Malaysian universities continue to attract strong interest from international students, with Chinese nationals forming the largest cohort, according to new data from Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS).
Figures obtained by Malay Mail show that between January and Nov 30 this year, 29,388 students from China enrolled in public and private higher education institutions — far exceeding enrolments from Bangladesh (8,957) and India (3,410).
EMGS chief executive officer Novie Tajuddin said enrolments from China dipped slightly by about three per cent compared with last year, largely because several top Malaysian universities have reached their international student intake quotas.
“These limits are part of enrolment governance to maintain quality, ensure balanced capacity, and manage campus resources effectively,” he said.
Despite the marginal decline, interest from China has grown significantly over recent years. Applications from Chinese students rose from 8,876 in 2020 to 19,202 in 2021, before climbing further to 26,627 in 2023.
Student numbers from Bangladesh and India have also surged. Enrolments from Bangladesh jumped 47 per cent year-on-year to 8,957, while Indian student enrolments rose 41 per cent to 3,410. Overall, total international enrolments increased by six per cent this year, reaching 87,206 compared with 81,992 last year.
Novie said Malaysia’s affordability remains a major draw, especially when compared with destinations such as the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada and Australia.
“Malaysia hosts reputable foreign branch campuses, allowing students to obtain internationally accredited qualifications at significantly lower costs while studying locally,” he said.
He added that EMGS’ targeted promotional efforts have also played a key role, including the establishment of a “Study in Malaysia Corner” at Guangxi University in China and participation in the China-Asean Expo. Similar outreach initiatives, such as education fairs and forums, are being carried out in India and Bangladesh.
Beyond education, international students make a substantial contribution to the Malaysian economy. EMGS estimates that each student spends around RM9,600 per month on tuition, accommodation and living expenses.
“With about 150,000 international students currently in Malaysia, this amounts to an estimated RM1.44 billion in monthly economic activity, or RM17.28 billion annually,” Novie said.
