MARA Drops the U.S.: A Sign of Big Shifts in Global Education

MARA has confirmed it will no longer be sending students to the United States this year, ending a longstanding tradition of sponsoring scholars to some of the most prestigious American universities. The news came quietly but carries much weight, especially for students and families who have long seen the U.S. as the ultimate academic destination.

Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi explained that the agency is reassessing its priorities in light of evolving global conditions. While the United Kingdom is being considered as a key alternative, the bigger story lies in why this shift is happening now.

Is the U.S. Still Worth It?

Once the undisputed leader in international education, the U.S. is beginning to lose its shine. Increasingly complex visa policies, rising tuition costs, and an unpredictable political climate have made it harder for international students, especially those on government sponsorship, to justify the risk.

This isn’t just about money. For many students, the uncertainty around whether they can stay and work after graduation, or even complete their studies uninterrupted, is a deal-breaker. MARA’s move reflects this growing discomfort and signals a larger shift in how value is being measured in education.

Are the “Big Four” Seeing a Decline?

While the “Big Four” — the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Australia — still dominate in numbers, cracks are starting to show. Across Asia and Europe, more affordable, student-friendly countries are stepping up to fill the gap. Countries like Germany, the Netherlands, France, Japan and South Korea are increasingly seen as smart alternatives: lower cost, higher stability, clearer pathways to employment.

These countries offer more than just affordability. Their policies are, in many cases, better aligned with the realities international students face today — from mental health support to work opportunities and long-term migration pathways.

What This Means for Malaysian Students

For Malaysian students, especially those under MARA, this shift marks a turning point. Where previous generations may have chased prestige, the next cohort might focus on practical returns: employability, safety, and life after graduation. That doesn’t necessarily mean ambition is shrinking; it means it’s evolving.

MARA’s redirection could also reshape public perception about what constitutes a ‘good’ overseas education. Rather than defaulting to familiar names, students might start looking at universities that offer stronger student outcomes, even if they’re outside the usual map.

A Realignment in Progress

It remains to be seen whether this move is temporary or the beginning of a lasting change. But it’s clear that MARA is not acting in isolation. It is one of many organisations around the world reconsidering what international education should look like in a post-pandemic, cost-conscious, increasingly multipolar world.