Chinese students may turn to Malaysia as US tightens visa rules

President Donald Trump's order to tighten visa rules in the United States for students from China may benefit universities in Malaysia.

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GEORGE TOWN, Penang - President Donald Trump's order to tighten visa rules in the United States for students from China may benefit universities in Malaysia.

Mr Pei Qi, a 42-year-old English teacher from China who is pursuing a postgraduate degree at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), which is in Penang, said he has noticed more of his students in China considering Malaysia over the US.

"Many of my students who initially planned to go to the US are now considering Malaysia for further studies. One of them gave up on her US application because of visa delays and uncertainty, and then applied to Monash University Malaysia and USM," he said.

Mr Pei said that the student and her mother visited Penang and were drawn to the island's safety, lifestyle and international feel.

"They were worried about whether they could get into a public university here, but the affordability and global rankings of Malaysian institutions have prompted them to apply," he said, adding that Malaysia's strong ties with China are an important factor.

"Malaysia takes education seriously. I see effort going into improving curriculum, research and global rankings," Mr Pei said.