US$ 1.9 Billion Revenue From Foreign Students Targeted By 2020

KUALA LUMPUR, July 16 (Bernama) -- The higher education ministry is eyeing RM6 billion (US$1.9 billion) in revenue from some 200,000 international students in the country by 2020. Its minister Khaled Nordin said the figure projection was based on an average of RM30,000 (US$9,449) per student. He believes this is possible as Malaysia currently positions itself as a safe, stable and relatively cheap study destination for overseas students. "Now that Malaysia has become a popular destination for the pursuit of higher education among foreign students, more and more established reputable universities from around the world will set up their branch campuses here. "The country has received 25 applications from foreign universities to set up campuses which shows interest in Malaysia's tertiary education sector has shifted to higher gear," he said at the inaugration ceremony of India's Vinayaka Missions International University College on Monday. At present, Malaysia houses more than 93,000 international students from over 100 countries, with 150,000 students projected in 2015 and 200,000 in 2020. Khaled said with the country ranked as the world's 11th largest exporter of educational services, the government is counting on the increased demand for quality education from students in existing and new markets such as the Middle East, China and Africa. - BERNAMA