Internationalization of Student Mobility for Higher Education Malaysia: A Systematic Review

Abstract

This study examines the internationalisation of student mobility within Malaysia's higher education sector, focussing on its dynamics, challenges, and impacts. Malaysia has emerged as a prominent centre for higher education, experiencing notable increases in student mobility, largely attributed to the Higher Education Blueprint 2015-2025. This study examines the language, cultural, and academic barriers encountered by international students, alongside institutional challenges such as insufficient support systems. This research investigates cross-cultural influences on student mobility, with a focus on the University of Technology Malaysia. The study employed a qualitative methodology to collect experiences from postgraduate students and administrative staff via interviews. The findings underscore the presence of language barriers, difficulties in cultural adaptation, and obstacles to academic integration, while also indicating beneficial effects on institutional research and reputation. The study recommends the implementation of improved language support, cultural orientation programs, and strengthened academic advisory services to enhance the internationalisation process. The establishment of a model for student mobility in Malaysia may provide a framework for subsequent educational initiatives and enhance the country's position as a global educational hub.