Studying in China vs. Malaysia
China and Malaysia are both popular study destinations — but the price tag, visa rules, and currency differ. We pulled the numbers from our cost calculator: monthly living averages €552 in China and €553 in Malaysia.
Side-by-side comparison
Verdict
Cheaper tuition
China
Cheaper monthly living
China
Lower visa proof of funds
Malaysia
Side-by-side comparison
China
Malaysia
Currency
CNY (¥)
MYR (RM)
Public tuition (annual)
¥26,000
≈ €3,302 / yr
RM25,000
≈ €5,000 / yr
Private tuition (annual)
¥45,000
≈ €5,715 / yr
RM60,000
≈ €12,000 / yr
Monthly living (city avg)
¥4,343 / mo
≈ €552 / mo
RM2,767 / mo
≈ €553 / mo
Visa proof of funds
¥100,000
Bank balance proof (annual, X1/X2 visa)
RM24,000
EMGS Student Pass — proof of funds (≈ RM 2,000/month)
Cities tracked
Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Nanjing
Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor Bahru
Figures are 2026 reference estimates from our cost calculator. Actual costs vary by city, program, and lifestyle.