Surge in Chinese Student Enrollment in Malaysian Higher Education and K-12 Schools
Recent data indicates a significant rise in the enrollment of Chinese students in Malaysian higher education institutions and international schools. According to Education Malaysia, the total number of applications received in 2023 reached 29,195, an increase from 23,818 applications in the previous year.
Increase in Chinese Student Applications
Of these applications, 26,627 were submitted by students from China, marking an increase from 21,975 applicants from the country in 2022. Prior to the pandemic, enrollment was considerably lower, with only 14,142 applications recorded from East Asia in 2019, of which 12,174 came from China.
Growing Preference for Regional Study Destinations
Experts suggest that this trend is linked to a growing preference among Chinese students for regional study destinations. Jerry Czub, Assistant Vice President at Grok Global Advisory, noted that during the pandemic, many students opted for institutions in Hong Kong and Singapore, and this interest is now expanding to include Malaysia, South Korea, Japan, and Thailand. Economic concerns tied to a post-pandemic slowdown in China have led families to seek more affordable educational options closer to home.
Chinese Nationals in Malaysian Education
According to data from Grok Global Advisory, supported by 2022 UNESCO statistics, Chinese nationals represent over 37% of international students in Malaysia, while Indonesia accounts for less than 10%. The Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education has aimed to enhance the country’s status as a key higher education destination in Asia since 2012. The initial target of 200,000 international students by 2020 was not met due to the pandemic, yet Malaysia is now targeting 250,000 international students by 2025.
Nottingham University Malaysia’s Enrollment Projections
Jagdish Singh, Director of Student Recruitment at Nottingham University Malaysia, reported a year-on-year application increase of 70% from Chinese students. The university anticipates enrolling 1,400 students this year, with a significant proportion expected to be domestic students, while Chinese students are projected to make up about 10% of total new enrollments.
Trends in K-12 Education Sector
Singh highlighted that Malaysia continues to draw middle-class students, noting the distinctions in expenses, experiences, and future opportunities when compared to studying in countries like the UK, Australia, or North America.
In the K-12 education sector, shifting preferences are also evident. Recent polls conducted by local media indicate a doubling of demand in international schools. The applicant pool is expanding with increases in Chinese and Japanese students. Institutions like the Alice Smith School in Kuala Lumpur are observing a demographic transition in their expat population, shifting from predominantly British and Australian families to a growing presence of Malaysian and Chinese families.
Impact of Reopening Borders
This recent influx of Chinese students pursuing education in Asia, including Malaysia, has been further propelled by the reopening of borders and restrictions imposed by the Chinese government on bilingual and international schools within the country.
Original source: The PIE News
