Your handy guide to Malaysia’s student visa

Malaysia consistently recognizes as an international education hub. UNESCO ranks Malaysia among the world’s top 20 desired study locations, accounting for 2% of the global student population. Regarding student safety, the government takes preventive measures to guarantee international students around the country feel safe and may live happily in their off-campus housing in Malaysia. According to the Global Peace Index, Malaysia consistently ranks in the top 25 safest countries in the world. All this makes Malaysia a perfect study destination. Malaysia student visa will help you study in this beautiful country. Here are a few reasons why students prefer to study in Malaysia.

Why study in Malaysia?

By studying in Malaysia, students can benefit from a top-notch education, embrace diversity, enjoy affordable living, access financial support, and explore a region of incredible cultural richness.

World-class education

Malaysia is home to reputable universities and educational institutions that offer globally recognized programs. Many Malaysian universities rank internationally, providing a high-quality education that can open doors to a successful career.

Cultural diversity

Malaysia’s multicultural society creates a vibrant and inclusive environment for international students. Experiencing diverse cultures, languages, and traditions can broaden your horizons, enhance cultural intelligence, and foster lifelong friendships.

Affordable living costs

Compared to other study destinations, Malaysia offers a relatively low cost of living. Accommodation, transportation, and daily expenses are reasonable, allowing students to manage their budgets effectively and enjoy a comfortable lifestyle.

Scholarships and financial aid

Malaysia provides a range of scholarships and financial aid options for international students, including government-funded initiatives and university-specific grants. These opportunities can alleviate financial burdens and make studying in Malaysia more accessible and affordable.

Strategic location

Situated in the heart of Southeast Asia, Malaysia offers easy access to explore neighboring countries and their unique cultures. Traveling within the region is convenient and affordable, allowing students to enrich their experiences and create great memories.

Malaysian student visa requirements

When you apply to the Immigration Department for Malaysia’s student visa (i.e., your Visa Approval Letter), you must include the following documents-

A copy of your passport that shows-

• Your personal information
• Issuance and expiry date. The suggested passport validity period is 18 months.
• All the previous visas you have obtained.
• The page displays any changes made to the passport, such as extensions, clarifications of name, and previous passport numbers.

Other requirements

• Provide a photo of yourself that is sized 35mm x 45mm and has a white background. 
• The letter of acceptance from your Malaysian university.
• Previous academic certificates and official transcripts.
• To demonstrate good health, you will need to obtain a medical certificate. This requires undergoing a pre-arrival medical screening at an approved clinic overseas.
• Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate, if you are from a nation or recently traveled to a country at risk of Yellow Fever transmission.
• All international students must sign a Personal Bond to guarantee their compliance with Malaysia’s immigration laws. They will return your bond as long as you comply with all regulations. 
• Proof of financial stability.
• Proof of English language proficiency. You must undergo an English language test and attach the certificate, which shows you have an acceptable level of English (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, CAE, CPE).

How to apply for Malaysia’s student visa Approval Letter (VAL)?

After being accepted into a Malaysian educational institution, you have two methods for obtaining a Visa Approval Letter-

• You can apply directly through the Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) website.
• You can delegate the process to your university.

To apply, you must gather all the necessary documentation proving your eligibility for a Malaysian student visa. Then, on the EMGS website, you must register an account.

Since you submit the application online, you must upload electronic copies of your documents.

When they approve your visa, you will receive an email with the Visa Approval Letter (VAL). You must always print it and maintain the electronic and physical versions with you.

What is the process of applying for Malaysia’s student visa in 2023?

Follow the below steps to obtain your Malaysian student visa-

1. Accept admission to a Malaysian university- Accept your chosen institution’s formal admissions letter and pay any enrollment fees.

2. Procedure for student passes- The university starts the application process. They will contact Malaysian immigration authorities on your behalf to apply. After filling out the standard application form, they’ll ask you to read and digitally sign it.

3. Gather the documents- You will need to provide the necessary documents to your university for them to finish the application. Ensure to provide all the documents as mentioned above.

4. Pay the visa application fee- Some colleges charge a processing cost in addition to the government application fee. The institution will determine the precise sum.

5. Final decision- The immigration authorities will usually notify the institution of the outcome of your application within a week.

6. Obtain an approval letter- Your university will send you the visa acceptance letter (VAL). This temporary student pass will allow you to enter the nation. When you arrive, you must show this to immigration officers.

7. Please notify the institution of your trip plans- Send your arrival dates, airport location, and flight numbers to the institution. Typically, a university representative will meet you at the airport.

8. Obtain your student pass- Within two weeks after your arrival, your university will forward your passport to the immigration authorities. It will include your student pass sticker when it returns.

Malaysia study visa cost

International students seeking a Malaysia student study visa must pay the following fees. The fees for a visa may vary depending on the program, university, and type of application. 

Fee type	Less than 6 months	Between 6 and 12 months
New student processing fee	500RM	1000RM
eVAL	150RM	150RM
iKad	50RM	50RM
Medical	250RM	250RM

Visa processing time

Malaysia student visa processing duration is now 4 to 6 weeks. The time it takes to get a visa interview varies significantly between nations. If you submit an incomplete application or have a complex case, the processing time for Malaysia’s student visa may vary. 

How long is a Malaysia student pass valid?

Your degree of study determines the duration of your Malaysia student visa.

Your student pass is valid for 6 months if enrolled in a language school. However, you can extend it.

Most courses have a one-year student pass, which you can renew. For specific courses, you might receive a student pass that is valid for the entire duration of the course.

Malaysia student pass renewal

If you need to renew your Malaysian student pass, visit the EMGS website. To renew your Malaysian student pass, you must maintain a minimum CGPA of 2.0 and attend at least 80% of your classes.

You must provide a copy of your passport (with the biodata page and visa pages), educational transcripts, and certificates.

The additional conditions for renewal correspond to the standards for admission to your educational institution.

Top 10 Malaysian universities for international students

The best universities include-

• Universiti Malaya (UM)
• Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)
• Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)
• Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)
• Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)
• Universiti Teknologi Petronas
• Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM)
• Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM)
• International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM)
• Multimedia University (MMU)

Key takeaways

• The country provides a vibrant multicultural environment where students can interact with people from various backgrounds and cultures. 
• Obtaining a student visa of Malaysia is a straightforward process for international students. Students must have a letter of acceptance from a recognized Malaysian educational institution to apply. They must also provide proof of financial capability to cover tuition fees and living expenses throughout their study period.
• It is simple to apply for a Malaysian student visa. The entire procedure, from application to visa receipt, usually takes four to six weeks.

Discover the enriching blend of world-class education, cultural diversity, and rich experiences awaiting international students in Malaysia, creating good memories and a transformative academic journey. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you’re interested in studying abroad and want information on Malaysia Student visa.

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FAQs

Q1. What is iKad for a Malaysia study visa?

Answer- iKad is an identity card issued to non-Malaysian citizens with lawful residency in Malaysia. Before obtaining an iKad, a student pass is essential.

Q2. Is it challenging to get a Malaysia Study Visa?

Answer- Malaysia’s study visa acceptance rate is 90%, more significant than in the United States and the United Kingdom. 

Q3. Can international students work on Malaysia’s student visa?

Answer- While Malaysian colleges have particular criteria for students pursuing part-time employment, the Malaysian government allows international students to work 20 hours per week during their school duration.