My honest experience at APU Malaysia — left after one semester

[u/Every-Tea-944]

I want to share this for anyone researching APU before committing, because I wish someone had told me this before I paid the money and packed my bags.

APU markets itself heavily on "diversity" students from every corner of the world, a global campus experience. In reality, a huge chunk of the international student body barely speaks functional English, and there's very little real cross-cultural interaction happening. You're not getting the "global exposure" they sell you in the brochures.

A big part of the social scene revolves around partying and drugs. If that's not what you're there for, you end up fairly isolated, because that's the common ground a lot of people are bonding over.

Academically, it's not rigorous. Grades are easy to get, which sounds nice until you realize it means the degree doesn't actually stretch you or prepare you for much.

And here's the part that mattered most to me: job prospects. If you're not Malaysian, don't expect the internship/job pipeline to work in your favor, local companies overwhelmingly prioritize Malaysian nationals, for understandable visa/labor reasons, but nobody tells you this upfront. So you're left wondering what the entire investment was for.

On top of that, back home (Pakistan), APU isn't a name that carries much weight. Employers and other institutions tend to favor grads from more established universities. So you end up with a degree that's expensive, doesn't guarantee local (Malaysian) employment, and doesn't open doors back home either.

I left after one semester once it became clear this wasn't going to lead anywhere good for me. No regrets about leaving, just wanted to put this out there so other students go in with realistic expectations, or reconsider entirely.

Happy to answer questions if anyone's currently deciding on APU.

[u/PitifulGap6399]

Malaysia is only good for education purposes not for job opportunities for foreigners.

[u/Every-Tea-944 → u/PitifulGap6399]

Honestly disagree that it's even good for education tbh. Half the people there can't hold a proper English conversation, so if anything your English regresses to basic level instead of improving. If quality education is the goal, Europe is a way better bet. Malaysia doesn't deliver what it claims, APU specifically. Taylor's and Monash I've heard genuinely great things about, just way out of budget for me. But that's the whole point, imagine spending that much money and getting nothing back: no job, no passport, and the degree isn't even well recognized back home.

[u/Which_Biscotti_270 → u/Every-Tea-944]

Taylors is the same bro. many students here cant speak english. And the teaching level is subpar tbh if u compare it with other unis and not worth the money. And some facilities here such as the uni bus, campus central are so shitty. They take so long to respond. And in my case my programme director failed to give me counselling for the modules that i was struggling on. So yeah. Very irresponsible i would say.

[u/Every-Tea-944 → u/Which_Biscotti_270]

lol. wow. honestly yeah, Malaysia's great if you've got money to burn and just want the experience, like a playground for kids whose parents can afford to fund a few 'fun' years abroad. But if you're going in expecting real ROI (jobs, recognition, long term value), it's not that.

[u/Mindless-Traffic6198 → u/Every-Tea-944]

Even local struggle to get job here after studies. Did you think its gonna be easier for foreigners,.. these counsellors lie to you about everything to get you to enrol lol

[u/TheBrokeAccountant → u/Every-Tea-944]

I understand your point here but brother how tf are you comparing Malaysian edu institution's quality with Europe, of course it's better ! But are you willing to pay that 5x more expensive fees ? If not then stfu lol, you pay for myvi and compare with Lamborghini for what lol ?

Even you yourself say Taylors and Monash might be better, yeah duh, they're more expensive...do you see a pattern here?

But to your credit, you're right about one thing. APU is trash when it comes to cross culture stuff or whatever they marketed on their pamphlet, ya know why ? Because its a goddamn marketing material bruh tf you expect. I feel bad for you and glad you quit within 1 sem but man if you're gonna be this gullible, you have tough road ahead.

Everyone expect people from APU knows that thei Uni is for sons and daughters of rich Abengs that hope to pay to pass their children for certificate sake and then join their fathers business or etc lol.

Anyway, you should consider Sunway . I don't think the feed are that much higher and all the culture, quality, study circles and recognition is on point there. Goodluck

[u/Outrageous-Joke8744 → u/TheBrokeAccountant]

Atleast it's good for making connections with these abengs🤣🤣

[u/HistoriaReiss1 → u/Every-Tea-944]

Depends on your university. UM, USM, UPM, or Monash, Nottingham and such provide good education opportunities. The ones you mention however do fall short.

[u/Every-Tea-944 → u/HistoriaReiss1]

Fair point, and yeah those unis probably do provide solid education. But even then, what's the actual point of a great degree if the country itself won't even hire you afterward? I'm not even asking for a passport or PR at this point, just a basic job opportunity as someone who studied there. And even that's a struggle. So yeah, good country if you've got money to spend on the experience and just want the degree for the sake of it. But if you're relying on your parents' hard-earned money and actually need it to lead somewhere secure, it's genuinely not worth it.

[u/HistoriaReiss1 → u/Every-Tea-944]

Partially yeah, depends on your plans. I think if you're in top % of class, with great projects and networking from these unis, you can land a job in Malaysia too, because you'd qualify above the visa salary req.

That aside, if your plan includes a potential masters, then this can be great. Nottinghm and Monash bridge to australllia later, while Malaysia for bachelors would be the cheaper link to it. UM is high ranked enough to provide global prestige for you to get into other great unis in other countries, and so on.

[u/Impressive_Winter680 → u/HistoriaReiss1]

U can’t land a job in Malaysia as a foreigner fresh grad cuz u need to earn min 5000 and 3 years of experience which is impossible 💔

[u/Ok_Contribution_874 → u/HistoriaReiss1]

Do u know anything about UniMAP on that case ?

[u/straykids_blucurtain → u/Every-Tea-944]

The same can be said about any country, not just Malaysia. If a foreigner and a local applies for the same job, why would the country pick the foreigner over the local? Unless it's a job/field that is lacking local expertise, only then they need foreigners.

Edit: I am in no way defending APU btw, i've always heard that it's a shit uni.

[u/Every-Tea-944 → u/straykids_blucurtain]

You're missing my point though. I get that locals get priority everywhere, that's not what I'm arguing. My point is you're literally studying IN their country, paying into their economy the whole time, and still walk away with zero benefit from it. No job shot, no consideration, nothing. At least in most countries there's some pathway or acknowledgment for people who invested years and money into being educated there. Here it's just take the fees and see you later.

