Malaysia- A Favorite Education Hub for International Students

Over the last decade, there have been dramatic changes in the higher education landscape in Malaysia. In the 1970s, there were only a few private institutions of education in Malaysia, and those were limited to providing a secondary level of education. The government’s efforts over the past 20 years in internationalization  Malaysian education and developing the private higher educational sector has made Malaysia an important higher education destination for international  students from all over the world. Coupled with far-sighted human development policies, Malaysia is also a country of choice for reputable foreign universities to set up their branch campuses. There are now almost 500 institutions of private higher education currently in operation in Malaysia; these include colleges, university colleges and universities.  

Malaysia is becoming an increasingly active player in international education and ranks as the 11th largest exporter of education in the world. Today, Malaysia already has a varied international student population of more than 100,000 from countries such as India,China, Singapore, Indonesia, SriLanka, South Africa, Bangladesh, Iran, Maldives, Nigeria, Sudan, Yemen, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and many more.

MALAYSIA’S ATTRACTIONS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Below are some of the reasons why Malaysia is the preferred destination  for many international students when they choose to pursue their education  abroad.

1. Wide Range of Quality Education Options
There are many study options available to suit the needs of various students such as Malaysian home-grown qualifications, foreign degree qualifications through ‘2+1’ twinning degrees (for example: 2 years in Malaysia and 1 year at the overseas host university) and 3+0 degrees (where the entire foreign university degree program is taught in Malaysia) as well as American degree transfer programs

2. Foreign University Branch Campuses in Malaysia 
Since 1998, Six international reputable universities have set up their branch campuses in Malaysia to offer bachelor’s and postgraduate degrees that are identical to that of the main campus overseas. By enrolling at any of these branch campuses located in Malaysia, students will enjoy lower tuition fees. 

3. English Language as the Medium of Instruction 
English is used as the primary medium of instruction for all courses conducted at private higher educational institutions. This is one of the plus points for students when choosing to study here. 

4. Simple and Hassle-Free Immigration Procedures 
The Immigration Department of Malaysia has hassle-free immigration procedures for international students wishing to gain entry into Malaysia

5. High Quality Affordable Education
Malaysian education cost is much cheaper compared to other countries like Australia, Canada, France, New Zealand, Singapore, the US and the UK. Although the cost of education in Malaysia is cheaper, it is still able to provide good quality higher education. 

6. High Quality and Affordable Standard of Living
Malaysia boasts low crime rates, first-world standard health and infrastructure, and the cachet of being a melting pot of three Asian cultures. It is among the most friendly and hospitable places in the world to work and live in. Malaysians are warm, friendly people who easily accept foreigners into their circle of friends. In addition, the country’s tropical climate with its uniform temperatures allows light, comfortable clothing throughout the year.

“Malaysia has a great potential to grow and explore in higher education,The country is a new emerging economy and there is current a strong global focus on Asia. Malaysia is also benefiting from the global attention.”