Study in Turkey vs. Malaysia: A Comprehensive Comparison
Choosing between studying in Turkey or Malaysia? This article compares the costs, quality, study conditions, and post-graduation opportunities, aiding your decision-making process.
Studying abroad is one of the crucial decisions students make, offering opportunities to immerse in new cultures, acquire new skills, and enhance career prospects.
If you’re considering studying abroad, perhaps you’re pondering between Turkey and Malaysia. Both countries offer high-quality education at reasonable costs. In this article, we’ll discuss essential factors to consider and provide a comparison between studying in Turkey and Malaysia in terms of cost, quality, study conditions, and post-graduation opportunities.
Why Do International Students Struggle Between Studying in Turkey or Malaysia?
International students are drawn to universities in Turkey and Malaysia due to reasonable tuition fees, living costs, high-quality education with numerous English-taught programs, and rich cultural experiences.
These countries offer strategic locations to explore regional opportunities and have welcoming environments with diverse student communities.
Additionally, numerous scholarships are available, making education in these countries accessible to a wide range of students.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Turkey:
Advantages:
– Strategic Geographical Location: Positioned between the East and West, Turkey serves as an important commercial and cultural hub.
– Thriving Economy: Turkey boasts a strong and diverse economy, providing good job opportunities for expatriates.
– Cultural Diversity: With its rich and diverse culture, Turkey offers opportunities for newcomers to experience new cultures.
– Scenic Nature: Turkey’s picturesque landscapes include mountains, beaches, and lakes.
Disadvantages:
– Language Barrier: Turkish is the official language, necessitating expatriates to learn Turkish.
– Cultural Adjustment: Expatriates may face challenges adapting to Turkish culture, especially if they are from entirely different cultural backgrounds.
– Political Tensions: Turkey experiences some political tensions, which may impact the daily lives of expatriates.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Malaysia:
Advantages:
– Cultural Diversity: Malaysia is a multicultural and multiethnic country with a rich tapestry of cultures, including Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous communities.
– Economic Growth: Malaysia has witnessed significant economic growth over the years, becoming one of the most developed countries in Southeast Asia.
– Political Stability: Malaysia enjoys relatively stable political environment compared to some of its neighbors, with a parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy.
– Education and Healthcare: Malaysia has an advanced healthcare system and is a renowned destination for medical tourism.
It also boasts prestigious universities and educational institutions, making it a choice for international students.
Disadvantages:
– Environmental Concerns: Malaysia faces environmental challenges, including deforestation and pollution.
– Ethnic Tensions: Malaysia has experienced ethnic tensions in the past, particularly between the Malay majority and Chinese and Indian minorities.
– Religious Diversity: While Malaysia is known for its religious diversity, there have been instances of religious tensions and issues related to religious freedom.
It’s important to note that the advantages and disadvantages of each country, whether Turkey or Malaysia, may vary depending on individuals’ perspectives and the specific context in which these factors are considered.
While both countries have made progress in various areas, they also encounter challenges that Turkey and Malaysia continue to address.
Study in Turkey vs. Malaysia: Understanding the Study Conditions in Both Countries
Studying in Turkey and Malaysia offers a diverse range of opportunities and experiences for international students, each with its own set of requirements and conditions.
Study Conditions in Turkey:
– Bachelor’s Programs: Generally require a high school diploma or equivalent and proficiency in the language of instruction.
– Postgraduate Programs: Require a bachelor’s degree and proficiency in the program’s language.
– Admission Requirements: Vary among academic institutions but typically include academic records and travel documents (passport and visa).
– Turkish Language Proficiency: Most study programs in Turkey are taught in Turkish, necessitating proficiency.
– English Language Proficiency: Some programs are taught in English, requiring international students to pass TOEFL or IELTS with a sufficiently high score to demonstrate proficiency.
Study Conditions in Malaysia:
– Submission of General Certificate of Education (GCE) with a minimum average of 75%.
– Ensure sufficient capacity in Malaysian government universities for international students.
– Translated copies of secondary school certificates for bachelor’s programs and translated university certificates for master’s and doctoral programs.
– Most universities require TOEFL or IELTS certificates. In case of failure, universities may require students to take an English proficiency test.
– Valid passport copy valid for at least one year.
In the next paragraph, we’ll delve into the cost of studying in each country.
