Education

In Malaysia, refugee and asylum-seeking children and youth do not have access to public schools at any level. As a result, most access education through informal, community-based learning centres established and managed by non-governmental organisations, refugee communities, and private individuals.  

There are approximately 160 refugee learning centres across Peninsular Malaysia that are recognized by UNHCR based on these guidelines. While UNHCR and its partners may provide limited financial assistance to a small number of centres, support is primarily technical in nature. Recognition by UNHCR does not imply consistent or comprehensive funding, and many centres operate with minimal resources and rely heavily on community support. 

To locate a learning centre nearest to you, you may reach out to your respective community groups or leaders, who may be able to guide you to nearby learning centres and available education options. You can also approach trusted organisations working with refugees for further information and referrals. Each learning centre has its own enrolment policies and fee structure. Some centres charge fees, others may not. We encourage you to contact the learning centres directly for the most up-to-date information. 

Due to funding constraints, UNHCR is not able to provide financial assistance to cover school fees. 

Pre-primary / Early Childhood Education 

Pre-primary or early childhood education is for children aged 3 years old to 6 years old. It will prepare children for primary education. 

At this stage, children develop foundational language, social, and cognitive skills through interaction with peers and teachers. They are introduced to basic concepts such as the alphabet and numbers, while being encouraged to explore and learn through play and structured activities. 

UNHCR does not formally recognise or support nurseries or daycare centres. While some private daycare centres and preschools may be accessible to refugees and asylum-seekers, admission is subject to each centre’s individual policies and requirements. Costs can also be a significant barrier for many families. 

Families may also consider reaching out to refugee learning centres that offer pre-primary classes. While the number of such centres is limited, some learning centres do provide early childhood education, often combined with primary-level classes. 

We encourage families to contact centres directly to inquire about availability, eligibility, and fees. 

Primary / Elementary Education 

Primary education is for children aged 6 to 13 years old. It teaches them reading, writing and mathematics. It also provides a foundation for learning in all areas of knowledge and personal development, preparing children for secondary education and beyond. This stage prepares children for secondary education and typically takes six years to complete. 

The majority of refugee learning centres operate at the primary level, making it the most accessible stage of education for refugee children in Malaysia. Many centres adopt a mix of curricula, often combining elements of international and national syllabi to meet the diverse needs of their students and teaching capacities. 

As approaches may vary across centres, families are encouraged to contact learning centres directly to understand their curriculum, language of instruction, enrolment policies, and any associated fees. 

Secondary Education 

Secondary education is for children aged 13 years old and above. It builds on the foundations of primary education, further strengthening literacy, numeracy, and critical thinking skills. At this level, students are typically taught by subject specialists and engage in more in-depth, subject-based learning. 

Access to secondary education for refugee students in Malaysia is more limited compared to the primary level, with fewer learning centres offering secondary classes. Among those that do, some prepare students for international examinations such as the IGCSE and GED, depending on the centre’s capacity and resources. 

Students may also consider sitting for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) as private candidates, which provides a nationally recognised certification. However, access to information, preparation support, and examination fees can present challenges. 

In addition to academic pathways, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes are available through selected learning centres, offering practical skills development and alternative routes for further education and livelihoods. 

Families and students are encouraged to contact learning centres and training providers directly to understand available pathways, entry requirements, and associated costs. 

Higher / Post-Secondary / Tertiary Education 

Higher education, also called post-secondary, third level or tertiary education, is the stage following the completion of secondary education. It is an optional final stage of formal learning, where students choose specialised fields of study that will later enable them to receive an academic degree and pursue careers in chosen fields as professionals. 

In Malaysia, refugees and asylum-seekers do not have access to public universities and government tertiary institutions. Opportunities to pursue higher education are therefore limited. 

A small number of refugee youth have been able to enrol in programmes offered by private colleges and universities, typically through special arrangements such as scholarships or institutional support initiatives. These opportunities are limited, highly competitive, and vary across institutions. Tuition fees at private institutions can also be a significant barrier without financial assistance. Some educational institutions outside Malaysia also offer scholarships for refugees globally, and in certain cases may provide support for recipients to travel and study in the host country. However, these opportunities are limited and highly competitive, with only a small number of refugee students from Malaysia able to access them each year.https://services.unhcr.org/opportunities/ Please visit Scholarship Opportunities to search for scholarships available to refugees. 

UNHCR has also strived to increase learning opportunities through connected learning, which is an innovative form of higher education that uses technology to combine face-to-face and online learning. It enables students living in remote areas or who do not otherwise have access to higher education to connect with top universities. Since 2010, over 25,000 refugee learners in 23 countries have participated in connected learning programmes on platforms, such as Coursera. Please visit Coursera for more information on how refugees anywhere in the world can access Coursera. 

Other opportunities and pathways 

There are a small number of additional opportunities that may help refugee youth access higher education. These include education complementary pathways, where selected students may be able to study in another country through scholarship programmes. In some cases, support may include assistance with admission, documentation, and travel. 

Within Malaysia, some organisations provide support to help students prepare for higher education. For example, Fugee HiEd offers programmes such as the CERTE bridging programme, which helps students build skills for university applications, interviews, and academic readiness. A limited number of scholarship opportunities may also be available through Fugee HiEd Scholarship programme. 

However, these opportunities are very limited and highly competitive, and only a small number of students are selected each year.