What Indian Students Miss Out on When Budgeting to Study in Malaysia

05 July 2025

Malaysia has emerged as a sought-after destination for Indian students due to its world-ranked universities, low tuition fees, and the cosmopolitan lifestyle. On paper, the total expense of studying in Malaysia would seem less than in most Western nations. But there is more to the equation than tuition and housing. There are unseen expenses that might pass under the radar during planning—and they can creep up unexpectedly, impacting your study abroad experience.”.

If you are planning to pursue studies in Malaysia, it is required that you remain aware of such lower-cost expenses so that you can plan your finances accordingly and not get any unpleasant surprises later on. From BCES Admissions Abroad, not only do we facilitate students’ admissions but also make preparations for each stage of their study journey—right from finance. This is what you ought to know.

Student Visa Renewal Fees

Though your initial student visa application may appear straightforward, the fact that most students don’t know is that visa renewals are normally required annually. And every renewal will cost between MYR 500 to MYR 800, depending on the course and school you are enrolled in. You may also be required to pay extra fees for medical check-ups and insurance for visa procedures.

Medical and Health Insurance

Medical coverage is mandatory for every international student in Malaysia. Most schools offer minimum cover as part of your fee package, though it may not always include all—mental health treatment, dentist visits, or specialist treatments, for instance. You will be paying extra if you require more general medical treatment or you want to use private hospitals.

Accommodation Deposit and Utility Charges

The majority of Indian students budget for rent but not for deposits. Typically, landlords ask for a 2-month rental deposit and one month’s deposit for utilities. Apart from that, utilities like water, electricity, and Wi-Fi are typically not included in rent. That can be another MYR 100–200 of your monthly costs based on your usage and location.

Textbooks and Learning Materials

Although some schools offer access to their online libraries, published textbooks, printing assignments, and other course work are typically an additional cost. Textbooks themselves range from MYR 500–1000 for a semester based on your course. Software licenses and equipment for lab or design courses might also be required.

Transportation and Travel Within Malaysia

Malaysia has decent public transport, but not free. Students commute by buses and trains, costing around MYR 100–150 per month. If your university is unaffordable to reside in, daily travel costs really build up. Irregular intercity transport over holidays also contributes to the whole cost.

Food Outside Campus

University cafeterias are typically within budget, although students tend to eat out or order food during exam times or nights out. Having meals outside on a regular basis will raise your food budget from MYR 400 to as high as MYR 800 per month, depending on your lifestyle and diet.

Clothing and Climate Adjustment

Malaysia is hot and humid throughout the year. Indian students require mostly light and loose clothes or formal wear for university functions or for internship purposes. Although this might seem minute, changing clothes depending on weather conditions and dressing requirements can range from MYR 300–600 one-time.

If you have both a transaction and currency conversion fee for foreign cards used within Malaysia, then you lose 3%–5% for every transaction. Attempt to open a local account or utilize international student-friendly cards to avoid this stealthy expense.

Emergency Fund and Unexpected Expenses

Lastly, save an emergency fund. Medical complications, tech maintenance, course transfer, or even returning home in case of family needs can cost a lot if you haven’t prepared. We suggest setting aside MYR 1500–2000 as an emergency fund.

Malaysian education can change your life for the better for Indian students, if you carefully plan every single detail—and that includes the unseen costs you may not think of at first. Always insist on a genuine itemized quote of living costs before finalizing your budget. BCES Admissions Abroad assists Indian students in making wise decisions at every stage of their overseas education process.

Let us assist you in planning your study abroad stay with crystal clear and individualized guidance. Call BCES Abroad Admissions today at +91 9319996328.