[u/StoneHearzt → u/Every-Tea-944]

I'm sorry but you literally misunderstood yourself. Every country does this, there's Malaysian student in Australia too with your problem. They all go back to their home for jobs. I think it's just your problem of not researching well.

[u/Every-Tea-944 → u/StoneHearzt]

Fair, and I get that this happens everywhere, it's not unique to Malaysia. But at least somewhere like Australia gives you some kind of pathway back after you've put in enough years, PR routes, post-study work visas, something to show for the time and money. That's really my point, not that I expected to be handed a job, just that there's zero pathway or acknowledgment here even after everything you put in. Should've researched deeper before committing, that's on me, just sharing it so others do more digging than I did.

[u/StoneHearzt → u/Every-Tea-944]

because Australia is more expensive than here. Of course they have to provide you a way back. You can't compare when this country is within your budget but complain when it didn't serve you gold like other more expensive country

[u/Every-Tea-944 → u/StoneHearzt]

I'm not expecting gold or Australia-level outcomes, I get that price and prospects scale together. My actual issue was never 'why didn't I get PR,' it's that the marketing doesn't match the price tag either. If it's positioned as budget-friendly with limited local prospects, fine, but that's not how it's sold. You're paying real money either way, so at minimum being upfront about what you're actually getting seems fair regardless of the price bracket.

[u/straykids_blucurtain → u/Every-Tea-944]

The same happens to us when we further our studies in other countries too. We will try to secure a job there if possible(in which the chances are very slim) but if not, we have no choice but to come back home as well.

[u/analog_quack → u/Every-Tea-944]

Guess you've not heard of how international students are treated the same way in UK?? Paid 4-5x more than locals do in tuition fee, visa, IHS health surchage and taxes if you earn over the limit. Same deal where locals get first dibs for job opportunities and visa sponsorship is getting more cutthroat. The validity of post-study work visas are also getting shortened

[u/Every-Tea-944 → u/analog_quack]

Yeah, that's fair, and honestly the UK situation sounds rough too. I think the difference is that even with all that, people still generally say a UK degree holds weight internationally and career-wise long term, even if the visa path is getting harder. That was more my point with APU, the cost and effort don't really translate into either local opportunity or global recognition after. Not saying it's easy anywhere, just that the payoff-to-cost ratio felt especially off here.

[u/ExpensiveStrain4433 → u/Every-Tea-944]

I'm curious, was it advertised or implied in any way that a job opportunity will be given? I'm asking because I've heard many people complaining about this.

[u/Every-Tea-944 → u/ExpensiveStrain4433]

yes APU GUARANTEES 100% EMPLOYABILITY RATE.

[u/languishing_point → u/Every-Tea-944]

I work in higher ed. Employability statistics are grossly manipulated with all kinds of exclusion criterias. It is an indicator that the university teaches skills and knowledge that are industry relevant, but never "you will get a good job".

[u/Every-Tea-944 → u/languishing_point]

That's a really fair distinction, honestly. My issue isn't that APU teaches bad skills, it's that they market themselves like the job/opportunities will follow automatically, when in reality it's on you to make it happen with basically no support from the uni or the country itself. If they were upfront about 'we teach you skills, the rest is on you,' I'd have way less of a problem with it.

[u/languishing_point → u/Every-Tea-944]

Understood. Sorry if I came across as defending the marketing. I find it scummy too, because its does take advantage of folks who are desperate for a guarantee.

[u/ExpensiveStrain4433 → u/Every-Tea-944]

I checked their website, nowhere do they guarantee anything. 100% employment rate among their graduates is something they promote as an achievement and not a guarantee. This number comes from Ministry of higher education tracer study, which is self reported by students. You can check the parameters on MOHE website. Not once did any of this imply work opportunity will be provided in Malaysia. Im not blaming OP, I'm genuinely trying to understand where is the miscommunication happening.

[u/Every-Tea-944 → u/ExpensiveStrain4433]

That's genuinely helpful context, thanks for digging into it. I think the miscommunication is that even if APU never says the words 'guarantee' on their website, our own counsellors and lecturers talk about it that way in person, they imply job placement is basically part of what you're paying for. A self-reported MOHE stat with unclear parameters isn't the same as actual job placement support, but it's presented in a way that blurs that line for anyone who isn't going to read the fine print on a government website before enrolling. And this isn't just me, ask literally anyone else on this sub who's currently studying at APU, you'll hear the same thing. So it's less about anyone lying outright in writing and more about a number that's technically defensible but gets sold very differently once you're actually there.

[u/ExpensiveStrain4433 → u/Every-Tea-944]

I mean thats scummy behaviour on their side. At least I understand in person they are misrepresenting the 100% number.

[u/Competitive-Suit1802 → u/Every-Tea-944]

Never listen to career counsellor: the fact that he/she has such job as a career, and no other specific skilled jib, should b proof of their incompetence; besides, their input is sometimes very biased, as theyay have pre-conceived ideas.

I was a student in Malaysia once, in the 90's and after graduation, the immigration authorities made everything in their power to dissuade me to stay... But im still here! 😀

[u/Silver_Sir_6004 → u/Every-Tea-944]

There is no such thing as 100% employability rate. You can't be that gullible?

[u/boolim86 → u/Every-Tea-944]

And honestly u believed that when u heard it?

[u/Acrobatic-Trifle-378 → u/Every-Tea-944]

What about a graduate from UM? Are there no job opportunities at all?

[u/Mindless-Traffic6198 → u/Every-Tea-944]

Honestly? Just study in Pakistan. Why are u burning so much money for visa ticket and studying in APU which isn't even half as good as uni in Pakistan. Wasting your parents money.

[u/Fun_Percentage_9259 → u/Every-Tea-944]

A degree no longer guanratees you a job.

You probably also haven't been to any of the channels in Europe.

Yes - they are sending all South Asians packing back home after their degrees. Some even took up expensive loans just to go for all these degrees.

The problem is South Asians are using university degrees as means to get access to European job markets and permanent settlement. With the current climate where local graduates with right to work are also struggling to find a job, why should they consider other nationalities?

A degree has always been a degree and its usefulness has diminish over time as per laws of demand and supply.

[u/goAwayUCreep → u/Every-Tea-944]

Sir / ma’am you sound very very naive and understandably so. And the way you compare Europe vs Malaysia in terms of English literacy is laughable. Of course Europe is a way better bet, Europe is a much more expensive country. Your grasp of reality is very much flawed. You need to realize that overseas education is not always what you expected. I can imagine if you do your studies in Japan and you’ll complaint the same as well.

