The Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education has announced that students enrolled at higher education institutions will return to campus in staggered stages from 1 March 2022. The allowed number of students on campus will be between 70 to 100 per cent subject to institutions’ capacity. This is applicable to public universities, polytechnics, community colleges and private institutions.
Based on Ministry of Health advisory, the campuses will be open to staff and students who are fully vaccinated. Those with incomplete vaccinations are required to have RT-PCR tests done three days prior to joining campus and will be allowed in if tests are negative. The RT-PCR tests will continue on a weekly basis.
The advisory for existing and new international students is that only those who have completed vaccinations will be allowed entry into Malaysia and they need to undergo mandatory quarantine, before joining their institutions in the country.
British Council comments:
As Malaysia moves towards increased re-opening of sectors amid SOPs and advisories, the fact that HEIs will allow students back on campus (subject to vaccination status) is an important step towards resumption of regular academic schedules on a face-to-face basis.
Being an important destination for international students, Malaysia is also open to fully vaccinated international students joining campuses in the country. This announcement is accompanied by news of plans for the re-opening of international borders which will allow ease of travel for students, academics and families for academic exchange at various levels.