EMGS: International students generate RM20b a year for Malaysia’s economy, each contributing an estimated RM10,000 monthly

EMGS: International students generate RM20b a year for Malaysia’s economy, each contributing an estimated RM10,000 monthly



International students take part in the traditional three-legged race during the ‘Malaysian Cultural Discovery Community Immersion’ programme at Teluk Ketapang Beach August 22, 2026. — Bernama pic


Summary

• The presence of 167,000 international students in Malaysia contributes approximately RM20 billion annually to the economy through tuition fees and living expenses.
• Malaysia is emerging as a world-leading higher education destination, now competing with countries like the United Kingdom and United States for international students.
• The country aims to attract 500,000 international students by 2035, with current major contributors being China, Indonesia, Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan.

First Published: Sunday, 23 Aug 2026 12:24 PM MYT
Last Modified: Sunday, 23 Aug 2026 12:33 PM MYT


KUALA NERUS, Aug 23 — The presence of about 167,000 international students in Malaysia currently contributes around RM20 billion annually to the country’s economy through spending on tuition fees and living expenses, said Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) chief executive officer (CEO) Novie Tajuddin.

He said based on a study conducted by EMGS, each international student spends an average of about RM10,000 a month throughout their stay in the country.


“With 167,000 international students currently in Malaysia, this has an impact of about RM20 billion annually on the national economy. For example, if they study at universities in Terengganu such as Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA) and Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), the surrounding communities also benefit from the positive social and economic impact,” he said.


He said this at the Malaysian Cultural Discovery Community Immersion programme at Pantai Teluk Ketapang here yesterday.


Elaborating, he said the presence of international students not only benefits higher education institutions but also stimulates local economic activities, including food and service businesses.


Novie said Malaysia is now recognised as one of the world’s 14 leading higher education destinations, demonstrating that the country is increasingly becoming a preferred choice among international students pursuing their studies.



Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) Chief Executive Officer Novie Tajuddin speaks to Bernama during the ‘Malaysian Cultural Discovery Community Immersion’ programme at Teluk Ketapang Beach August 22, 2026. — Bernama pic


“Previously, only four countries, namely the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia and Canada, were often the top choices for international students, but Malaysia is now also on the list.

“This shows that we have become a competitor in global higher education,” he said.

Novie said the number of international students in Malaysia had increased by about 23 per cent over the past three years, indicating growing interest among foreign students in pursuing their studies in the country.

He said Malaysia aims to attract 500,000 international students by 2035, as outlined in the 10-year Malaysia Higher Education Blueprint.

“We currently have 167,000 international students. Insya-Allah, we are undertaking many initiatives to increase the number, and this is just one of them.

“We will go to various parts of the world, covering about seven to eight regions, to promote Malaysian higher education,” he said.

Meanwhile, Novie said the five main countries currently contributing international students to Malaysia were China, Indonesia, Bangladesh, India and Pakistan.

He said most international students were postgraduate students, while the overall figure included students enrolled at public higher education institutions (IPTAs) and private higher education institutions (IPTS). — Bernama

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