KUALA NERUS: The UPUOnline system has recorded a total of 511,006 admissions for undergraduate programmes in public universities nationwide this year, says Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir.
He said of the total, 497,020 admissions or 97.26% were local students, while 13,986, or 2.74% were foreigners.
Zambry dismissed claims suggesting that local student quotas were being reduced to accommodate foreign students.
"After meeting the needs and criteria for local students, universities may allocate limited spaces for foreign students, particularly to support internationalisation efforts aimed at enhancing university rankings," he told reporters after officiating the launch of the Akademia Complex at Universiti Malaysia Terengganu here on Sunday (Aug 10).
In a related matter, Zambry also rejected claims that foreign students in the country are primarily enrolled in medical courses, limiting opportunities for local students.
He further refuted allegations that foreign students are charged lower fees than local students.
In another matter, Zambry stated that the Higher Education Ministry is monitoring water supply issues at higher education institutions, including those in Sabah and other states.
While water supply falls under state jurisdiction, Zambry said the ministry would assist finding solutions if water shortages affect institutional operations. – Bernama
