There are more than 55,000 international students, from many parts of the world attending international schools and pursuing courses ranging from diploma to degrees to PhD in private higher educational institutions and public universities in Malaysia. This signifies the confidence and acceptance of Malaysia as an international destination for acquiring academic qualifications.

Malaysia warmly welcomes international students to come to Malaysia to acquire an affordable academic qualification coupled with in-demand skills. Besides, students can gain multicultural knowledge which is vital to face future challenges in this fast evolving globalised market.

Listed below are some very valid reasons as to why Malaysia should be your ultimate and preferred destination for the pursuit of education

abroad:

Pioneers in Transnational Education & International Affiliations
Malaysia is acknowledged as one of the pioneers in the region in the development and promotion of transnational Bachelor's degree programmes, starting way back in the early 1980s, collaborating with reputable universities from countries like the United Kingdom, USA, France, New Zealand, Germany, Australia, etc. Unique collaborative bachelor's degree programmes such as '2+1' twinning degrees (for example: 2 years in Malaysia and 1 year in overseas host university) and 3+0 degrees (where the entire foreign university degree programme is taught in Malaysia) offer international students abundant study options for selection to meet their financial budget and academic needs.

'2+1 ' Twinning Degree Programme - a Value for Money Option for 'Cross-Border' Experience
The '2+1' undergraduate twinning degree programme is the hall-mark of 'Study in Malaysia'. Twinning arrangement has not only helped many local and international students studying in Malaysia save substantial cost in their pursuit for internationally recognised bachelor's degree programmes but also gain life experiences and friendships in two countries

The twinning degree arrangement with reputable international universities from overseas countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, the United States, New Zealand, France as well as Germany is offered in Malaysia at an affordable cost. For example, if you enroll in Malaysia for an engineering twinning degree programme that offers three years of study in Malaysia with the last one year in Australia (3+1 Twinning Degree), you may save up to AUD60,000 (USD46,500) in tuition fees and living costs compared to when you do the entire 4-year degree course in Australia!

'3+0' Foreign Bachelor's Degree in Malaysia - a Step Closer to Your Dream for International Qualifications
A 3+0 foreign bachelor's degree programme is an extension of a twinning programme. Under this 3+0 arrangement, bachelor's degree programmes from foreign leading universities are conducted by private higher educational institutions in Malaysia for students to complete their courses entirely in Malaysia.

Since 1998, many long established Malaysian private institutions of higher learning have gained confidence and trust from universities in countries like the United Kingdom, Australia, France and United States to allow these Malaysian private educational institutions to conduct the entire foreign university degree programmes in Malaysia. The qualification from these programmes will be awarded by the partner universities. Upon graduation, you could easily pursue your Master's degree at the partner university overseas. Therefore, the '3+0' bachelor's degree programme allows you to complete the entire foreign degree programme right in Malaysia, at a much reduced education cost.

Branch Campuses of Foreign Universities in Malaysia - the Best of Both Worlds
Since 1998, 5 international reputable universities such as the Monash University from Australia, the University of Nottingham from the UK have set up their branch campuses in Malaysia offering exactly the same degrees as the main campus located overseas. By enrolling yourself in these branch campuses located in Malaysia, you are paying a much cheaper tuition fee in Ringgit Malaysia for an identical degree to the one from the main campus. Besides this, you may have the opportunity to spend one or more semesters at the main campus overseas with no disruption to your studies. For example, the tuition fee of a 3-year UK engineering degree is priced at about USD7600 per year in the Malaysian branch campus as compared to £12,000 (USD 22,300) per year in the UK main campus

Malaysian University Qualifications - Export Quality
A growing number of Malaysian private universities have ventured overseas by setting up branches in various Asian countries, Australia and even in London lately, offering Malaysian-brand qualifications. Malaysia's efforts in producing quality education are rewarded with more and more overseas countries showing greater confidence and trust towards the Malaysian brand of home-grown tertiary qualifications. This is especially evident from the growing number of branches which Malaysian universities have set up overseas and the increase in trans-national education collaborations with overseas institutions.

Focus on Research & Development
All Malaysian public universities have research centres and focus on R & D. One of the research centres has been recognised internationally as a centre for global health. This is testimony of the high research quality of Malaysian public universities. Post-graduate studies and research opportunities are readily available to international students in public universities at a very affordable cost. Many researches have produced products that have been commercialised and successfully patented.

Low Living Cost & Affordable Tuition Fee - The Malaysian Advantage
The cost of living for international students to study in Malaysia could be as low as RM11,000 which is approximately US$2,980 per annum. As such, the low living cost besides the cheaper tuition fee would appeal to you in terms of great savings of education cost when you choose to study in Malaysia. The city of Kuala Lumpur offers you a high quality lifestyle at a low cost, compared to many other metropolitan cities in the world. Over and above these advantages, students can study one degree programme in a Malaysian university and earn 2 degree qualifications upon graduation – one from the Malaysian university and the other from a UK reputable university. This is the Malaysian advantage for international students.

English - The World Language in Malaysia
English is used as the primary medium of instruction for all courses and study programmes conducted at the private higher educational institutions. The public universities are using English at postgraduate level. English is the second language in Malaysia.

