Rising International Student Enrolments in Malaysia
Malaysia is on course to meet its goal of enrolling 250,000 international students by 2025, with a steady increase in applications, particularly from China. According to Study Malaysia, international student enrolments have been rising, driven by Malaysia’s affordability, reputable universities, and government policies.
| Malaysia Top 10 Countries for New Applications Received 2023-2024 | |||
| Source Country | 2023 | 2024 | % Change |
| China | 26,627 | 33,216 | 24.7% ↑ |
| Bangladesh | 6,570 | 6,917 | 5.3% ↑ |
| Indonesia | 4,310 | 5,556 | 28.9% ↑ |
| India | 1,900 | 2,591 | 36.4% ↑ |
| Pakistan | 1,940 | 2,417 | 24.6% ↑ |
| Sudan | 1,310 | 2,354 | 79.7% ↑ |
| Yemen | 1,770 | 1,996 | 12.8% ↑ |
| Nigeria | 1,420 | 1,332 | – 6.2% ↓ |
| Japan | 1,400 | 1,775 | 26.8% ↑ |
| Egypt | 880 | 885 | 0.6%↑ |
Study Malaysia notes that Malaysia’s appeal is partly
Education Malaysia Global Services reported that in 2024, Chinese students submitted 33,216 applications to study in Malaysia—a 24.7% increase from 2023 and a remarkable 173% surge from pre-pandemic levels in 2019. Other countries showing notable growth in applications include Indonesia (28.9%), India (36.4%), Sudan (79.7%).and Pakistan 24.6%
Factors Driving Malaysia’s Popularity
Affordable Tuition Fees
One of Malaysia’s biggest attractions for international students is its affordability. With average undergraduate tuition fees of $6,000 per year, Malaysia offers a more cost-effective option compared to other leading education destinations, making it an appealing choice for price-sensitive students.
Cultural and Religious Affinity
Malaysia’s predominantly Muslim population appeals to students from Bangladesh, Indonesia, Pakistan, Nigeria, and Egypt. The country also has a significant Chinese-speaking community, making it attractive to Chinese students and their families. According to the QS International Student Survey 2024, 44% of Chinese students interested in Southeast Asia prioritize cultural familiarity, while 54% express concern about language barriers when studying abroad.
Expansion of Foreign University Campuses
The Malaysian government has actively encouraged foreign universities to establish branch campuses, enhancing Malaysia’s reputation as a global education hub. Currently, five UK universities have established campuses in Malaysia, including the University of Nottingham Malaysia and Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia. Additionally, universities from Australia, Ireland, and China, such as Monash University, Curtin University, and Xiamen University, have expanded into Malaysia, offering world-class education to international students.
Visa Policies Supporting Student Growth
Malaysia’s visa policies further enhance its appeal. Unlike many countries, Malaysia allows Master’s and Ph.D. students to bring dependents. Additionally, Malaysia has introduced the Graduate Pass, allowing graduates from 23 countries to stay in the country for up to a year for further studies, work, or travel. However, applications from China and India are considered on a case-by-case basis.
With these strategic initiatives, Malaysia is well on its way to becoming a top destination for international students, fostering educational and economic growth in the region.