Australia and Malaysia are both popular study destinations for Indonesian students, but the two countries have quite different characteristics, especially when it comes to cost and lifestyle. If you’re still torn between these two options, let’s compare them across several aspects so you can make a more confident decision.
This is usually the biggest consideration for most families.
| Component | Malaysia | Australia |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s tuition per year | Around IDR 70 – 170 million | Around IDR 250 – 630 million |
| Living costs per year | Around IDR 36 – 70 million | Around IDR 290 – 330 million |
| Estimated total per year | Around IDR 106 – 240 million | Around IDR 550 million – 1 billion |
The difference is quite significant. Generally speaking, total tuition and living costs in Malaysia can be roughly a fifth to a third of what’s needed to study in Australia, depending on the university and lifestyle.
| Malaysia | Australia | |
|---|---|---|
| Visa type | Student Pass (via EMGS) | Student Visa Subclass 500 |
| Estimated cost | Around RM 1,500 – 3,640 (around IDR 5.2 – 12.7 million) | AUD 2,500 (up from AUD 2,000 as of 1 July 2026), around IDR 24 million and above |
Australia’s visa fee is significantly higher, and it even saw a notable increase in 2026. On top of that, the Australian visa fee is non-refundable, so a small error in your documents could mean losing money you’ve already paid.
Australia has a very strong global reputation, with many universities ranking among the world’s top institutions and widely recognized by international industry. Malaysia also has quality universities with international recognition, especially since many Malaysian universities partner with campuses in Australia and the UK through twinning or dual degree programs, allowing you to receive an equivalent quality of education at a much more affordable cost.
Australia offers the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), which grants full work rights without needing employer sponsorship, generally valid for 2 years for bachelor’s and coursework master’s graduates, and 3 years for master’s by research and PhD graduates. However, the application fee for this visa also rose significantly in 2026, so it’s worth factoring into your long-term budget.
Malaysia also has certain work schemes for international graduates, though the scope isn’t as broad as Australia’s. But because of its proximity to Indonesia, many graduates from Malaysia choose to return to Indonesia to build their careers, and the transition process tends to be easier compared to coming back from a farther country like Australia.
| Malaysia | Australia | |
|---|---|---|
| Working hour limits | Generally up to 20 hours per week, typically during semester breaks | Up to 48 hours per fortnight during active semesters |
| Minimum wage | Varies by sector | Around AUD 24.95 per hour (national standard) |
Australia offers greater part-time work flexibility and a much higher minimum wage, which can help cover part of your living costs, although it’s still not recommended as your primary source of funding for your studies.
This is one of Malaysia’s major advantages. Flight time from Indonesia to Malaysia is only around 1 to 2 hours, while flying to Australia can take 6 hours or more depending on the destination city. This shorter distance affects round-trip ticket costs, how easily parents can visit, and flexibility in case of sudden family matters.
Malaysia has a culture relatively close to Indonesia’s, from easy access to halal food, to a similar language, to everyday habits that aren’t too far removed from home. Australia offers a fully different Western cultural experience — this can be an advantage for those seeking a more challenging international experience, but it can also mean a bigger adjustment for some students.
Choose Malaysia if: you prioritize a much more affordable cost, want to stay close to family in Indonesia, are looking for a more familiar cultural environment, or still want access to an internationally recognized education through twinning programs with overseas universities.
Choose Australia if: budget isn’t your main constraint, you’re aiming for a world-class academic reputation directly, you’re interested in broader post-graduation job opportunities, and you’re ready to face a bigger cultural adjustment.
There’s no single right answer between the two — it all comes down to each family’s priorities, budget, and long-term goals.
Choosing a study destination country is a major investment in your future, so it’s important to weigh all factors carefully, not just cost alone. If you need help weighing the option that best fits your family’s situation and career goals, our team is ready to help you make the right decision. 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: all cost estimates in this article are general in nature and may change at any time in line with each country’s official policies and currency exchange rates. For the most accurate information, please confirm directly with the relevant university or an education consultant.
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