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Malaysia Intakes: Your Guide to Study Opportunities

Home / Study in Malaysia / Intakes in Malaysia

Introduction

Malaysia is a top choice for students worldwide due to its high-quality education and affordable living costs. The country offers multiple intake periods for international students, giving them flexibility in their application process. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about intakes in Malaysia, from upcoming intake calendars to documents required and the best universities.

Malaysia, a vibrant and diverse study destination, offers multiple intakes throughout the year, providing international students with flexible entry points to its prestigious universities. Whether you’re aiming to enroll in undergraduate or postgraduate programs, understanding Malaysia’s intake system is crucial for a smooth application process. With intakes typically spread across major months such as January, May, and September, students can plan their applications based on academic readiness, visa processing times, and personal preferences. This flexibility, combined with Malaysia’s high-quality education and affordable tuition fees, makes it an attractive destination for aspiring students from all over the world.

Upcoming intake calendar

Malaysia generally offers two major intake periods:

1. February intake

This is one of the early intakes of the year, primarily for students who want to begin their academic journey without waiting too long after completing their previous education.

2. September intake

This is the most popular intake, offering the widest range of programs and courses.

Intake period	Application deadline	Program availability
February	November-December	Limited programs, fewer seats
September	June-July	Most programs, high competition

Please note: The specific intake dates may vary slightly between universities and programs in Malaysia.

Benefits of Enrolling for Each Intake in Malaysia

Each academic intake in Malaysia provides distinct advantages based on students’ individual educational goals, application timelines, and personal circumstances. By carefully selecting the right intake, students can align their plans with their academic readiness, visa processes, and desired career outcomes. Below are the key benefits of enrolling in the February and September intakes in Malaysia:

1. February Intake Benefits

Less Competition for Seats
The February intake often sees fewer applicants compared to the more popular September intake. This reduced competition increases students’ chances of securing a spot at their preferred university and program, especially in highly sought-after courses.
Earlier Graduation for Fast-Track Students
Students who enroll in the February intake have the advantage of starting their studies earlier in the year, which can lead to an accelerated path towards graduation. This is ideal for fast-track students aiming to enter the workforce or pursue further studies without delay.
Flexible Start Date for Late Graduates
For students who are completing their previous qualifications later in the academic year or those facing delays with their application or visa processes, the February intake offers a flexible starting point. It allows them to begin their studies without having to wait until September, minimizing the gap between education levels.

2. September Intake Benefits

Larger Number of Programs and Universities Available
September is the primary intake for most Malaysian universities, and as such, students have access to a wider variety of programs and institutions during this period. This intake provides students with more choices in terms of courses, locations, and specializations.
More Scholarships and Financial Aid Options
Since the September intake attracts a larger pool of applicants, universities and scholarship providers typically offer more financial aid options during this period. Students enrolling in the September intake have a higher likelihood of securing scholarships, grants, or other forms of financial assistance.
Higher Chances of Admission to Top Universities
As the main academic intake, September usually comes with an increased number of available seats at top universities. This intake gives students a greater chance of being accepted into prestigious institutions that may have limited capacity during other intakes.

Which intake to opt for?

Choosing between the February and September intakes depends on several factors:

1. Academic readiness

If you’re prepared with all the necessary documents by November, February might be a good choice.

2. Program availability

Some specialized courses might only be available during the September intake.

3. Personal preferences

If you prefer a broader selection of universities and programs, September is your ideal choice.

Intake	Ideal for
February	Students completing previous studies in late fall
September	Students looking for more course options and scholarships

Comparing two intakes

Criteria	February intake	September intake
Program Availability	Limited	Extensive
Scholarship Options	Limited	Abundant
Competition	Less competitive	Highly competitive
Application Deadline	November-December	June-July

Please note: The availability of programs may differ based on the university.

Best time to apply

For both intakes, it’s crucial to apply early to ensure that you secure a spot in your preferred program and university. The best time to apply would be:

1. February intake

November to December of the previous year

2. September intake

June to July

Applying during these times gives you the best chance to secure scholarships and ensure that all required documentation is in place.

