Study in Australia For Malaysian Students

Australia is one of the most popular study destinations in the world for international students. With world-renowned universities and globally recognised degrees, Malaysian students who choose to study in Australia can be confident that their qualifications will strengthen their career prospects after graduation.  

Australia is also a multicultural and vibrant society. You'll find it easy to find your community and fit right at home, whichever city you've decided to study in. Besides, the post-study work opportunities in Australia makes it even more enticing to start building your career there.  

Priority for Malaysian students​ in 2026 

As a Malaysian student, you're now in a stronger position to study in Australia in 2026. 

The Australian government has increased its international student intake by 9% to 295,000 enrolments, prioritising students from Malaysia and other Southeast Asian countries. These additional places are for institutions that increase engagement with Southeast Asia and provide accommodation to ensure safe and secure housing for students.  

This means that you may have a higher chance of securing a place, especially if you plan ahead, apply early, and choose the right institution. Speak to an IDP counsellor today to explore your options and submit your application, all at no cost to you. 

Australian Education System 

Australia’s world-class education system is globally respected, with a wide choice of courses designed to prepare you for international careers, whether you’re interested in vocational education or higher education. The system also emphasises practical learning, critical thinking, and independent study, which helps students develop real-world skills. Moreover, Australia’s diverse campuses make it easy for Malaysian students to adapt, as you will find strong support services, familiar communities, and a welcoming atmosphere that values international students. 

Top universities in Australia 

Australia’s top universities, ranked highly in the QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education (THE), are a popular choice for Malaysian students seeking quality education abroad. Leading institutions like the University of Melbourne, ANU, University of Sydney, and Monash University offer globally recognized degrees, strong industry links, and excellent student support.  

These top universities place a strong emphasis on both academic excellence and personal growth, creating a well-rounded learning experience for students. They focus on developing critical thinking, creativity, and practical skills through research-based teaching and hands-on learning opportunities. 

Beyond academics, Australia's top universities also encourage personal development through leadership programs, community engagement, and multicultural activities that build confidence and global awareness. For Malaysian students, this balanced approach helps them achieve academic success while gaining the independence, adaptability, and soft skills needed to thrive in an international environment. 

Australia's upcoming intakes 

If you plan to study in Australia, understanding the Australian academic intake is crucial to plan your educational journey with your broader life goals. 

Australian universities generally have two main academic intakes each year, offering you distinct opportunities for your study adventure in Australia. 

Semester 1 intake: End of February to the Beginning of March 

Perfectly timed for those who recently graduated, the Semester 1 intake is your launch pad to study in Australia early in the year. The application deadline for this intake typically closes between October and November of the preceding year, so aim to submit your application by then to secure your spot.  

Semester 2 intakes: End July/Beginning of August to November 

Semester 2 intake is a splendid option for those who need more time. Submit your applications by April to May of the same year, allowing you additional time to polish your application to perfection. 

Usually, Malaysian students choose an intake based on a range of factors such as preferred choice of study, the availability of a program in a particular university, and academic records. If you desire more flexibility in your plans to study in Australia, several universities also offer trimester-based academic schedules with intakes in February, July, and October. 

Armed with the essential information on Australian universities' intake periods, your path to studying in Australia has never been clearer or more manageable. 

Australian Universities Entry Requirements and Eligibility for Malaysian students 

Malaysian students who wish to study in Australia must meet several entry and eligibility requirements depending on their chosen course and level of study. For undergraduate programs, students generally need to have completed the Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM), UEC, A-Levels, or an equivalent foundation or diploma program. Students will also need to demonstrate English language proficiency through tests such as IELTS, with most courses expecting an IELTS score between 6.0 and 6.5. 

Admission Process for Malaysian Students Applying to Australian Universities 

The admission process for Malaysian students applying to Australian universities is straightforward, although it involves several important steps. After you have selected your desired course and institution, you need to prepare and submit an application either directly through the university's online portal or via an authorised education agency such as IDP. Ensure you have your necessary documents, such as academic transcripts, English proficiency test results, including your IELTS score, a personal statement, and a copy of your passport.  

Once accepted, the university will issue to you a Letter of Offer for your acceptance, often through a deposit payment. After that, you will receive a Confirmation of Enrolment, which is needed for students to apply for the Subclass 500 student visa. Once the visa has been approved, you can begin to make your travel arrangements and prepare for your stay in Australia.  

