For many decades international students have picked Western universities to pursue higher education. This is mainly because of the prestige affiliated with those Western degrees. And, the assurance that these degrees will get them better global professional opportunities.
However “the idea that a Western degree is automatically better and more advantageous than one obtained in Asia is losing ground. Asian students now have an array of appealing options within their region for study.” stated ICEF Monitor (https://monitor.icef.com/2019/12/closer-to-home-intra-regional-mobility-in-asia/)
Many Asian Countries are offering globally recognized degree programs with a top-notch educational experience for international students. And Malaysia is one among them. The country’s capital Kuala Lumpur is the world’s most affordable city for students by QS. There’s more! UNESCO has ranked Malaysia as the 11th best country for international students to study abroad. Also, the Global Peace Index has ranked Malaysia in the top 25 safest countries. Moreover, approximately 18% of international students in Malaysia are Pakistani. This is due to the mutual brotherhood between the two countries.
So, Let’s have a glance over what Malaysia has to offer to international students.
A Glimpse of Malaysia
Malaysia depicts a unique blend of historical and modern architecture. The swarming cities, mesmerizing beaches, and rainforests with diverse wildlife are all enchanting features of Malaysian beauty. Malaysia is among the world’s 17 megadiverse countries accounting for 20% of the world’s animal species. The country has become an attractive destination for people from all over the world due to recent prompt developments. This influx of diverse populations belonging to different religious and ethnic groups has made Malaysia a vibrant and ethnic country.
Higher Education in Malaysia for International Students
The Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education manages the country’s system and structure of higher education. The country possesses over 100 higher education universities. Malaysian higher education is as per the global standard of higher education. The evidence of this statement is that 22 of the Malaysian universities are in the QS World University ranking. The country aims to enroll 250,000 international students by 2025. Another very pleasant fact about Malaysian higher education is that many international universities including of UK and Australia have opened overseas campuses in Malaysia. Malaysian universities offer Diplomas (10-24 months), undergraduate programs (3 years), Foreign bachelor’s degrees (3-4 years), master’s degrees (1-2 years), and doctoral degree programs (3-5) to international students.
Language Proficiency for International Students in Malaysia
La Bahasa Malaysia is the official language of the country. But English is also spoken. The majority of the courses in the universities are offered in English. Also, 50-60% of Malaysian people speak English at the conversational level.
International students need to prove their language proficiency in English to study or move to Malaysia. The tests required to prove language proficiency are PTE and IELTS.
Scholarships for International Students in Malaysia
Malaysia is an affordable country for international students. And 170 scholarships are offered to international students by Malaysian higher education institutes. The Malaysia International Scholarship provides tuition fees, monthly allowance, airfare, and additional bonuses. There is another scholarship for international students in Malaysia, The Malaysian Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan it also provides a very bountiful financial support to international students. There is another Asian undergraduate scholarship that is awarded to high-achieving Asian students and covers tuition fees.
Conclusion
Affordable education, globally recognized courses, post-study work opportunities, a safe and welcoming environment, language friendliness, diverse culture, and beautiful sceneries are all requisites for you to go for study abroad in Malaysia. If you find Malaysia appealing to pursue your higher education then don’t wait and start your journey to land an impressive degree program in a world-class higher education institute in Malaysia. And if you need help with your application process or need additional support then feel free to reach out to AK Consultants. We will guide you through your application process and make your study abroad journey smooth and easy.
FAQ’s
Malaysia is open to international students for study abroad. The country has a target to reach 250,000 international students in Malaysian higher education by 2025.
You can apply through university portals, or go directly to the organizations awarding the scholarships.
International students in Malaysia can work up to 20 hours per week only during semester breaks. Approval from the immigration department is required to work.
