Core Viewpoint - The recent changes in admission policies at the University of Malaya have significantly impacted Chinese students' ability to apply, raising concerns about the accessibility and affordability of studying in Malaysia [3][9]. Group 1: Admission Policy Changes - The University of Malaya announced that starting from October 23, 2025, it will no longer accept international course results such as A-levels and OSSD from Chinese students, requiring them to submit domestic high school graduation certificates and Gaokao scores instead [3][5]. - The admission threshold for Gaokao has been raised to 70% of the total score, which translates to approximately 525 points [9]. - This policy change is a response to the increasing number of Chinese students applying to the university, which has led to heightened competition and a need to maintain academic standards [9][10]. Group 2: Trends in Chinese Students Studying Abroad - The number of Chinese students applying to study in Malaysia has surged, with over 26,735 applications reported, significantly higher than the previous year's total of 12,174 [6]. - Malaysia's appeal lies in its high cost-performance ratio, with annual expenses for studying there estimated at around 100,000 RMB [7]. - The trend reflects a broader diversification in study destinations for Chinese students, with a growing preference for Southeast Asia due to lower costs and favorable living conditions [6][7]. Group 3: Implications of Policy Changes - The tightening of admission standards at the University of Malaya may lead to increased costs for students, particularly those who now need to complete a preparatory course before entering the university [11]. - The preparatory course is expected to cost around 160,000 RMB for one year, which could exceed the total tuition fees for four years of university [11]. - The perception of Malaysia as a "value-for-money" study destination may diminish as costs rise and admission requirements become more stringent [11].