Malaysia
In
this peaceful, plural and modern society, Malaysia, located in South East Asia,
is a testimony to the world of what it is able to offer academically, socially,
ethnically, culturally and in every other aspect of life to make the stay of any
international student worth their time, money and effort. It is a fascinating
and enchanting nation.
The past two decades have not only seen Malaysia
emerging as new international trade powerhouse but also in other areas, especially
in the establishing closer international ties with the invitations and the acceptances
of international students into Malaysia.
The presence of more than 40,000
international students, in the beginning of year 2005, from many parts of the
world attending schools and pursing tertiary courses ranging from diploma to degrees
to PhD in private schools, private higher educational institutions and public
universities in Malaysia, signifies the confidence and acceptance of Malaysia
as a destination for acquiring academic qualifications.
In her quest for education
excellence, Malaysia has the ability to offer all international students a peaceful
and friendly environment; an established education system; accredited and high
quality programmes; low cost of living and tuition fees; a modern infrastructure,
and; an efficient transportation system running across the whole length and breadth
of Malaysia. You can be assured of heading home with more than just a tertiary
qualification.
Listed below are some of the valid reasons as to why Malaysia
should be your ultimate and preferred destination for your pursuit of education
abroad:
International Degree Qualifications at Cheaper Tuition Fees
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Malaysia
is acknowledged as one of the pioneers in this region in the development of transnational
educational programmes. Unique collaborative degree programmes such as twinning
degrees (for example: 2 years in Malaysia and 1 year in overseas host university)
and 3+0 international degrees (where the entire foreign university degree programme
is taught in Malaysia) are offered to local and international students at cheaper
tuition fees based on the Malaysian Ringgit as compared to the more expensive
currencies from countries like the United Kingdom, USA and Australia.
Twinning
Degree Programme
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Malaysia
is well-known for its undergraduate ‘2+1’ twinning degree programme
which is offered at an affordable cost.
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 the hall-mark of ‘Study in Malaysia’ which has helped many local
and international students studying in Malaysia save substantial cost in their
pursuit for internationally recognized Bachelor’s degree programmes in the
last 2 decades.
For example, if you enrol in Malaysia for an Engineering
Twinning Degree Programme that offers three years of study in Malaysia with the
last one year in Australia (3+1Twinning), you will save up to AUD47,000 in tuition
fees and living costs if you were to do the entire 4 years degree in Australia!
(Exchange rate AUD1=RM2.8)
3 + 0’ Bachelor’s Degree from Foreign
Leading Universities
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Many
Malaysian private institutions of higher learning have gained confidence and trust
from universities in countries like the United Kingdom, Australia and United States
to allow these local private educational institutions to offer complete foreign
university degree programmes (from the partner universities) in Malaysia. The
qualification from these programmes will be awarded by the partner universities.
Therefore, these quality-assured foreign degree qualifications (3+0) can be acquired
at much reduced education cost in Malaysia.
A 3+0 programme is an extension
of a twinning programme. The 3+0 programme allows students to complete the entire
foreign degree programme right here in Malaysia, and still be conferred with a
degree from the partner university overseas. The tuition fee of a 3-year UK Engineering
Degree is about USD12,000. (Exchange rate USD1=RM3.80)
Foreign University
Branch Campuses in Malaysia
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Since
1998, 5 international reputable universities have set up their branch campuses
in Malaysia and offered their own courses to students (both local and international)
in order that these students can acquire identical university qualifications at
a lower education cost in Malaysia. For example, the tuition fee of a 3-year UK
Engineering Degree is priced at about USD24,500.
Low Living Cost
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The
cost of living for international students to study in Malaysia could be as low
as RM10,000 which is approximately US$2,632 per annum (the cost of living in the
city is about 10% higher). As such, the low living cost besides the cheaper tuition
fee would appeal to both international and local students in terms of great savings
of living expenses while studying in Malaysia.
Accommodation
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
There
are off-campus and on-campus accommodations, at reasonable rate, for international
students as well as out-of-town local students. These different accommodations
which include college hostels, apartments, link-houses and condominiums equipped
with full facilities, are designed to suit the student’s budget and lifestyle.
Many of these places are also located within walking distance to the institutions.
