ABSTRACT
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused major disruptions to several industries including higher education. Malaysia has attempted to be a hub of educational excellence by transforming its higher education, thereby attracting international students as key drivers to its economy and internationalization. This study aims to identify the current challenges international students have faced due to the pandemic and proposes solutions to tackle those challenges. The data for this study was collected qualitatively through focus group interviews using a purposive sample of students, administrative, and academic staff of two universities in Malaysia. Data was collected between October 2020 and January 2021, covering the COVID situation for the whole of year 2020 to reflect the experiences of the international students. The results indicate that the students have some major concerns as a result of numerous academic, administrative, social, financial, and emotional challenges they have been facing. Addressing the challenges and concerns is of great importance in ensuring the sustainability of keeping universities in Malaysia appealing destinations to international students. The research proposes some solutions for improving the current situation in light of the findings of the study. © 2022 selection and editorial matter, Sheena Kaur, Prasana Rosaline Fernandez, and Ali Jalalian Daghigh.