"The Malaysian government intends to transform the country into one of the leading centers for higher education in Southeast Asia. To this end, it is planned to simplify document submission procedures for foreign students, significantly reduce the application processing time, and enhance the international competitiveness of universities. Currently, the government is working on a comprehensive ten-year strategy for the development of higher education".
These views were expressed in a statement to AzEdu.az by Doctor of Economic Sciences, Professor from Azerbaijan, Russia, and Turkey, Zahid Mammadov.
The professor noted that, according to official data, in 2024, over 53,000 foreign students began their studies at 20 public universities in Malaysia:
"In total, nearly 170,000 foreign nationals are currently pursuing higher education in the country. The government's goal is to increase this number to at least 250,000 per year by 2030. To achieve this target, modern technologies will be utilized in the admission system. Blockchain and digital algorithms will be applied for verifying diplomas and certificates submitted by foreign applicants. This approach will allow for immediate confirmation of document validity and help reduce application processing time to up to two weeks. At the same time, direct institutional cooperation with student-sending countries will also be strengthened.
The functions of the international student affairs units already operating in Malaysian universities will be expanded. Operating on a 'single window' principle, they will undertake the resolution of issues related to accommodation, medical services, adaptation, and even leisure activities. Furthermore, the procedures of the special p operating within the Ministry of Higher Education and dealing with education visas will also be simplified. The aim is to minimize bureaucratic obstacles for foreign students".
The government places special emphasis on promoting Malaysian universities abroad
"The main target regions are West and South Asia, as well as African countries. According to officials, these regions possess significant student potential. For instance, in India alone, nearly 45 million people are pursuing higher education, and even if only 1–2% of them choose Malaysia, it could strengthen the country's status as a regional higher education hub.
Improving the positions of universities in international rankings is also among the priority directions. In recent years, Malaysian higher education institutions have made progress in prestigious rankings such as Times Higher Education and QS. This factor has increased the interest of foreign students, and the number of applications to the country's universities has risen by 26% in the last two years.
The increase in the number of foreign students will primarily cover master's and doctoral levels. This is considered important for the formation of international teams in scientific research and the enhancement of global competitiveness. Already last year, over 39,000 of the foreign students studying at Malaysian universities were master's and doctoral candidates.
At the undergraduate level, priority in state-funded places will be given to Malaysian citizens. This step aims to prevent a mass exodus of young people seeking education abroad. Malaysia's higher education strategy indicates that the country intends to create an open, digital, and competitive educational environment for international students. Accelerating the admission process, student-oriented services, and global promotion of universities can transform Malaysia into one of the region's main higher education centers in the coming years".
