Malaysia is home to 20 public universities, over 160 private higher education institutions, 10 foreign branch campuses, and more than 40 language and skills centers. These figures underscore Malaysia's growing reputation as a top destination for international students worldwide, including those from the Philippines.
According to the latest data from Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS), the number of international student applications from Southeast Asian countries has risen recently. From Jan. 2022 to June 2023, Malaysia received 8,788 applications, a significant increase from the 7,706 applications received between 2020 and 2021. This surge can be attributed to Malaysia's commitment to providing affordable, quality education with a high employability rate, both within the region and globally.
For Filipino students and their parents, Malaysia's proximity is a major advantage. With just a four-hour flight back to the Philippines, this allows students to visit home during semester breaks, and parents can make quick trips to see their kids. Additionally, Malaysia offers a wide range of programs popular among Filipinos, including business and administration, engineering, health sciences, and journalism and information programs.
For students aspiring to pursue studies in engineering, the Universiti Kebangsan Malaysia or National University of Malaysia is a top choice, currently ranked 129th in the World University Rankings. With over 50 years of excellence, the university is renowned for its outstanding programs, including chemical engineering, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering, offered at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
Students looking to develop their skills in technology and innovation should consider Asia Pacific University (APU). APU students have achieved international recognition, winning prestigious awards such as the James Dyson Awards in 2000 and 2021 for their sustainable innovations. APU is also known for its international appeal, ranking number one for international students in Malaysia, 16th in the world, 179th in Asia, and within the top 200 for international faculty worldwide. APU even offers a Dual Degree Program, allowing students to earn diplomas from both APU and De Montfort University in Leicester, England.
Sunway Education is another highly respected institution offering a comprehensive education experience from high school to college and university levels. Sunway Education has partnerships with renowned institutions such as the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, Harvard University, University of Berkeley, and others, providing students with international exposure without leaving Malaysia.
Sunway University, within the Sunway Education hub, boasts several accolades, including recognition as the number one non-profit private university in Southeast Asia, ranking among the top 150 in Young Universities Worldwide in World University Rankings 2023, and being Malaysia's top institution for graduate employability.
Programs at Sunway University cover a wide spectrum too, including the School of Hospitality and Service Management, which has been awarded by Le Cordon Bleu, a prestigious cooking school in Paris, as the most distinguished culinary arts school in the world. Sunway University also excels in programs offered by the School of Arts, School of Medical and Life Sciences, School of Mathematical Sciences, School of Engineering and Technology, and Sunway Business School.
For interested students, visa applications can be submitted online either individually or through their chosen institution. The Electronic Visa Approval Letter (eVAL) for international student visa applications typically takes fourteen working days.
To learn more about Education Malaysia, please visit www.educationmalaysia.gov.my. Additionally, you can explore Tourism Malaysia’s website at www.tourism.gov.my.