Studying in Malaysia: An Education Boom
In a recent article for The PIE News (“International students flock to Malaysia as demand surges,” August 2025), journalist Abhishek Nair reported that studying in Malaysia was booming – and that it is becoming one of Asia’s fastest-growing study destinations for international students.
Overseas students applying to study in Malaysia have risen by 26% in just two years, signalling a major shift for families who live, teach, and study abroad.
So what does this mean for international teaching families? Let’s take a look.
Why Studying in Malaysia Is So Popular With International Students
Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS), an organisation dedicated to helping international students study in Malaysia (an entity within the Ministry of Higher Education), stated in some of its busiest months, it’s dealt with up to 15,000 student applications.
In the second quarter of 2025, applications came from across the globe:
- China led the way with almost 11,000 students.
- Bangladesh, Indonesia, Pakistan, and India followed as the next largest groups.
- Africa and Central Asia are predicted as strong growth markets for the future.
Affordable, Quality Education
Malaysia is also drawing families away from the US, UK, and Australia largely because of cost (and employment opportunities).
Tuition and living expenses are significantly lower, while the Malaysian Qualifications Agency ensures global standards are met. Universities are also climbing international rankings, boosting their credibility when factoring in further study.
Post-Study Opportunities
A new Graduate Pass, introduced in late 2023, allows international students from 32 countries to work in Malaysia for a year after completing their degree. This is particularly valuable for families with older children who want to combine education with work experience in Asia.
What This Means for International Teaching Families
As Malaysia attracts more students, the demand for international schools is also growing. This creates:
- Job opportunities for teachers in a wider range of schools.
- More schooling choices for children, particularly in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Johor Bahru.
A Diverse Community Environment
With students coming from over 160 countries, teaching families can expect:
- Children learning in multicultural classrooms.
- Easier opportunities to connect with other expat families.
- A strong mix of regional and global perspectives.
Things to Watch Out For When Studying in Malaysia
Education Tax on High Fees
From June 2025, Malaysia introduced a 6% sales and service tax (SST) on private education services for international students paying more than RM60,000 (about USD $14,000) annually.
While some schools may try to offset this for families (we’ll be interested to see how – especially for teaching families who don’t receive 100% fee remission and are also liable to pay this), it’s important to factor this into your financial planning.
Adjustment Challenges
Even with a welcoming system, as an expat family it can still take some time to get used to:
- Cultural adaptation (food, language, daily routines).
- Building social and support networks from scratch.
- Managing different expectations around teaching and learning styles.
Final Thoughts on Studying in Malaysia
Malaysia is attracting thousands of students from around the world. For teaching families, this isn’t just an education trend, it’s a lifestyle shift. More schools, more international communities, and new opportunities are emerging throughout the country.
Malaysia’s rise as an education hub could turn it from a temporary place to teach into a place for families to plant longer-term roots.
