Malaysia or China? Compare official tuition examples, CSC vs MIS scholarships, the new CSCA test, IELTS/HSK rules, visas and part-time work to choose the right country as a Bangladeshi student.
Malaysia and China are two of the most popular Asian study destinations for Bangladeshi students, but they suit different goals. In short: Malaysia is usually the better fit if you want English-taught degrees, several intakes a year and a quicker, simpler admission process. China is usually the better fit if you want lower tuition at public universities, a realistic chance at fully funded government scholarships, and you are willing to learn Chinese.
This guide compares Malaysia vs China for Bangladeshi students on cost, scholarships, admission, language, visa, part-time work and student life, using official university and government sources. Fees and rules change every year, so treat the figures below as examples and confirm the latest details before you apply.
Key Takeaways
Teaching language: Malaysian degrees are mostly taught in English. In China, many programmes are Chinese-taught, though English-taught options exist at many universities.
Tuition: Chinese public universities often charge less per year than Malaysian private universities. For example, Fudan University lists 23,000–42,000 RMB per year for international undergraduates, while Taylor's University lists RM 152,187 in total for its Computer Science degree.
Scholarships: China's Chinese Government Scholarship can cover tuition, accommodation, medical insurance and a monthly stipend. Malaysia's main government scheme, the Malaysia International Scholarship, is for master's and PhD students only.
New China entrance test: From the 2026 intake onward, undergraduate applicants to universities in the Chinese Government Scholarship system must take the China Scholastic Competency Assessment (CSCA).
Intakes: Malaysia offers several intakes a year (often February, April/May and September). China mainly admits in September.
Part-time work: Both countries allow only limited, approved part-time work. Neither should be relied on to pay tuition.
Malaysia vs China at a Glance
Malaysia
Language of study: English for most programmes
University types: Public universities, private universities and foreign branch campuses
Intakes: Several per year, depending on the university
Student visa: Student Pass processed through Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS), usually applied for by the university
Best for: Students who want an English-medium degree, flexible start dates and a familiar, Muslim-majority cultural setting
China
Language of study: Chinese for many programmes; English-taught programmes in selected fields
University types: Mainly large public universities, many with strong research and engineering profiles
Intakes: Mainly September, with applications usually closing in the first half of the year
Student visa: X1 visa from the Chinese Visa Application Service Center in Dhaka, followed by a residence permit in China
Best for: Scholarship-seekers, budget-conscious students and those interested in engineering, science, technology or Chinese language
If you are still choosing between several countries, our guide to the best countries to study abroad from Bangladesh compares more options.
Cost Comparison: Tuition Fees
Tuition is where the two countries differ most, and it depends heavily on whether you choose a public or private university.
Malaysia: Official Fee Examples
Universiti Malaya (public): UM's international undergraduate fee structure (2025/2026) lists RM 89,200 for Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence), RM 99,100 for Accounting and RM 132,100 for Civil Engineering, based on the minimum period of study.
Taylor's University (private): The September 2026 fee schedule lists a total of RM 152,187 for the Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours), including the 6% service tax and international charges.
UCSI University (private): UCSI's programme page lists an approximate international total of RM 103,881 for its Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours).
Since 1 July 2025, non-Malaysian students pay a 6% service tax on most fees at private institutions. For a full budget, including rent and food, see our cost of studying in Malaysia from Bangladesh guide.
China: Official Fee Examples
Fudan University: The 2026 undergraduate admission guide lists tuition of 23,000–42,000 RMB per year, depending on the programme, plus an 800 RMB application fee.
Zhejiang Gongshang University: The 2026 bulletin lists 18,000–25,000 RMB per year for undergraduate programmes, a 400 RMB application fee and on-campus rooms from 300 RMB (quad) to 650 RMB (double) per person per month.
Chinese fees are usually quoted per year, while many Malaysian fees are quoted for the whole programme, so convert both to the same basis before comparing. Also remember that Chinese bachelor's degrees commonly take four years, while many Malaysian private degrees take three. Our complete guide to studying in China from Bangladesh explains typical fee and living-cost ranges in more detail.