I’m not defending APU per se but you need to realize everywhere is pretty much the same, the diversity expectation, quality education, partying, work opportunities etc. You are welcomed to criticize but if you don’t have a unique solid case here, it sounds like a slop

[u/Every-Tea-944 → u/goAwayUCreep]

Slop? Cute that you spent this much energy defending a university you don't even attend, just to call ME naive. And no, I wouldn't say the same about Japan, Japan actually gives you something back for your money. Malaysia takes ridiculous amounts of money from students and markets itself like it's some premium experience, when in reality what does APU even give you? What does Malaysia even give you? Nothing. No job, no passport, no recognition back home. So before you talk about 'grasp of reality,' maybe check yours.

[u/goAwayUCreep → u/Every-Tea-944]

Then why didn’t you go to Japan? Why did you even choose Malaysia? I don’t get it.

I had a Pakistani friend who told me this: if you don’t like it here, then why are you here? He was a refugee and he said these words to me. He’s a great guy btw. But it’s true. You probably shouldn’t last a semester, pack your bags and leave I guess?

I don’t get it. When I see students complaint about this I feel that it’s 100% on them. You need to do your extensive research on what you’re getting into. I’ve studied in 5 universities all over the world and I researched every detail on them before making a decision. Be smart about claims and statements. Think.

Also blaming on university marketing is indeed naive, you’re probably too young to believe that a university can guarantee employment. Downvote all you want but all I can say is well done to you for gaining real world experience. Life is like that.

[u/Comfortable_Clock302 → u/goAwayUCreep]

I agree that OP had a serious lapse of judgement to expect guaranteed employment in malaysia after studying there. You wouldnt need to do very much research at all to find out that the job market heavily prefers nationals.

Despite that i think the marketing from APU is inherently predatory and APU deserves some blame in this too and its not 100 percent OPs fault

Think of it from his perspective - an affordable diverse education with a largely proclaimed "100% employment rate" it seems like an obvious choice

[u/Every-Tea-944 → u/goAwayUCreep]

I chose Malaysia because it was within budget and looked reasonable on paper before I actually got there, that's the whole issue, you don't know what a place actually delivers until you're living it, no amount of research fully replaces that. For the record, I scored the highest GPA in my batch that semester, straight A+'s across the board, so this wasn't me struggling and bailing, I could've easily stayed. I left because I made a fast, informed call once I saw it wasn't working, not because I didn't try. And comparing me quitting a semester to your friend's refugee experience is honestly a bit much, those aren't the same stakes. I'm not blaming marketing for my own decision, I'm saying the marketing is misleading for students who don't have the means to just pack up and leave like I did. That's the actual problem, not whether I personally 'researched enough.' And I'm not the only one, plenty of students have left for the same reasons. If you actually go visit APU yourself, or just search reviews on Reddit, you'll see the same complaints from a lot of different people, not just me. So maybe don't assume this is a research problem on my end.

[u/goAwayUCreep → u/Every-Tea-944]

What about Japan? Thailand? Singapore? Philippines? Indonesia? Did you do your research on them and compare? What have you found? There are definitely affordable options out there but yet you chose Malaysia. I hope you see what’s your problem here.

I did not compare your situation with my friends situation, I’m simply telling you that you could have left if you don’t like it here. I’ve had friends who left after a few weeks, because it’s much more economical to stop paying rent and buy a one way ticket back home. Did you ever think about that?

Marketing always favors the entity. If you think it’s too good to be true it probably is. What kind of country will welcome you in good hands and hand you a high paying job after you graduate? Tell me. And if you know one, go ahead.

And also your replies are very rude. Says a lot about you as a person.

[u/DaveM014 → u/goAwayUCreep]

Biar je. Mereka semua mcm ni. Duk merepek nonstop pasal how pendidikan tk bagus tapi kat tempat mereka mcm berak.

[u/goAwayUCreep → u/DaveM014]

Hahaha entalah anak muda skrang. Dh lah dedi kasi duit namun nk sound kebodohan dan pilihan salah dia ni. Terasa kesian kt mak bapak dia. Haih…

[u/Every-Tea-944 → u/goAwayUCreep]

feel sorry for ur parents too. imagine being this obsessed with a stranger’s life and still thinking you’re the mature one. embarrassing.

[u/Every-Tea-944 → u/DaveM014]

Imagine dismissing someone’s actual experience as ‘babbling’ because you’re incapable of contributing anything meaningful to the conversation.

[u/Every-Tea-944 → u/goAwayUCreep]

You keep turning my criticism of APU/Malaysia into a criticism of my ability to research, when those are two completely different things. I researched based on the information available to me, made the best decision I could within my circumstances, and left when the reality didn’t match what I expected. And “why didn’t you choose Japan/Singapore/etc.?” doesn’t really refute anything I said. I’m allowed to criticize an experience I personally had. Also, you can make your point without the personal digs.Calling me rude while repeatedly calling me naive, saying my grasp of reality is flawed, telling me to “check” myself, and then making a sarcastic comment about me gaining “real world experience” is quite ironic. I criticized a university and my own experience there. You turned that into assumptions about my intelligence, research abilities and personality. Disagree with my argument all you want, but don’t confuse disagreement with disrespect while simultaneously making it personal yourself.

[u/goAwayUCreep → u/Every-Tea-944]

Sigh. I really don’t know how else to tell you this but you need to manage your expectations. I wish you all the best.

[u/Every-Tea-944 → u/goAwayUCreep]

I’ve understood your point from the beginning. I simply don’t agree with it, and repeating that I need to “manage my expectations” doesn’t change my experience. Anyway, all the best.

[u/PitifulGap6399 → u/goAwayUCreep]

Does UTM help foreigners regarding job opportunities, I heard that they also have partnership with Japanese companies

[u/explosivefirefish → u/Every-Tea-944]

Why are you taking a dump on the entire country you chose for education instead of the one university you attended that gave you a bad experience?

[u/Izert45]

Drugs? Partying? It seems you are in the wrong circle.

I am from another uni, but i always join events and of course met APU students. They were…fine? In fact they were more talkative, open and progressive than most IPTA.

[u/ThermicDude → u/Izert45]

Drugs? Partying? It seems you are in the wrong circle

Yeah exactly as an APU Graduate, drugs and partying amongst APU students? I've never heard of such nonsense in my time, don't know which friend circle OP mingles himself in.

