International Student Statistics in Malaysia in 2025

Malaysia has become a top destination for international students, attracting thousands from around the world.

With its high-quality education, affordable living costs, and diverse culture, it's no surprise that students are choosing Malaysia for their studies.

But just how many international students are in Malaysia in 2025?

As of 2025, Malaysia hosts approximately 170,000 international students, marking an increase from previous years.

In this article, we’ll break down the statistics, highlight key trends, and explore why Malaysia remains a top choice for foreign students.

Total Number of International Students in Malaysia (2025)

International Student Statistics in Malaysia

The number of international students in Malaysia continues to grow.

As of 2025, Malaysia hosts approximately 170,000 international students, marking an increase from previous years.

According to recent data, in June 2023, there were approximately 104,315 international students in Malaysia.

This shows that there has been a 63% increase in the number of international students in Malaysia in less than 2 years. 🚀

This growth aligns with the government's target to attract 250,000 international students by the end of 2025.

When compared to past years, the numbers show a consistent rise in enrollments, thanks to Malaysia’s welcoming policies and its growing reputation for academic excellence.

International Students in Malaysia by Country

Malaysia attracts students from all over the world, but certain countries contribute the highest numbers.

Here’s a breakdown of where most international students come from in 2025:

China
Indonesia
Nigeria
Saudi Arabia
Yemen
Pakistan

Popular Universities Among International Students in Malaysia

Several universities in Malaysia have a high international student intake. Some of the top choices include:

University of Malaya (UM) – Ranked as Malaysia’s best university, UM attracts students worldwide.
Taylor’s University – Popular for its advanced facilities.
Asia Pacific University (APU) – Known for IT and technology-related courses.
Monash University Malaysia – An international branch of Australia’s Monash University, offering global recognition.
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) - Malaysia’s leading engineering and technology-focused university.

Many of these universities offer special scholarships, exchange programs, and student-friendly facilities, making them appealing to students from various backgrounds.

Why International Students Choose Malaysia

International Student Statistics in Malaysia (2)

Malaysia remains a top study destination due to several key reasons:

Affordable tuition fees and cost of living – Compared to Western countries, studying in Malaysia is budget-friendly.
High-quality education – Many universities are internationally recognized and ranked.
Multicultural environment – Students feel at home in Malaysia’s diverse society.
Government support – Visa policies and education strategies make it easier for international students to study in Malaysia.

Challenges Faced by International Students

While Malaysia is a great place to study, international students do face some challenges:

Employment and internship opportunities – Finding work as an international student can be challenging due to job restrictions.
Work Visa and immigration policies – While improving, the work visas issued to international students in Malaysia remain limited and restricted

Apply to Study in Malaysia as an International Student

Looking to study in Malaysia? Now is the perfect time to explore the opportunities.

Our experienced team at YourUni Educational Consultancy is here to make your student application process seamless for you.

We’ll provide personalized support every step of the way, from helping you choose the perfect university to preparing your documents, submitting your application, securing your visa, arranging accommodation, and even welcoming you at the airport upon arrival.

Written by Shahd Ashraf

Updated 26 days ago | min read

Shahd Ashraf is a reader, a writer, an English teacher, and a lover of classical language. Her passion for language began when she joined a poetry club in college. Shahd’s writing extends beyond words and yearns to connect with the reader on a meaningful level.