Malaysia Emerges as a Popular Destination for Chinese Scholars Seeking Academic Freedom and Affordability

• Over 2,300 Chinese PhD candidates are currently enrolled at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM).
• An additional 3,700 Chinese students are pursuing master’s and bachelor’s degrees.
• Affordability, academic freedom, and cultural familiarity draw Chinese students to Malaysia.

Malaysia’s Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) has become a preferred academic destination for thousands of Chinese scholars and students, drawn by the country’s affordability, cultural familiarity, and greater academic freedom. The influx of Chinese nationals into USM’s postgraduate and undergraduate programs marks a significant trend in regional education, as Chinese students increasingly seek alternatives to the traditional academic powerhouses of the West and even neighboring countries like Singapore and Hong Kong.

As of now, more than 2,300 Chinese nationals are pursuing PhD research at USM, while another 3,700 are enrolled in master's and bachelor’s programs, making them the largest foreign student group at the university. This trend reflects a growing preference among Chinese students to explore academic opportunities in Malaysia, especially in fields such as journalism, education, language, arts, and tourism.

Despite the growing numbers and positive academic experiences, many of these scholars face a lingering perception issue back home. Lola He Ying Lei, a 40-year-old PhD candidate from Harbin in northeast China, noted that a PhD from Malaysia is often undervalued compared to degrees from Singapore or even mid-tier Chinese universities.

“In some parts of China, qualifications from Malaysia are seen as less prestigious”, she said. “Some universities in China won’t even consider applicants with PhDs from Southeast Asian institutions”. However, He emphasized that such misconceptions tend to dissolve once individuals actually experience Malaysia firsthand.

He is currently researching constructive journalism and the differences in news coverage on higher education between China and Malaysia. She praised the academic freedom offered in Malaysia, particularly in fields deemed sensitive back home.

“In journalism-related research, Chinese PhD candidates face ideological constraints and must align their work with a supervisor’s direction. At USM, however, we’re encouraged to explore freely and allow our ideas to evolve”, she shared.

This sentiment is echoed by Sharon Zhang Jing Lun, 32, another PhD candidate who left her lecturing job in China to study at USM after facing long waiting periods and intense competition back home. “In China, I was told it might take two or three years just to be considered for a PhD. At USM, the process was straightforward, and the academic environment is much more flexible”, she said.

Zhang, who hails from Shanxi province, is working on a comparative study of media strategies in controlling and preventing the COVID-19 pandemic in China and Malaysia. She also pointed out the cultural comfort she felt in Malaysia. “The Mandarin accent here is different, but the people are warm and welcoming. I quickly felt at home”.

Affordability also plays a major role in attracting students from China. Xing Zhang, 33, an art researcher from Shanxi focusing on Pingyao lacquerware, said the living expenses in Malaysia are significantly more manageable than in many parts of China. “The cost of education is comparable, but life here is much more affordable. Plus, in China, PhD admission is extremely competitive. Professors only take one or two students a year”, she explained.

While the Chinese students appreciate the welcoming academic and social environment, they noted slight differences when interacting with Malaysia’s ethnic Chinese population. “I can understand Malaysian Mandarin, but when I speak quickly, they sometimes can’t follow,” Xing added.

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According to USM’s latest data, there are currently:

• 2,302 PhD candidates from China,
• 2,469 Master’s students primarily in management, arts, and communication,
• 1,294 undergraduate students enrolled in disciplines like computer science, applied statistics, and professional English.

Assoc Prof Dr Nik Norma Nik Hasan from the School of Communication observed that this sharp rise in Chinese students began after 2020. “Before that, we had only two or three Chinese postgraduate students each year. Now, they outnumber all other foreign nationalities on campus.”

Prof Nik Norma also noted the influence of Chinese education agents, who guide students toward specific countries and institutions. “Their agents are very influential and are trusted to help choose the best destination for their studies,” she said.

USM Vice-Chancellor Prof Datuk Seri Dr Abdul Rahman Mohamed attributed this rising interest to USM’s global standing. “We are ranked 18th globally in the Times Higher Education University Impact Rankings, and 146th in the QS World University Rankings. We are Malaysia’s only Accelerated Programme for Excellence university and among the five research-intensive institutions in the country,” he stated.

He also highlighted that most programs at USM are taught in English, helping reduce language barriers, while Malaysia’s multicultural society offers a home-like atmosphere for international students, especially those from China.

“Compared to countries like the US, UK, or Australia, Malaysia offers significantly lower tuition and living costs, without compromising academic quality. We also ensure our students enjoy a globally relevant education while feeling culturally comfortable”, Prof Abdul Rahman said.

As Malaysia continues to bolster its global reputation in higher education, students like He, Zhang, and Xing represent a growing wave of Chinese scholars who see Malaysia not just as an affordable option, but as a promising hub for academic exploration and personal growth.