Malaysia is located in the tropics of Southeast Asia, straddling the South China Sea. Recent developments are putting Malaysia on the world map, as she focuses on becoming a knowledge-based economy.
To develop world-class quality education and meet the demands and requirements of the new millennium, as well as to affirm the position of English as a second language, the Government has initiated major educational reforms by formulating new legislations on education. These were tabled in the Parliament from 1995 to1997, and covers all levels of education, from pre-school to higher tertiary education. Malaysia is indeed becoming a dynamic and exciting regional centre for education excellence.
In Malaysia there are ten local public universities, one international university, six private universities and over 500 Public Higher Educational Institutions (PHEIs) providing undergraduate and postgraduate studies. PHEIs are non-government aided institutions that are fully funded by the private sector, and are open to all races in Malaysia as well as foreign students. PHEIs complement and supplement the government's efforts in education development.
To ensure quality education and to safe-guard the interests of the students. all private educational institutions are required to register with the Ministry of Education. The private institutions are well guided by laws on the establishment, management and operation of private educational institutions. PHEls that are approved by the Minister of Education are constantly under the scrutiny of the National Accreditation Board (NAB) or Lembaga Akreditasi Negara (LAN), a statutory body responsible for governing the standard and qua1ity of higher education provided by the PHEIs. LAN is committed to uphold the highest academic standards, and plays a vital role in the establishment of minimum standards and accreditation of courses.
In Malaysia institutions of learning are committed to international students' welfare . There is a wide range of off-campus and on-campus accommodation to meet different students' budgets, and all living accommodation is modem and comfortable. Estimated living expenses range from USD 3,000 p.a. to USD 5,000 p.a. and vary from one state to another throughout Malaysia. The cost of living also varies depending on the students' style of living.
With the low cost of living and effort by the Government of Malaysia, Malaysia has now become a global player in providing a high class education system.
