Some say it’s an investment. Others say it’s a financial trap. For many Malaysians, studying overseas is seen as a dream worth chasing.
But when that dream comes with a RM100,000 loan, is it still worth it?
That’s the question one woman recently asked online and it quickly sparked a heated debate among netizens.
“My dad insists on taking a RM100K loan…”
In a now-viral post, the woman shared that her father was adamant about taking a RM100,000 loan to fund her degree studies in Australia.
According to her, her father believed that if the money wasn’t enough, she could always:
- Look for scholarships later
- Work part-time while studying
However, she admitted she was hesitant about the idea especially since her family falls between the T20 and M40 income group.
It’s actually been my dream to study overseas… but I don’t like the idea of taking a loan,” she wrote.
“RM100K is nowhere near enough”
Many Malaysians were quick to point out that RM100K may not even cover the full cost of studying in Australia.
One user shared:
“Tuition fees alone can reach RM300K++ for 3 years, excluding rent and living expenses.”
Another added that even with a RM300K MARA loan, monthly expenses overseas could still fall short.
“RM1.7K allowance also wasn’t enough,” they claimed.
“If you need to borrow, it means you can’t afford it”
Some commenters took a more blunt stance, saying taking such a large loan may not be a wise move.
“If you have to take a loan, it means you can’t afford it.”
They also warned about the high cost of living in Australia, which could lead to financial stress during studies.
Scholarships aren’t that easy to get
Another reality check? Scholarships.
Several netizens pointed out that getting a scholarship after starting studies overseas is extremely difficult.
“Even students with straight A’s sometimes don’t get scholarships.”
Alternative paths: Study local, go overseas later
Instead of taking a large loan upfront, many suggested more practical alternatives:
- Study locally first
- Apply for scholarships later (Master’s/PhD)
- Consider twinning programmes
- Work and save before going overseas
One lecturer even shared her experience studying across multiple countries, saying:
“The teaching quality isn’t that different. What matters is choosing a field with strong job demand.”
“You don’t want financial stress while studying”
A recurring concern raised was the mental burden of debt.
Some warned that juggling studies, part-time work, and financial pressure could affect both:
- Academic performance
- Overall university experience
“You don’t want to struggle financially while studying, even if the loan is under your parents’ name.”
