KUALA LUMPUR, Dec. 18 -- Malaysian universities continue to draw thousands of foreign students each year, with Chinese nationals leading the pack.

Data from Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) obtained by Malay Mail shows 29,388 students from China enrolled in public and private universities from January to November 30 this year, far ahead of Bangladesh (8,957) and India (3,410).

EMGS chief Novie Tajuddin said the slight dip from China - a 3 per cent decline from last year - is due to many top universities in Malaysia hitting their quota for international students, a move designed to maintain quality and balance campus resources.

"As a result, they are unable to admit additional foreign students until enough current international...