INTERACTIVE: Fewer Malaysians heading to US for study

By DIYANA PFORDTEN & SHYAFIQ DZULKIFLI 

PETALING JAYA: Malaysian student arrivals to the US have taken a recent hit, with experts attributing the decline to rising costs, political uncertainty, and shifting global preferences.

Educational consultants said students are now looking closer to home or to countries offering shorter, cheaper, and more secure options.

According to US National Travel and Tourism Office, Malaysians arriving to US with student visa from January to April this year dropped by 7% compared to same period last year.

Malaysia's 7% drop is the biggest among Asean countries.

This was followed by Thailand with a 3.1% decrease and Indonesia with a 2.3% decline over the same period.

Before the Covid-19 pandemic, annual Malaysian student arrivals to the US typically averaged around 8,000. 

However, the number has not recovered to pre-pandemic levels, as it stood at just 5,223 last year. 

When approached for comment on the recent decline in Malaysian student arrivals to the United States, the US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur said it had no further remarks to add.

The embassy noted that it had previously provided feedback and referred to an earlier response shared with The Star.

On June 3, The Star reported that the embassy had assured Malaysian students that applications for study in the US remain open as usual, with no cancellations to previously scheduled visa appointments.

Higher education consultant Joey Ban said political developments in the US, particularly under the Trump administration, had contributed to the decline.

“When Trump took office in 2017, he implemented policies that were seen as rather unfriendly to international students,” said Ban, Principal Consultant at Edu Experts.

“The international student community anticipated similar or stricter policies this time around and shifted their focus to other destinations.”

She noted that the cost of US higher education is now a major deterrent.

“Few families have the capacity to support their children through a four-year bachelor’s degree in the US.

“The duration to obtain a similar degree in the UK or Australia is also shorter.

“As Malaysians, we are not short of choices. We now have quality options in Malaysia at a much lower cost. China and South Korea have also gained interest since Covid,” she said.

 Ng Yih Chen, president of the American Universities Alumni of Malaysia, said the drop in numbers is part of a long-term trend dating back to the Asian financial crisis.

“In the 1980s, there were over 10,000 Malaysian students in the US. 

“Even state-owned universities, which are more affordable, have doubled their tuition fees since the mid-80s,” he said.

He added that the exchange rate has also shifted from RM2.50 to above RM3.80 against the US dollar, which is a threefold increase in cost over 30 years. 

Ng said negative portrayals of the US on social media have further discouraged parents from sending their children there.

“Micro scoping only the negativity, without sharing the positive aspects, has had an impact,” he said.

He added that continued uncertainty around US immigration and education policy had prompted many students to adopt a “wait and see” approach.

“The recent Trump-era policies have caused confusion. Some are waiting for court decisions to be finalised,” he said.

Doreen John, Head of Partnerships and Student Engagement at Sunway University’s School of American Education, said fluctuations in enrolment are normal and often influenced by exchange rates, safety concerns and policy changes.

“From early through mid-2024, when students were planning where to study and sending in applications, the US dollar rose to 4.70 and above against the Ringgit,” she said.

She said increased competition from other countries and enhanced local education offerings have also shifted student preferences.

“Other destinations are improving program quality, stepping up marketing and introducing post-study work opportunities.

“For many families, the cost of studying and living overseas is excessive. Local options are now more viable and attractive,” she said. 

Doreen said Sunway University are also offering more affordable options through its American Degree Transfer Program, with students being offered to complete their American degree programme locally. 

“Year 1 subjects will begin in 2025, followed by the remaining years locally or via transfer,” she said. 

Doreen said despite the decline, US universities’ appeal remains. 

“The universities still welcome international students and have excellent systems, services and facilities to help them thrive.

“At this particular time, some government policies seem unwelcoming, but the universities themselves do not implement those policies,” she said.

She said safety issues, such as natural disasters or aviation accidents, may have also led families to prefer destinations closer to home.

“For some, this may have the effect of staying put or being closer to one’s home country,” she said.