(Summary by Prachayani
Praphamontripong)
PROPHE Summary:
The government has countered recent news about the allegedly falling
number of foreign students. In fact, foreign student enrollment in private
higher education institutions has been rising since 2002; as of early
2005, well over half of about 40,000 international students are in private
institutions. They come from 161 countries, especially Pakistan, Indonesia,
and the Middle East. Courses on Malaysian and Islamic education are
required for all students; however, foreign students need not pass these
courses whereas local ones must do so to receive certification. In addition,
the private institutions need not obtain accreditation but are encouraged
for recognition in the international market. Currently, Malaysian Educational
Promotion Offices function in Indonesia, Vietnam, China, and the United
Arab Emirates.
For the full story, see TheStar.com.my, February 20, 2005. "Foreign
student intake still increasing."
PROPHE Observation:
Malaysia is a leading example of where private higher education plays
a pivotal role in efforts to attract foreign students. The Malaysian
private sector's share of foreign enrollment is not only disproportionately
high, given that the public sector is the majority sector, but in fact
the private sector leads in the absolute numbers as well. Given the
fees and the expenses of living, this enrollment represents an income
source for countries like Malaysia. The Malaysian case also illustrates
how there are regional hubs and how somewhat more developed (yet still
developing) countries can attract students from less developed neighbors.
We also see that such attraction may be undermined where foreign universities
open regional branches in countries like Malaysia. Finally, the market
of foreign students can be a spur for domestic private colleges and
universities to improve their offerings and status, including through
accreditation.
