Studying in Malaysia

Malaysia offers world-class educational opportunities to students, with a wide choice in terms of qualifications, courses, institutions and locations. Language is not a barrier as the medium of instruction is in English. Together with the high education standards applied to academic institutions that cater to international students, Malaysia is able to meet the discerning needs of the international student market.

The establishment of a dedicated Ministry of Higher Education in 2004 is further proof of the Government’s commitment towards higher education. The ministry has also set up education promotion centres overseas in Vietnam, China, United Arab Emirates and Indonesia.

In 2007, there were 47,928 international students enrolled at various public and private institutions of higher learning. The largest number of students is from Indonesia (8,454), followed by China (6,468) and Iran (3,678). Malaysia also receives students from Japan, Mauritius, Nepal, Saudi Arabia, the United States of America, the United Kingdom, and India, among others. The large number of international student population in Malaysia points to the growing confidence and recognition of the market towards Malaysia as the ideal destination to acquire academic qualifications.

Malaysia has established 17 public educational institutions (which include an International Islamic University), 21 private universities, 5 foreign university branch campuses, more than 500 private colleges, as well as 32 international schools and 14 expatriate schools for local as well as international academic needs.

Malaysia offers a wide range of courses for study. Among them are English language courses, degrees in Business Administration, Engineering, Medicine, Tourism and Mass Communications. A growing number of institutions are also offering programmes such as film studies, advertising, graphic design, music, theatre, fine art and fashion. These programmes are all taught by highly qualified teaching staff at academic institutions that boast of excellent student facilities.

Many factors are considered before making the ultimate and important decision on where to pursue one’s studies. Such factors range from basic comforts (weather, culture and food) to more important issues (safety, cost of living and accreditation of educational institutions). Malaysia rates highly in the following areas:

Quality education: Malaysian educational institutions offer courses of high standards that are on par with those offered in Europe, the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia. The Malaysian Qualifications Agency (under the Ministry of Higher Education) monitors the courses offered by the institutions, ensuring that they comply with the approved standards and requirements.

Affordability: Due to Malaysia’s favourable exchange rate, studying in Malaysia is a far more affordable option than studying in traditionally-popular countries. Not only are the course fees reasonable, the cost of living in Malaysia is also relatively low. For example, a complete 3-year Bachelor’s degree programme in Malaysia starts from about USD8,200 (price varies depending on choice of course and institution); and the cost of living ranges between USD250 and USD350 per month depending on style of living and location.

International affiliations: Through partnerships and ties with recognised overseas institutions, Malaysia is able to provide international students with foreign university qualifications at competitive rates. Partnerships with its counterparts in the United Kingdom, Australia, United States, New Zealand and Canada, have resulted in 3+0 programmes where international students can complete their entire foreign degree in Malaysia without having to incur additional costs by going overseas. The 2+1 twinning degree programme, meanwhile, offers students the option of completing their final year at the overseas institution.

At the same time, renowned universities from the UK and Australia have also set up their branch campuses in Malaysia. Whichever option is chosen, the student is assured of a quality education and a recognised qualification.

Language: Although Malaysia is blessed with multi-ethnic people and thus boasts of various languages and dialects, English is widely-spoken among the people. As such, foreign students would find it easy to get around and would not face a communication problem when they study here.

Food: Malaysia is a food paradise offering variety and eateries that open 24- hours a day. Foreigners can easily find Middle Eastern, Western, Indian, Chinese, Malay and Thai cuisines here. For Muslim students, halal food is easily available as many eateries prepare food according to Muslim standards and requirements. The halal certificate or stamp found at restaurants and on the packaging of food products indicate that these standards and requirements have been observed.

Safe environment: Malaysia is one of the safest countries to pursue your studies in. It is economically prosperous, politically stable and located in a geographically-sound area.

Weather: Malaysia boasts year-round tropical weather, making it convenient to go outdoors at any time of the year. Light cotton clothing, which is inexpensive, is suitable for Malaysian weather.

Culture: Malaysia is a multi-racial and multi-ethnic country. Foreign students can experience our varied culture during festivals and experience the warmth of Malaysian hospitality. As such, foreign students can adapt to Malaysian society without difficulty.

Hassle-free entrance: The immigration procedures to obtaining entry into Malaysia and a student visa are simple and hassle-free.

In conclusion, Malaysia offers the international student uncompromising quality and a broad range of options to choose from in terms of programme of study, qualification, and academic institutions. Together with a stable government and prosperous economy, modern infrastructure, a favourable currency exchange rate and low cost of living, Malaysia has certainly earned its place as the regional centre of academic excellence to attract a greater number of international students.