General : Malaysia Tightens Screening Of International Students Â
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 12 (Bernama) -- The admission of international students to higher education institutions (HEIs) in the country continues to be subject to a stringent screening process to ensure that only qualified candidates are accepted, thereby preventing them from becoming a burden to the nation.
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 12 — Malaysia has intensified its screening process for international students enrolling in higher education institutions (HEIs) to uphold the nation's academic standards and prevent potential burdens on the country. Director-General of Higher Education, Datuk Prof Dr Azlinda Azman, highlighted that CGPA and English proficiency were crucial factors in admitting students, ensuring that only qualified candidates are accepted.
"We are committed to maintaining the highest quality standards and not accepting students indiscriminately," she stated to Bernama after inaugurating the Education Summit Kuala Lumpur. All foreign students, including postgraduates, are mandated to complete a one-semester Bahasa Melayu course upon enrolling at local universities, including public ones, to enable effective communication and cultural understanding.
Dr Azman also revealed that EMGS and the NAMA Foundation are actively seeking funding contributors to finance scholarship schemes for international students, aiming to attract 500,000 students by 2035 in pursuit of the Malaysia Higher Education Blueprint (RPTM) 2026-2035. The country currently hosts around 170,000 international students.
Additionally, EMGS CEO Novie Tajuddin announced that Malaysia has pioneered the world's first 24-hour International Student Arrival Centre (ISAC) at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) to streamline student entry. This unprecedented initiative enhances hospitality and sets Malaysia apart from other study destinations. The ISAC operates on a three-shift basis with four dedicated immigration lanes.
Furthermore, the focus on student welfare has propelled Malaysia from outside the world's top 20 to the prestigious "Big 14," and it now ranks among the top three countries with the highest growth rates in international student enrollment. In 2025, EMGS received over 95,000 applications, marking a 17% increase from 2024, leading to more than 167,000 foreign students from over 180 countries.
Six universities signed memoranda of agreement (MoAs) with EMGS and the NAMA Foundation to support funding and welfare for international students at today's conference.
Written by urgent.news from Malay Mail's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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