Recent data from the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education is reported to have seen a 14 per cent increase in the number of students undertaking a postgraduate taught qualification in Malaysia between 2014-2015, signalling an increasing interest in postgraduate studies. The report also highlighted the likelihood of a higher salary a one with a postgraduate qualification could demand compared to one with an undergraduate qualification.

In 2015, it was reported that a total of 36,967 students was completing a PhD programme while in 2014, the number stood at 32,888, equating to a 12 per cent increase. Meanwhile, in 2014, there were 74,524 students completing their Masters while the numbers grew to 84,329 in 2015, a 13 per cent increase.

Interviews with prospective and current students, stakeholders and employers found that the main reasons for an interest in postgraduate studies include:

  • Potentially higher earning power
  • Marketability to employers
  • Expansion of future career options
  • Development of higher skills and knowledge

Programmes such as MBAs, global and international business, and banking and finance still come out tops in terms of choice of postgraduate studies, however, there are emerging interest in these traditional subjects which are combined with ICT studies such as fintech.

The ICT sector is also another sector with the most positive outlook and thus, it is projected that interest in this subject area will grow as well.

Commentary by Jennifer Wan, British Council Malaysia

With increasing competition from both around the world and within Malaysia for undergraduate students, UK institutions will definitely find it challenging to convince Malaysians to spend three (or more years) in the UK for an undergraduate degree qualification. Unless institutions already have existing arrangements where students are able to spend less time in the UK, they are likely to choose the highly affordable options in Malaysia to complete their studies.

The draw of an international experience, however, is still very strong and thus, UK institutions should consider bringing this to the table when convincing students to complete their postgraduate studies in the UK. This is especially true for those who have completed their undergraduate studies in Malaysia but yet to gain that ‘international experience’. Besides this, institutions should also craft their marketing messages according to the reasons cited above as they are the main drivers for prospective students in attaining a postgraduate qualification.

A UK postgraduate qualification is still highly regarded by Malaysians and the relatively shorter duration of a taught Masters compared to our competitor countries also make UK more appealing.

For more information on the market and how British Council can help promote your institution in Malaysia, please contact Jennifer Wan.