KUALA LUMPUR, May 24 – The demand for student visas from Malaysia saw a significant uptick in 2023, marking an 11% increase compared to the previous year, according to VFS Global. Over 75% of these visa applications were destined for the United Kingdom, with other popular destinations including Australia, Canada, Germany, and the United States. Despite the ongoing impact of the pandemic, the easing of travel restrictions has fueled this growth in outbound student movement. Kaushik Ghosh, Head of Australasia at VFS Global, emphasized the importance of early visa application submissions to avoid last-minute hurdles, especially with the upcoming peak season.

To streamline the process, VFS Global and UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) have introduced dedicated measures, such as opening Temporary Enrolment Locations in Sabah and Sarawak and extending operating hours. With the expected surge in demand for UK student visas, applicants are advised to apply as soon as they receive their Certificate of Acceptance for Study (CAS) from their education provider. Additionally, VFS Global urges applicants to remain vigilant against fraudulent entities and utilize official channels for visa-related services.