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Ministry of Higher Education Denies Claims of Limited Opportunities for Local Students

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Ministry of Higher Education (KPT) has clarified the actual enrolment numbers at the country's five Research Universities (RU), dispelling claims of limited opportunities for local students. According to Director-General of Higher Education Datuk Professor Dr Azlinda Azman, the combined enrolment at Universiti Malaya (UM), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) stands at 180,024 students, comprising 141,636 locals and 38,388 international students. The actual percentage of international students is 21.3%, not 27% as initially claimed.

Key Takeaways:

  • The combined enrolment at the five Research Universities is 180,024 students, with 141,636 locals and 38,388 international students.
  • International students make up 21.3% of the total enrolment, with 15.8% of them being postgraduate students and 5.5% being undergraduate students.
  • The universities prioritize the recruitment of international students at the postgraduate level, which has attracted 28,383 international students, accounting for 46.7% of total postgraduate student enrolments.
  • The presence of international students provides valuable benefits by introducing diverse cultural and academic perspectives, enriching discussions, and encouraging innovative approaches to research and problem-solving.
  • Admission of international students also contributes to improving universities' positions in global rankings.
  • The Ministry of Education does not impose any quota or percentage limit on the intake of international students at the postgraduate level.
  • International students are charged full tuition fees without any government subsidies, and the fees collected are used to upgrade and enhance campus facilities.
  • The presence of international students adds significant value to the campus community, broadens local students' perspectives, and creates a dynamic learning environment.

Statistics:

  • 141,636 local students are enrolled at the five Research Universities.
  • 38,388 international students are enrolled, making up 21.3% of the total.
  • 15.8% of international students are postgraduate students.
  • 5.5% of international students are undergraduate students.
  • 28,383 international students have been attracted to the postgraduate level, accounting for 46.7% of total postgraduate student enrolments.

Sources:

  • Ministry of Higher Education (KPT)
  • Director-General of Higher Education Datuk Professor Dr Azlinda Azman
  • Universiti Malaya (UM)
  • Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)
  • Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)
  • Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)
  • Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)

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