Which Is Cheaper?
For self-funded students, a Chinese public university is often cheaper per year than a Malaysian private university. Malaysian public universities can be competitive on cost, but places are limited. The real answer depends on the specific universities, the programme length, the city, and whether you win a scholarship.
Scholarships: Malaysia vs China
China: Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)
The Chinese Government Scholarship is the main reason many Bangladeshi students choose China. According to university scholarship pages such as East China University of Science and Technology's CSC page, a full award includes a tuition waiver, university accommodation, comprehensive medical insurance and a monthly stipend:
CNY 2,500 per month for undergraduate students
CNY 3,000 per month for master's students
CNY 3,500 per month for doctoral students
Applications go either through the dispatching authority in your home country (bilateral programme) or directly through a participating university (often called Type B). Undergraduate scholars may also need a Chinese preparatory year unless they already meet the HSK requirement. Competition is strong, and deadlines are often early in the year.
Malaysia: Limited Government Funding for Undergraduates
The Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS) 2026 guidelines state that the scheme is for full-time master's and PhD study only. It covers tuition and provides a living allowance of RM 1,500 per month. There is no equivalent government scholarship for international undergraduates.
Malaysian private universities offer their own awards, but conditions vary. Some, such as Taylor's, say most undergraduate scholarships are only for Malaysian students and their own progression students. Read our Malaysia scholarships guide for Bangladeshi students for current options.
Verdict: If a fully funded scholarship is your top priority, especially for a bachelor's degree, China has the stronger scholarship system. For master's and PhD students, both countries offer funded routes.
Admission Requirements and Process
Malaysia
Admission is usually based on HSC or A-Level results, assessed programme by programme.
Many undergraduate programmes ask for IELTS 5.0–5.5 or an equivalent; some universities offer English courses for students below the requirement.
Students with SSC or O-Levels only usually start with a foundation programme.
Applications are made directly to the university, which then applies to EMGS for your student visa.
China
Admission is based on academic results, language ability and, for many universities, the new China Scholastic Competency Assessment (CSCA).
According to Shanghai's official guide, from the 2026 and 2027 academic years all international applicants to undergraduate programmes at universities in the Chinese Government Scholarship system must take the CSCA. It covers Professional Chinese, Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry, and is held several times a year.
Chinese-taught programmes usually require HSK. For example, Zhejiang Gongshang University asks for HSK Level 4 for Chinese-taught undergraduate programmes and IELTS 5.5 or TOEFL 80 for English-taught ones.
Application windows are typically in spring for a September start.
For a general overview of applying overseas, see our guide on how to apply to foreign universities from Bangladesh.
Student Visa Process from Bangladesh
Malaysia
Your university submits your student visa application to EMGS. Once approved, you receive a Visa Approval Letter (usually valid for six months), travel to Malaysia, complete a medical screening and get your Student Pass endorsed. Our Malaysia student visa guide covers each step.
China
For degree programmes longer than six months, you apply for an X1 visa. The Chinese Visa Application Service Center in Dhaka lists these key documents:
A passport with at least six months' validity
A colour photo with a white background
The original admission letter and Form JW201 or JW202
For self-funded students, a bank statement showing at least USD 2,500 for each year of study
After arriving in China, X1 holders must apply for a residence permit within 30 days.
Part-Time Work Rules
Neither country is a work-to-study destination, so plan your budget without counting on job income.
Malaysia: EMGS says international students may work up to 20 hours per week only during semester breaks or holidays of more than seven days, in limited job types (restaurants, petrol kiosks, mini markets and hotels), with prior Immigration Department approval through their institution.
China: Work-study management rules for international students in Chinese universities (summarised on the Study in China portal) allow approved on- or off-campus work-study, with the university's approval and an annotation on the residence permit. Hours are capped at 8 per week (40 per month) during term and 16 per week (80 per month) during winter and summer vacations.
