The world is finally transitioning into the endemic phase! (Please let it be soon) Even though international travel borders are finally open for the most part, plenty of Malaysians who want to study overseas aren’t 100% sure that they can realise that dream yet.
If you can relate to feeling like this, then you’ve come to the right place! We’ve compiled a list of FAQs about studying abroad so that you don’t have to painstakingly go search for them. We’re awesome that way. ?
Here are the answers to every burning question you have about furthering your studies, especially overseas in the United Kingdom and Australia, or even Malaysia for those who are looking at that option.
1. With COVID-19 still rampant across the world, can I still go abroad to study?
Heck, yes! As we mentioned above, international borders are now open to welcome everyone, including international students.
If you enrolled at an institution in the UK or Australia, once you receive your Confirmation Acceptance Studies (CAS) for the UK or Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for Australia as well as your student visa, then you can start planning for your flight!
Just make sure you do the following before flying:
- Make sure you are fully vaccinated and able to prove your vaccination.
- Check on official government websites from time to time to get the latest info.
- Stay in touch with your education agents or university representatives.
- Make sure you bring your own self-test kits! (yes, it’s allowed)
2. When can I start applying?
Right now! Just a heads up that the application process can be tedious and lengthy, so we strongly advise you to start preparing your application 6 months in advance. Bear in mind that the academic year begins at different times across the year in different countries.
For example, the academic year in the UK begins in early September, whilst Australia kicks off theirs in late February or early March.
3. How much will studying overseas cost? Any scholarships I can apply for?
Hmmm, it actually depends on a few factors:
- Which university you are going to
- University location
- Course you enrolled into
- Your lifestyle
Undergraduate and Postgraduate annual tuition fees in Australia typically ranges from $25,000 – $50,000 (RM75,000++ – RM153,000++); whereas in the UK, it ranges from £10,000 – £30,000 (RM55,000++ – RM165,000++) for non-clinical programs.
There are many scholarships and bursaries offered by universities, as well as certain government-linked companies (GLCs), and private foundations and companies like PETRONAS, Maybank Foundation, The Star, MACC (Malaysia Australia Colombo Plan Commemoration) and more (though these may limit you to specific degrees only).
However, getting scholarships may be competitive, and is mostly based on your academic merits. If you’re wondering what other scholarships are available, you can check them out here.
4. I didn’t meet the entry requirement for my dream university. Are there any alternative ways I can enter?
Despair not, because it’s not the end!
As a solution, we recommend speaking to a professional counsellor regarding the study destination you’re aiming for. There will most likely be options available to you, so find out whatever information you can and understand them before making an informed decision. After all, there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel. ☺️
5. I failed my Bahasa Malaysia and/or Sejarah in SPM. Can I still further my studies?
If you’re going to continue your studies overseas, then it won’t be an issue. ?
However, if you’re planning to study locally, it is limited to non-MQA (Malaysian Qualifications Agency) accredited programs locally. Other options include the Technical and Vocational Educational and Training (TVET) programme; or if you’re a foodie, perhaps a nine-month Diplôme programme at Le Cordon Bleu (LCB)?
Nonetheless, if you wish to retake your failed subjects, you may opt for one of the following.
- Immediately resit for your failed BM and/or Sejarah subjects via SPM Ulangan (SPMU)
- Register as an SPM private candidate and retake the exam with the next batch of SPM students one year later.
6. Can I borrow PTPTN loan to further my studies?
Good news, yes! PTPTN loans are available for Malaysian students (45 years and below) who are pursuing their diploma, degree or selected foundation programmes accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), only in Malaysia. The loan amount will vary based on your household income, the type of institution and the field of study you are enrolled in.
7. Can I work part-time while studying?
Yes! You can work part-time to earn extra pocket money.
In Australia, students can work up to 40 hours every fortnight, whereas those in the UK can work up to 20 hours a week. Plus, possessing industry-related experience would make your CV stand out more and boost your employability after you graduate!
8. Can I pursue post-study work opportunities overseas?
A graduate visa gives you permission to stay in the UK for at least 2 years after successfully completing a course in the UK. You must be in the UK when you apply.
In Australia, if you study for a minimum of 2 years in an Australian institution for a diploma degree or above, you can apply for a temporary graduate visa for 1.5 to 4 years.
