Higher Education in Malaysia

higher education in Malaysia

Education is the cornerstone of Malaysia’s development and progress. In the earlier 21st century, the changes in education reforms led to a prominent role in Malaysia’s development. After independence, the outdated education system has gradually been abolished, and immediate modifications have been made to meet global requirements and achieve better educational systems. This restructuring of education policies allowed stakeholders to set up international colleges and university branches, coupled with the Twinning Programme introduced within regional colleges and universities in Malaysia. These ambitions and efforts were to promote higher education for their residents and provide a top choice for overseas students. All these reforms aided the people of this country to understand the significance of education and mould the younger generation into knowledgeable and responsible citizens. Consequently, the country’s literacy rate rose to 94%.

It was a summary of the Malaysian education system and its history. It would help you to know how the Malaysian government and the education department worked together to innovate the modern education system in place.

Higher Study in Public or Private Universities of Malaysia: Is It For You?

In recent years, Malaysia has successfully achieved the goal of orienting its higher education worldwide and has become a hub of education globally. A large number of overseas students travel to Malaysia each year for studies. The main reason for this popularity is the inexpensive tuition fee and accessibility of degree courses in English. 

According to data, ten foreign university campuses are set up in Malaysia to facilitate students. Several of them are among the top 100 universities listed on the QS World University Rankings, and their central campuses are in the UK, Ireland, Australia and China. These institutions attract international students to Malaysia as they are certified, and their qualifications and degrees are identical. Also, the locations of these institutions and the affordable fees compared to the base campuses are an extra advantage for local and international students.

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Twinning Programme in Malaysia

The Twinning Programme is popular in Malaysia, which permits low-income students to pursue their higher education abroad. To commence the Twinning Programme and Transfer Programme, local private universities of Malaysia have collaborated with top-tier universities abroad. Students who participate in the Twinning Programme begin their academic careers in Malaysia and later transfer to international universities (with whom the university has a partnership) to finish their degrees. This transfer is guaranteed, and after completion of the course, students receive certificates from the affiliated university. 

In addition to the University of Malaya and Asia Pacific University in Kuala Lumpur, Universiti Sains Malaysia in Penang, Taylor’s University in Subang Jaya, INTI International University and Colleges in Nilai, and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia in Johor Bahru all offer Twinning Programs. You can browse their official websites to register for the Twinning Programme at these universities. Its credentials and degree are recognised globally. 

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Local students are often interested in the Twinning Programme as it is a favourable approach that reduces the full-time tuition fee of top universities. On the other hand, the Twinning Programme is a blessing for struggling students from developing nations. Since their country’s currency fluctuation or exchange rate causes it challenging for students to study in Western countries, the Twinning Programme suits their budget, and students have to pay fewer tuition fees and housing charges compared to the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. Besides, upon enrolment at the local private university in Malaysia, students get admission to both universities simultaneously and can use the libraries and resources of both institutions.

Furthermore, the advantage of the Twinning Programme is the same courses with the same grading criteria are offered on either side, allowing students can continue their semester without losing any subjects. Plus, staying students abroad during the study period gives them a chance to experience life as international students, which is another advantage of the Twinning Programme. These universities offer a wide range of study programs through the Twinning Programme, including those in music, psychology, accounting, computer science, economics, engineering, marketing, business, law, management, information technology, social sciences, humanities, engineering, accounting, hospitality, economics, design, and the arts, and many others. In essence, students can select these courses based on their interests in the Twinning Programme universities and can get an international degree.

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Enrolling on a Public Universities

In Malaysia, 20 public universities provide education to local students, while a limited number of seats have been reserved for international students. These universities have the authority to admit overseas students but still require a license. The government of Malaysia provides financial support to these universities, and they operate under the supervision of the Ministry of Education Malaysia.

In Public Universities, multiple courses are offered, including Foundation Programmes, Postgraduate Programmes, Diploma Courses, and Undergraduate courses. Regardless, Public Universities are categorized into three groups: Research Universities, Focused Universities and Comprehensive Universities. Among them, 11 are comprehensive universities, four are specialised technical universities (MTUN), and the rest are five research universities.  

Polytechnics and Community Colleges

Other than public universities in Malaysia, Polytechnics and community colleges are known to produce a trained and competent workforce to contribute to the future of their nation. Students who have completed secondary school (SMP) may apply for Technical and Vocational Courses. Engineering, business, information technology, graphics, apparel and industrial design, visual communication, tourism, and hospitality are among the subjects taught in Polytechnics. The Department of Engineering also offers several other courses, like civil construction, hotel and catering, fashion design and clothing, graphic design, and mechanical maintenance, each one having particular prerequisites that need to be fulfilled for students to get admission. In a nutshell, students receive a diploma and certificate after completing their studies. 

Nevertheless, the decision for a private or public institution for local and international students in Malaysia depends on the institution’s tuition fee, subject choice, cost of living and accommodation. What are your thoughts on studying in Malaysia? Are you considering studying in Malaysia as an international student?

Feel free to drop any suggestions.