THE policy of recruiting or admitting international students in public higher education institutions (IPTA) in this country does not affect the opportunities of local students, as claimed by certain parties.
The Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) stated in a press release that the claim that the policy favours foreign students is clearly unfounded, misleading, and fails to reflect the true reality of the country's higher education system.
On the other hand, the ministry explained that the opportunities provided to international students are among the key strategies for strengthening the competitiveness of the country's higher education institutions at the global level.
"Such statements not only cause anxiety among the community, but also affect the reputation of Malaysian higher education institutions (HEIs) in the eyes of the world. The internationalisation agenda of higher education is not a new policy or a policy created on an 'ad hoc' basis.
"It is a national policy that has been implemented consistently for more than two decades in line with the National Higher Education Strategic Plan (PSPTN) in 2007 to make Malaysia a world-class higher education hub," said MOHE.
Jitra State Assemblyman (ADUN), Dr Haim Hilman Abdullah, was previously reported to have questioned the distribution of places that should give priority to locals following allegations that there were 32,546 students from China studying at public universities in the country.
He claimed that the figure represented the largest group of international students compared to the total of 56,565 people placed in 20 public universities.
The Ministry informed that Malaysia is now the preferred destination for students from more than 180 countries due to recognition of the quality of academic programmes, research excellence, expertise of academic staff and competitive education costs.
In addition, the ministry also explained that the public university system has two main categories of studies, namely undergraduate and postgraduate, which have different objectives and admission mechanisms.
It said that for undergraduate programs, priority is given to local students, while the recruitment of international students is carried out through the 'over and above' concept, which is after the mainstream quota is filled.
"Postgraduate programmes are open to local and international students based on academic qualifications and the university's research capacity.
"Therefore, combining the number of undergraduate and postgraduate students to create the perception that international students are taking the place of local students is inaccurate and misleading," it said.
MOHE also explained that international students pay full tuition fees without receiving government subsidies, thus contributing to strengthening university finances and improving learning and research facilities.
In addition, their presence also creates a more conducive learning environment, strengthens cross-cultural interaction and provides international exposure to local students.
In the same development, MOHE informed that China continues to be the largest contributor of international students in Malaysia, with 32,549 students studying at public universities.
In this regard, the Ministry stressed that the government will continue to ensure that the interests, welfare and access to education of local students remain a priority, in addition to implementing the internationalisation agenda of higher education strategically and responsibly.
"We will continue to ensure that national universities remain competitive at the international level without ever sacrificing the rights, opportunities and future of Malaysian students," it said. – July 5, 2026
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