Education

Over the past five years, Malaysia’s higher education enrollment landscape shifted as public institutions grew from 26.3% in 2019 to 29.3% in 2023, while private HEIs declined. The gross output of Malaysia private colleges and universities saw an increase of USD 2,308 million to USD 2,673 million and is projected to continue the growth to USD 3,305 million by 2030. Conversely, enrollment saw a decline in 2019 and rebounded to 1.3 million, highlighting changing student preferences and economic conditions. Overall, PHEIs must adapt to these changes while ensuring quality and accessibility to stay competitive.

Malaysia’s international school market is thriving, driven by rising incomes and population growth. Despite economic uncertainty, enrollments remain strong with consistent growth of 50,800 to 81,000 enrollments in 2015 to 2023. It is projected that the enrolment of students will reach approximately 88,000 by 2030. Overall, the country education system focuses on global citizenship and technology, aiming to enhance its system and promote growth in the ASEAN region.

In Malaysia, the enrolment rates for preschool is observed to be increasing from 2011 to 2016. In 2016, Malaysia’s pre-primary education generated RM530 million with 70% government and 30% private establishment. The sector grew by 1.1% in 2016 compare to 2015. It is projected, by 2020, the enrollment rate will reach 97% with a CAGR of 2.8%. Overall, the industry display a positive performance over the year and expected to grow even further into the future.

Malaysia’s international schools industry is growing robustly. From 2012 to 2016, international schools in Malaysia increased from 79 to 116 schools, growing at a CAGR of 10.1%. International schools is consider the highest enrollment among private institutions with 54,128 students and a 69% increase from 2012 to 2016 (CAGR of 12.1%). Most internatinal schools are independent, with majority following the British curriculum. Selangor and Kuala Lumpur host over half of these schools, offering diverse curricula.

From 2009 to 2016, private universities in Malaysia grew from 35 to 56, with slow future growth expected due to strict criteria. Student enrollments peaked at 808,816 in 2013 but dropped to 790,277 in 2015, particularly in public universities. Bachelor’s degrees account for 60% of enrollments, and private institutions host 72% of international students, whose numbers grew significantly. The gross enrollment ratio rose from 31.6% to 34.8%, highlighting untapped potential. Overall, Malaysia’s higher education sector is under slow growth, but rising international enrollments and online course present opportunities despite funding challenges for research.

In 2015, engineering was the most popular course in Malaysian universities, with 38,876 private and 84,276 public university enrollment. Health and welfare followed for private universities, while science was second for public universities. Other notable fields included computing, construction, and mathematics. Overall, Since the Sixth Malaysia Plan, education has been prioritized, resulting in 490 private higher education institutions by 2016. With 20% of the national budget allocated to education, the sector is a key economic driver, aiming for 60% of university students to enroll in science-related fields by 2020. Overall, with 20% of the national budget allocated to education, the sector is a key economic driver, aiming for 60% of university students to enroll in science-related fields by 2020.