Malaysia Strengthens Entry Requirements for Foreign Students

Malaysia is tightening its screening process for international students seeking admission to local higher education institutions to ensure only qualified candidates are accepted. Director-General of Higher Education Datuk Prof Dr Azlinda Azman said applicants would be assessed based on academic performance, particularly their cumulative grade point average (CGPA), and English-language proficiency.

She stressed that the country must maintain high education standards instead of accepting students indiscriminately, which could create difficulties or additional burdens for the nation.

International Students Required to Learn Bahasa Melayu Under New Education Measures

Azlinda said all foreign students, including postgraduate candidates, must complete a one-semester Bahasa Melayu course after enrolling at local universities, particularly public institutions. The requirement aims to help them communicate in daily situations and better understand Malaysia’s multicultural society. Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) and NAMA Foundation are also working to secure funding for full and partial scholarships to support international students’ living expenses.

Malaysia currently hosts more than 167,000 international students from over 180 countries, while the government aims to attract 500,000 by 2035 under the Malaysia Higher Education Plan 2026–2035. EMGS has also introduced a 24-hour International Student Arrival Centre at KLIA to facilitate arrivals and immigration procedures.

: Malaysia is strengthening academic and language requirements for international students while targeting 500,000 foreign enrolments by 2035.

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