Documents required

When applying to universities in Malaysia, you will need the following documents:

Completed application form.
Certified academic transcripts and certificates.
Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL).
Passport-sized photographs.
Copy of passport
Personal statement or letter of intent.

Document	Required for
Application Form	All universities
Academic Transcripts	All universities
IELTS/TOEFL Scores	Programs taught in English

Please note: Some programs may require additional documents like portfolios or entrance exam results.

Application deadlines

Here are the general deadlines for each intake in Malaysia:

Intake	Application deadline	Recommended start time
February	November-December	Start by September
September	June-July	Start by March

Please note: Some universities may have varying deadlines, so always check the specific requirements of your chosen institution.

Top universities offering admission in respective intakes

Several top universities in Malaysia offer admission during both the February and September intakes:

These universities have various undergraduate and postgraduate programs across different disciplines and intake periods.

University	February intake	September intake
University of Malaya	Yes	Yes
Monash University Malaysia	Yes	Yes

Please note: Availability may differ based on the course and program.

Conclusion

Whether you choose the February or September intake, Malaysia offers flexible and accessible options for international students. With multiple intake periods, a wide range of programs, and prestigious universities, it remains a prime destination for higher education.

MSM Unify can help guide you through the application process, ensuring you select the best intake and program based on your academic goals and timeline. Start your application today and let MSM Unify make your study abroad dream a reality!

Malaysia Intakes: Your Guide to Study Opportunities

Intakes in

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FAQs

Got questions?

Find answers here

Q. What are the major intake periods in Malaysia?

Malaysia typically offers two major intakes: February and September.

Q. When should I start applying for the February intake?

Start applying by September of the previous year, with deadlines typically falling between November and December.

Q. Which intake is better for scholarships?

The September intake offers more scholarship opportunities due to the higher number of applicants.

Q. What documents are needed to apply to Malaysian universities?

Documents like your academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency, and a completed application form are typically required.

Q. Is February intake less competitive than September?

Yes, the February intake usually has fewer applicants, making it less competitive.

Q. Are there part-time study options in both intakes?

Yes, most universities offer part-time programs in both intakes.

Q. Can I change my intake after applying?

It depends on the university’s policy, but generally, it’s possible if done well in advance.

Q. Which intake is recommended for international students?

The September intake is usually recommended due to the wide variety of programs and better funding opportunities.

Q. How long does it take to get a response from Malaysian universities?

It usually takes 4-6 weeks after submitting the application.

Q. What are the popular courses available in the September intake?

Engineering, business, and medical courses are widely available in the September intake.

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Malaysia Intakes: Your Guide to Study Opportunities

Introduction

Upcoming intake calendar

1. February intake

2. September intake

Benefits of Enrolling for Each Intake in Malaysia

1. February Intake Benefits

Less Competition for Seats

Earlier Graduation for Fast-Track Students

Flexible Start Date for Late Graduates

2. September Intake Benefits

Larger Number of Programs and Universities Available

More Scholarships and Financial Aid Options

Higher Chances of Admission to Top Universities

Which intake to opt for?

1. Academic readiness

2. Program availability

3. Personal preferences

Comparing two intakes

Best time to apply

1. February intake

2. September intake

Documents required

Application deadlines

Top universities offering admission in respective intakes

Conclusion

Intakes in

Malaysia

Interested in studying abroad?

FAQs

Got questions?

Find answers here

Q. What are the major intake periods in Malaysia?

Q. When should I start applying for the February intake?

Q. Which intake is better for scholarships?

Q. What documents are needed to apply to Malaysian universities?

Q. Is February intake less competitive than September?

Q. Are there part-time study options in both intakes?

Q. Can I change my intake after applying?

Q. Which intake is recommended for international students?

Q. How long does it take to get a response from Malaysian universities?

Q. What are the popular courses available in the September intake?

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