How to Choose the Ideal Malaysian University for Indian Students
Want to pursue an international degree but don’t know how to start? Malaysia has emerged as a favourite destination for Indian students who wish to earn their international degree due to internationally recognised degrees, a multicultural environment and a welcoming attitude. However, with so many Malaysian universities to choose from, how do you find the ideal one for yourself? This article will help you make the choice by breaking down the process into easy steps.
Why do Indian students choose Malaysia?
Being a multilingual country with English as an official language makes Malaysia an easy destination to transition into. Also, being a country close to India, Indian cuisine and festivals are widely available here. Moreover, most of the universities in Malaysia have collaborations with some of the finest universities in the UK, Australia and USA which adds an international value to your degree. Choosing Malaysia is equivalent to choosing a global education without having to leave the comfort of a familiar atmosphere.
Step 1: Check Accreditation First
Always start with recognition. Ensure the university has Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education recognition and MQA accreditation for the particular course you wish to study. Accreditation is essential for employment and further studies and even the process of getting your Malaysia student visa. A university which fails to provide clear information about accreditation should be skipped.
Step 2: Shortlist Courses Before Universities
Never choose the university on the basis of its reputation or name. First decide your course. Malaysia is very strong in engineering, business management, information technology, hospitality, medicine, data science and design. Once you know what you want to pursue then find the top universities in Malaysia in that field. Go through the course syllabus, internship opportunities and faculty details. Choosing a course you like will motivate you during your entire university tenure.
Step 3: Know the Different Types of Universities
Malaysian universities include public universities, private universities and also international branch campuses. Public universities have good academic research facilities. They have fewer seats for international students. The private universities have many intakes, flexible courses and modern facilities. Branch campuses of foreign universities provide the facility to earn a degree from a parent university while living in Malaysia. You will also find twinning programs, where you complete part of your degree in Malaysia and the rest abroad. Choose the model that suits your goals.
Step 4: Go beyond rankings
Rankings like QS World University Rankings will help you get an idea but don’t rely on them solely. Read the reviews of the graduate students, success stories of alumni and industry collaborations. Universities with great connections to companies will also give good internships and placements.
Step 5: Take location and campus experience into account
Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Penang, Johor and Cyberjaya are some of the most popular destinations to study in. Larger cities give lots of opportunities to do internships and part-time jobs, whereas smaller towns provide a peaceful and concentrated atmosphere. Hostel amenities, library, laboratory facilities, sport activities, dining places and Indian student community on campus are some of the important factors to consider as well.
Step 6: Research scholarships and student services
Numerous universities in Malaysia offer various merit based scholarships to international students. Make sure you know about them in advance, their requirements, deadlines, and other essential information. You can also ask about the presence of an international student office, which helps with visa, accommodation, orientation and transportation from airport services.
Step 7: Familiarize Yourself with the Admission Requirements
Every university has a set of entry criteria. Research academic eligibility criteria, English language proficiency, intake periods and documentation such as passport, mark sheets and SOP. Applying early ensures you have enough time to rectify any mistakes.
Step 8: Career Perspective
Ask about the prospects post-graduation. Choose universities that offer career counseling services, internships and industry exposure. Learn about post-study work visas, as well as successful career paths of alumni in Malaysia and other countries around the globe. Your diploma will be more than a piece of paper; it is the starting point for your career development.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t rely only on social media posts and untrustworthy agents. Don’t neglect the accreditation check. Don’t follow the same university your friends are pursuing without thinking if it suits your goals or not. Every individual case is different.
How Will BCES Admissions Abroad Help You
Selecting an overseas university can be a tedious process but you don’t have to undertake this task alone. At BCES Admissions Abroad, we help Indian students throughout the process of shortlisting courses and universities and assist them in applications, documentation and visas. We collaborate with renowned Malaysian universities and provide personalized counseling according to the student’s profile and future career aspirations.
In Malaysia, you will be able to get a high-quality education and be exposed to a different culture. With proper research and counseling, you will definitely be able to select the university which makes your dream come true.
Are you ready to embark on this exciting journey? Then get in touch with BCES Admissions Abroad at +91 9319996330 and get started with your studies in Malaysia experience.