more inclusive things could be.

Uzair Dar (Pakistan)

University: Asia Pacific University (APU)

Course: Bachelor’s in International Business Management & Master’s in Project Management

Uzair Dar moved to Malaysia in 2018 with no friends, limited knowledge of local culture, and a simple goal: to pursue quality education at an affordable cost. He enrolled at Asia Pacific University (APU), eventually completing both a Bachelor's in International Business Management and a Master’s in Project Management, earning dual degrees from APU and De Montfort University in the UK.

“From group assignments and the pressure of tight deadlines to late-night hangouts and learning to manage life independently, the whole thing has been super memorable,” he says.

One of his earliest hurdles? Food. “In Pakistan, we usually eat bread or chapati, but in Malaysia, it’s rice everywhere. It took some time, but then I ended up craving rice daily!”

Over the years, Dar’s time in Malaysia became more than just academic. He built friendships across borders and embraced personal growth through both challenges and joy.

His advice to future international students is simple: “Take this opportunity to become the best version of yourself. Live every day to its fullest, because the best day is today.”

Asher Star (Australia)

University: Monash University

Course: Global Immersion Guarantee Programme

Currently based in Kuala Lumpur through Monash University’s Global Immersion Guarantee programme, Asher came to Malaysia after hearing positive things from a friend who had previously taken part. He didn’t know exactly what to expect, but was quickly struck by the intensity of the heat and the surprising familiarity of the city. “KL reminded me of other colonised places like Melbourne or London,” he says.

Adapting to local life had its challenges. The road systems were confusing, and the language barrier made everyday interactions tricky at first. But speaking with locals and engaging with the community helped him settle in.

One of the highlights of his time here has been visiting Ipoh, a place he hadn’t heard of before arriving. It’s the kind of experience he hopes other students will seek out, too. His advice? Stay open, ask questions, and learn the language where you can—it goes a long way.