The document summarizes the results of a survey of 1009 prospective Malaysian international students from 40 countries and 158 nationalities. It found that the key motivators for studying abroad were learning and development as well as improving graduate outcomes and future earning potential. When choosing where to study, students prioritized the quality of education compared to their home country, availability of scholarships, and safety. They preferred to be contacted weekly by email at all stages of the application process. Overall, the quality of education and communication were important factors for prospective international students when considering universities.

1. < >
Hobsons Insights
ROI Malaysia

2. < >
The ‘Return on Investment’ of
International Degree:
A Survey of Prospective Malaysian
International Students

3. < >Survey Landscape
1009respondents were
considering studying in
Malaysia
40countries
158nationalities
75%
male
25%
female

4. < >Why students study overseas
Key motivators for considering study abroad are
learning and development and broadening their
horizons
Ultimately improving graduate outcomes as the
most important factor when making the decision

5. < >Why students study overseas
73% of students rate improving future earning potential as
important when considering university, followed by getting
a job on graduation (73%)

6. < >Decision making Process
Prospective students considering study in Malaysia first
choose the country in which they will study followed by the
institution and then subject.
Country Institution Subject

7. < >Choosing a Country
Quality of education compared to their own country
was the main reason why 86% of students chose to
study in a particular country
86%
61% 61%
59%
52%
Quality of education compared to my
home country
Availability of scholarships Location of university/institution of
choice
It was the only place that offered the
course I wanted to study
Personal safety
Five most important criteria in picking one country

8. < >Choosing a university
86%
Teaching quality
88%
Scholarships
81%
Use of technology in
teaching
80%
Tuition fees
83%
Subject availability Cultural factor

9. < >Influencing factors
Students indicate themselves as the biggest
influencer when deciding where to study
(70%)

10. < >Communicating with students

11. < >Communicating with students
42%
Weekly contact
preferred at all stages
Email is the preference
preferred at all stages
of students place higher
importance on regular
contact post-offer at all
stages
70% 50%

12. < >Communication
17% 11% 10% 14%
23%
26% 26% 21%
33%
46% 48%
40%
20%
14% 12%
20%
6% 2% 3% 4%
1% 1%
During the Initial stages of your
decision to study
After you submit an application After you receive an offer Once you have commenced your
studies
How often would you like a university to contact you?
Only when I contact them to ask a question Daily Weekly Monthly Quarterly Others

13. < >Key insights
Quality of education and demonstrable
graduate outcomes are key
Prospective students make their own
decisions and they make them early
Students value ongoing communication
in building the one-to-one relationship
with an institution through the entire
student recruitment and enrolment
process

14. < >
www.hobsons.com/apac