More Malaysians applied for overseas student visas in 2023, mainly to the UK

It seems that more Malaysian students are applying to study overseas. According to VFS Global, the world’s largest outsourcing and technology services specialist for governments and diplomatic missions, student visa applications from Malaysia in 2023 were 11% higher than in 2022.

However, that number is still 23% lower compared to 2019, before the pandemic.

Additionally, over 75% of these applications are to the United Kingdom, with more than 6,300 student visas successfully issued. Other major destinations were Australia, Canada, Germany, and the United States.

If you’re looking to study overseas, apply as early as possible

Due to this high demand, VFS Global recommends that students apply for their visa as early as possible – as soon as they receive their Certificate of Acceptance for Study (CAS) from their education provider. Prospective students going to the UK can apply for their visa six months before their course start date.

Check that you’ve included all necessary information and documents with your application, including details of any gaps in study history. You could face a longer assessment if your application is incorrect or incomplete.

Check out www.gov.uk/student-visa for more details, including how to start your application.