The Benefits of Pursuing Higher Education in Malaysia as an International Student
Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) in Malaysia reported substantial year-over-year growth in new international student applications for 2022. As of 2022, there are 170,000 international students in Malaysia from 162 countries, mainly from Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. This did not happen overnight but through strategic government initiatives and investment in international education at home. Malaysia has emerged as a sought-after destination for international students due to its remarkable qualities, including a well-established education system, cultural diversity, employment prospects, affordability, and safety measures. Malaysia has a long-term goal to build an enrolment base of 250,000 students by 2025. The top five sending markets for Malaysia are China, Indonesia, Bangladesh, India, and Nigeria.
Geographical proximity in international mobility has always played a significant fact in international students' decision in studying aboard. Recently, Malaysia has attracted more international students from nearby countries than before. With its diverse population, globally recognized universities as well as the developed branch campuses of or collaborations with the Western countries, Malaysia offers an enriching experience for international students seeking a holistic education and a global perspective.
The article further emphasizes the Malaysian government's initiatives to attract international talent, providing promising prospects for students who wish to stay and contribute to the country's economy.
Quality Education System: Malaysia boasts a robust education system renowned for its high standards and global recognition. The country's universities offer a wide range of programs and courses, ensuring students have ample opportunities to pursue their desired fields of study. The institution's commitment to research and innovation makes Malaysia an ideal choice for those aspiring to excel in academia.
Top-ranked institutions and overseas campus: a number of universities are ranked top 500 in Malaysia, according to QS World University Rankings 2022, including the University of Malaya, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysi, Universiti Sains Malaysia, There is also a number of international universities with an overseas campus in Malaysia, including these from the UK: Heriot-Watt University; Newcastle University (medicine); University of Nottingham; University of Reading; University of Southampton (engineering), and Australia's Monash University has a Malaysia campus too.
Multicultural Environment: Malaysia's multicultural society offers a unique environment for international students to immerse themselves in a rich tapestry of diverse cultures. With ethnic groups including Malay, Chinese, and Indian, students gain exposure to different customs, traditions, and perspectives. Furthermore, universities in Malaysia offer courses taught in various languages, such as English, Malay, and Mandarin, facilitating language acquisition and cultural integration.
Employment Opportunities: Upon completion of their studies, foreign students in Malaysia enjoy diverse employment prospects. The Malaysian government actively promotes the recruitment of foreign talent through initiatives like Malaysia My Second Home Program (MM2H) and the Malaysia Tech Entrepreneur Program. These endeavours aim to encourage students to contribute their skills and expertise to the country's thriving economy. Additionally, part-time and full-time employment opportunities, including internships, further enhance students' career prospects.
Cost of Education: The affordability of education in Malaysia is a significant advantage for international students. Tuition fees in Malaysian universities are comparatively lower than those in Western countries, enabling students to pursue higher education without excessive financial strain. Moreover, the cost of living in Malaysia is more affordable than in many other nations, making it an economically viable choice for students seeking a quality education.
Safety and Security: Malaysia upholds a reputation for being a safe and secure country, with a low crime rate. The government prioritizes the safety of both its citizens and foreign residents, ensuring a conducive environment for international students to focus on their studies and personal growth.
Studying in Malaysia as an international student offers a plethora of benefits, including a high-quality education system, a multicultural environment, abundant employment opportunities, affordability, and safety.
The delivery language of English, Malay, and Mandarin, reflecting the local multiculturalism and diversity, offers the students comfort of cultural differences but also a space to experience and appreciate the cultural diversity, instead of having to assimilate into the local culture in order to survive and thrive emotionally and mentally. Should not this be the real multiculturalism where students can feel at home while being overseas?
The initiatives implemented by the Malaysian government to support international education and attract international talent further contribute to the country's allure.
With its diverse culture, renowned universities, growing economy, and safe environment, Malaysia continues to serve as an excellent choice for international students seeking to embark on a successful career and broaden their global outlook.
Author: Mr. Nicholas Lee, the founder of Nanyang Learning Hub and Nanyang 3E Ecosystem (Education-Employment-Employability), he has more than ten years of extensive experience in the field of higher education, particularly in the development and execution of international academic programs. He also serves as the Program Director for Shanghai Jiao Tong University's Asia-Pacific Graduate Institute in Malaysia, demonstrating his remarkable abilities in the field of international education.
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