At a glance
What a student from Maharashtra needs to know before deciding — clearly and honestly.
The education
Local universities plus UK/Australian branch campuses (Nottingham, Monash) offer Western degrees at lower cost. In QS World 2027, Universiti Malaya is #56; USM (128), UKM (130), UPM (138) and UTM (158) are also ranked. Branch campuses (Monash Malaysia, Nottingham Malaysia) are not ranked separately.
The true cost
Low tuition and living costs; a multicultural, English-speaking environment eases the transition.
Safety & visa
Check the latest MEA advisory before you travel. The 12-month Graduate Pass is open to Indian nationals only until 31 December 2026, case by case.
Top universities
A selection of universities popular with Maharashtra students, with indicative tuition.
After you graduate
Post-study work rights are the most important factor — and the most likely to change. Here is the position as of today.
If you graduate with a bachelor’s degree or higher, you can apply for the Graduate Pass (a Social Visit Pass) to stay 12 months after graduation and work part-time in permitted sectors, without company sponsorship. The fee is RM600 for you and RM600 for each eligible dependant, plus the applicable Multiple Entry Visa fee for your nationality. Indian nationals are currently eligible only until 31 December 2026, on a case-by-case basis (including a good-conduct-letter requirement).
Immigration rules, eligibility and salary thresholds change frequently and without notice. Always verify the latest official guidance before you apply, and never treat any figure here as a guarantee of future entitlement.
- 12-month stay for bachelor’s-or-higher graduates
- Part-time work in permitted sectors — no sponsor needed
- RM600 per person, plus the Multiple Entry Visa fee
- Indian nationals: only until 31 December 2026, case by case
Visa, work & money rules
The official rules behind your visa, work, family and budget planning. Rules change often, so confirm each point on the official government or university website before you apply.
Visa & permit fees
The government Student Pass fee is RM60. EMGS processing, medical screening, insurance, i-Kad, visa and related charges are extra; they vary by application, nationality, institution and duration. Use the official EMGS fee calculator for the current itemised total.
Work while studying
You can work part-time up to 20 hours a week, but only during semester breaks or holidays longer than 7 days, and only in permitted sectors (restaurants, petrol kiosks, mini-markets, hotels). You need prior approval from the Immigration Department, applied for through your institution. Certain roles are prohibited. Term-time work is not permitted.
Family & dependants
Only Master’s or PhD students at eligible Malaysian institutions can bring dependants. Eligible dependants are your spouse; biological, step or adopted children under 18; medically certified disabled children (no age limit); and biological parents and parents-in-law. Dependants are not permitted to work.
Health insurance
You must pass a medical screening and hold medical insurance (arranged through EMGS or your institution) as a condition of the Student Pass.
ROI calculator
Enter your own numbers to see total investment and an indicative payback period. This is a guide only — not financial advice.
Malaysia — Master's ROI
Indicative · based on today's assumptions
Figures are indicative only and vary with fees, salaries, exchange rates and visa rules. Treat this as one data point — not conclusive evidence or financial advice.
Safety snapshot
Based on Ministry of External Affairs guidance — always check the latest official advisory before you travel.
Check the latest MEA advisory
Check the latest guidance from the Ministry of External Affairs and the High Commission of India in Kuala Lumpur before you travel, and register on MADAD (madad.gov.in). Malaysia is multicultural and English-friendly; respect local customs.
Emergency contacts
Dial 999. MEA helpline: 1800 11 3090.
Register with the embassy
Register at madad.gov.in on arrival so the nearest Indian Mission can reach you in an emergency.
Food, culture & community
What to expect day-to-day — and how to feel at home far from home, as a student from Maharashtra.
Food & groceries
Outstanding Indian food and groceries — Malaysia has a large Indian-origin population. Vegetarian and Jain options easy.
The Maharashtra community
Large Indian-Malaysian community and active student networks; festivals widely celebrated.
Maha-Alumni Connect lets you speak with students from your own district who studied at these very universities.
Compare Malaysia with other destinations.
See the same degree across countries, or check the latest safety guidance before you commit.