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Malaysia

Study Law in Malaysia 2024

Study in Malaysia

What Is a Law Degree in Malaysia?

The law degree required by those who wish to work as an attorney in the country is the LL.B. It is necessary for individuals to complete this degree at an accredited school that is recognized by the Malaysia Bar Association.

Law Higher Education in Malaysia

The LL.B. course is a type of honors course. That is, it can be very hard for individuals to obtain this level of education. The courses and degree must be approved by the Legal Professional Qualifying Board in Malaysia. Generally, this course of student will take between two and five years to complete, depending on previous education. Once students complete the required coursework at an accredited school, they can then sit for the Bar examination.

Students attending the University of Malaya or the National University of Singapore are able to use their education to meet all requirements. The goal is to obtain a Certificate of Legal Practice prior to sitting for the Bar examination. The cost of any of these educational programs varies by school, with most programs being at the higher end when it comes to graduate level studies in the country.

Once the individual has obtained his or her examination qualifications and passes the Bar test, he or she then will need to begin chambering. In this process, the individual works for nine months alongside an attorney or law firm in the country that is recognized by the Bar Association. This process provides practical, on the job training for the individual. This is not necessarily a paid position, though most companies provide a base salary for those who work for them.

Upon completion of this training program, the individual is then admitted to the Bar Association and can begin working as a lawyer within the country. The individual can work independently as a lawyer, work with an associated law firm (which many of them do with the chambering firm they worked through) or they can pursue additional educational opportunities. Graduate and Masters level education is also an option for these individuals while working.

International students are welcomed into most legal programs in the country. Some international course of study is recognized, but not always. Students will need to apply directly with the university they wish to attend to learn if they qualify for admission and to determine costs. Competition can be significant in most areas. Opportunities for growth in this field are present for those who complete their education and maintain their Bar licensing.

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Basic monthly living cost

  • Rent in a shared flat

    189
  • Share of utilities

    14
  • Internet subscription

    23
  • Local transportation

    12

Sample lifestyle cost

  • Fast food combo

    4
  • Cinema ticket

    4
  • Pint of local beer

    3

About Malaysia

Malaysia is a country located in Southeast Asia. It sits near the South China Sea, and boarders Thailand, Singapore, and Vietnam. The population here is more than 28.33 million people. It is a diverse culture, but it is also one of the most unique environments as well. Individuals who wish to live here will need to understand how the legal system works, especially if they plan to work in this field. For many people, the area is exciting and provides the opportunity to build a strong legal career.

What Is the Law System in Malaysia?

The legal system in Malaysia is based on common law. The law system dates back to the colonization of the area by Britain in the early 19th century. The country's highest law comes from the Constitution of Malaysia. The country has federal and state laws, as well as local laws. There is a dual justice system present that includes both secular laws (including both criminal and civil components) as well as sharia laws. Diverse and ever changing, it is one of the most interesting forms of law in the region.