Summer Internships in Malaysia: A Guide for International Students

Quick answer: Finding your placement takes about 8 weeks from your deposit, so apply with a start date at least 12 weeks away. If your start date is less than 12 weeks away, you need AIPx Fast Track. Placement takes about 8 weeks from your deposit, so for a June start you should apply by around March. Most students do 6 to 12 weeks in Kuala Lumpur. Expect heat, humidity and afternoon rain, because Malaysia does not have a classic summer.

When to apply for a summer start

Work back from your start date. Your placement takes about 8 weeks from the day you pay your deposit. That time is used to match you with a company, arrange interviews and prepare your visa.

Finding your placement takes about 8 weeks from your deposit, so apply with a start date at least 12 weeks away. If your start date is less than 12 weeks away, you need AIPx Fast Track. For a June start, that means March at the latest. For a July start, apply in April. The earlier you apply, the more choice you have.

• Autumn: decide on Malaysia and your field.
• Winter: apply, talk to an advisor and finish your profile.
• Spring: interviews, confirmation, visa steps and flights.
• Last weeks: packing, documents and orientation.

Do not book flights until your internship is confirmed. If we accept you and can't place you, you get your full deposit back. For the full process, read our how it works page.

How long should a summer internship be?

AIP programs start at 6 weeks. For a summer, 6 to 12 weeks is the most common range. Six weeks is enough to learn the basics and finish a small project. Twelve weeks lets you take on more and build a stronger reference.

Check your university dates first. Leave a few days at both ends for flights, settling in and jet lag.

What is the weather like in a Malaysian summer?

Malaysia is near the equator, so there is no classic summer. Kuala Lumpur is hot and humid all year. In June to August, highs are around 32°C (90°F) and lows around 24°C (75°F). Afternoon thunderstorms are common, often short and heavy.

Malaysia has two monsoon seasons. The northeast monsoon runs roughly from November to March and brings heavy rain to the east coast. The southwest monsoon runs roughly from May to September. Kuala Lumpur is on the west side of the peninsula, so it is generally less affected by the northeast monsoon. Seasons vary, so check a forecast before you travel.

What to pack

• Light, breathable clothes such as cotton or linen.
• Smart office clothes. Offices are often air conditioned and cold, so bring a light jacket or cardigan.
• A compact umbrella or light rain jacket.
• Sunscreen, insect repellent and a refillable water bottle.
• Comfortable walking shoes and sandals.
• Modest outfits for mosques and temples, with shoulders and knees covered.
• A universal plug adapter.

Summer culture and holidays

Ramadan and Hari Raya Aidilfitri follow the Islamic calendar. They move about 10 to 11 days earlier each year, so check the dates for the year you plan to go. If your summer overlaps Ramadan, expect busy evening food bazaars and some changes to office hours. During Hari Raya, many offices close for a few days.

Malaysia's National Day, or Merdeka Day, is on 31 August. If your internship runs into late August, you will see flags, events and a public holiday. Malaysia also has Chinese, Indian and other festivals during the year. Ask your host company for its holiday calendar in your first week.

Weekend trips from Kuala Lumpur

• Malacca: a historic port city a couple of hours away, good for a day trip or one night.
• Penang: known for street food and George Town. Fly or take a longer bus or train.
• Cameron Highlands: cooler hills with tea farms and walks. Pack a jumper.
• Langkawi: island beaches on the west coast. A short flight from KL.

The east coast islands, such as the Perhentians, Redang and Tioman, are generally best from about May to September. In the northeast monsoon they tend to be very rough, so check before you book if you travel at other times.

Budgeting for a summer

Daily life in Kuala Lumpur costs much less than in Singapore or Tokyo. Local meals at food courts are cheap. Rent, transport and weekend trips will be your main costs. Most internships are unpaid, so budget for your whole stay before you go. Insurance is extra. See current program costs on our pricing page.

Making the most of 8 to 12 weeks

• Set two or three goals with your supervisor in week one.
• Ask for feedback every week, not just at the end.
• Keep a short log of what you finish, so your CV is easy to write.
• Say yes to lunches and after work plans with local colleagues.
• Pick one or two trips and do them properly. Do not try to see everything.
• Ask for a reference and connect on LinkedIn before your last week.

Summer internships in Malaysia with AIP

AIP (Asia Internship Program) places students in Kuala Lumpur. Host companies work in English. Popular fields include business development, software engineering, engineering, supply chain, hospitality and environmental science. Housing is usually near an LRT or MRT station.

There are three programs. With Explorer we find your internship and support you throughout; you choose where to live. Traveler includes Standard housing (furnished, with your own bedroom or a shared one with an intern of the same gender, depending on the destination), airport pickup and a pre-arrival orientation, and is the most popular. Pioneer includes Premium housing (a private apartment to yourself, with your own bedroom and bathroom), airport pickup, a preloaded transport card and SIM, first day drop off and tours. Every program includes visa assistance and 24/7 emergency support. Most internships are unpaid. Read more on the Malaysia internship page, or see our general guide to internships in Malaysia.

FAQs

When should I apply for a summer internship in Malaysia?

Finding your placement takes about 8 weeks from your deposit, so apply with a start date at least 12 weeks away. If your start date is less than 12 weeks away, you need AIPx Fast Track. Placement takes about 8 weeks from your deposit, so for a June start, aim to apply by around March. Applying earlier gives you more choice of companies and more time for your visa.

How long is a summer internship in Malaysia?

AIP programs start at 6 weeks. For a summer, 6 to 12 weeks is common. Pick the length that fits your university break and leave a few days either side for travel.

What is the weather like in Malaysia in summer?

Malaysia has no classic summer. Kuala Lumpur is hot and humid all year, with highs around 32°C and frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Carry a light rain jacket or a small umbrella.

Are summer internships in Malaysia paid?

Most international internships, including AIP placements in Malaysia, are unpaid. Plan your budget for housing, food, transport and fun.

Can I travel while doing a summer internship in Malaysia?

Yes. You work on weekdays and travel on weekends. Malacca, Penang and Cameron Highlands are easy trips from Kuala Lumpur. Check the weather before you book any east coast islands.

Ready to plan your summer? Check our pricing and start your application early.