Why More Malaysian Students Are Rethinking UK Higher Education in 2025

For decades, the UK has been one of the most popular study destinations for Malaysian students. Known for its strong academic reputation, globally recognized degrees, and cultural familiarity, the UK has welcomed thousands of Malaysians over the years.

However, in 2025, this long-standing trend is seeing a shift. The rising cost of studying in the UK- combined with the weakening of the Malaysian ringgit- has caused many families to rethink their plans. More than ever, students and parents are now weighing the long-term value of a UK degree against its financial burden.

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According to The PIE News, parents are more involved in the decision-making process and are asking tougher questions about graduate employability, return on investment, and post-study opportunities. As Phil Pedro, assistant headteacher at Epsom College Malaysia, noted, the focus has shifted from brand names to outcomes: “The conversations we’re having now go far beyond rankings – they’re about finding the right fit, balancing cost with opportunity, and thinking carefully about the path ahead.”

Many students are also changing how they approach UK education. Traditional first-year entry routes are being replaced by transnational education options, such as twinning programs and credit-transfer pathways offered by local institutions. These allow students to begin their studies in Malaysia and complete their degrees in the UK, saving significant costs.

Others are postponing their UK studies until the postgraduate level, where one-year master’s programs offer a better balance of affordability, prestige, and employability.

Meanwhile, alternative destinations are growing in popularity. Countries like Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong offer high-quality education with lower tuition fees and generous scholarships. In Europe, nations like Germany, the Netherlands, and Finland are attracting Malaysian students thanks to their lower costs, English-taught programs, and strong job markets for graduates.

“This shift reflects a broader move from the traditional ‘Big Four’-the UK, US, Australia, and Canada-to a more diverse ‘Top 10’ that includes East Asia and Europe,” said Harri Suominen, co-founder of Edunation.

Affordability also means that scholarships now play a critical role. Emma Davidson of Kolej Tuanku Ja’afar observed that many families who had already saved for higher education are still falling short. Partial or top-up scholarships often make or break a student’s decision to study in the UK.

Despite these shifts, the UK continues to attract interest, especially for competitive fields like medicine, law, and economics. Internal data from MABECS shows that UK applications have increased post-pandemic. But now, UK universities must clearly demonstrate the value they offer in a highly competitive and cost-conscious global education market.

To remain relevant, they must adapt- offering more financial support, flexible learning pathways, and stronger career outcomes for international students.