IDP expands into Malaysia amid shifting student preferences

IDP Education has announced that it will expand its study abroad portfolio to support students wishing to study in Malaysia, in line with its efforts to cater to growing demand for destinations offering strong education quality, career outcomes and affordable study options.

As students prioritise return on investment, employability and flexible pathways, Malaysia is emerging as an attractive option due to its growing number of international branch campuses, strong local providers, employment prospects and diverse student base, according to IDP.

While the organisation will continue to support students heading to traditional study destinations, the Malaysia rollout will initially focus on a select number of markets as part of a phased pilot.

Expanding into Malaysia means we can open more pathways and help more students find the right place for them to studySimon Emmett, IDP

The PIE News has reported on Malaysia’s growth as a student hub in recent years, as students across Asia — particularly from Japan, China and India — look for closer, more affordable yet high-quality study destinations.

With the country announcing education reforms under the National Education Plan 2026-2035, attracting international students has become a key priority, with government-backed entities like Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) reporting a 26% rise in applications over the past two years.

While Chinese students remain a significant share of Malaysia’s international cohort, the rise also reflects growing intra-regional mobility, with Malaysia emerging as a top choice for many Japanese students as well, amid stricter visa and immigration rules in the “Big Four” destinations.

“While English speaking destinations remain highly attractive to students, we know international students are a diverse group, with diverse preferences. Some students are weighing up cost, career outcomes, and flexibility, and they’re increasingly open to high-quality options closer to home,” stated Simon Emmett, chief partner officer, IDP.

“Malaysia offers international degrees, diverse student communities, and strong employment opportunities. Expanding into Malaysia means we can open more pathways and help more students find the right place for them to study.”