Studying in Malaysia vs. Saudi Arabia
Malaysia and Saudi Arabia 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 €553 in Malaysia and €1,072 in Saudi Arabia.
Side-by-side comparison
Verdict
Cheaper tuition
Saudi Arabia
Cheaper monthly living
Malaysia
Lower visa proof of funds
Malaysia
Side-by-side comparison
Malaysia
Saudi Arabia
Currency
MYR (RM)
SAR (SR)
Public tuition (annual)
RM25,000
≈ €5,000 / yr
SR0
≈ €0 / yr
Private tuition (annual)
RM60,000
≈ €12,000 / yr
SR60,000
≈ €14,700 / yr
Monthly living (city avg)
RM2,767 / mo
≈ €553 / mo
SR4,375 / mo
≈ €1,072 / mo
Visa proof of funds
RM24,000
EMGS Student Pass — proof of funds (≈ RM 2,000/month)
SR36,000
Proof of funds (≈ SR 3,000/month) — often covered by a scholarship
Cities tracked
Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor Bahru
Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Mecca
Figures are 2026 reference estimates from our cost calculator. Actual costs vary by city, program, and lifestyle.