Studying in Malaysia vs. South Africa
Malaysia and South Africa 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 €588 in South Africa.
Side-by-side comparison
Verdict
Cheaper tuition
South Africa
Cheaper monthly living
Malaysia
Lower visa proof of funds
Malaysia
Side-by-side comparison
Malaysia
South Africa
Currency
MYR (RM)
ZAR (R)
Public tuition (annual)
RM25,000
≈ €5,000 / yr
R50,000
≈ €2,500 / yr
Private tuition (annual)
RM60,000
≈ €12,000 / yr
R100,000
≈ €5,000 / yr
Monthly living (city avg)
RM2,767 / mo
≈ €553 / mo
R11,750 / mo
≈ €588 / mo
Visa proof of funds
RM24,000
EMGS Student Pass — proof of funds (≈ RM 2,000/month)
R120,000
Proof of funds for the Section 11(1)(b) study visa (varies by case)
Cities tracked
Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor Bahru
Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban
Figures are 2026 reference estimates from our cost calculator. Actual costs vary by city, program, and lifestyle.