The higher education ministry has dismissed claims that international students at the country’s five research universities are sidelining local students.
In a statement, higher education director-general Azlinda Azman said international students make up 21.3% of the total student population at the five universities, not 27% as claimed.
Azlinda also said the ministry does not limit the percentage of international students at the postgraduate level as they provide new perspectives based on their cultural and academic backgrounds, enrich discussions, and encourage more creative approaches to problem solving.
She also said that international students do not benefit from government subsidies, and that universities use proceeds from international students’…