What is the Cost of Education in Malaysia 2026
If you’re a Malaysian parent thinking about your little one’s future, you’ve probably asked this question at some point:
“How much will it cost to raise and educate my child?”
It’s a big question, and honestly, you’re not alone! While education in Malaysia is still affordable compared to many countries, it’s not cheap. From task and tadika fees to university tuition, small monthly costs can sikit sikit lama lama menjadi bukit.
This guide walks you through education costs in Malaysia (2026) with honest, practical insights to help you plan with confidence.
Family Profile for This Estimate
For this guide, we will be basing our example on a middle-income Malaysian family living in the Klang Valley.
Parents’ combined income: ~RM120,000 per year (~RM10,000/month)—average middle-income household in Klang Valley
Education route: Taska → Tadika → SK (Government Primary) → SMK (Government Secondary) → Matrikulasi/STPM → Public University (e.g., UM, UKM, UiTM)
All estimates are based on 2026 rates and assume government subsidies and assistance programmes remain available.
Preschool (Taska & Tadika) Fees in Malaysia
If your child starts from infant care or taska, you can expect to pay between RM500-RM1,500 per month depending on the centre’s location and type.
Estimated preschool cost breakdown (0-6 years):
| Duration | Average Monthly Cost | Estimated Total | |
| Taska (Infant-Toddler Care) | 2 years | RM500 | RM12,000 |
| Tadika (Kindergarten) | 4 years | RM1,000 | RM48,000 |
| Uniforms, transport, materials | – | – | RM10,000-15,000 |
Total preschool cost in Malaysia (2026): RM70,000-75,000
💡Tip: Taska and tadika fees vary widely—premium names like Q-dees or Krista may charge RM1,500–RM2,000/month, while smaller community tadikas start from RM400/month.
Primary School (SK) Fees in Malaysia
Tuition is free for government primary schools (SK). But parents still spend on supplies, meals, uniforms, and kelas tambahan (extra classes).
Estimated costs (Primary 1-Primary 6):
| Duration | Average Yearly Cost | Estimated Total | |
| Uniforms, textbooks, activity fees | 6 years | RM500 | RM3,000 |
| Pocket money, transport, meals | 6 years | RM300/month x 200 school days/year | RM36,000 |
Total primary school cost: ~RM39,000
💡Tip: Students are eligible for a RM150 aid offered annually by the government under the Bantuan Awal Persekolahan (BAP) initiative.
Secondary School (SMK) Fees in Malaysia
Secondary education remains largely free for citizens, but hidden costs can add up.
Estimated costs (Form 1-5):
| Duration | Average Yearly Cost | Estimated Total | |
| Uniforms, textbooks, activity fees | 5 years | RM800 | RM4,000 |
| Transport, meals, tuition | 5 years | RM500/month x 200 school days/year | RM50,000 |
Total secondary school costs: ~RM54,000
💡Tip: Around Form 3 or Form 4, start exploring scholarship or bursary options. Some foundations and GLCs (like Petronas, Yayasan Khazanah, or MARA) offer early preparation programmes.
Pre-University (STPM/Matrikulasi/Foundation) Costs
Public pre-U options like Matrikulasi and STPM have minimal tuition fees, but there are still living costs.
Estimated costs (1.5 years):
| Duration | Estimated Total Cost | |
| Tuition and exam fees | 1.5 years | RM8,000 |
| Meals, transport, materials | 1.5 years | RM7,000 |
Total pre-university cost: ~RM15,000
💡Tip: STPM is usually free for students in government schools and typically under RM1,000 for private entries.
University Tuition Fees in Malaysia (Public)
For a local public university such as UM, UKM, or UiTM, tuition fees for Malaysian citizens are heavily subsidised. But living expenses still make up a big part of your budget.
Estimated costs (4 years):
| Duration | Estimated Total | |
| Tuition fees | 4 years | RM40,000 |
| Books and admin fees | 4 years | RM4,000 |
| Meals and transport | 4 years | RM24,000 |
Total university cost: ~RM68,000
💡Tip: If your child studies away from home, add about RM1,000-1,500 a month for accommodation and living costs.
For private universities, expect RM25,000-60,000 per year depending on the course.
Total Cost of Education in Malaysia (2026)
| Education Stage | Duration | Estimated Cost |
| Preschool (Taska & Tadika) | 6 years | RM70,000-75,000 |
| Primary (SK) | 6 years | RM39,000 |
| Secondary (SMK) | 5 years | RM54,000 |
| Pre-University | 2 years | RM15,000 |
| University (Public) | 4 years | RM68,000 |
| Total (no hostel) | 23 years | RM250,000 |
In short, the average cost of education in Malaysia from birth to university is around RM250,000 for a middle-income family–or about RM1,000 a month over 23 years.
5 Ways to Save and Plan Wisely
Every ringgit counts, and starting early makes a big difference.
- 🌱 Start small, but start now: Even RM200/month into an education fund grows over time.
- 💼 Use tools available: ASNB, Tabung Haji, or KWSP Education Withdrawal are good starting points.
- 🏦 Explore education insurance or child savings plans: These can double as protection and investment.
- 💡 Track your expenses: Apps like Money Lover or Spendee let you label spending by “Taska,” “Primary,” “Secondary,” and so on.
- ♻️ Buy second-hand: Preloved uniforms and textbooks from parent groups save hundreds each year, with some in brand new condition!
Planning for education may seem like a daunting task, but knowing you’re preparing little by little makes the journey lighter.
Track Your Expenses with MomGenie
Raising a child is one of life’s biggest blessings—and yes, it comes with its share of bills, forms, and “ma, I need new shoes!” moments.
But with a little planning, a lot of love, and steady saving, you can give your child a strong foundation without losing your peace of mind.
Use MomGenie’s budget tracker to stay on top of your preschool and childcare costs. You can log monthly fees, enrichment classes, and even daily essentials like milk, then view how your spending shifts from baby to preschool years with automatic stage-based tracking.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much does it cost to raise a child in Malaysia?
It costs roughly RM250,000–RM300,000 to raise and educate a child through a public university. Families choosing private or international schools can expect to spend RM400,000–RM800,000.
2. Is education free in Malaysia?
Yes, government schools (SK and SMK) are free for Malaysian citizens. However, you’ll still cover books, meals, and other daily expenses.
3. How much are preschool fees in Malaysia?
Preschool fees typically range between RM300 and RM2,000 per month, depending on the type and location of the taska or tadika.
4. How much does university cost in Malaysia?
Public university tuition averages RM8,000–12,000 per year, while private institutions may charge RM25,000–60,000 annually.
5. What’s the best way to save for education?
Start early with a child education fund (ASNB, Tabung Haji), education insurance, or KWSP withdrawals for higher education.