Malaysia targets 250,000 international students by 2030

Malaysia plans to attract 250,000 international students by 2030, aiming to diversify the sources of these students to enhance its status as an attractive destination for higher education. Currently, about 170,000 international students from 180 countries are studying in Malaysia. Speaking at the closing of the 2026 International Young Future Leaders (iFUTURE) Summit, Higher Education Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir highlighted that a diverse international student body makes Malaysia an appealing destination for higher education.

He noted that the presence of these students is projected to contribute at least RM16 billion annually to the national economy, though this figure does not include the indirect economic benefits generated by their presence. Zambry also mentioned that the higher education ministry employs the MyMOHES system to track the employment status of graduates over a three-year period, ensuring that the government can monitor their progress effectively.