9. What should I consider when choosing where/what to study?
If you’re not sure which institution or course suits you best, here are a few questions you can ask yourself to decide:
- Does the university offer the course I’m planning to study? What are the entry requirements of the course?
- What is the quality, reputation and ranking of the university? Does it provide post-grad work opportunities?
- On-campus accommodation or off-campus?
- Is the course recognized in Malaysia? (E.g., professional courses like medicine, dentistry, and architecture.)
If you can’t answer some of these questions, perhaps you can ask those who have experience with this for advice, like friends, family members, education agents or better yet, attend upcoming fairs to get hands-on help and easily ask questions!
Yasss! Now I can finally further my studies hassle-free!
Now, now, hold your horses. ? There are actually quite a few things we haven’t covered yet, such as:
- Confusing applications for student visa
- Mountains of documents for enrolment
- The differing process to get a fully vaccinated travel pass
- Needing a companion to travel abroad, and many more!
We would include them if we could, but this article will go on for WAY too long like a grandparent story. ? However, if you’re not only curious about studying in the UK, Australia, or other countries but also interested about what opportunities there are to study in our beloved home country of Malaysia, we recommend that you check out this series of education fairs to absolve all your worries about furthering your studies!
Head over to the Go! United Kingdom Education Fair & Education Fair – Mar & Apr 22! to consult with university representatives from for FREE!
You read that right! These uni representatives are flown all the way from their respective countries to come and assist all your needs! Not only will you be able to inquire about their programmes or courses, but these experienced counsellors will also assist you on any admission-related matters.
Plus, if you’re looking at local opportunities instead, you’ll be privy to some of Malaysia’s top universities in one place, where you can enquire about the courses they offer, entry requirements, and more!
Here’s everything else you can expect from AUG Student Services’ upcoming education fairs:
A) Go! United Kingdom Education Fair
- 2022’s biggest UK education fair
- Loads of study options with the participation of more than 30 UK-based institutions
- UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) fee waiver*
- FREE visa assistance*
- Offer latest travelling info/updates to the UK
- Face-to-face consultation with university representatives
- Scholarship available with a value of up to 100% off tuition fees
Scholarships you can apply for at the Go! United Kingdom Education Fair!
? 20 March (Sun) | Le Meridien Kuala Lumpur | 12PM – 6PM
*Only applicable to AUG’s partner institutions
B) Education Fair – Mar & Apr 22
- Happening in SIX cities across Malaysia!
- Enquire and apply for over 50 institutions both locally and internationally, including Malaysia, Australia, Singapore, Switzerland, UK & USA
- Face-to-face consultation with representatives from some of the world’s Top 100 universities, according to QS World University Rankings 2022:
- The Australian National University #27
- Kings College London #35
- University of Melbourne #37
- University of Sydney #38
- Monash University #58
- University of Southampton #77
- University of Leeds #92
- Inquire courses from Malaysia’s top private universities, including:
- Taylor’s University
- Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
- University of Nottingham Malaysia
- University of Southampton
- Monash University
- HELP University
- INTI International University
- Multimedia University (MMU)
- And many more!
- Explore credit transfer, twinning programs, and transnational programs in Malaysia, Australia, Switzerland, UK, USA, and Singapore.
- Attractive scholarships for overseas and Malaysian universities. Find out more here.
- Direct application available with forecast/actual result.
Remember to mark your calendars:
? 26 March (Sat) | Hilton Hotel, Kota Kinabalu | 12pm – 6pm
? 27 Mar (Sun) | Pullman Hotel, Kuching | 12pm – 6pm
? 1 April (Fri) | Grand Riverview Hotel, Kota Bharu | 12pm – 5pm
? 2 April (Sat) | AC Hotel, Kuantan | 12pm – 5pm
? 9 April (Sat) | E&O Hotel, Penang | 12pm – 6pm
? 10 April (Sun) l Weil Hotel, Ipoh | 12pm – 6pm
Hmmm, these education fairs will actually be pretty useful in planning the next step of my studies ah!
We couldn’t agree more! And they’re FREE, not to mention you’ll need all the help you can get for your application (it can be pretty confusing). So be sure to check out these AUG fairs, depending on your timing and location!
If you’re based in Klang Valley, you can pre-register for Go! United Kingdom Education Fair (20 March, 12PM), while those who reside in other parts of Malaysia can attend the Education Fair – Mar & Apr 22 (26 March – 10 April)!
We wish you nothing but the best in this exciting international venture!
