More Malaysian students heading to China's universities, drawn by affordability and rising reputation

KUALA LUMPUR - More Malaysian students are heading to China for further studies, drawn by affordable costs, the growing prestige of its top universities, and the availability of scholarships.

Data obtained from the Association of Graduates from Universities and Colleges of China in Malaysia show that about 1,800 Malaysian students studied in China in 2007. By 2019, that figure had risen to around 9,500, and an estimated 10,000 in 2023 - and the numbers are set to grow, observers say.

Factors accounting for the steady stream of Malaysians enrolling in China's institutions of higher learning are the affordable costs of studying and living there, as well as the generous scholarships offered by many Chinese universities and government bodies, association president Mr Lim Kok Yan told The Straits Times (ST).

Dr. Ngeow Chow-Bing, associate professor and director of Universiti Malaya's Institute of China Studies, told ST: "The trend (Malaysians heading to China for further studies) has been increasing and I expect it will continue to do so, as China's universities and various government entities have been providing generous scholarships." It is common for many Chinese universities to offer full or partial scholarships to foreign students, observers note.

"Another advantage is the perceived benefit of cultivating ties and relationships, while studying in China, that will offer business or economic opportunities in the future," he added.

The growing prestige of China's top-tier universities has not gone unnoticed either, adding to their appeal.

The reputation of China's universities is on the rise and this is "attracting more students, especially from the ethnic Chinese community in Malaysia", said Dr Ngeow, who co-authored the