Malaysia Diversifies Student Sponsorships After US Policy Shift

Malaysia Halts US Student Sponsorships Amid Trump Policies Malaysia's Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) has announced it will cease sending sponsored students to the United States, effective this year. This decision follows the introduction of new policies under President Donald Trump's administration that have made it increasingly difficult for Malaysian students to obtain visas and pursue their studies in the US. MARA's chairman, Datuk Ashraf Wajdi Dusuki, stated, "We have begun discussions with our students in the US to facilitate their transition to other countries." He added that the agency is actively exploring options in the UK, New Zealand, Australia, Japan, and China, where costs are considerably lower. This strategic shift reflects MARA's commitment to providing quality education to its sponsored students while mitigating the challenges posed by the changing political landscape. The agency recently held a strategic meeting at Cambridge University in London to further explore collaborations and ensure a seamless transition for the affected students. The move underscores the evolving dynamics of international education and the adaptability of institutions in navigating geopolitical changes.