Why Study In Malaysia
Malaysia’s reputation is steadily growing as a leader in the international education. For the year 2015-2016, 8 Malaysian universities were ranked in the QS World University Rankings, marking an improvement from the previous year.
In fact, the government has set the goal of hosting 250,000 international students by 2025. This growing appeal comes as a result of Malaysia’s heavy investment in its education system in recent years.
QUALITY
Malaysia has 30 years of experience in international education, and has established working relationships with top universities around the globe. The quality of the country’s education system is closely monitored by the Ministry of Higher Education.
Malaysia has quality health care and medical facilities, as well as highly developed infrastructure and telecommunications networks. The universities in Malaysia also boast world class facilities. At the same time, tuition and living costs in Malaysia are far cheaper than many foreign study destinations. For example, one year of a Business degree in Malaysia costs approximately $9000 USD, in comparison to more than $20,000 USD in other locations.
DURATION
Students now have unprecedented options, including “twinning”, which lets students study two years of a three- or four-year degree from a foreign university in Malaysia. The remainder of the degree is then completed overseas. Alternatively, the 3+0 bachelor’s degree program enables students to study courses from leading universities entirely in Malaysia at a private institution.
The purpose of these programs is to give students the best possible education, whilst also providing a unique cultural experience. Malaysian universities have partnerships with universities in the USA, UK, Australia, France, Canada and more. Furthermore, a number of foreign universities, such as Australia’s Monash University, have set up campuses in Malaysia to broaden the scope of study programs for students.
CONVENIENCE
Students planning to study in Malaysia can expect trouble-free immigration procedures upon application for a student visa. When making the move, Malaysian society is relatively easy to integrate into, with friendly and welcoming locals and a mix of traditions and cultures within a diverse population.
Furthermore, Malaysia is a safe and peaceful place to live, with political stability, a low crime rate and no extreme weather conditions. Both Malay and English are widely spoken throughout the country, as well as Chinese Mandarin.
Malaysia is culturally rich and home to sights ranging from Kuala Lumpur’s high rise buildings to natural wonders such as the world’s largest single cave chamber in Gunung Mulu National Park. The country offers something for everyone, including pristine beaches in Langkawi, tea plantations and of course many shopping options.
Working in Malaysia: Jobs and Visa Options
As graduation creeps closer, the question on university students’ minds is, “where will I work when I complete my studies?” For students hoping to work in Malaysia, there are three fields with particularly high demand: petroleum engineering, mechanical engineering, and business, finance and accounting.
Petroleum engineering graduates are highly sought after, as 1.2 percent of the world’s natural gas reserves and 28.35 billion barrels of oil reserves lie in Malaysia. The country plans to increase production by five percent every year until 2020. This industry has heavy investment and is crucial to Malaysia’s economy.
Mechanical engineering is another sector in high demand, with jobs in processing, design and research. Malaysia’s manufacturing sector is booming, accounting for more than 50 percent of all foreign investment in 2011. However, there is a shortage of experienced engineers. Graduates from general degrees in mechanical engineering are sought after for their versatility.
Finally, the business, finance and accounting sector has a high demand for MBA graduates. Malaysia is an Islamic banking and financial hub with strict risk management regulations. The country is currently encouraging individuals and businesses to access financial services to promote growth in the industry.
Courses in each of these areas are offered at many Malaysian universities. However, it is also important to consider post-study work opportunities. In Malaysia, there are a number of visa options. The first step to obtaining any visa is to secure a job in Malaysia. Secondly, the employer must apply to the correct government agency for the appropriate visa type.
An Employment Pass may be granted to applicants whose contracts span two years or longer, earning an annual salary of $1230 USD or more. This pass is for skilled workers, professionals and people in management roles. Before this pass can be granted, the Malaysian Expatriate Committee must approve an expatriate taking over the role of a Malaysian national.
Temporary Employment Passes are granted to individuals contracted for up to two years, or with an annual salary of less than $1230 USD. Typically, this pass is for workers in the manufacturing, plantation, services, agriculture and construction industries, aged between 18 and 45 years. This pass can be extended to up to five years, but must be renewed every year. It is also worth noting that rules about marriage and changing jobs apply under this visa.
Professional Visitor’s Passes may be granted to foreigners with professional qualifications, who are working for up to 12 months or for a foreign company. i-Passes are an identification requirement for expatriates working in Malaysia. Once a visa has been granted, an i-Pass can be obtained from a local immigration office. The length of validity will depend on an individual’s visa type.
Keep these visa options in mind when deciding on a course to study, as sectors with high demand for workers and professionals will be more likely to grant a Malaysian post-study visa.
