Kuala lumpur: Local students remain the dominant group in public universities, with 96.56 per cent of undergraduate enrolment comprising Malaysian students, proving that priority for local students remains safeguarded.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, National Higher Education Research Institute (IPPTN) director Associate Professor Dr Thein Lei Mei stated that 2026 data from the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) showed that international students in public universities numbered 56,565, accounting for only 8.9 per cent of total enrolment and just 3.44 per cent at the undergraduate level.
"The undergraduate data clearly shows that local students remain the dominant group in public universities, and the presence of international students at 3.44 per cent at the undergraduate level cannot reasonably be viewed as posing significant pressure on opportunities for local students," she said. Dr. Thein emphasized that international students should not be assessed merely as enrolment figures, as they contribute significantly to the country's internationalisation strategy within the modern higher education ecosystem.
Dr. Thein highlighted that international students play a crucial role at the postgraduate level, contributing to research, academic publications, expertise development, knowledge exchange, and cross-border collaborations. Additionally, they provide economic benefits through tuition fees and other expenditures, which positively impact universities, local communities, and various sectors such as housing and services.
She further explained that income generated through internationalisation helps public universities strengthen institutional sustainability by supporting improvements to laboratories, libraries, learning facilities, campus infrastructure, student services, and research activities.
Dr. Thein pointed out the importance of differentiating between undergraduate and postgraduate studies in terms of access and opportunities for local students versus knowledge creation and international collaborations, respectively. She argued that combining these categories for general conclusions about competition for places is inaccurate from a policy perspective.
She urged that discussions regarding international students in public universities should be data-driven and consider the country's higher education system's structure instead of being swayed by perceptions. Public concerns about educational opportunities for local students are acknowledged and should be addressed, she noted.
In conclusion, Dr. Thein asserted that the issue of international students should not be viewed as conflicting with local student opportunities, as both groups complement each other. While local students remain a national priority, international students enhance the global aspect, research capabilities, economic contributions, and reputation of public universities.
Previously, a state assemblyman had claimed that the admission of international students into public universities had reduced opportunities for local students to pursue higher education.