For details on Malaysia, read our guide to part-time work rules for international students in Malaysia.
Language, Culture and Student Life
Malaysia
English is widely used on campus and in daily life in cities such as Kuala Lumpur.
As a Muslim-majority country, Malaysia offers halal food and mosques almost everywhere, which many Bangladeshi families value.
Short flights from Dhaka make visits home easier.
China
Daily life usually needs at least basic Chinese, even if your programme is in English.
Halal food is available in many cities and on many campuses, but varies by location.
Large public universities often provide on-campus housing for international students.
Learning Chinese can add career value for students interested in trade and business links with China.
Degree Recognition and Career Planning
Before choosing either country, check how your degree will be recognised for your plans:
For medicine or dentistry, check recognition requirements with the Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council (BMDC) before enrolling. In China, also confirm that the university is approved to teach MBBS in English.
For engineering or other professional fields, check the requirements of the relevant professional body.
For master's study later, check whether your target country accepts a three-year bachelor's degree.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Malaysia if you:
Want to study fully in English without learning a new language
Need flexible intake dates or a faster start
Prefer a Muslim-majority country with familiar food and culture
Are interested in business, computing, hospitality or a foreign branch-campus degree
Choose China if you:
Are aiming for a fully funded government scholarship
Want lower annual tuition at a large public university
Are strong in Mathematics and science and ready to prepare for the CSCA
Are willing to learn Chinese and adapt to a very different culture
Common Mistakes When Comparing Malaysia and China
Comparing annual fees with programme totals. Convert all fees to the same basis.
Assuming English-taught means no Chinese. Daily life in China still needs basic Chinese.
Missing China's early deadlines. Scholarship and admission deadlines often fall early in the year.
Ignoring the CSCA. Check whether your target university requires it and plan a test date.
Expecting undergraduate government scholarships in Malaysia. MIS is for postgraduate students only.
Relying on part-time work. Work is limited and needs approval in both countries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Malaysia or China better for Bangladeshi students?
Neither is better for everyone. Malaysia suits students who want English-taught degrees and flexible intakes. China suits students seeking scholarships and lower public-university tuition who are willing to learn Chinese.
Is studying in China cheaper than Malaysia?
Often, yes, when comparing Chinese public universities with Malaysian private universities. Fudan lists 23,000–42,000 RMB a year, while Malaysian private Computer Science degrees can cost more than RM 100,000 in total. Malaysian public universities and specific programmes may change the comparison.
Can I study in China in English?
Yes. Many Chinese universities offer English-taught programmes, especially in engineering, business and medicine, but the range is narrower than Chinese-taught programmes, and daily life still benefits from basic Chinese.
Do I need IELTS for Malaysia or China?
Malaysian universities usually ask for IELTS or an equivalent, often 5.0–5.5 for undergraduate study. English-taught programmes in China may also ask for IELTS or TOEFL, while Chinese-taught programmes usually require HSK.
What is the CSCA test for China?
The China Scholastic Competency Assessment is a new test for international undergraduate applicants. From the 2026 intake, it is required for undergraduate applicants to universities in the Chinese Government Scholarship system, and covers Professional Chinese, Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry.
Which country offers more scholarships to Bangladeshi students?
China, mainly through the Chinese Government Scholarship, which can include undergraduates. Malaysia's government MIS scholarship is for master's and PhD students only.
Can Bangladeshi students work part-time in Malaysia and China?
Only within strict limits. Malaysia allows up to 20 hours a week during long semester breaks with immigration approval. China allows approved work-study of up to 8 hours a week during term and 16 hours a week during vacations.
Get Personalised Advice from Southern Trip Limited
The right choice between Malaysia and China depends on your results, budget, preferred subject, language plans and scholarship chances. Southern Trip Limited helps Bangladeshi students compare universities in both countries, check eligibility, plan scholarship applications and prepare admission and visa files. Admission, scholarship and visa decisions are made by universities and the relevant authorities.
Book a free counselling session with Southern Trip Limited, or explore our study in Malaysia and study in China services.