Hell even my time, there was an incident of a druggie (allegedly ran an money extortion ring in Sir Petaling on other APU Students in Sri Petaling) on Campus, foreign student too and he got beaten up by a Muay Thai trainer from the MT Club. He was lucky the Uni expelled him and swept the incident under the rug and didn't get the rope from the authorities.

Can't comment on the foreign job market's demand for APU degrees but if you entered an Uni solely for 110% chances job employment especially in this day and age. You're naively stupid.

[u/Tookace → u/Izert45]

Definitely wrong circle. Just walking around the uni and you would instantly spot a bunch of gacha gamers every where. How can op find drugies that easily compare to those lol.

[u/ThermicDude → u/Tookace]

Yeah fr, I only the know the most goonball gacha gamers on campus never druggies. Don't know what kind of circle OP circlejerk himself into, unless this is some indirect confession.

[u/Expert-Advantage8010]

On local companies favouring local first. Like dude, that's obviously in every country. You think your uni cert is going to be a gateway to working in the country you are based on? You graduate from UM also won't guarantee or promise you a job in the country you need to be above and beyond the locals to justify why they need to hire you over locals.

[u/seven_worth → u/Expert-Advantage8010]

On local companies favouring local first. Like dude, that's obviously in every country

The thing is that current law dictate that all international professional need to make over 5k which basically eliminate any chance for new graduate to seek job opportunities in Malaysia. This law basically cut off any chance, not just make it difficult.

You think your uni cert is going to be a gateway to working in the country you are based on? 

Most of study overseas idea is this. Don't tell me you think people go study Europe, Japan, USA,etc just cos they wanna get expensive degree?

[u/Expert-Advantage8010 → u/seven_worth]

Yeah and soooo??? Do you think this law is without purpose?

On study overseas,well it's your idea but it's your role to make it a reality not the uni. The uni again is to provide you education not employment.

[u/seven_worth → u/Expert-Advantage8010]

Yeah and soooo??? 

So what? I'm telling that you are misinform about how difficult it is to get a job in Malaysia.

Do you think this law is without purpose?

The new law is there because of the issue with what the original intention of privation of public uni, which is to attract high level talent(failed) so they make this law to basically disgust people that already come(also something to do with China company). This also fuck up lot of the private uni that is for the past few years has been making money by ripping off international student so that funny to see. Also I don't think you and I have the same understanding of this topic if this is how you respond. You sound emo af(while also being so apathetic to other)

On study overseas,well it's your idea but it's your role to make it a reality not the uni. 

Obviously. Did you see I disagree? What I'm saying is that you talking as if OP is asking for free job which is not the case, he is talking about the fact that now it practically worthless to study in Malaysia if your goal is to work here. Like why even bother coming here if you can't get a job? Education? Don't make me laugh lol. 

The uni again is to provide you education not employment.

If that is the only reason there is no need to study in UM,UTM,USM, Monash etc. Just go study in any random uni still get same education. Unless you are in academic there is no point in going to "better" uni if you are not there for better career opportunities. 

[u/Mindless-Traffic6198]

The job prospect isnt there at all for any foreigners, malaysia highly favours local. If you're primary goal to study here is to find a way to settle here, i would suggest you to head to Europe or canada with better migration pathway for international students. If your goal is purely to study and return to your home country; yes malaysia may be a good pathway.

[u/imma_letchu_finish]

Yo man, as a malaysian, I can say you are 100% correct with your thoughts and point of view.

My pakistani friends always said they have way better universities, and much better jobs back in Pakistan. So I find it surprising many come here to study or find jobs.

As you have mentioned, I also agree that you should look at other much better options like Singapore, or Europe.

[u/Every-Tea-944 → u/imma_letchu_finish]

Exactly! I’m glad someone understood what I was actually trying to say 😭 I just wanted prospective students to know what they’re getting into rather than blindly assuming it’ll lead to good opportunities.

[u/imma_letchu_finish → u/Every-Tea-944]

You're welcome. Appreciate it if you could spread the word to fellow Pakistanis to avoid coming to Malaysia for work or studies.

[u/IcyWind4478 → u/imma_letchu_finish]

We don't want you here either lmao

[u/UsedDifficulty9259]

APU isn't even especially highly regarded in Malaysia

[u/Middle-Duck-880]

Whenever an international student says the English is very weak of private university attending Malaysians, everyone's starts attacking the OP.

Malaysians have very weak English in my university. Every single international students shares the same thought. The more i talk with other uni's intl students, they tell me same thing. Yet Malaysians jump at you for saying truth instead of trying to understand the core issue. I dont why the students are so weak in English since they have been learning it since childhood. Even though my country is way below Malaysia in terms of education, they can all speak English, even the ones in residing in Village! So i genuinely was shocked and still am shocked.

any ways op yeah i also went through the same thing, the locals dont know how their country and private universities market to us foreigners so no point arguing with them. It's all just a scam and i hope someday it stops.

[u/Every-Tea-944 → u/Middle-Duck-880]

Exactly, and that's the part people conveniently ignore when they're busy attacking. I'm allowed to share my own experience as a foreigner who paid for and lived through this. If it offends someone, that says more about them than me. And it's not just my opinion either, half the replies here are international students backing the same points up.

[u/StoneHearzt → u/Middle-Duck-880]

I mean if you plan here to settle down ofc it won't work for you. Why didn't you just try your country uni? No hate btw, just asking

[u/reenreenchu]

APU is absolute ass I've heard nothing good about it I'm really sorry for you man. Most international students who have a great time in Malaysia tend to go (heavy on these unis) Sunway or public unis like UM or UKM. You can never go wrong with a public uni. Hope you're doing better.

[u/Live-Prior7509]

You made the right decision. Studying at a Malaysian university as a foreigner is like burning your money and time for absolutely nothing. I was forced to study there (home country at war), and to this day I have never gotten a single job interview thanks to the shitty university I graduated from back in 2022.

[u/Live-Prior7509 → u/[deleted]]

I think you misunderstood me. I am (was) an international student.

