Students attend an event at the Universiti Malaya in Malaysia on Oct. 15, 2026. Photo from the university's Facebook page
Malaysia aims to attract around 250,000 international students by 2030, and diversify their countries of origin to strengthen its position as a preferred destination for higher education.
Around 170,000 international students from 180 countries are studying in Malaysia, Minister of Higher Education Zambry Abd Kadir told the media after the closing ceremony of the International Young Future Leaders Summit 2026 (iFuture 2026).
Their presence enhances Malaysia’s appeal as an ideal place to study, he added.
According to the minister, international students are estimated to contribute at least RM16 billion (US$3.92 billion) annually to Malaysia’s economy. He noted that this estimate does not include positive spillover effects on related economic activities, which also generate additional revenue for local businesses.
Regarding efforts to track graduates’ employment outcomes, Zambry said the Ministry of Higher Education is using the MyMOHES system to monitor their job searches and career development over a three-year period. The system enables the ministry to regularly review graduates’ employment status after they leave university.
On the iFuture program, the official affirmed that it will remain one of the ministry’s key initiatives, focusing on developing leadership skills among domestic and international university students. He said opportunities to interact and exchange views with national leaders through the programme help students strengthen their leadership capabilities and develop a global mindset.
Held from Oct. 11 to 13 under the theme "Redefining Future Leaders through Value-Based Leadership", iFuture 2026 attracted 1,231 students from 60 countries, including 813 Malaysian students and 418 international students.
Malaysia has 32 universities featured in QS World University Rankings 2027, the highest number among countries in Southeast Asia.
Universiti Malaya emerged as the country's top-performing institution, ranking 56th globally with an overall score of 81.2, while five Malaysian universities secured places in the global top 200.