Why KL Is Winning Hearts (and Applications) Worldwide!

For years, the UK, US, Canada and Australia have been the “Big Four” that every international student looked to for their studies. 

But today, the game is changing. With tighter visa rules, higher living costs and a whole lot of global competition, these traditional faves are now surprisingly seeing a drop in interest.

So, where are the students looking now? According to new data from Studyportals and the British Council, the spotlight is shifting to Asia and the Middle East. 

Japan, China, India and Malaysia are seeing a surge in interest as students hunt for study destinations that are stable, affordable and still offer great opportunities.

NAFSA CEO Fanta Aw sums it up perfectly: It’s no longer just the 'Big Four’. It’s really about the ‘Big Ten’ now.

KL Makes Its Mark: Ranked 12th Best Student City in the World (QS 2026)

Kuala Lumpur isn’t just the capital city of Malaysia; it’s now officially one of the best cities in the world to study in, securing 12th place in the QS Best Student Cities 2026.

Known for its magnificent skyscrapers, street food and vibrant life, it's easy to see why KL has become one of Asia’s rising educational destinations.

Visa approval rates are also strong at around 90%, with applications rising steadily as Malaysia aims to welcome 250,000 international students by 2025.

So What Does This Ranking Really Mean?

The QS ranking evaluates cities based on factors such as:

• University quality
• Affordability
• Student mix & diversity
• Employer activity
• Desirability and safety

Malaysia’s 2026 scores reflect KL’s strong appeal:

• Overall: 90.3
• Student view: 70.8
• Student mix: 77.5
• Employer activity: 86.8
• Desirability: 61.6
• Affordability: 73
• Rankings: 74.2

But numbers only paint part of the picture.

To understand what makes KL a true student city, you need to hear it from the students themselves!

Growing Up and Choosing KL: “A city that always felt familiar, yet full of possibilities.”

Roha Ali (Pakistan)

• Bachelor of Computer Science (Data Science), Multimedia University (MMU)

“I’ve lived in Malaysia since my school years, so choosing KL felt natural,” shared Roha.

“Kuala Lumpur is a vibrant cultural hub where different communities intersect. It has this blend of modern city life and the natural beauty of the hills that have always inspired me.”

Cristian Dimitrie Barbulescu (Romania)

• 4th-year Economics student, Universiti Malaya (UM)

“I came because my mother works here, but KL offered much more than I expected. Living in such a diverse city exposed me to cultures, festivals and religions I never encountered back home. It expanded my worldview in ways I didn’t imagine.”

Language barriers? Not an issue.

“The high level of English proficiency makes daily life and travelling around KL so easy!”

Living in KL: Diversity, Culture and Belonging

Diversity isn’t just a buzzword in Malaysia. It's a daily reality.

“I’ve met people from every culture, religion, and background, which definitely makes you more empathetic and open-minded,” shared Roha.

Adapting to the lifestyle was easy, she says, partly due to years spent in Malaysia, but mostly, it was due to the people:

“People are always willing to explain their customs, invite you to participate in cultural activities, and share their traditions with newcomers. What truly stands out is the strong sense of tolerance, understanding, and unity among the diverse communities here.

“Whether it’s everyday interactions, festivals, or communal activities, there’s a genuine effort to respect differences while fostering harmony,” Roha shared.

Cristian echoes a similar sentiment:

“Every year, I celebrate Chinese New Year, Hari Raya and Deepavali with my friends, something I never experienced before in my home country. These experiences taught me empathy and made me appreciate Malaysia’s multicultural identity.”

This aligns closely with KL’s student mix and desirability scores in QS; a key strength that continues to attract students globally.

Getting Around: Safe, Connected, and Convenient

Public transport is one of KL’s biggest wins for students.

“I rarely drive,” said Roha. The MRT is fast, convenient and affordable. As a woman, the ladies-only coach adds a sense of safety that I really appreciate. I’ve always felt comfortable getting around the city, whether on foot or by transport.”

Cristian adds:

“If you live near an LRT or MRT station, you can get anywhere. And the student concession card makes transport even cheaper.”

Safety and mobility are major contributors to KL’s high desirability score and are clearly noticeable in everyday student life.

What Students Love Most About KL

When asked about what they love most about living in KL, Roha and Cristian both shared their love for the local food and people.

Roha:

“Malaysia offers an extraordinary range of flavours—authentic local dishes, creative modern interpretations, and a wide variety of international cuisines. And the people are warm, helpful, and genuinely welcoming. It’s easy to build friendships because there is a natural openness and sincerity in how people interact.”

Cristian:

“Wherever I go, KL, Perak, or Kedah, locals are friendly, helpful, and always ready to joke around. And the food? I could eat Maggi Goreng Ayam and Teh O Ais Limau every day. Malaysia is a food paradise, and I love it!”