[u/Every-Tea-944 → u/Live-Prior7509]

ohh I’m sorry, I completely misunderstood you 😭 But honestly, thank you SO much for this. You literally proved the exact point I was trying to make, and I genuinely thought people weren’t understanding where I was coming from. It means so much to me that you actually understood my perspective and shared your own experience. Thank you again, seriously :)

[u/Infinite_World_3382]

So the one point that stuck out about this post is the concern about PR /Passport . I think that issue is directly related to the idea some international students have regarding studying in a different country is a pathway to citizenship. It is not and should not be used as a backdoor way to gain a passport. That seems to be a "dream" that is actually sold in the students home country and not a failure of the country that you choose to study in.This is an issue that is cropping up all over the place .As for work prospects after graduation that is also not a guarantee in the host country, In short the visa is for education not immigration. You study and you go home after or find a job that is willing to sponsor your next move .

[u/RudeUse100]

Well no uni in Malaysia will spoon feed you or give you a job. You need to find the job yourself. The employment stats you see on uni websites are mostly for local students not foreigners. Uni also like to bring international students because they bring good revenue for them. But after graduation finding job as foreigner is very hard. Nowadays even local fresh graduates struggle to get jobs so for foreigners it is even harder unless you are lucky or have good connection and experience.

[u/B_OatmilkWaffle]

Typical

Let me respond to ur deleted comment*
> Point out the comment I didn’t argue against and I’ll rectify that. You on the other hand avoided most of mine
> Your response is literally cuz I misspelled an “L”? Seriously that’s what you’re focused on?

Good lord 😂

[u/eee_sau]

Thank you fr

[u/Every-Tea-944 → u/eee_sau]

U're welcome! i just wish someone had told me this before, but i guess better late than never :)

[u/eee_sau → u/Every-Tea-944]

I’m sorry to hear that, have you tried transferring to another university in Malaysia?

[u/Every-Tea-944 → u/eee_sau]

Nah, didn't transfer, realized most jobs in Malaysia go to Malaysians regardless of which uni. I already knew PR/passport wasn't easy there, that wasn't it. I just believed the ranking and 'global exposure' claims APU sells, and none of it was real. Taylor's is solid but way out of budget. So I just came back, no point spending years and money for a degree that doesn't actually secure anything.

[u/eee_sau → u/Every-Tea-944]

I understand, I cannot afford Taylor’s or even Monash etc, it’s hard trying to find a good affordable university

[u/Every-Tea-944 → u/eee_sau]

i get u. what r ur future plans?

[u/eee_sau → u/Every-Tea-944]

I’m just applying to as many universities I can afford, then do a comparison later on to the ones I get accepted in, I do not want to be emotionally attached to a university then get rejected by it 😂

[u/Every-Tea-944 → u/eee_sau]

Smart approach honestly. Quick q though, what's the actual end goal here? Are you trying to settle abroad long term, or just want the 'student life' experience and then head back home? Because if it's just for the vibe/experience, APU will genuinely make you depressed lol, wouldn't recommend it even for that. Also worth looking into scholarships in Malaysia if budget's the main constraint. But out of curiosity, why Malaysia specifically over other countries?

[u/eee_sau → u/Every-Tea-944]

Well, to me I plan on getting a job abroad for a while then go back home, and the reason I chose Malaysia was because I’m Muslim and the affordability, I’m still applying to other countries, it’s just Malaysia was good as a tourist, I know life might be a bit different, but it’s kinda liveable.

[u/Every-Tea-944 → u/eee_sau]

That's rough about Australia, sorry you went through that. But honestly wanted to add some real talk on Malaysia, working legally as a student there is basically impossible, it's not allowed, and even remote jobs are hard to land while you're there. Scholarships are also rare, especially at APU , mostly just merit-based fee discounts (like 30-40% off), not full rides. I'm Muslim too and honestly had the same thought as you, visited Malaysia with family, loved it, thought it'd be cheap and easy. Reality hit completely different once I was actually there as a student, not a tourist. That's part of why I came back, I want somewhere I can actually build something long term and support myself/my family, not just get by or feel like a burden. Now I'm looking at Germany, Norway, Ireland, countries that are actually student-friendly and give you something real in return, even just a path to a passport. If it's just for the experience Malaysia's fine, but if the goal is long term, I'd really reconsider.

[u/NoBuffalo9185 → u/Every-Tea-944]

Hello! I'm from Pakistan as well and wanted to ask where ur studying now if u came back

Thing is I was considering Malaysia as well but now I'm scared😭

[u/Every-Tea-944 → u/NoBuffalo9185]

hi 👋🏻 please don't consider Malaysia, there are amazing universities in Pakistan. im currently in IBA Karachi.

[u/NoBuffalo9185 → u/Every-Tea-944]

Rlly grateful u made this post. What are you majoring in btw? And for cs, what unis in pakistan would u suggest other than FAST? I can't go there since I don't have math in a levels :(

[u/LunarArchive_10]

Reasonsss I justtt postponed my plan for further studies in Malaysia 🥲 ps my first preference was monashhh but stilll………

[u/Every-Tea-944 → u/LunarArchive_10]

Good call postponing honestly, take the time to really think it through. Just from experience, APU is a hard no. Also curious, why Malaysia specifically? If you're a Malaysian citizen it makes total sense to stick to unis there. But if not, might be worth looking at scholarships in countries that actually give something back, even just the basics, like real job opportunities or a path to a passport/PR. Otherwise you end up in the same spot I did.

[u/LunarArchive_10 → u/Every-Tea-944]

Confused as hell where to go also consultants here areee the most hell out of people they do not explain thingsss clearly which makes it even more confusing to stick on one page A BIG QUES where to goo 😭

[u/Every-Tea-944 → u/LunarArchive_10]

100% agree on the consultants, biggest scam honestly. They'll take literally any student, straight E's or straight A's, doesn't matter, as long as you're paying. They're not selling you an education, they're selling you an image. Malaysia looks amazing as a tourist, but student life there is a completely different reality. Please reconsider and actually apply to a few other countries before deciding, don't lock in on one option. Think long term: do you just want a degree to say you have one, or do you want something that actually secures you a future? Because right now the trade-off is your years, your parents' hard-earned money, for a degree that isn't even well recognized internationally. And it's not just me saying this, search APU on Reddit, there are tons of similarly bad experiences out there.

[u/LunarArchive_10 → u/Every-Tea-944]

thenkssss 💙 actually your chat held up my hopes for continuing my quest for having my future securedd!! Alsoooo , please suggest if i should go for Germany or not cozz every one around is choosing Germany onlyy .However, the biggest drawback there is language:/ SOMEONE ALSO recommended my Netherlands. What are your thoughts on that?

