Student visa applications from Malaysia witnessed a robust 11% year-on-year growth in 2023, signaling a resurgence in outbound student movement as travel restrictions eased.
The data, released by VFS Global, the world’s largest outsourcing and technology services specialist for governments and diplomatic missions, underscores a sustained momentum in international education aspirations among Malaysian students.
The majority share of student visa applications, over 75%, was for the United Kingdom, highlighting its enduring popularity among Malaysian students seeking overseas education opportunities.
VFS Global, Head of Australasia, Kaushik Ghosh emphasised the significance of this trend, urging students to apply early to avoid last-minute hassles during the upcoming peak season.
Despite the remarkable surge in applications, the volume remained 23% below pre-pandemic levels in 2019. However, with more than 6,300 Malaysian nationals securing student visas to study in the UK alone, the figures indicate a strong resurgence in international education aspirations.
In response to the rising demand, VFS Global and UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) have introduced dedicated measures to facilitate the student travel season. These include the establishment of Temporary Enrolment Locations in Sabah and Sarawak, aimed at enhancing accessibility for students, along with extended operational hours and Saturday services at visa application centers for seamless application processing and passport collection.
Beyond the UK, other major destinations attracting students from Malaysia include Australia, Canada, Germany, and the US. As international education continues to rebound, these figures highlight Malaysia’s pivotal role in the global student mobility landscape.
