Semester in Malaysia
Semester in Malaysia
Note: formerly known as the Global Intercampus Program (GIP), this program is only for full-degree Monash students enrolled at the Monash Australia campus wanting to study for a semester in Malaysia.
If you are a Pharmacy or Pharmaceutical Sciences student, please refer to this separate brochure page.
Coming from Monash Australia, you are in an ideal position to incorporate one or two semesters into your degree studying at Monash University Malaysia on an intercampus exchange. All classes are taught in English, with available units published in the Monash University handbook. The campus is vibrant, including great local food outlets and recreational facilities, and is a short walk away from bustling local traders, eateries and malls.
During the breaks, there are beautiful natural attractions nearby, such as beaches, islands and rainforests to discover. It’s an accessible and affordable gateway to South-East Asia that will let you appreciate the different facets, cultures and religions that make up the Malaysian identity; a learning curve in its own right.
Location
Monash Malaysia is situated in Sunway City, 20 kilometres from the bustling city centre of Kuala Lumpur. The campus provides unparalleled opportunities to live and study in a Southeast Asia setting, giving you access to an immersive experience that will deepen your academic perspective and expand your professional outlook.
Did you know...
Malaysia is where the old and the new harmoniously co-exist; bustling city streets are lined with skyscrapers and buildings preserved from colonial times. From shopping malls and theme parks to caves and rainforests, Malaysia is a testimony of distinctiveness in diversity.
Language of Instruction | English | |||||
| Program Type | Monash Global Campus Semester | |||||
Program Duration | 1 semester, 2 semesters | |||||
Academic Level | Undergraduate, Postgraduate | |||||
Exchange Availability | Unlimited | |||||
Eligible Monash Campus | Monash Australia | |||||
Agreement Scope | All Faculties | |||||
Handbook
Use the Monash Handbook to see what units are available to study at Monash Malaysia during the semester/s for which you are applying. Make sure you check that any units you choose are offered at the Malaysia campus.
You are required to prepare, and have approved by your faculty/ies, a study plan with the units you would like to take while studying at Monash Malaysia.
Full-time Credit Load Equivalents
Semester | |
|---|---|
Min. 18 Monash points | Max. 24 Monash points |
Year | |
|---|---|
Min. 36 Monash points | Max. 48 Monash points |
Academic Calendar
Monash University Australia has the same semester dates as Monash University Malaysia. Both campuses use the Semester dates summary but you can also view Monash Malaysia's Key Dates.
| Dates / Deadlines: | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Term | Year | App Deadline | Decision Date | Start Date | End Date |
| Summer A (Nov-Dec) | 2023 | 05-Jul-2023 | Rolling admission | 01-Dec-2023 | 10-Dec-2023 |
Eligibility
Places are limited and applications will be assessed on a competitive basis. To apply for this program, you must have:
- a WAM of 70% or above
- completed at least 48 credit points
- submitted a 500-word personal statement as part of your application.
Please also be aware that you must have completed the following gateway units: ATS1089 Fundamentals of Journalism and/or ATS1090 Practice of Journalism
At all times Monash University embraces and celebrates true diversity. We strongly welcome applications from our students living with disabilities, who are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, students with caring and/or parenting responsibilities, who identify as LGBTIQA+, people of colour, and those whose identities intersect with more than one of the above.
How to Apply
Step 1: Request to apply for this program at the link below
Step 2: Course Progression and Study Plan Check
After the application deadline, your faculty/ies will do a course progression check to see if this unit fits into your course.
Step 3: Enrolment
If you are accepted into the program, your faculty/ies will enrol you into the associated unit and update your application status to 'Enrolled by Faculty(ies)/School(s)'; this will be confirmed in an email to your student account. You will then have access to the travel insurance documentation via your MAP application.
Important note: you must have a valid passport that does not expire until at least six months after the program end date.
Accommodation
Monash University Malaysia has different accommodation options for exchange students. Students can stay in the nearby Sunway Residences or find independent accommodation.
Student Pass (visa)
At the pre-departure session, Monash Abroad will provide a guide for applying for your Student Pass (visa).