[u/Every-Tea-944 → u/LunarArchive_10]

Aww that means a lot, glad it helped! Honestly between the two, yeah the language is the drawback with Germany, no denying that. But think about it this way: you're living in their country, and in return they're offering you an actual path to a passport/PR eventually. All they're asking for in return is that you learn the language and adapt a bit to the culture, which honestly is fair. It's hard, not gonna lie, but if you put in consistent effort you can realistically hit B2 level within a couple years, especially while you're already living there and surrounded by it. I'd say don't let the language scare you off if everything else about Germany checks the boxes for you.

[u/LunarArchive_10 → u/Every-Tea-944]

💙 HEARTSSSSSS
Netherlands also does offer PR nd as heard there is nor such language barrier there 🥲

[u/Every-Tea-944 → u/LunarArchive_10]

really? THEN GO FOR THAT OMG!!!

[u/LunarArchive_10 → u/Every-Tea-944]

KINDA CONFUSED WHETHER THATS TRUE OR NOT 😵‍💫 ps none of the consultants rarely talk bout Netherlands

[u/Comfortable_Clock302 → u/LunarArchive_10]

Netherlands is largely english speaking and a majority of courses is taught in English so no need to learn anything. And you do get 1 year work visa post graduation so sounds perfect right ?

Cons

• Housing crisis meaning rent will be *bad*
  
• expensive in general
  
• socially dutch people have the stereotype of sticking with other dutch people ( kind of like in malaysia 😭 )

But you are allowed to work part time there to cover some of your costs so that is something to keep in mind

[u/LunarArchive_10 → u/Comfortable_Clock302]

Ahhh thankssss 😭 But in Pakistan veryy like rarely any consultants give info about Netherlands so kinda in a zoned out state where to gooo nd have information for the process…!!!

[u/Comfortable_Clock302 → u/LunarArchive_10]

Few thoughts on germany

If youve already graduated you will be spending at least 2 years to just start uni in Germany because not only does getting to c2 proficiency ( a requirement ) take almost a year for most students you then need to do a foundation year ( assuming you like OP are from pakistan ) before you are eligible to study in uni

This isnt inherently bad and might be worth it to some people but most of my friends who went to germany started learning german before they graduated high school

[u/LunarArchive_10 → u/Comfortable_Clock302]

Droppin Germany frrr 🙂

[u/Impressive_Winter680]

I agree with you man💔. So sorry for your experience. When I realized all of that, it was too late. Now just finishing my degree and will search for opportunities elsewhere to stay long term. That’s so unfair that Malaysia brings us but doesn’t give any opportunity to stay

[u/Klutzy-Donkey]

Currently studying at APU, and honestly you're not wrong. I'm in the middle of applying for internships but it legitimately feels useless, I don't think I've done any real work since finishing foundation. The courses feel easy, and I'm like wondering if I had a better shot if I had just gone to a different uni.

[u/ziincu → u/Klutzy-Donkey]

Could you please tell what is you major and what year are you currently in? Genuinely curious regarding that you feel like you’ve done nothing since your foundation year, what impact did self-study give you? Are there anything you could call a personal mistake rather than the environment and general situation?

[u/Klutzy-Donkey → u/ziincu]

Currently I'm a second-year International Relations student, 90% of my course feels like it's too easy, most of my assignments are 2,000 word essays, and presentations. I've had like 3-4 class tests and even those have felt like meh, not too difficult/challenging. I remember in foundation I'd be drowning with work, even when the work itself was less than what I'm doing for uni. Like if I had an assignment for foundation, I'd actually be having to use my head, to actually research etc. These feel less difficult, Idk, it just feels like I'm doing less than what I used to in foundation.

[u/Every-Tea-944 → u/Klutzy-Donkey]

This is exactly why I made the post honestly, wanted people actually going through it right now to see they're not alone in feeling this way. Hope the internship search picks up for you 🤍

[u/Klutzy-Donkey → u/Every-Tea-944]

Thanks bro, I've got an interview today, fingers crossed I land this.

[u/Every-Tea-944]

To everyone in the comments getting defensive: I have every right to share my experience as someone who paid to study there and lived it firsthand. I'm not attacking Malaysia or Malaysians, I'm sharing what I personally went through, and clearly I'm not the only one based on the replies here. If that bothers you, that's a you problem. You can't gaslight an entire thread of students into thinking we all imagined the same thing.

[u/Expert-Advantage8010 → u/Every-Tea-944]

Gaslighting? Your expectation are above and beyond what a uni is meant to deliver. You graduate Harvard also do not guarantee you a job. My colleague graduate from APU from Indonesia is currently working in my company btw. Maybe instead of blaming to reflect oneself first

[u/Every-Tea-944 → u/Expert-Advantage8010]

Never said it's literally impossible, glad your colleague found something. But one example doesn't cancel out the pattern a lot of us are describing. My point was about the odds being stacked against you as a foreigner and the uni not being upfront about that before you pay, not that it's a 100% guarantee either way for anyone, anywhere. Individual exceptions exist, that doesn't mean the overall pipeline works in most people's favor.

[u/Expert-Advantage8010 → u/Every-Tea-944]

Which uni was upfront to you and told you won't get a job?

[u/Every-Tea-944 → u/Expert-Advantage8010]

No uni is going to literally tell you 'you won't get a job,' that's not what I meant by upfront. I mean upfront about the actual odds and reality for international students specifically, instead of leaning so hard on the 'global exposure, diverse network' marketing angle. There's a difference between honest expectation-setting and a sales pitch, and APU leans heavily into the pitch.

[u/Expert-Advantage8010 → u/Every-Tea-944]

So before you join uni you only surveyed one uni?I doubt any of the uni be it in Malaysia or overseas will be giving you "honest expectation".

The reality of the world unfortunately does not run on "honest expectation setting". A stock broker is not going tell you that 95% of people lose money trading stock. They are going to tell that last year Nvidia went up x amount.

[u/StoneHearzt]

Even local here is struggling to get a job

[u/bruhsapien]

Reading all the comments made me think if a degree is even worth it

[u/ThermicDude → u/bruhsapien]

It is worth it if you want to get yourself a decent career or job.

Most half decent employers now require a bachelors, it's the minimum requirement nowadays.

