by S BIRRUNTHA / pic by TMR FILE
THE number of applications received from international students to pursue a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Malaysia has increased despite the implementation of the Movement Control Order (MCO) in the last two years.
Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) said a total of 11,661 applications were received last year for international PhD students to study in Malaysian public and private institutions.
It added that the number of applications received in 2021 has clearly almost doubled compared to 2020.
According to EMGS, only 6,348 applications were received in 2020.
In 2019, a total of 6,173 applications were received from students wishing to pursue a PhD.
“Over the recent years, Malaysia has become the education hub of choice for international students seeking higher education.
“It is interesting to know that a relatively large number of international students are currently pursuing PhD in Malaysia.
“The MCO enforced in Malaysia in 2020 and 2021 obviously did not prevent a surge in the number of applications,” it said in a recent statement.
Meanwhile, EMGS said it is also significant to note that Malaysian higher education institutions offer a wide range of popular courses including social science and humanities subjects such as law in addition to education, general programmes and others.
It said this is likely to be a factor in drawing international students’ interest in pursuing their postgraduate study in Malaysia.
EMGS also highlighted that Malaysia welcomes international students with open arms to pursue their studies here as the country offers world-class education at an affordable cost.
It added that students will receive an education that is recognised around the world.
“Additionally, with various top and beautiful tourist destinations in a culturally-rich nation, students will experience a dynamic lifestyle with many things to explore.
“That’s what makes Malaysia special in its own way,” it said.
Commenting further, EMGS said the higher education sector is one of the most important sectors in Malaysia, and in fact in the world.
It emphasised that tertiary education is seen to play a vital role in society, by fostering innovation, increasing economic development and growth, and improving the wellbeing of citizens.
“Many have predicted that in the years to come, there will be increased demand for highly skilled people.
“This has resulted in a growing number of employers seeking staff with the necessary capacities to manage complex information, think autonomously, be creative, use resources in a smart and efficient manner, as well as communicate effectively,” it said.
Meanwhile, EMGS has been carrying out various promotional activities directly with higher education institutions and student recruitment agents from all over the world to facilitate the recruitment of international students.
EMGS noted that it will continue to support the government’s aspiration to achieve 250,000 international students by 2025 as well as promote Malaysia as the international education hub of choice.