Official guides / Student support & services

Money matters - Let's Begin (Monash Malaysia)

Official source

Monash University Malaysia

Last checked: 26 Oct 2026 UTC

What this page covers

Budgeting
Cost of Living
Other Additional Costs

Page text

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It is common for students to live on a budget, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a great time at university. It is important to learn how to manage your finances wisely and not land yourself in a cycle of debt. Making the right decisions and choices are all part of ‘adulting’.

Budgeting

Make a list of your estimated expenses and plan your budget. Once you have done so, be sure to keep your expenses within budgeted limits. This way, you can enjoy your time at university without overspending. Below are some of the expenses you need to take into consideration whilst preparing your budget:

Cost of Living

Item	Estimated Cost (RM)
Deposit for rental	From RM1500 - RM2500
Monthly rental	From RM800 - RM1,500
Telephone and internet connection	From RM99
Water and electricity	Usually included in the rental but if not, may range between RM100 - RM200
Food	Around RM7 to RM30 per meal
Groceries	From RM100 - RM500, depending on lifestyle preferences
Entertainment (movies, concert etc...)	From RM20
Air ticket	Visit AirAsia or Malaysia Airlines for the latest fares
Bus, Light Rail Transit	Visit MYrapid for the latest fares

Other Additional Costs

Item	Estimated Cost (RM)
Unexpected costs	Accidents or Illnesses
Lifestyle choices	Entertainment and luxury items and lifestyle

All costs listed above are estimated and not actual.

Related questions

What is GPA at Monash?

All campuses

GPA is calculated on a 4.0 scale from your grades rather than your marks: High Distinction 4.0, Distinction 3.0, Credit 2.0, Pass 1.0, Near pass 0.7, Fail and Hurdle fail 0.3, Withdrawn fail 0.0. Some results, such as SFR and NE, are not counted. Your GPA is shown in WES and on your transcript. Malaysia also uses a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) with different values: High Distinction 4.0, Distinction 3.67, Credit 2.85, Pass 2.15, Near pass 1.7, Fail and Hurdle fail 1.15, Withdrawn fail 0.0. It is not on your academic record, so you request a CGPA letter.

How do I withdraw from a unit?

Australia: withdraw through WES while enrolment changes are open. Before the census date there is no fee and no record; after it, you keep the fee liability and the unit shows as a withdrawal. If you are on a student visa you have study load requirements to maintain: Monash's study load page says you can reduce your load only in compassionate or compelling circumstances, unless you are in your final year and will finish within the time on your CoE. Malaysia: after the census date a withdrawn unit shows as WD-LATE or WD-FAIL, and the date you withdraw can affect fee refunds and your academic record. The last day to withdraw without academic penalty is before the WD-LATE date ends; the dates are in Monash Malaysia's Principal Dates. With a Student Pass, going below 24 credit points a semester is an underload: it needs approval, it can never go below 18 credit points, and below 18 you have to apply for intermission.

How many hours can I work on a student visa?

The rules are each country's, not Monash's, and they are different. Australia: work rights for student visa holders are set by the Australian Government, and the cap has changed several times in recent years. Monash's page links to the current Department of Home Affairs conditions - always confirm the number there before relying on it. Malaysia: with a Student Pass you may work only during semester breaks or public holidays of more than seven days, and for no more than 20 hours a week, at restaurants, petrol kiosks, mini markets or hotels; the page lists jobs that are not allowed. Every job has to be approved by the Immigration Department: you apply through the International Student Pass office and must be there in person when the application is submitted.

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