Moving to study in another country is a brave step but it can be challenging as well. It is important for you to have a wonderful student experience at IMU, so if you are unsure of anything, all you have to do is ask. Here, we provide some information to help students coming from outside of Malaysia.

LIVING EXPENSES

Undertaking university study will significantly change your pattern of expenditure from before you started university. Planning your finances (budgeting) becomes even more important, especially as you will live and study in Kuala Lumpur for a number of years.

Kuala Lumpur is the financial capital of Malaysia and is more expensive to live in than other cities, although living costs in the Bukit Jalil area are lower than in the city centre. Apart from university tuition fees you need to plan for expenditure on food, accommodation, internet connectivity, transport, mobile device connectivity and leisure. These costs will depend on where you choose to live, your interests and lifestyle, but estimated total monthly expenses range from RM2,000 to 3,000.

To help you plan your budget, the following guide would serve as a brief estimate of some essential expenditures while you are in Malaysia:

  1. ACCOMMODATION
    Monthly rental for accommodation ranges from RM1350 to RM2,200. It varies according to location, room type and whether shared or single; amenities may be provided in some units.
  2. FOOD
    RM500 – RM700 monthly
  3. TRAVEL
    RM100 – RM200 monthly
  4. OTHER EXPENSES
    (including toiletries and laundry; mobile phone and internet charges; stationery, social activity): RM400 and upwards 

MONEY CHANGER

In Malaysia, exchange rates by different money changers may vary. Money changers are available at shopping centres, which are normally open from 11:00am to 10:00pm daily, including Public Holidays, Saturdays and Sundays.

BANK OR ATM

Banks and ATMs are available around Bukit Jalil and Kuala Lumpur. To open a bank account at any bank, you must have an EMGS Student Confirmation Letter obtained from IMU Visa Office (subject to requirements of the bank) & a “Letter of Verification for opening of bank account” from IMU, which Student Services Department can prepare. At these banks/ATMs, students can open their bank accounts, deposit cash, withdraw cash and do other banking-related transactions. Banks operate from 9:00am to 4:00pm during weekdays and are closed during weekends. ATMs usually operate from 6:00am to 12:00am daily.

CALLING HOME

There are IDD (International Direct Dial) cards available in Malaysia, which would be cheaper to make calls out of Malaysia. You can also make your call using your Malaysian Sim-card (Maxis, Celcom, DIGI etc.)

Landline number:
00 – COUNTRY CODE – AREA NUMER – HOUSE NUMBER

Mobile number:
00 – COUNTRY CODE – MOBILE PROVIDER CODE – MOBILE PHONE NUMBER

SAFETY

Your safety during your stay in Malaysia is also important. Please refer to the Your Safety page on this site for more information.

VISA AND IMMIGRATION

As an international student coming to Malaysia, you will need to apply for a visa. More information on this will be available on the Visa and Immigration page on this site.