Recently, I received a consultation from a business owner considering education migration to Malaysia.
“I had heard education in Malaysia was inexpensive, but I was shocked when I got actual estimates and found it to be more expensive than Japan.”
In fact, these voices of “unexpected” realities are rapidly increasing. Influenced by the weak yen, some families have even begun considering leaving Malaysia. This time, I’ll share the latest local situation.
■ Is Education in Malaysia Really “Cheap”?
When I started my own education migration to Malaysia five years ago, I certainly felt it was “good value for money.” Annual tuition at international schools was around 1.5 to 3 million JPY. Compared to private schools in Tokyo, it still felt relatively affordable.
However, the situation in 2024 has changed dramatically.
Tuition at popular schools has risen to 4 to 6 million JPY per year. Furthermore, the yen’s depreciation beyond 150 yen to the dollar is adding pressure. The actual financial burden has increased 1.5 to 2 times compared to five years ago in many cases.
A business owner I met the other day, Mr. A, told me this:
“I’ve started checking the exchange rate every day. I’m considering returning to Japan if it falls below 140 yen.”
Families who previously thought “until the child graduates” are now starting to consider their exit timing based on currency fluctuations.
■ The “Hidden Burden” of Living Costs
Beyond education fees, there are other unexpected expenses.
Consultations about “how to find a landed house” or “transportation methods” have been increasing lately. In Malaysia, condominiums are common due to security concerns, but more families desire landed houses as their children grow.
However, landed houses available for foreigners are limited, with rents averaging 300,000 to 500,000 JPY per month—a level comparable to Tokyo’s upscale residential areas.
Also, the morning school run is a serious issue. If the school bus doesn’t cover your residential area, options are limited.
- Private car with a driver (approx. 100,000 JPY per month)
- Using ride-hailing apps (3,000 to 5,000 JPY per day for a round trip)
- Carpooling with neighboring families (logistically challenging)
These “invisible costs” are straining household budgets.
■ The “Quality” of International Schools is Also Changing
Another concern is the changing quality of international schools.
I’ve noticed recently that the proportion of non-native English-speaking teachers in Malaysian international schools is increasing. Furthermore, schools are expanding their intake of students with no prior international school experience.
One school has newly established not just EAL (English as an Additional Language) support, but also preparatory courses akin to language schools. They’ve introduced a system where students transfer to the main program only after reaching a certain English proficiency level.
This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it might be drifting slightly from the original goal of “having them learn in an international environment.”
■ The Enduring Appeal of “Malaysian Education”
While I’ve presented a harsh reality so far, the benefits of education migration to Malaysia certainly still exist.
First, the breadth of university options. I recently saw an article titled “University Advancement in Malaysia is Gaining Popularity.” Indeed, tuition is about one-third compared to Western universities. By utilizing twinning programs, students can also obtain degrees from Western universities.
However, a point of concern is how companies evaluate this. How will Japanese companies view “a Western university degree obtained through a Malaysian university”? This is a point that requires close attention to future trends.
Furthermore, the experience of living in a multicultural environment becomes a valuable asset for children. My own children have naturally learned to interact with friends from various nationalities.
■ If Considering Education Migration Now
Considering the current situation, my advice for those contemplating education migration would be the following three points.
1. Plan your budget at “1.5 times your initial estimate”
Considering exchange rate fluctuation risk, a financial plan with ample buffer is essential.
2. Also consider “time-limited” options
An option could be just 2-3 years during lower elementary school. It’s a sufficient period to build an English foundation and provide a multicultural experience.
3. Don’t neglect comparing with other countries
I recommend including other Asian countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines in your consideration set.
■ Conclusion: Balancing “Ideal” and “Reality”
Malaysian education migration can no longer be described by the simple formula of “cheap, high-quality education.”
However, this might be a good opportunity to return to the fundamental question: “Why pursue education migration?” If it’s just English proficiency, that can be acquired in Japan too. What’s important is identifying what is the top priority for your family.
Personally, while my household finances have tightened due to the weak yen, seeing my children’s growth, I have no regrets about this choice. However, for those considering migration now, I recommend more careful consideration.
Education migration is an “investment.” Is the expected return worthwhile? Are the risks within an acceptable range? As business owners, I believe you understand the importance of this judgment well.
Next time, I plan to introduce in detail the case of a family who decided to leave. I want to honestly share not just success stories, but also about the option of “withdrawal.”
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