Latest news with #studentmobility
CNA
30-07-2025
- Business
- CNA
Commentary: Why students from China are picking Malaysia over traditional destinations
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Since at least 2019, China has become Malaysia's top source of international students, overtaking traditional sources such as Bangladesh, Indonesia and Pakistan. In 2023, a total of 44,043 Chinese students constituted 38.4 per cent of all international students enrolled in Malaysia's public and private higher education institutions. In 2024, Chinese student enrolment in Malaysian higher education institutions showed a five-fold increase from 2019. Broadly, there are three contributing factors to this recent increase in Chinese student mobility to Malaysia: Shifts in immigration stances in traditional study destination countries; geopolitical tensions and worsening bilateral relations between China and some traditional study destination countries; and country-specific conditions in Malaysia and China. Importantly, these factors do not operate in siloes; it is their concurrent existence that facilitates the current trend. RESTRICTIVE IMMIGRATION POLICIES AND GEOPOLITICAL TENSIONS First, the shift towards more restrictive immigration stances in the 'big four' study destinations (Australia, Canada, the UK and the US) is making them less attractive to Chinese students. This shift is evident in new initiatives such as capping international student numbers, increasing visa costs, imposing stricter student dependent rules, and limiting access to post-study work visas. This situation is exacerbated by funding cuts in these countries' higher education sectors, which reduce their attractiveness to international students through fewer scholarships, and a less vibrant research and study environment. The rise of Sinophobia in some of these destination countries, especially during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, has also led to safety and security concerns on the part of prospective Chinese students and their families. Second, the current geopolitical climate, with rising China-US tensions and worsening bilateral relations between China and some traditional study destinations, has contributed to declining Chinese student mobility to these countries. In the US, it has been observed that universities have become extensions of political power. Indeed, Proclamation 10043 (Proclamation on the Suspension of Entry as Non-immigrants of Certain Students and Researchers from the People's Republic of China), signed by US President Donald Trump in May 2020, suspended and limited the entry of Chinese students associated with China's military and high-tech agenda. In 2023, the US rejected a record high of 36 per cent of Chinese student visa applications. Chinese student enrolment in US higher education institutions dropped 25 per cent from 372,532 in 2019/20 to 277,398 in 2023/24. US allies such as Australia and Canada also have imposed restrictions on visa applications from Chinese students, especially those intending to undertake studies in 'sensitive' fields in advanced science and technology. While Chinese students and researchers were previously viewed as welcome talents, they are now increasingly perceived as potential threats to these countries' military and intellectual security. Overall, the above factors have made Australia, Canada, the UK and the US less attractive, even hostile, environments for Chinese students, especially those planning post-study employment and settlement in these countries. THE DRAW OF MALAYSIA By contrast, Malaysia is increasingly seen as an appealing study destination for Chinese students owing to a combination of sociocultural and pragmatic reasons, alongside closer Malaysia-China bilateral relations. The presence of Malaysian Chinese communities (third or fourth generation overseas Chinese) means that Malaysia offers a soft landing for Chinese students who may be living overseas for the first time. Some Chinese students may have family connections in Malaysia, which constitute additional assurance to their parents. Chinese students can take advantage of a shared language (Mandarin and the use of simplified Chinese characters) and dialects, food, and sociocultural practices. Malaysia thus offers an international yet familiar environment – a comfortable home away from home. Malaysian higher education institutions' favourable positions in global university rankings are also a major draw. Another attractive factor is the relatively more affordable tuition and cost of living in Malaysia. In addition, the geographical proximity and the availability of affordable flights between Malaysia and Chinese students' home cities enable frequent home visits. Malaysia may also have acquired greater visibility as a study destination for Chinese students because of the improved political and economic relations between Malaysia and China in recent years. Notably, the establishment of Xiamen University Malaysia (XMUM) in Sepang in 2015, the first international campus of a prestigious Chinese public university, signals a commitment to China-Malaysia bilateral collaborations in education. Every year, XMUM admits about 500 Chinese students directly through China's gaokao (National College Entrance Exams). Malaysia's state-led student recruitment engagements with prospective Chinese students and education agents in China have also contributed to the country's visibility in the Chinese market. AN AFFORDABLE AND COMFORTABLE ALTERNATIVE With rising graduate unemployment in China, more Chinese students are seeking overseas postgraduate degrees to enhance their competitiveness in the domestic and international labour markets. By studying in Malaysia, Chinese students gain access to an affordable, English-medium education with credentials that are recognised in China and elsewhere. Malaysia thus offers an alternative pathway for Chinese students who are seeking a more cost-effective, proximate, comfortable and secure overseas study experience, bypassing the West. Malaysia's current Chinese student mobility trend may be part of a longer-term trend of intra-regional Chinese student mobility (for example, to Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand) and global student mobility pivoting towards Asia and Southeast Asia. The extension of Malaysia's post-study Graduate Pass to Chinese nationals (currently until Dec 31, 2026) will certainly add to the country's attraction to Chinese students. Given this trend, Malaysia's higher education institutions must be prepared for the influx of Chinese students and their study abroad needs such as English language support, social integration and career guidance by investing in additional manpower, resources and infrastructure.