Note that you are unable to extend your intercampus exchange from one semester to two because you cannot extend a Student Pass. If you are considering a two-semester exchange, apply for this at the time of application. Once you have arrived and been granted a Student Pass for two semesters, if you change your mind and decide to leave after one semester, you only need to advise Monash Abroad in Australia and Malaysia and then leave Malaysia before the second semester starts.
Cost of living
Malaysia is a very affordable place to live and eat, with many delicious options for food especially. The University provides helpful cost of living information.
Health and insurance
The Malaysian Government requires all international students to have medical insurance for the length of their period of study in Malaysia. Proof of medical insurance coverage is required to obtain a Student Pass. The medical insurance policy will be organised as part of your application to study at Monash University Malaysia.
When travelling on a Monash Abroad approved program, you are automatically covered under the Monash University Student Travel Insurance policy. This will provide cover to and from your exchange.
Extra-curricular
For students who wish to learn the Malay language, you have the option of choosing Communicative Malay, a non-credit-bearing course, which is available to all international students and offered by the School of Pathways and Immersion. This course is offered every semester with registration available during orientation week. A preview of Communicative Malay 2 is available here.
Application Advice
Entry requirements and step-by-step application advice is available on the Study in Malaysia How to apply web page.
Monash Abroad Travel Grant
From Semester 1, 2027, students from Monash University Australia are eligible to receive the Band A Monash Abroad Travel Grant ($2,500). You do not need to apply separately for this funding - it will be paid automatically to eligible students once they have been accepted, enrolled and have completed all their post-decision questionnaires.
Important Note: The Monash Abroad Travel Grant and New Colombo Plan Semester program grant (if successful) and OS-HELP loan (if applicable) will be paid approximately 2-4 weeks prior to program commencement and only when all Monash Abroad requirements are completed by you. Therefore, these funds should not be considered as your primary source of funding to pay program related deposits and balances.
New Colombo Plan Semester Grant
From Semester 1, 2027, a limited number of New Colombo Plan semester mobility grants, valued at $15,000, are available to students studying Engineering, Pharmacy, or Society and Culture disciplines. Students will be automatically assessed for these grants by Monash Abroad and Faculty - no additional application is required. Successful students will participate in an enrichment program, facilitated by Monash University Malaysia. For full eligibility criteria and specific degrees, please view our NCP grant website.
Other funding opportunities
You will need to apply for the Travel and Placement scholarships.
- OS-HELP loans from the Australian Government are available to Australian citizens and permanent residents. Refer to the OS-HELP Loans web page on the Monash Abroad website for further information.
Note
You continue to pay your usual Monash University Australia tuition fees while you are studying for a semester in Monash University Malaysia.
Applications for Semester 1, 2027 are open from Friday 31 July, 4:00pm AEST to Tuesday 20 October, 4:00pm AEDT.
To begin your application and study plan, click the button below.
Miranda Cowley
Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) and Bachelor of Science (Geosciences)
Study experience
In Malaysia you get the opportunity to learn within small class sizes, in lecture theatres which are under the ground! The tutorial classes are far smaller, often with the actual lecturer, meaning you get the consistency of information which is sometimes impossible in larger classes.
Culture
Asia is a completely different world. The fusion of Indian, Chinese and Malaysian cultures leads to an eclectic experience during your stay.
Benefits of going on exchange
Students in Malaysia have a different outlook on education than most in Australia. Being a part of a cohort who is overly eager to do their best had a great effect on my own personal academic results.
Career benefits
Going to an Asian country which is vastly different to the Western world gives you an opportunity to develop your team work and communication skills significantly. These are two major skills which employers are looking for, therefore they can be a great talking point in resumes, interviews and the like.
Money and budgeting
Keep your exchange in perspective - would you rather eat out in Australia or eat 10 meals in Malaysia? Definitely the latter... so eat at home in Australia and out in Malaysia!! Also keeping an Excel spreadsheet of your expenses and any money in can be a helpful tool to let yourself know how much spendable money you have.
Top Tips
- Get involved with the Monash University Student Association (MUSA) which run events around campus, as well as the clubs on campus so you have the opportunity to meet local students.
- Eat as much roti canai and teh tarik as you can -- you'll miss it when you get back to Aus!
- Take advantage of the mix of South East Asia countries around you - there is no cheaper way to see the region than while you're on exchange!
Other testimonials are available on the Monash University Malaysia Inbound web page.