Students learn about studying in Malaysia

Cost of education in Southeast Asia much lower than North America and Europe

KARACHI: An international student consultancy firm, North Pole International, organised a two-day education expo called 'Live and Study in Malaysia' at the Marriott hotel that started on Sunday. The expo was endorsed by the Malaysian High Commission in Pakistan.

Study in Malaysia Expo, now in its 14th edition, is held every year in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad. Mainly students done with their A' Levels and Intermediate, accompanied by their parents, attended the event, to look for opportunities to study abroad and to earn an international degree. Students particularly appreciated the presence of representatives of the universities to answer their queries and explain the admission procedures.

Often dubbed as the emerging hub of higher education in Southeast Asia, Malaysia presently has 21 public universities, five branch campuses of United Kingdom (UK) and Australian universities, more than 33 private universities and over 500 higher education institutions that provide a diverse range of courses and areas of specialisations, according to a presentation at the expo.

As many as 12 of the best public and private higher educational institutions in Malaysia were showcased at the exhibition, and the officials of these universities were present to guide the students and the parents.

Students were also given information on the standard of education and living facilities in Malaysia through presentations. A North Pole International official explained the estimated costs of living there. The official said that the average yearly tuition fee in Malaysia is $6,000 compared to $12,000 and $14,000 in the United States and UK respectively. While the average yearly cost of students living in Malaysia is $3,500 against $13,000 and $15,000 in US and UK at average, he added. According to the official, many of the students visiting the expo were taking interest in getting information about science and business degrees offered by universities in Malaysia.

The North Pole International managing director, Babar Bashir, told The Express Tribune that Malaysia has emerged as one of the main education market in Pakistan as it offers many advantages. "Over 4,000 Pakistani students had chosen Malaysia as their study destination in the last three to four years," Bashir said. Malaysia has become a preferred destination for students from around the world due to the affordable tuition fee and favourable immigration laws.

Southeast Asia vs North America, Europe

                              Malaysia             US                     UK

Average annual

tuition fee              $6,000            $12,000            $14,000

Average annual

cost of living          $3,500            $13,000            $15,000

Published in The Express Tribune, August 18^th, 2015.