KL’s University Ecosystem

Beyond its skyline and street food, Kuala Lumpur is also home to some of Asia’s most respected universities; institutions that attract both local and international students seeking quality education and real-world experience.

These include Monash, Nottingham, Heriot-Watt, Taylor’s, Sunway, etc.

With a mix of public, private, and foreign universities, Kuala Lumpur offers pathways for every kind of learner. Many of these institutions maintain strong ties with global partners, opening doors to study abroad, credit transfer or dual-degree options.

Roha’s experience at MMU

“My lecturers were incredibly supportive. I met them weekly for guidance. And campus life? One of the best in the KL region. It helped me grow through sports, cultural events, official programmes and student societies. It shaped who I am today.”

She also highlighted a unique fact about studying in KL:

“I was surprised by how connected universities are to national leaders. I attended events with YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah, Her Majesty Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, and ambassadors. I never expected that level of closeness.”

Cristian’s experience at UM

“My lecturers have industry experience and strong networks, and they encourage students to think beyond grades. My classmates inspire me; many come from humble backgrounds, yet they are driven, politically aware, and determined to move Malaysia forward.

“UM’s campus life is also incredibly active, with weekly cultural, career, and research events. Students who get involved receive more opportunities and often grow into well-rounded leaders by their final years.”

Work Opportunities: A City Full of Possibilities

KL is the economic hub of Malaysia, home to multinational companies, tech startups, creative agencies, and financial institutions. 

The city’s diverse economy means students can explore internships, industry collaborations, and networking opportunities across industries—from technology and finance to creative arts and hospitality..

KL’s dynamic job market also contributed to its strong employer activity score in the QS ranking, reflecting how well-connected students are to real-world industries. 

Internships

Roha:

“I interned at both an MNC and an SME. MMU supported us with mentorships, career fairs and programmes like iCadet.”

Cristian:

“I interned at RSM Malaysia and EUROCHAM. International students can find opportunities if they build a strong portfolio and take initiative.”

International students can also work up to 20 hours per week during semester breaks or holidays.

The opportunities don’t end when the degree does. Graduates can stay for longer under the Graduate Pass, which allows them to remain in Malaysia for up to 12 months to work in approved sectors without needing employer sponsorship.

For students like Roha and Cristian, their future looks promising:

“I would be very happy to stay and work in Malaysia. The tech landscape is dynamic, and the country is positioning itself as a leader in the region,” shared Roha.

“It would be an honour to stay in Malaysia, especially in KL. It's the perfect place to start a corporate career, with developed industries in oil and gas, tourism, green tech, and more. You gain a holistic view of a rapidly developing economy on its way to becoming a high-income nation,” added Cristian.

It’s a valuable bridge between study and career, giving graduates the chance to apply what they’ve learned in a real-world setting.

Affordability: KL’s Biggest Advantage

Kuala Lumpur may not have the same global fame as London or Tokyo, but when it comes to student experience, it holds its own in all the right ways.

The city’s biggest edge? Affordability.

The QS ranking considers tuition fees, day-to-day living expenses, and how much value students feel they’re getting overall, which is where KL truly shines.

Here, students can pursue globally recognised degrees at a fraction of the cost of studying in places like Singapore, Sydney, or London without compromising on quality. 

Roha shares: “Groceries are affordable, cooking at home is easy, and the MRT concession makes transport very cheap. Compared with other countries in the region, KL is very student-friendly.”

Cristian breaks it down clearly: “A reasonable accommodation is around RM1,000 (USD 250). Food is also around RM1,000. So for under USD 500, students can cover basic monthly expenses, which is incredible for a developed city.”

A City That Truly Feels Like Home

Between its cultural warmth, modern city life and global opportunities, the city strikes that rare balance between ambition and belonging. It’s a place where you can chase big dreams and still feel at home.

Beyond just rankings, students choose KL because it feels right.

Roha summarises KL as:
Vibrant. Beautiful. Transformative.

Cristian describes KL as:
Global. Fast. Spicy.

And honestly? Those three words say everything.

Advice to Future Students

Roha:

“Come with an open heart. Let go of your prejudices and immerse yourself in the beauty of Malaysia.”

Cristian:

“Learn Malay, make local friends, get involved on campus, and plan your internships early.”

Why KL Truly Deserves Its Spot in the QS Top 12

Between its cultural warmth, affordability, global exposure, strong universities, safety, and opportunities, KL has evolved into a city where students can build a future and feel at home.

It’s no surprise that international students are choosing to study here. 

KL isn’t just a great city to study in, it’s one of the BEST in the world.

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