Journal of Education & Social Policy

Internationalization of Higher Education: Key Factors Attracting International Students to Study in Private Higher Education Institution in Malaysia
Mr.Bahrulmazi Edrak, Mrs. ZaamahMohd Nor, Miss Norsyahida Mohd Maamon

Abstract
Increased student mobility in the era of globalization has enabled Malaysia to benefit from the entrance of international students into its institutes of higher learning. Recognizing the appeal of affordable education benchmarked against international standards, one of the strategic thrust areas for Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE) is internationalization of its tertiary learning institutions. Malaysia consists of a high number of higher education institutions (HEIs) especially the private ones. Private higher education institutions have contributed towards a significant number of international students enrolling for tertiary education in Malaysia. This presents an opportunity for data gathering and analysis related to the students’ reasons to study in Malaysia. This study intends to investigate the key factors attracting international students to enrol into private higher institution programs in Malaysia using the “internationalization framework”, derived from literature review. A questionnaire involving more than 300 respondents was distributed to investigate twelve domains, namely: tuition fee; the location of accommodation; cost of living; transportation; dual degree programmes; teaching facilities; English as a medium of instruction; recognized programs; qualified and experienced lecturers; communication and culture diversity. Based on the scope of study, i.e. Malaysia, three private higher institutions located in Kuala Lumpur have been selected as a source for data due to their high percentage of international student population. All of these constructs will be tested in order to identify the level of significance. Findings of this preliminary investigation will enable the institutions to learn the factors attracting international students to join them and to recognize the barriers in meeting students’ expectations. Results obtained may also provide an indirect benefit of identifying a positioning strategy for the institutions as well as for Malaysia, at large.

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