Studying Locally or Overseas: Which is Better?

            Education is one of the key factors  that contributes to shaping a person's future. For Malaysian students, a popular question that arises is whether to continue their studies in Malaysia or abroad. Although these two alternatives have their own pros and cons, picking the better one often depends on the student's personal circumstances.

            One of the benefits of studying locally is that it gives access to quality education from well– reputable Malaysian universities, among which is University of Malaya (UM), which ranks 60th in the QS World University Rankings 2025. Furthermore, universities like Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) are renowned for their academic excellence  both worldwide and regionally. Besides that, these universities have experienced professors and excellent research facilities, ensuring students develop a   strong academic foundation.

Furthermore, tuition fees in Malaysian universities are generally lower than those at foreign institutions. Many local and private institutions provide quality education at affordable tuition fees. Also, there are - numerous scholarships available provided by government, private companies, and even universities themselves, further reducing students' financial burden. Expenses for housing and living are also comparatively lower, as students have the option of staying with their parents or finding affordable accommodations.

In addition, studying locally can be more advantageous for certain courses , especially  those closely tied to the local context. For example, law students in Malaysia study  law in the Malaysia jurisdiction;  thus enhancing their understanding of the Malaysian legal system and facilitating their practice in the legal profession locally . Likewise, education students aspiring to become teachers in Malaysia can benefit from learning about the Malaysian education system, curriculum, and cultural values, all of which are essential for teaching effectively in local schools. In this regard, students can not only gain a better understanding of the future working environment  but also  improve their employability in Malaysia.

However, studying locally may limit students’ exposure to diverse cultures, ideas, backgrounds, and ways of thinking. Students studying abroad, on the other hand, have the opportunity to engage with classmates and lecturers from diverse cultural and national backgrounds. This exposure broadens their grasp of global concerns and fosters great acceptance of diverse cultural norms and opinions. 

Furthermore, the experience of studying abroad enhances understanding of differences in education styles. Students may experience innovative approaches to education, such as those which emphasize critical thinking, research, and practical application, all of which are distinct from conventional teaching in Malaysia. Such experiences cultivate invaluable skills essential in the current global and competitive environment, including open-mindedness, creativity, problem-solving, and effective communication which allows students to gain a competitive edge  in the  global work market.

Moreover, studying abroad also broadens students' academic and career prospects. Countries such as the USA, the UK, and Australia are known for their excellent educational systems, housing some of the world’s highest-ranked universities. These universities offer e top-notch facilities, cutting-edge technology, and highly qualified lecturers. Graduates from these universities are, therefore, often in high demand by employers worldwide. Consequently, the students have the  opportunity to pursue careers locally and internationally.

However, the primary shortcoming of studying overseas is their high expense. Tuition fees for international students are significantly higher than for the local students. Moreover, the cost of living abroad can be very expensive. The fluctuating economy and the uncertainty of exchange rates   increase the financial risk and burden on  parents supporting their child’s education overseas.. Although scholarships such as JPA are available for outstanding students, these opportunities are limited and highly competitive.

Emotional hurdles are yet another challenge. While online communication helps alleviate homesickness, being physically distant  from the family and home country, particularly during festival seasons such as Hari Raya, Chinese New Year or Deepavali, may cause emotional distress. Some students may also experience culture shock when they face differences in weather, food, and culture. Without family support, some students may struggle with loneliness or   experience mental health issues.

In contrast, studying abroad encourages personal growth, fostering maturity development and independence among students. Being away from home forces one out of their comfort zone, teaching them to tackle daily responsibilities , such as budgeting, cooking, transportation, and their academic work  with minimal family support. These challenges help build resilience in coping with homesickness, unfamiliar diets, and new social and academic environments.

Lastly, multiple countries are tightening their visa and post-study work regulations. Only a few Malaysian graduates from foreign universities are able to gain work experience abroad before returning home.  Strong competition with local workers further limits these opportunities . Additionally, language barriers in non-English speaking countries may also hinder employment prospects. 

To summarize, there are both benefits and drawbacks to studying locally and studying overseas. Students should carefully consider factors such as personal goals, financial capability, and career aspirations  before making a decision.