Studying in Turkey vs. Malaysia: A Comparison of Study Costs in Each Country
The costs of studying in Turkey and Malaysia for international students vary depending on factors such as the type of institution (public or private), the chosen study program, and the city where the educational institution is located:
Study Costs in Turkey:
– Public Universities: Generally inexpensive, offering more cost-effective options compared to many institutions in Europe and the United States.
– Private Universities: Can be budget-friendly for some courses, but degrees in fields like engineering and medicine tend to be more expensive.
However, prices remain affordable for all students and are not excessively high.
Study Costs in Malaysia:
The study costs in Malaysia for various academic programs, including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, are relatively low.
Tuition fees for international students at public universities range from high to moderate, while fees at private universities range from moderate to low. Tuition fees depend on several factors, including the study specialization, university level, and academic years.
Living Conditions in Each Country: Turkey and Malaysia offer unique cultural and academic experiences for studying abroad, making it crucial for students to understand the costs and living conditions in these countries:
Living Costs in Turkey:
– Accommodation: Costs vary depending on location and type, with university dormitories being cheaper, while renting a private apartment can be costly.
– Food: Easily accessible at moderate prices.
– Transportation: Public transportation in Turkey is reasonably priced, with student discounts available.
Monthly student subscriptions are usually straightforward and low-cost.
– Health Insurance: Mandatory for international students in Turkey, with annual costs that are budget-friendly.
Living Costs in Malaysia:
– Accommodation: Living in university dormitories is generally affordable, unlike off-campus living, which may be somewhat more expensive.
– Food: Food costs for international students in Malaysia are reasonable and easily manageable on a monthly basis.
– Transportation: Public transportation is highly efficient and reasonably priced in Malaysia, with the option of monthly subscriptions with high student discounts.
– Health Insurance: Advisable for international students, with annual costs being reasonable.
Both Turkey and Malaysia offer cost-effective educational options compared to many Western countries. Malaysia, in particular, stands out for its low cost of living and tuition fees.
Important Details About Government Scholarships in Each Country: Both Turkey and Malaysia offer a variety of scholarships for international students, significantly reducing the financial burden of studying abroad.
These scholarships are available for undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs and can cover tuition fees, living expenses, and sometimes travel costs.
Turkish Government Scholarships:
– Scholarships: Competitive scholarship program funded by the government, awarded to outstanding students pursuing full-time or short-term programs at the top universities in Turkey.
– Research Scholarships: Available for international students wishing to conduct research in Turkey.
– University-specific Scholarships: Many Turkish universities offer their own scholarships based on merit, need, or specific subject areas.
Examples include Bilkent University, Koç University, and Sabancı University, which offer various scholarships for international students.
Malaysian Government Scholarships:
– Malaysian International Scholarship: Targeted at talented international students with excellent academic records and leadership qualities.
– Malaysian Technical Cooperation Program (MTCP) Scholarship: For postgraduate students from developing countries.
– University-specific Scholarships: Top universities like the University of Malaya, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) offer various scholarships for international students, including tuition fee waivers, living allowances, and other financial assistance.
Tips for Applying for Scholarships:
– Early Application: Apply as early as possible, as scholarship application periods are often limited and competitive.
– Documentation: Prepare all necessary documents, including academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a strong personal statement or study plan.
– Research: Regularly check university and scholarship websites for updated information and deadlines.
Both Turkey and Malaysia are frontrunners in attracting international students and offering a range of scholarships to encourage cultural and academic diversity on their campuses. Government scholarships in each country not only alleviate financial burdens but also provide an opportunity for students from diverse backgrounds to experience studying in these culturally rich countries.
Studying in Turkey vs Malaysia… and the University Rankings in Each Country
University rankings vary in each country, whether it’s Turkey or Malaysia, depending on the ranking system used (such as QS global rankings, Times Higher Education global rankings). Here’s an overview based on the most renowned global university ranking systems:
Universities in Turkey:
– Medipol University: One of the top private universities in Turkey, offering a wide range of study programs in various fields including medicine, engineering, humanities, and social sciences.
– Istanbul Aydin University: A private Turkish university offering programs such as medicine, engineering, and business administration, located in Ankara with over 15,000 students.
– Gelişim University: A private university located in Istanbul renowned for its programs in economics, management, and technology.
– Istanbul University: One of the leading public universities in Istanbul, Turkey, known for its programs in law, economics, and administration.
