Strong turnout in Fukuoka, Osaka and Tokyo signals growing Japanese interest in Malaysian higher education

TOKYO, Oct. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) has concluded the Study in Malaysia Education Fair Japan Autumn 2026, recording a combined total of more than 2,300 visitors across Fukuoka, Osaka and Tokyo over three consecutive days. The tour opened at the Hakata International Exhibition Hall & Conference Centre in Fukuoka on 10 October. It continued at Otemon Gakuin Otemae High School (Temmabashi), Osaka on 11 October, before closing at AP Tokyo Yaesu on 12 October.

The fairs gave Japanese students and parents direct access to 16 participating Malaysian higher education institutions, namely Universiti Malaya (UM), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT), Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus, Monash University Malaysia, Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU), University of Nottingham Malaysia, INTI International University & Colleges, Curtin University Malaysia, Le Cordon Bleu Malaysia, English Language Company, Taylor's University, HELP University, Sunway University and SEGi University & Colleges. Visitors were also able to explore programmes, discuss admission pathways and apply on the spot. EMGS representatives were present to provide guidance on student visa matters and the application process for studying in Malaysia.

The strong turnout reflects growing interest among Japanese students in pursuing their studies in Malaysia. Japan is now ranked among the top 10 countries for applications to study in Malaysia, with more than 1,700 Japanese students currently enrolled at Malaysian higher education institutions.

EMGS Chief Executive Officer, Novie Tajuddin said the turnout reflected a clear shift in how Japanese students view international education. "Seeing more than 2,300 students and parents come through our doors in just three days tells us that Malaysia is no longer an alternative for Japanese families. It is a deliberate one. They are looking for quality, internationally recognised qualifications, an English-speaking environment and genuine value, and Malaysia delivers on all of these," he said.

"Japan is a priority market for us, and the momentum we have built across Fukuoka, Osaka and Tokyo shows the strength of our partnerships on the ground. We will continue to deepen our engagement in Japan and make the journey to studying in Malaysia as seamless as possible for every student."

Tokyo's strong showing, accounting for nearly half of total attendance, underscores the capital's potential as a key recruitment hub, while turnout in Fukuoka and Osaka highlights rising interest beyond Japan's main metropolitan centre.

The Japan Autumn Tour forms part of EMGS's broader international outreach efforts to strengthen the Study in Malaysia brand and attract quality international students to the country's higher education institutions.

ISSUED BY EDUCATION MALAYSIA GLOBAL SERVICES (EMGS)

About Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS)

Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) is an official agency under the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia. EMGS promotes Malaysia as a talent and knowledge hub and a preferred education destination for international students. It also facilitates the movement of international students to Malaysia, including visa processing.

About International Student Arrival Centre (ISAC) 

ISAC is a dedicated arrival facility established by EMGS to welcome and assist international students entering Malaysia. Located at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminals 1 and 2, ISAC provides dedicated support upon arrival, guiding students through the necessary arrival and immigration procedures and ensuring a smooth, organised and welcoming start to their study journey in Malaysia.