KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 27 — While China remains Malaysia’s largest source of international students, the Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) said applications from other countries are growing.
EMGS chairman Datuk Ahmad Shalimin Ahmad Shaffie said China accounted for approximately 41 per cent of applications in 2023, but the proportion has since declined as Malaysia attracts students from more markets.
“By 2025, East Asia as a whole, including China, accounted for less than 37 per cent. In the first four months of 2026, China’s share stood at approximately 27 per cent.
“Alongside continued growth in total applications, these figures indicate an increasingly important contribution from other markets,” he said in a statement.
Ahmad Shalimin said regional figures further reflected this growing diversity.
“In 2025, applications from South Asia and Central Asia each grew by 41 per cent, while South-east Asia recorded 28 per cent growth, Africa by 20 per cent and the Middle East and North Africa by 19 per cent.
“Over the past decade, EMGS has received applications from 189 countries,” he added.
He said this was why the question raised by Gareth Liu Zi Yuan in his article, “More international students, but from where?”, published in Malay Mail on October 22, deserved attention.
“We welcome the discussion on broadening Malaysia’s international student community and ensuring that those who come here receive a rewarding education and experience.
“Malaysia is ranked 14th globally as an international education destination, welcoming students from nearly 180 countries. That reach provides a strong foundation,” he said.
However, Ahmad Shalimin said Malaysia must now strengthen existing connections, develop opportunities in underrepresented markets and ensure international students have good reasons to recommend the country after graduation.
He said EMGS conducts marketing activities across seven regions, with more than 50 programmes worldwide each year.
“Education fairs, forums, international exhibitions, school visits and counsellor engagements connect Malaysian institutions with students, families and education partners across different markets.
“Recent efforts have included Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Kenya, Türkiye and Central Asia, alongside participation in the European Association for International Education exhibition in Glasgow,” he said.
Ahmad Shalimin said engagement with neighbouring ASEAN countries, particularly Indonesia, and nearby regions such as South Asia remained a priority.
“These efforts also include creating more accessible pathways for students through mobility programmes and scholarship opportunities.
“By strengthening established partnerships while developing opportunities in emerging markets, Malaysia can broaden its international student community and build lasting education connections,” he said.
He added that student mobility programmes were also strengthening Malaysia’s ties with Europe.
“The number of mobility students from France increased from 827 in 2025 to 939 in 2026, a rise of 13.5 per cent, reflecting continued interest in Malaysia for short-term international study experiences,” he said.
Ahmad Shalimin said Malaysia’s international education presence was also expanding through local universities operating overseas.
“UCSI University’s campus in Dhaka, established in 2023, became Bangladesh’s first approved foreign university branch campus.
“It brings Malaysian education closer to students in their home country while strengthening the international presence of our institutions,” he said.
He said these developments reflected the growing international recognition of Malaysia’s higher education sector.
“Universiti Malaya is ranked 56th in the QS World University Rankings 2027 and joint 194th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2027.
“Sunway University’s position as 11th globally for International Outlook in the latter rankings further illustrates the international engagement of Malaysia’s public and private institutions,” he said.
“For prospective students, these achievements help make Malaysia’s educational strengths visible. For our institutions, they reinforce the importance of sustained academic quality and international cooperation,” he added.
On student pass applications, Ahmad Shalimin said EMGS facilitates digital submissions, document verification, academic screening and application tracking, while the Immigration Department of Malaysia remains the approving authority.
“EMGS’s published processing charter is 14 working days for complete applications. Alya, our AI-powered assistant, also answers queries around the clock, helping students navigate visa requirements and application procedures.
“Upon arrival, the International Student Arrival Centres (ISAC) at KLIA Terminals 1 and 2 provide round-the-clock assistance before immigration clearance, including guidance on access to dedicated lanes.
“This dedicated support helps students navigate their first experience in Malaysia with greater confidence,” he said.
He also said EMGS offered internship opportunities to international students, having welcomed interns from Iran, Myanmar, Indonesia, Turkmenistan and several African countries.
“These placements provide opportunities to apply knowledge, develop professional skills and experience a Malaysian workplace.
“Support from higher education institutions is equally vital through career guidance, industry partnerships and internship opportunities that prepare students for their future careers,” he said.
Ahmad Shalimin said internationalisation also benefited Malaysian students studying alongside their international counterparts.
“Shared classrooms, research and community activities expose students to different perspectives and help them build international networks within their own campuses.
“As Malaysian universities become better known abroad, employers and academic partners become more familiar with their qualifications and expertise.
“The relationships developed through education can support future research, institutional cooperation and professional opportunities,” he said.
He added that international graduates also helped strengthen Malaysia’s global connections.
“Their experiences influence what families, colleagues and future students understand about Malaysia. They become informal ambassadors whose achievements and personal stories give our higher education sector a human face,” he said.
Ahmad Shalimin said studying in Malaysia should offer international students more than just an academic qualification.
“Learning alongside people from different backgrounds, participating in community life and navigating new experiences can nurture empathy, resilience and a stronger sense of responsibility.
“Our ambition is for students to leave with the knowledge to pursue their careers and the character to contribute meaningfully to society, carrying a lasting connection with Malaysia wherever life takes them,” he said.