– Kadir Has University: A public university founded in 1982 in Istanbul, offering a wide range of study programs in various fields including engineering, health sciences, and humanities.
Universities in Malaysia:
– University of Malaya: Typically the top-ranked Malaysian university, known for its strong research outputs and diverse range of programs.
– Universiti Putra Malaysia: A leading research university, particularly strong in agricultural and forestry sciences.
– Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia: Known for its strong focus on research across various disciplines including science, medicine, and engineering.
– Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM): Often highlighted as the top university for studying science and engineering.
– Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM): Specializes in engineering and technology programs.
Quality of Education in Turkey vs Malaysia
The quality of education in universities in Turkey and Malaysia has been increasingly recognized on the global stage, with both countries making significant strides in higher education.
Here’s an overview of the quality of education in these countries:
Quality of Education in Turkey:
– Diverse academic offerings: Turkish universities offer a wide range of programs in various fields, including engineering, natural sciences, humanities, and social sciences, with high quality and depth attracting students worldwide.
– Research and innovation: Many Turkish universities are known for their strong focus on research and innovation, especially in areas such as engineering, medicine, and natural sciences.
– Faculty members: Turkish universities often have well-qualified and internationally educated faculty members, many with experience in global academic environments, contributing to a diverse and dynamic learning environment.
– International collaboration: Turkish universities have numerous partnerships with universities worldwide, facilitating student and staff exchanges and joint research projects.
– Infrastructure: Significant investments have been made in campus facilities of Turkish universities, including modern classrooms, laboratories, libraries, and technology integration, enhancing the comprehensive educational experience.
Quality of Education in Malaysia:
– Global recognition: Malaysian universities are increasingly recognized for the quality of their education, with many institutions ranking well in global university rankings.
– English language instruction: Most Malaysian universities offer programs in English, a significant advantage for international students.
– Diverse international community: Malaysian universities are known for their multicultural student body, creating a comprehensive and global learning environment.
– Focus on technology and innovation: Especially in fields such as engineering, information technology, and biotechnology, Malaysian universities are at the forefront of integrating technology and innovation into their curricula.
– Government support: The Malaysian government actively supports higher education, focusing on improving the quality and competitiveness of its institutions.
Both Turkey and Malaysia offer good education with an increasing focus on global standards, research, and innovation.
The choice between studying in Turkey or Malaysia largely depends on the individual’s specific needs, interests, field of study, cultural environment, and personal preferences.Opportunities After Graduation from Turkish or Malaysian Universities

Graduating from universities in Turkey and Malaysia opens up a range of opportunities for students.
However, specific opportunities may vary depending on the field of study, level of education, and individual career goals.
Opportunities After Graduation from Turkish Universities:
– Employment opportunities: Graduates, especially in fields like engineering, information technology, business, and healthcare, may find job opportunities.
– Entrepreneurship: Turkey’s thriving startup ecosystem provides fertile ground for entrepreneurial ventures, particularly in technology and e-commerce.
– Further education: Students can choose to pursue postgraduate studies, such as pursuing a master’s or Ph.D. degree, at reputable Turkish universities.
– Cultural and linguistic advantage: Proficiency in the Turkish language and understanding of the local culture can be beneficial across various sectors, including tourism, international trade, and diplomatic services.
Opportunities After Graduation from Malaysian Universities:
– Employment in key sectors: Graduates may find opportunities in booming industries in Malaysia such as electronics, automotive, construction, finance, information technology, and biotechnology.
– Multinational corporations: Many multinational companies have a presence in Malaysia, offering opportunities to work in an international environment.
– Startups and entrepreneurship: With a supportive environment for startups, particularly in technology and innovation, graduates can explore entrepreneurial endeavors.
– Further advanced studies: Malaysian universities provide opportunities for advanced studies known for their research and innovation, particularly in sciences and technology.
Opportunities after graduation from universities in Turkey or Malaysia are diverse and promising, ranging from professional employment across various sectors to further academic pursuits and entrepreneurial ventures.
The choice between studying in Turkey or Malaysia depends significantly on individual career aspirations, field of study, adaptability to the market, and local culture.
No need to fret over choosing between studying at Turkish or Malaysian universities; you can simply reach out to our team at Alemni Shokran, who will provide you with all the information about universities in both Turkey and Malaysia and help you make the best decision regarding studying in Turkey vs Malaysia. Contact our team now for the best option for you.