Study Locally or Abroad?
- Lynn Poh
- Aug 16, 2021
- 2 min read
We have been receiving a lot of inquiries on this topic – Should I study in Malaysia or pursue my education overseas?
Gotten your result but still unable to decide where to study or how to start off? When it comes to this topic, there are a few things that we always look into and we have listed down them below as general references. We hope it serves as a guideline for you to navigate through your study pathway.
# 1. Recognition of Tertiary Study
This is a common question of most people come across. There are thousands of institutions or universities in the world offering a range of study programmes. But you must check if the study programme is recognized by our professional bodies back in Malaysia. No matter where you graduate, always be vigilant and careful in decision making.
# 2. Ranking Matter
When it comes to ranking – is it the higher, the better? Well, this is not a debate session but then it depends how you look at it. For some people it is fundamental or important to study in top universities with high ranking. However, top universities that are ranked highly because of academic study excellence and reputation are not built in a day or two. You will still need to put in effort to make it to the top and taking a back seat in your own life will not drive you far in your own future.
In fact, Malaysia has number of high-ranking international universities that offers quality education and internationally recognized certifications. With their flexible learning and inter-campus transfer, you can choose to study locally for a year or two before transferring your study credit to their overseas campus or affiliated university partners. Start local, finish international.
# 3. Financial Affordability
Education funding is always the no.1 question in everyone’s mind, and it is a top consideration factor. As a university journey is usually quite lengthy (a minimal of 3 to 5 years), it is important to set a budget and plan your education funds ahead.
One of the most common education funding is scholarships and bursaries. So we encourage students to study hard and aim for as many As as you can, then use that to apply for scholarships! The more As you have in your result, the higher quantum of scholarship will be waived off! Normally scholarships offers varies from universities to universities, so always seek advice to compare and do your research.
This is a very thoughtful breakdown of a decision many students struggle with—studying locally versus going abroad. The points around recognition, university ranking, and financial planning are especially important for making a well-informed choice. We often see students benefit from starting locally and then transferring internationally, as it balances quality education with affordability. At GraddingHomes, we support students who choose the overseas route by guiding them on course and university selection and helping them settle comfortably with reliable student accommodation in Exeter, so they can focus on their academics and future goals with confidence.
Great insights! Deciding between studying locally or abroad is a big step, and both options have their benefits. For students considering the international route, it’s important to also think about where you’ll live—having comfortable and convenient accommodation can make a huge difference in adjusting to a new environment. If you’re looking at studying in the UK, options like student accommodation in Leicester, or in cities like Newcastle and Southampton, provide safe, well-equipped living spaces that help students focus on their studies while enjoying student life abroad. Combining a quality education with the right living setup sets you up for success!
Choosing between studying locally or abroad depends on your goals, budget, and career plans. Local education offers affordability, family support, and familiarity, while studying abroad provides global exposure, advanced facilities, and international networking. For students planning overseas education, preparing early is crucial—especially for language requirements. Practising a speaking mock test helps build confidence, fluency, and exam readiness. Evaluate academic quality, long-term opportunities, and personal growth before deciding which path aligns best with your future ambitions.
Deciding whether to study locally or abroad depends on your personal goals, finances, and career aspirations. Studying locally can be more affordable and lets you stay close to family and your support network, which many students find comforting.
Choosing to study abroad doesn’t mean giving up quality or support; many international universities offer strong academic programs with practical experience and student services. For example, the university of greenwich in the UK combines a rich educational tradition with a diverse campus environment, giving students a well‑rounded international experience. Weigh your budget, desired field of study, and long‑term goals to make the choice that best supports your future success.
Deciding whether to study locally or abroad depends on your academic goals, career aspirations, and personal preferences. Studying abroad offers exposure to new cultures, diverse learning environments, and global networking opportunities, while studying locally can be more cost-effective and convenient. Regardless of your choice, gaining practical experience alongside academics is crucial. Programs like anglia ruskin university placements provide students with hands-on professional experience, helping them apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings and giving a significant boost to career readiness after graduation.