Australia Visa Requirements for Malaysian Students 

The type of student visa Malaysian students aspiring to study in Australia need to have will depend on the type of study they wish to pursue. The criteria for the different types of visas are dependent on the type of study program and the duration of your study.  

The Australian Subclass 500 Student Visa is the most common type of student visa sought by international students. However, there are diverse visa options available, including the Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590) and the Training Visa (Subclass 407).  

There are many different requirements when applying for an Australian student visa, and it is recommended to create a checklist to ensure you don't miss anything out. Be sure to prepare early, as you should ideally submit your application at least 8 weeks before your course starts.  

Cost of studying in Australia 

Pursuing an education in Australia can be quite costly, but manageable if planned wisely. Remember that tuition fees are just one part of the financial picture when you prepare to study overseas. It is important to consider expenses apart from your tuition fees, such as accommodation, health coverage, and study materials.  

If you're going for a Bachelor's Degree, the annual cost of education in Australia can range from approximately AUD $20,000 to $50,000. If you're pursuing a Postgraduate Degree in Australia, the annual cost typically falls between the AUD $22,000 to $54,000 bracket per year. 

Carefully creating a detailed budget before heading to Australia will help international students, including those from Malaysia, manage the costs of studying in Australia more effectively.  

Australian Scholarships For Malaysian Students 

The Australian government, along with various educational institutions, invests significantly in Australian scholarships for international students. If you are a Malaysian student seeking scholarships to study in Australia, you will find a multitude of favourable opportunities available to you. 

Malaysian students can benefit from a wide range of opportunities offered by Australian universities, the Australian government, and other public and private organisations. These include merit-based awards, need-based grants, and country-specific scholarships that recognise academic excellence and potential. It's important to research the latest scholarship opportunities, eligibility requirements, and application details regularly. 

Cost of living in Australia 

Apart from the costs of studying in Australia, it is important to understand the costs of living in Australia too. These expenses include groceries and dining, phone and internet, public transportation, and miscellaneous entertainment costs.  

It can be helpful for Malaysian students to do a comparison of living costs in Malaysia vs the living costs in the various Australian cities. It could be generally less expensive to live in cities such as Brisbane or Adelaide, and more expensive in cities such as Sydney or Melbourne. Knowing this can also help students form a decision on where to study.  

Post-Study Career Opportunities and Development for Malaysian Students 

Studying in Australia opens the doors for international students to post-study work rights*. Following the completion of their studies, Malaysian students can look forward to the opportunity to spend more time in Australia, to continue working and staying there for a period of time after graduating.  

Australia’s workforce is especially strong in industries such as healthcare and nursing, engineering, information technology, education, finance, and construction, all of which have high demand for skilled professionals. Additionally, the country’s growing sectors in renewable energy, biotechnology, and digital innovation offer exciting career prospects for international graduates. These opportunities, combined with Australia’s global reputation for quality education and multicultural work environment, make it an appealing destination for Malaysian and other international students seeking to build their careers abroad. 

The typical visa sought by international students is the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). With this visa, students are able to stay in Australia, usually between 2-3 years after graduation, depending on their qualification. It allows students to bring their family members during the visa period, too.  

Malaysian students who are looking to kickstart their career in Australia will definitely benefit from this post-study work opportunity.  

*Please note that IDP does not provide post-study work visas for students. 

Live life in the Fastlane 

Did you know you can receive an in-principle offer to your dream university in minutes? IDP’s FastLane service can get your applications prioritized by universities and help you receive an offer two to three times faster than others. 

This special IDP feature will guide you to programs most suited for you, based on your goals and what you prefer. Enter your preferences to discover and shortlist courses to study in Australia that align with your aspirations. Provide your academic details and you’re all set to receive a response from a university in just seconds! 

View FastLane-enabled universities to fast-track your Australia study journey today. 

Next Steps For Malaysian Students To Study In Australia 

Studying in Australia offers Malaysian students access to world-class education, diverse cultural experiences, and promising career opportunities. With globally recognised qualifications, a strong focus on practical learning, and a welcoming multicultural environment, Australia remains a top destination for higher education. The Australian government’s increased intake of Malaysian students in 2026 further enhances the chance to study at leading universities offering excellent academic and personal growth opportunities. From understanding entry and visa requirements to exploring scholarships, costs, and post-study work options, preparing early ensures a smooth transition into Australia’s vibrant education system and workforce.