INTERACTIVE: Malaysians still drawn to US universities: Embassy

PETALING JAYA: Malaysians are still seeking to study at American universities especially in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), says the US Embassy.

In response to questions from The Star about reported uncertainties over US foreign student policies, the Embassy said that Malaysians are continuing to pursue courses in the US, particularly related to computer science, cybersecurity and business programs.

“EducationUSA Malaysia (which is part of the US State Department’s global advising network) encourages students and parents to contact our advisers to learn more about any aspects of US study,” said the Embassy.

Recent news reports indicate greater wariness among many students about choosing the US due to its increasingly restrictive policies related to foreign students.

According to a recent report in the New York Times, the US administration issued a warning to Harvard University that it may prevent the enrolment of international students unless the university provides detailed records of its student body. 

The Embassy said the US government remains committed to both its national security and U.S. immigration laws and all prospective students are required to undergo visa and security screening process to enter the US.

This, it said, is to “ensure that those entering the United States do so for legitimate, peaceful purposes, such as academic study”.

“These measures reflect our longstanding commitment to maintaining a safe and secure environment for all students.

“The United States offers unparalleled higher education opportunities, with thousands of academic programs, world-class research institutions, cutting-edge facilities, and unmatched flexibility.”  

The Embassy said more than one million international students chose to study in the US last year, according to the Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange. 

The report said the 1.1 million international students in the US were from more than 210 countries and that the number of students enrolled last year had grown by 7% compared to 2023.

India was the top origin country for international students in the US, making up 29.4% of the total, followed by China (24.6%), South Korea (3.8%), Canada (2.6%) and Taiwan (2.1%). 

However, the number of Chinese students dropped by 4.2% in the 2023/2024 academic year, compared to the 2022/2023 period. 

The biggest drop among top international students in the US was from Japan with a 13% dip in the 2023/2024 academic year, followed by Saudi Arabia (-7.3%) and Germany (-5.3%).