Malaysia, being a multi-ethnic country, possesses an elaborate experience in using effective methodologies to teach the English language to non-native speakers of English. Therefore, Malaysia is an ideal place for international students from non- English speaking countries to learn English. Studying in Malaysia will help you improve your English.

Quality Education
Stringent internal assurance by the universities as well as the government's national quality assurance agency, i.e. the National Accreditation Board (LAN) will ensure the investment you are making for your future is of high standard. With the Malaysian Qualification Framework (MQF), the international recognition of Malaysian qualifications are further enhanced.

Dedicated Academic Staff - with Diversified Global Qualifications
The public universities and private higher educational institutions employ highly dedicated academicians with internationally recognised qualifications and vast teaching experience to teach their students. Most of these academicians are graduates from renowned universities in countries like the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, New Zealand and Germany.

Career Relevant Courses with In-Demand Skills - for Employability
Malaysia is recognised as one of the fastest growing economies in the world. One of the success factors is the ability of the higher educational institutions to provide career relevant courses which help students to develop knowledge and skills needed in the workplace. Most of the higher educational institutions in Malaysia work closely with the industry and foreign partner universities to ensure that the courses offered are up-to-date and market-relevant. This will enhance the employability of the students when they graduate.

Malaysia - Gateway to Asia
Malaysia is the gateway to Asia. You not only have an easy access to the other countries in Asia via the modern state-of-the-art transportation systems but you can also find yourself 'in Asia' while studying here in Malaysia. This is because Malaysia is the bustling 'meeting point' for people from around Asia. You have the greatest opportunity here to build a good network of friends and business contacts made up of people from the different Asian countries. You can also learn of the abundance of employment and business opportunities that may exist for you in these Asian countries upon your graduation. Therefore, through this 'Gateway' in Malaysia, you can map your future.
Truly International Environment - Easy for You to Adapt

Students from all over the world will find Malaysia a country that they can adapt to and settle in easily as Malaysia possesses a global setting that enables them to mingle with and relate to one another with a sense of belonging.

Some of the universities and colleges in Malaysia have the “Truly International” environment. Their students comprise the 3 major Malaysian races i.e. Malay, Chinese and Indians as well as the other minority groups mixing together harmoniously, alongside 20 to 30% of foreign students. There are currently more than 55,000 international students from more than 100 countries, in Malaysia, pursuing their higher education.

Immigration Procedures for You & Your Family - They are Simple & Hassle-Free
The Immigration Department of Malaysia has hassle-free immigration procedures for international students to gain entry into Malaysia. It is relatively simple and easy to obtain a visa and a student pass for the pursuit of full-time higher education in Malaysia. On top of that, you can bring along your spouse or family members to stay with you while you are studying here.

Working While You Study - You Can Do It to Supplement Living
Another good reason on why international students should study in Malaysia is that the holders of student pass are allowed to work in some specific sectors while studying, to supplement their living.

Subject to other immigration requirements, students are allowed to work part-time for a maximum of 20 hours per week only during semester breaks or holidays of more than 7 days.

Politically, Economically-Sound and Geographically-Safe Country - Ideal for Studying & Living
Malaysia is a politically and socially secure country that is governed by a stable government with safety measures incorporated in the laws of the country. It is also free from racial and religious mishaps. The tropical climate is warm and humid throughout the year without any drastic weather changes. Malaysia is also geographically-safe from major natural disasters as it is located in a natural catastrophe-free zone. As such, from the political, geographical, social and economical point, Malaysia is a very suitable place for students, especially international students to study and live in.

Multi-Ethnic Population & Multicultural Society - Learn How They Live Harmoniously
There is much for international students to learn here in Malaysia besides their academic education. The multi-ethnic population and multicultural society of Malaysia that is composed of people of different races and religions live harmoniously with one another thus depicting the fine example of a country that promotes peace and prosperity.

Malaysia's rich culture not only exposes students to a value-added life, a global outlook and better understanding of different cultures, ethnic groups and traditions throughout the world but also provides a doorway to other parts of the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) region which consists of Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Philippines, Brunei Darussalum and Indonesia.

Strategic Location for Travelling - Widening Your Cultural Knowledge
The strategic location of Malaysia makes the country an ideal base for students to travel and explore neighbouring countries (at cheap air rates). Therefore, while studying in Malaysia, you will get the opportunity to travel at affordable costs to ASEAN countries and learn about their cultures and enrich your ASEAN experience. Good cultural knowledge is vital for you to gain a competitive advantage in your career development. Malaysia can be easily accessed by flight or other alternative transportations at a minimal cost.

Together with Malaysia's cultural and religious diversities, the display of colourful cultures and culinary delights of the different cultural traits and traditions, certainly qualifies Malaysia as the one stop window to Asia – portraying the true essence of Asia.

A Warm WELCOME from Malaysia
Malaysia has years of experience with international students. Thus, most of the 200 odd private higher educational institutions, English language centres and the public universities have the experience to gladly welcome international students. The International Student Offices in these institutions are accustomed to working with foreign students of various ethnic, cultural and educational backgrounds. Therefore, international students are assured of support and attention during their studies here. Thus, by studying in Malaysia, international students will acquire the knowledge and skills needed to meet the demands of a global market as well as enjoy a comfortable and an enriching stay in Malaysia.