One question that comes up a lot during the preparation process is: when’s actually the best time to start applying for university in Malaysia? Does it have to be at the start of the year, or can you apply anytime?
The good news is, universities in Malaysia have a fairly flexible intake system (the period when new student admissions open), usually more than once a year. But so you don’t get confused and can plan things properly, let’s go through the full schedule.
An intake is the official period when a university opens admissions and starts a new semester for incoming students. Unlike some countries that only have a single admission cycle once a year, most universities in Malaysia offer several intakes per year, making it more flexible for prospective international students with different school graduation schedules.
Generally, there are three main intake periods offered at most universities:
January/February Intake (First Semester). This is the start of the main academic year and usually offers the widest range of program options. If you want the most choices in terms of majors, this is the recommended intake.
May/June Intake (Second Semester). This mid-year intake is a good option if you missed the first intake’s deadline, although program options are usually more limited compared to the start-of-year intake.
September/October Intake (Third Semester). Usually smaller than the previous two intakes, but suits certain study programs or aligns better with other international academic calendars.
Some universities also offer additional intakes in other months, depending on the faculty or their international partnership programs.
To make this more concrete, here’s a sample overview of intake schedules at a few popular universities (exact schedules can vary slightly each year, so always confirm with the university directly):
| University | Intake Months |
|---|---|
| Universiti Malaya (UM) | January, May, September |
| Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) | January, May |
| Taylor’s University | January, March (limited), June, September |
| Monash University Malaysia | February, July |
| Sunway University | January, May, September |
| INTI International University | January, May, August |
| Asia Pacific University (APU) | January, May, August |
Note that private universities generally offer more intake options compared to public universities — this is one advantage worth considering if your school graduation schedule doesn’t align well with the main intakes at public universities.
This is the most important part: how far ahead of your intake should you start preparing? Here’s an ideal timeline overview.
| Time Before Intake | What You Should Be Doing |
|---|---|
| 8 to 12 months before | Research suitable majors and universities |
| 6 to 9 months before | Prepare documents (transcripts, English certificates, and others) |
| 6 months before | Submit your application to the university |
| 4 to 5 months before | Receive your Offer Letter and confirm your acceptance |
| 3 to 4 months before | Apply for your Student Pass (EMGS process) |
| 1 to 2 months before | Arrange accommodation and departure tickets |
The earlier you start preparing, the greater your chances of securing your preferred program, while also reducing the risk of rushing through crucial stages like visa processing.
Match Malaysia’s intake schedule with your current school or program’s graduation timeline. For example, if you graduate from high school mid-year, the May or August intake might suit you better than waiting for the following January intake.
Not every program is offered in every intake. Always check directly with your target university whether the program you’re aiming for is available in the intake you choose.
The Student Pass process through EMGS takes time, as we covered in a previous article. So make sure you don’t submit your university application too close to your desired intake date.
Some scholarship programs have application schedules tied to specific intakes. If you’re targeting a particular scholarship, make sure to align your university application timeline with that scholarship’s opening period as well.
Don’t panic if you end up missing your desired intake schedule. Since most universities in Malaysia offer more than one intake per year, you’ll still have a chance at the next one. All you need to do is adjust your preparation timeline and make sure your required documents are still thoroughly prepared for the next intake.
Determining the right time to apply is a crucial first step so the whole process, from choosing a university to your departure, can run smoothly without last-minute rushing. If you’re still unsure which intake best fits your current situation, our team is ready to help you build the right preparation timeline for your study plans. Get in touch for a free consultation today.
This article is part of our series of guides to studying in Malaysia. Check out our complete guide to studying in Malaysia for a full overview before you apply.
Note: the intake schedules in this article are general illustrations and may change each academic year. For the most accurate schedule, please confirm directly with your target university or an education consultant.
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