Irish Times
03-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Times
Republic's students pay 50% less than those from Britain to study in NI. Should they pay more?
With uncanny timing, given the proposed rise in student contribution fees , the DUP and Sinn Féin have been discussing students from the Republic. DUP assembly member Phillip Brett submitted a written question at Stormont two weeks ago 'to ask the minister for the economy whether her department has any plans to remove students from the Irish Republic from the university student cap'. Sinn Féin economy minister Caoimhe Archibald, whose remit includes third-level education, responded last week that 'improving student mobility remains a priority for me and I am committed to removing barriers for people from here who want to study in the South and vice versa. Removing southern students from the number cap by increasing fees would not support this aim'. There was a lot going on in this short exchange. READ MORE Undergraduate fees have a statutory maximum across the UK of £9,535 (€11,082) a year. Local students in Northern Ireland pay £4,855 because Stormont has chosen to subsidise the difference. To keep this subsidy under control, Stormont caps the number of places for local students. Sinn Féin is objecting to higher fees in the south and will almost certainly never agree to them in the north The cap is a disaster, preventing growth for the sake of a counterproductive giveaway. One-third of students from Northern Ireland who want a local place are unable to get one, forcing them to study in Britain, where they have to pay the maximum fee anyway. They might as well have paid it to stay at home – but then Stormont could not congratulate itself on its generosity. Students from the Republic are treated as local students throughout the UK under the terms of the Common Travel Area. When studying in Northern Ireland, they apply for capped places and pay the £4,855 (€5,681) fee, which they can borrow from the UK's government-owned loan company. Students from Britain pay the full UK fee in Northern Ireland and hence are outside the cap. They, and students from abroad, have become the only hope of university expansion in the region. So when the DUP asked about moving students from the Republic outside the cap, it was opening the door to significantly increasing their numbers. Sinn Féin's refusal assumed paying full fees would have the opposite effect, deterring applicants from the Republic. Of course, there is a constitutional subtext for both parties. More cross-Border students and identical treatment of northern and southern students are matters of great importance to Sinn Féin. The DUP is only interested in southern students as a source of revenue and growth, although this is not a hostile stance – it takes the same view on students from Britain. When the DUP asked about moving students from the Republic outside the cap, it was opening the door to significantly increasing their numbers Whatever view anyone takes on this is largely irrelevant in practice, as Britain and the Republic each contribute just 2,000 students, or 3 per cent of total enrolment at Northern Ireland's universities. Numbers from the south have tripled this decade, but from an absurdly low base. Perhaps the difference in fees is a fairly small part of the story, especially as it can be borrowed on excellent terms. Students from further afield might be more attracted to Northern Ireland if its third-level sector was simply larger, offering more choice and suffering from less of a perception of provincialism. Students from the Republic are twice as likely to study in England as in Northern Ireland, despite having to pay twice as much. As the current system is not working well for anyone, there is little to lose by trying different approaches. If southern students were moved outside the cap, northern universities would immediately have 2,000 more local places, plus a motivation to grow by increasing their appeal to southern students. Universities currently have no such motivation and put in the effort to match. It is far from certain that raising fees for southern students would cancel this out. Stormont could at least make a serious attempt to model various scenarios. Full UK fees might not have to be charged to expand certain courses, for example. The Irish Government might provide some assistance, although the €1,000 rise in contribution fees in the Republic suggests the moment to ask may have passed. The cap is a disaster, preventing growth for the sake of a counterproductive giveaway Sinn Féin is objecting to higher fees in the south, and will almost certainly never