Writen by: Sean Audivi Darian (11 SMA)
An intriguing thought, isn’t it? Usually, people think highly of private universities due to their revered reputation for generating many successful people. Basically a “set for life” factory, bright kindling soon to be adults paired up with the right environment and equipment needed for them to reach their goals. Meanwhile, public universities are mostly seen as inferior compared to private universities…this is debatable yet worth to explore further. Even if both harbour the same opportunity, to ensure prosperity towards the country in future generations, there is this lingering bias in almost everyone’s mind regarding which is better.
Apparently, that’s not the case for Malaysia… Somehow, the public universities here managed to outshine even international ones. A feat that has to be studied on how they did it, which is exactly what we’re going to do.
First important point to note is, public universities are backed up by governmental supervision. What does this mean exactly? Imagine if you enrol into a private university, the tuition fees will approximately be around RM 10,620 to RM 19,440. From where do I know this? It’s all based on the general knowledge of educational fees for private and public universities in Malaysia through a trusted blog. Taking an example, University of Selangor (UNISEL) has a tuition fee RM19,491 annually, ranked #1001 globally. Now, take a look at how cheaper the fees are for public universities… approximately starts at RM 5,080 to RM 7,000. Source? From the same blog as well. Let’s take an example, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) only demands RM5759 annually, ranked #651 (Asian ranking).
All thanks to government subsidies, it’s almost 5 times less the price compared to private universities. Now wait, what kind of subsidies are even provided? Get ready for this, (inhales), educational subsidies for tuition fees, scholarships and grants based on merit or need, financial aid programs like the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) offering subsidized loans, subsidized housing and living costs for students and, targeted subsidies for specific fields such as STEM, healthcare, and agriculture. Phew, that was a mouthful. Unfortunately, as good as it seems, it’s only available for the locals. Foreign students can’t relish in the same benefits thus having to bear the full cost of their education. If you want to find more, you might want to explore from this link….Public and private university blog: https://en.your-uni.com/blog/affordable-universities-in-malaysia
With this in mind, it’s a no -brainer how a lot of locals are able to truly flourish their capabilities. The nature of public universities having top education partnered with the government’s help, alongside having a substantially cheaper tuition fee really does wonders to its community.
Although payment capabilities play a big part in how most public universities are better than private universities, it’s not the only reason why they’re better. The hospitality and facilities play a role as well. Now, take the Pov of a public university student, you’ve had a busy day and are looking to spend the rest of your time improving yourself. That’s where the sheer amount of quality facilities come in. Due to its nature of being government supported, the campuses are typically larger, and it is only realistic that with more space comes many facilities. Feeling like getting the gains? Gym is the way to go. How about improving your literacy? Library it is. Dying to relax off from campus work? Student accommodations left, right and centre waiting for you. Craving for something? Cafeterias and dining areas should fill your desire. An itch to expand your knowledge? Research laboratories ready to be tinkered. Curious on how to appreciate things in life? Recreational areas are the way to go. Main point is, those facilities will most indefinitely keep you busy, whether that’d be researching for your own science thesis, or straight up relaxing with many options to choose from. Campus life is yours to enjoy and learn before diving into the real world. Perhaps you don’t feel like going anywhere? The freedom of making dorms your home will make you feel independent and ready for adulthood.
Alas, the cultural familiarity allows many students to express themselves. Growing as a person is one of, if not, the most important part of life. Finding out who we are, an identity we will stick to for the rest of our lives, and how we’ll be able to contribute to society, whether that’d be through philosophical or economical means. And to find out who we are, culture plays a big role in our day to day lives. Public university no doubt takes in many of the locals. This creates an environment where everyone is familiar with each other culturally. The localized vibes will predominantly create a space comfortable enough for people to show their true colours with one another. Confidence cemented from cultural familiarity also boosts the students up academically and socially. Being able to create stronger bonds with the teachers and many other students undeniably accelerates our understanding towards the path we choose for life.
As for private universities, it may be harder to connect with them since many of the students are international, hence the risk of not communicating at all to certain groups of people from country A or B surfaces. Be it from fear, social anxiety, or our general viewing towards a student’s country of origin. Though, both universities are equally strong in their own ways. These will be a major hindrance if you can’t cope with it.
Taking everything, I have stated into consideration now, what if I were to choose a university here in Malaysia, I will personally pick a public one, University Malaya. Why exactly? As a student of Sekolah Indonesia Kuala Lumpur (SIKL), I’ve seen many countless of alumni reach their dreams far beyond what they anticipated, some even going overseas. I even personally know someone who has successfully gotten themselves into University Malaya. For this exact reason I’m confident I can snatch myself a scholarship if I try my very best, thanks to this school and thanks to the Malaysian government. Though, this is still a “what if”, my plans for the future are for mine to keep. Until then, I will keep praying to God hoping I’ll reach them.
That concludes this discussion regarding how most of Malaysia’s public universities are better than private universities. From better accessibility fee wise, high end prepared facilities, and the cultural connection with everyone. It’s now as clear as day on how this incredible feat is achieved. Massive thanks for biding your time to this piece of literature, dear reader. May your journey in life lead you starward.
Whatever university you choose, if it comes from your heart desire …furnish with strong will and commitment and supported by your family, you will strive and be successful too. Just set your mind and soul to compete…Good luck! Until next time.