Can I Study English and Start University Courses at the Same Time?

Many international students planning to study in Malaysia ask: Can I study English and start university courses at the same time? This is an important question as it determines your academic plan and timeline. In this article, we explain the requirements, available options, and provide advice to help you make the right decision for your academic journey.

Language Requirements Before Starting University Courses
Most Malaysian universities require a certain level of English proficiency (such as IELTS or TOEFL) before allowing students to begin university courses. If you don’t have the required score, you must first complete an English course.

Admission Requirement
Universities typically set IELTS 5.5 – 6.0 as the minimum entry level. If your score is below this, you must focus on studying English first.

Limited Exceptions
Some universities allow students to register for basic or elective courses while studying English, but this depends on your program and the university’s policy.

Parallel Study (English + University Courses)
In some cases, students may be allowed to begin general or elective subjects while improving their English, provided their level is close to the required standard.

Benefits
Save time and shorten the overall study duration.

Challenges
Added academic pressure and the difficulty of balancing language improvement with understanding university-level subjects.

Uni Counsel Advice
We recommend focusing on English first if your level is weak, so you can start your university courses with confidence. If your level is close to the requirement, you can consult Uni Counsel to check if your chosen university allows parallel study. We provide free consultation to help you choose the best path.

In summary, the answer to: Can I study English and start university courses at the same time? depends on your English level and the university’s policy. In most cases, you must complete English first, but some universities offer the option of parallel study. Contact Uni Counsel for personalized advice to start your academic journey with confidence.