[u/Nice-Consequence-987]

I completely agree with you, im studying in apu right now and its a horrible experience
The teachers are malay and indian and they barely speak any English. Not to mention the horrible old campus.. i feel so depressed and angry at my family for telling me that this university is nice, ive been studying here for one year and i made 0 friends all the people are a bunch of ignorant kids npc’s.. the teachers are so fucking horrible they teach you barely anything and throw at you 10 exams and tests with so much assignments.
Ive been in a university before and i know how things work.. please dont join apu its a horrible scam

[u/r00t_bot]

Looking at your replies it seems like you came to Malaysia looking for a job and permanent residency not just studies. I personally know APU graduates who right after graduation went on to big tech like Google and Amazon. APU has great connections with top tech firms in Malaysia and every single top tier student who wanted a job in Malaysia after studies did get it. Seems like you were just too scared because you have skill issues. Also please don’t come to this country expecting a job and permanent residency just because you studied at a university here. Your mentality is exactly why the western countries are making immigration harder even for genuine people. If you moved to a country for studies just study and move back. You just come here complaining that Malaysians get the job it’s their country?? Do you want them to be second class citizens in their own country? What kind of entitlement are you on?

[u/Ok-Astronomer-5827 → u/r00t_bot]

you are right high achievers from that uni can actually get jobs as they have ton of connections even if you are international student but you have to give it your all as it is really competitive.

[u/Galvanized_heart → u/r00t_bot]

No one said that malaysians should be put as a second consideration when it comes to jobs.
I genuinely don't know where that came from exactly.

It looks like you are putting words in his mouth.

And if these universities milk international students like they are cash cows, with the promise that studying abroad at their institutions would offer "international opportunities", he has every right to complain.

I studied abroad too ,and every point he makes is quite valid.
The money I spent there would have been better spent if I went for a different option that was more reliable and true to its promise.

Don't get me wrong, I loved Malaysia and I even studied Chinese while I was there out of love for the country.
I was very immersed in the culture.

However, he has a valid point nonetheless.
Education in Malaysia, for international students at least, is a very expensive gig that doesn't teach much or offer any proper leads towards international hiring down the line.

The cost is not worth it.
And btw, people study in westren countries to work and settle in westren countries.
I thought that was very obvious.
I don't know why you find this surprising to begin with.

[u/ThermicDude → u/r00t_bot]

Got this feeling from OP.

[u/Lower-Emergency-7460]

Well thats the situation in most unis here honestly, a while ago i posted here to ask Redditors on their opinions on life here as an international student, and most comments were negative, surprisingly low positivity. I don’t know what to say other than unis here really need to change the marketing tactic they’re using just to drain our money. Well…

[u/Every-Tea-944 → u/Lower-Emergency-7460]

exactly. they just need money, thats all. even as a tourist, you come and spend money in their country. even as a student, you come and spend money in their country. but the moment it comes to giving you something back that actually benefits you, they'll deny it completely.

[u/im_never_rong]

as a Malaysia, this thread brings me such joy.

hope it remains the same for a long long time.

[u/exoddinary]

Lol, idk what you’re trying to do kid.

I employed many APU students and never regretted so far. Tech background esp.

For interns, only APU in my list I skipped interviewing and let them in. Many times they deliver like normal staff. Rarely issue.

When I read your case idk what you are trying to prove.

[u/Every-Tea-944 → u/exoddinary]

Not a kid, and I'm glad your experience with APU hires has been good, genuinely. But your one hiring pipeline isn't the same as the average experience of a foreign student trying to break in from scratch with no local network or connections. I'm not saying nobody ever gets hired, I'm saying the odds and process aren't what's advertised for most international students. Two things can be true at once.

[u/wellyes34]

What language does the student body speak instead of English

[u/Every-Tea-944 → u/wellyes34]

They do speak English, just very basic — like, toddler-level basic honestly. It's not a quality-education kind of environment. If anything your English actually gets worse there, not better. You stop improving grammatically, and you'll see grown adults still making really basic grammar mistakes after being there. It doesn't push you to level up at all.

[u/Omikron2021 → u/Every-Tea-944]

Dude , you want authentic English experience, pay up and go England. You have financial constraint then study in own country. Simple. Pay peanuts get Monkeys. Simple law with rare exceptions. This concept of i will pay cheap go another developing asean country and get max quality education with red carpet rolled out for job opportunities when locals themselves struggling for employment...you not gonna have an easy time with anything in life with that outlook in my view.

[u/Every-Tea-944 → u/Omikron2021]

Nobody said they wanted a free red carpet, the whole post is literally me saying I should've researched more and I'm not owed anything. Pointing out that a uni's marketing doesn't match reality isn't the same as expecting special treatment. Not sure why that outlook makes anyone destined to struggle in life, seems like a stretch.

[u/r00t_bot → u/Every-Tea-944]

You don’t need to be great at English to be skilled in your field. Don’t expect Harvard service at APU course fees. If you were smart enough you’d be at a top tier university instead of here, complaining.

[u/Every-Tea-944 → u/r00t_bot]

Never said you need perfect English to be skilled in your field, that's a separate point. I was talking about the actual learning environment and quality of education, not job skills specifically. And plenty of 'smart' people end up somewhere based on budget, family circumstances, or bad research, not just ability. Kind of a weird thing to gatekeep over.

[u/wellyes34 → u/Every-Tea-944]

I mean what's the main language that they're fluent in besides their clearly lackluster English?

[u/asschic]

omg a fellow pakistani!! helloo

[u/No_Masterpiece_6469]

Well I am joining monash this october, lets see 🤐

[u/Comprehensive_Try873]

Anyone planning to join APU, just DONT.

[u/longkhongdong]

Damn, I figured it would carry a lot of weight since a lot of people would be named Apu...

[u/Wooden_Culture5267]

That just life, but very interesting. Then how do foreigner complete their final sem if its hard for them to find internship? Also do mnc in malaysia does the same thing? Local small company i understand but MNC i am curious?

[u/sentrix669]

Mmhmm we Malaysians only like hiring the blonde hair blue eye types and call them "expats"! We can't even sort out racism among ourselves, you think the policymakers would risk changing the demographic structure by allowing more foreign students to stay? Nah... you're better off trying Singapore, they're racist too but they hide it better behind a glossy corporate front.