Focus on Research and Development
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Post-graduate
studies and research opportunities are also available in public universities and
some private educational institutions. Many researches have been commercialised
and there had been as many as 170 patents with 50 successful products commercialised
in the industry (up to year 2003).
Quality of Education Assured by the
National Quality Assurance Body
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Malaysian
Private Higher Educational Institutions offer world standard and high quality
education that are internationally recognized. The courses offered here are benchmarked
against international standards, meeting the standard criteria and stringent requirements
set by Malaysian national quality assurance body, i.e. the National Accreditation
Board (LAN). The courses and the institutions also comply with legislative requirements
and the governing legislations such as The Education Act 1996, as well as The
Private Higher Educational Institutions Act 1996.
Offering Career Relevant
Courses
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Being
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 professional,
career-focused education. The institutions here work closely with leading companies,
industry professionals and foreign partner universities to ensure that the courses
offered are up-to-date and market relevant so as to enhance the employability
of their graduates.
Dedicated Academic Staff with Diversified Global Qualifications
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The
academic staff here are dedicated and possess globally-recognized qualifications
and extensive teaching experience at the tertiary level. Most of them graduated
from recognized universities from countries such as the United Kingdom, United
States, Australia, New Zealand and Germany.
English is the Medium of Instruction
for All Study Programmes Conducted
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
English
is used as the primary medium of instruction for all courses and study programmes
conducted at the private higher educational institutions (PHEIs).
Malaysia
being a multi-ethnic country has elaborate experience in using effective methodologies
to teach the English language to non-English natives. Therefore, Malaysia makes
an ideal place for international students from non-English speaking countries
to learn English.
Simple and Hassle-Free Immigration Procedures For You
and Your Family
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The
immigration procedures for international students to gain entry into Malaysia
are hassle-free and relatively simple. In addition, the immigration staff at the
entry point are also friendly, assuring students of a warm treatment and sincere
welcome upon their arrival in Malaysia. The uncomplicated, minimal and straightforward
requirements mean that the families of international students can also come along
to stay with the students studying here in Malaysia.
Working While Study
in Malaysia
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Another
good reason on why international students should study in Malaysia is that the
holders of student pass or permit are allowed to work while studying to supplement
their living. Subject to others 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.
Truly International Environment
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
and relate to one another with a sense of belonging.
Some of the Malaysian
campuses 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 10 to 20% of
student population from many parts of the world.
There are currently more
than 40,000 international students in Malaysia and 95% of them are from 40 different
countries.
Politically Sound and Geographically Safe Country
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
Harmonious Multi-Ethnic Population/ Multicultural
Society
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
There
is much for international students to learn here besides academic education. The
different races and religions, that make up this multi-ethnic population of Malaysia,
co-exist in harmony, tolerance and understanding, thus depicting the fine example
of a country that promotes peace and prosperity to the world.
Rich in culture,
it will be a unique experience for international students to understand and ‘research’
at close range the unique community of Malaysia. This experience will expose students
to a value-added life, global outlook and better understanding of different cultures,
ethnic groups and traditions throughout the world.
Strategic Location in
Harmony with the Spirit of Truly Asia
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The
strategic location of Malaysia makes the country an ideal base for students to
travel and explore neighbouring countries (at cheap air rates). Malaysia can also
be easily accessed by flight or other alternative transportations at a minimal
cost.
The country is also a food haven and presents a colourful feast to
locals and visitors with its display of culinary delights of different cultural
traits and traditions, living up to its name as the one-stop window to Asia -
portraying the true essence of Asia.
Warm Reception upon Arrival in Malaysia
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
There
are more than 200 educational institutions in Malaysia (comprising private schools,
international schools, private colleges, private universities, foreign universities
branch campus, English language centers and public universities) that gladly welcome
International students to study here. These students will be warmly greeted at
the airport upon their arrival in Malaysia, by the institutions’ representatives.
In
addition, the International Divisions of Malaysian educational institutions are
accustomed to working with foreign students of various ethnic, cultural and educational
backgrounds. Thus, educational institutions will also provide special support
and make necessary arrangements for accommodation and transportation to help international
students settle down comfortably in Malaysia.