agree to them in the north. If it took a step back from this populist grandstanding, it might see its objectives clash. Identical treatment of northern and southern students may be hampering cross-Border mobility by limiting northern places. If the number of southern students in the north did increase significantly under the current system, they would be displacing Sinn Féin's northern constituents, which could prove highly unpopular. Northern Ireland's universities want fees for everyone to rise to the UK maximum, rendering the cap unnecessary and unleashing the sector's growth potential. Stormont is ignoring their increasingly urgent pleas. Southern students could help test the waters for a badly-needed policy that otherwise has little chance of being delivered.
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
EMGS AND ANA SIGNS STRATEGIC MOU TO BOOST JAPAN - MALAYSIA HIGHER EDUCATION MOBILITY
PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia, June 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) and All Nippon Airways (ANA), Japan's largest airline group, have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in promoting educational mobility and tourism between Malaysia and Japan, with a primary focus on international students studying in Malaysia. The MoU signing ceremony, held at DoubleTree by Hilton Putrajaya Lakeside, marks a significant step in enhancing student mobility opportunities and simplifying travel for international students. The partnership aims to support EMGS's mission to position Malaysia as a premier education hub globally, while offering international students seamless travel experiences with ANA. In his speech, EMGS CEO, Novie Tajuddin highlighted the growing interest among Japanese students to pursue higher education in Malaysia. "We are seeing a steady increase in applications from Japan, with mobility programme participation rising by 24%, which is the highest to date," he said. "This collaboration opens new doors for Edutourism and international engagement, making it easier for students to explore academic and cultural experiences in both countries, benefiting not only Japanese students, but all international students in Malaysia. ANA General Manager, Mr. Akira Tamura echoed this sentiment, emphasising ANA's commitment to connecting the next generation. "This MoU is not just about air travel, it's about bridging people, knowledge, and cultures. We are honoured to support the Ministry of Higher Education's vision through this meaningful partnership with EMGS," he said. The collaboration follows several successful engagements, including the first Higher Education Mobility Carnival held during Malaysia Fair in Tokyo in 2024 and recent initiatives such as the Graduate Pass, a post-study visa allowing international students to stay in Malaysia for up to a year. Notably, the first Graduate Pass recipient was a Japanese alumna of Monash University Malaysia. ANA is the largest airline in Japan, providing extensive connectivity and a commitment to high-quality service. ANA is offering convenient routes to over 50 domestic destinations across Japan and premium onboard services, including Halal meal options, student-friendly benefits, and twice-daily flights from Kuala Lumpur to Tokyo Haneda and Narita airports on Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. In turn, this partnership is expected to deliver a more enriching travel and educational experience for students. Both EMGS and ANA expressed hope that this MoU will pave the way for further collaborative efforts, driving educational tourism and reinforcing the long-standing ties between Malaysia and Japan. EDUCATION MALAYSIA GLOBAL SERVICES (EMGS) 11TH JUNE 2025 About Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) is a Company Limited by Guarantee ("CLBG") under the purview of the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia. EMGS is the wing responsible for promoting Malaysia as the talent and knowledge hub and the preferred education destination among international students around the world. It is also the principal body that manages the movement of international students in Malaysia, including facilitating visa processing. About All Nippon Airways (ANA) Founded in 1952 with just two helicopters, All Nippon Airways (ANA) has grown to become the largest airline in Japan. Today, ANA HOLDINGS Inc. (ANA HD) is recognized as one of the World's Most Admired companies by Fortune. ANAHD was established in 2013 as the largest airline group holding company in Japan, comprising 71 companies. It offers three distinct airline brands: ANA, Peach, the leading LCC in Japan, and AirJapan, launched in 2024 for international routes covering Asia. ANA's legacy of superior service has earned SKYTRAX's 5-Star rating every year since 2013, making it the only Japanese airline to win this prestigious designation for 12 consecutive years. ANA is also a four-time recipient of the ATW Airline of the Year award, recognized for excellence in aviation. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