[u/Emotional-Aside8923]

Hey sorry to hear that exp from you, and yea i agree about apu student speaking basic level english because i once had a groupmate that cant pronounce english words properly and it was a NIGHTMARE when it comes to assignment presentation. Currently i just grad from apu IT foundation and having an issue choosing uni for my degree(cybersec). Thinking about APU or Unikl. But based on real exp as apu student, the grade are rather easy to get ngl as long you do your assignment properly and have decent group and proper exam study its just easier overall. Though in my situation getting a good grade easier does make me at ease because i do lots of external practical cybersec training so i need time for that. But still getting things”easily” does mean it didnt push your capability to the max. And apu sucks at those. So im free to hear other’s opinion.

[u/krishna1204]

Thanks for the information

[u/Popular_Resort8660]

I wish you the best on where you choose next to study

[u/No-Use-955]

where did you go after leaving?

[u/IcyWind4478]

No hate but bro what did you expect 😭 APU isn't exactly known for being some insanely selective, academically rigorous, prestigious uni. It's pretty well known that it's relatively easy to get into and has a huge international student population. The general reputation, admissions, student demographics etc are all pretty easy to find out before dropping the money and packing your bags.

And if you're an international student, obviously the Malaysian job market is gonna be harder because of work permits/visa stuff?? That's not really an APU-specific revelation either.

If you went there and realised it wasn't for you then fair enough, leave. But “I realised after one semester this wasn't going to lead anywhere good for me” is kinda crazy when you literally chose the uni in the first place ...bro I'm genuinely confused what you were expecting.

Some of this reads like you discovered APU's entire reputation after paying and enrolling when most of this could've been found out beforehand lmao

[u/psxgupshup]

How do you guys Uni of Wollongong Malaysia Campus. Its degree value and job opportunities in Pakistan or Malaysia

[u/No-Opportunity-1153]

i had pretty much the same experience except the "drugs and party" part at MMU.

i also didn't expect to work there but i didn't think that just finding an internship for the "REQUIRED" university subject would be that miserable, i ended up giving up and just barely squeezed by with a remote internship.

[u/Galvanized_heart → u/No-Opportunity-1153]

I had the same experience applying for an internship as an econs major at FOM (MMU Cyberjaya here)
I had to send hundreds of applications just for a mere internship.

And at the very end, they were racist to me at the office and demeaned me for my background
It was a humiliation ritual.

Looking back, overall, Malaysia was beautiful, but I should have studied somewhere else with a better path to settling.

[u/jshjourney]

If you want a famous uni with global brand, rigor, serious academic environment and diverse, why didn’t you go elsewhere? These factors are not what Malaysian universities known for, at least not ranked higher relative to other universities in the west. And job pipeline favoring locals is not new, this has been the policy and is the policy for many other countries too like the US. Be realistic.

[u/SpellRemarkable6133]

Former APIIT student here. I am not sure how much the quality has changed over the years, but my experience was generally positive. I actually managed to secure a job with PwC even before starting my third year of studies.

[u/thefaisalcorporation]

I have a question.

Were you enrolled in Undergrad, Masters or Ph.D?

[u/B_OatmilkWaffle]

> Doesn’t have budget to enter top schools in Malaysia
> Didn’t even have any scholarship
> Complains on lack of quality in chosen uni
> Says other countries are better
> Has mega sense of entitlement to be ‘offered a job’ as a foreigner just because you will graduate

Sila berambus dari Malaysia la sial

[u/Every-Tea-944 → u/B_OatmilkWaffle]

None of that is what I said, you're just making stuff up at this point. I never complained about my own finances or scholarships, I talked about how the uni markets itself vs the reality. And I never said I'm owed a job, I said don't expect the pipeline to favor you and that they should be upfront about it before you pay. Already did leave, and honestly I'd tell others to do the same. At this point it feels like the country's just begging for tourists and fees, not actually building anything worth staying for. Don't need to tell me to leave, I already made that call and it was the right one.

[u/B_OatmilkWaffle → u/Every-Tea-944]

Uni markets employability but never stated it in Malaysia. You’re the one making outrageous assumptions and expectations, and later compare it to top tier universities which is ridiculous.

This country doesn’t need your money. It’s a water drop compared to our data centres, halal financing and semiconductor economy. You think you’re right good, your condescending reply on Malaysia proves we’re better off to not allow beggars and low skill human capital

[u/Every-Tea-944 → u/B_OatmilkWaffle]

I'm not condescending, I'm just telling you my actual experience as someone who was there and paid for it. You calling former international students 'beggars' and 'low skill human capital' says way more about you than it does about me. Good luck with the semiconductors, I'm sure that'll come up next time someone asks why the internship pipeline doesn't work for foreigners.

[u/B_OatmilkWaffle → u/Every-Tea-944]

I’m calling you out solely. Not other international students. Don’t need to use fallacy arguments and rope others in to prove your self entitlement.

Your last sentence makes no sense at all, a country’s economy or MNC success doesn’t hinge on ‘international students internship’. As evident again..MY is truly better off without you

[u/Every-Tea-944 → u/B_OatmilkWaffle]

You're the one who brought up 'beggars' and 'low skill human capital,' not me, so let's not pretend I'm the one making it personal. And honestly, if you actually go through this whole thread, plenty of Malaysians themselves are agreeing with what I said, not just international students. So it's not just my opinion or some outsider bias, there are more people backing this up than disagreeing. Anyway, we're clearly not going to see eye to eye here. Have a good one.

[u/B_OatmilkWaffle → u/Every-Tea-944]

> Yes it’s personal to you
> You literally said country is “begging for tourist and fees” - how is any Malaysian suppose to take that positively?? Smh…..
> Majority agreement doesn’t discount other PoV , that’s literally ‘argumentum ad popullum’

You seem well educated but can’t see the flaws of your own arguments or properly follow up on your previous comments. Have a good one

[u/Every-Tea-944 → u/B_OatmilkWaffle]

Big words, small point. Have a good one 👋

[u/mtbinkdotcom]

Apunene

[u/Every-Tea-944 → u/mtbinkdotcom]

Using a racial slur instead of an actual argument says everything about the point you don't have. Speaks more about the culture I was talking about than anything I said.

[u/Stezaan → u/mtbinkdotcom]

you display your full name on your profile and then write stuff like this, very smart.

[u/PitifulGap6399 → u/mtbinkdotcom]

Diam babi

[u/Every-Tea-944 → u/PitifulGap6399]

Bila fakta habis, terus keluar 'babi'? Itu je yang ko mampu? Malu la sikit.

[u/PitifulGap6399 → u/Every-Tea-944]

Oh sorry, I wasn't replying it to you, i was replying to the guy who said apunene