EMGS AND ANA SIGNS STRATEGIC MOU TO BOOST JAPAN - MALAYSIA HIGHER EDUCATION MOBILITY
PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia, June 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) and All Nippon Airways (ANA), Japan's largest airline group, have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in promoting educational mobility and tourism between Malaysia and Japan, with a primary focus on international students studying in Malaysia. The MoU signing ceremony, held at DoubleTree by Hilton Putrajaya Lakeside, marks a significant step in enhancing student mobility opportunities and simplifying travel for international students. The partnership aims to support EMGS's mission to position Malaysia as a premier education hub globally, while offering international students seamless travel experiences with ANA. In his speech, EMGS CEO, Novie Tajuddin highlighted the growing interest among Japanese students to pursue higher education in Malaysia. "We are seeing a steady increase in applications from Japan, with mobility programme participation rising by 24%, which is the highest to date," he said. "This collaboration opens new doors for Edutourism and international engagement, making it easier for students to explore academic and cultural experiences in both countries, benefiting not only Japanese students, but all international students in Malaysia. ANA General Manager, Mr. Akira Tamura echoed this sentiment, emphasising ANA's commitment to connecting the next generation. "This MoU is not just about air travel, it's about bridging people, knowledge, and cultures. We are honoured to support the Ministry of Higher Education's vision through this meaningful partnership with EMGS," he said. The collaboration follows several successful engagements, including the first Higher Education Mobility Carnival held during Malaysia Fair in Tokyo in 2024 and recent initiatives such as the Graduate Pass, a post-study visa allowing international students to stay in Malaysia for up to a year. Notably, the first Graduate Pass recipient was a Japanese alumna of Monash University Malaysia. ANA is the largest airline in Japan, providing extensive connectivity and a commitment to high-quality service. ANA is offering convenient routes to over 50 domestic destinations across Japan and premium onboard services, including Halal meal options, student-friendly benefits, and twice-daily flights from Kuala Lumpur to Tokyo Haneda and Narita airports on Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. In turn, this partnership is expected to deliver a more enriching travel and educational experience for students. Both EMGS and ANA expressed hope that this MoU will pave the way for further collaborative efforts, driving educational tourism and reinforcing the long-standing ties between Malaysia and Japan. EDUCATION MALAYSIA GLOBAL SERVICES (EMGS) 11TH JUNE 2025 About Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) is a Company Limited by Guarantee ("CLBG") under the purview of the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia. EMGS is the wing responsible for promoting Malaysia as the talent and knowledge hub and the preferred education destination among international students around the world. It is also the principal body that manages the movement of international students in Malaysia, including facilitating visa processing. About All Nippon Airways (ANA) Founded in 1952 with just two helicopters, All Nippon Airways (ANA) has grown to become the largest airline in Japan. Today, ANA HOLDINGS Inc. (ANA HD) is recognized as one of the World's Most Admired companies by Fortune. ANAHD was established in 2013 as the largest airline group holding company in Japan, comprising 71 companies. It offers three distinct airline brands: ANA, Peach, the leading LCC in Japan, and AirJapan, launched in 2024 for international routes covering Asia. ANA's legacy of superior service has earned SKYTRAX's 5-Star rating every year since 2013, making it the only Japanese airline to win this prestigious designation for 12 consecutive years. ANA is also a four-time recipient of the ATW Airline of the Year award, recognized for excellence in aviation. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS)
