Application Guide

What are the main requirements to study in Malaysia?

International students must have at least twelve (12) years of education and have undergone a national/international examination recognized by the Ministry of Education for the purpose of admission to diploma or degree programmes.

What is the average tuition fees in Malaysia?

For detailed information, please liaise directly with the institutions you are considering.

Are there scholarships?

You will need to check with the college/university that has accepted you as a student on this matter. The Malaysian government also offers scholarship opportunities to talented students. For further information on these scholarships, you can refer to this link: https://biasiswa.mohe.gov.my/INTER/

Can I study part time?

Under current rules, except for mobility programmes, international students can only enrol for full-time courses. However, your actual schedule depends your academic course. Students often find ample time in between lectures and coursework to pursue hobbies and other interests.

Travels are quick and easy, so going on a short holiday is a luxury everyone can afford. In between studies, students can also work part-time when they are on a semester break or holiday period of more than 7 days. You can read more on working part-time while studying here.

Can I pursue two degrees at the same time?

No, you are only allowed to study one full-time degree at any one time.

How can I work in Malaysia after graduation?

You can read here for more information.

What is a Student Pass?

A Student Pass is an immigration pass issued by the Malaysian Immigration Department that allows international students to stay in Malaysia legally for study purposes at an approved educational institution.

How do I apply for a Student Pass?

Applications must be submitted online via the EMGS website, the EMGS mobile application (EMGS HUB), or through the education institution via the STARS system (Student Application Registration System) after the student has accepted the offer of admission from the respective institution.

What are the required documents for a Student Pass application?

The following documents are required for submission:
i. Passport-sized photograph
ii. Passport biodata page
iii. Offer Letter
iv. Health Declaration Form
v. Academic certificates and transcripts
vi. Other documents (if applicable):
    a) No Objection Certificate (NOC) – for applicants from Sudan
    b) No Objection Letter (NOL) - for applicants from Oman
    c) Letter of Eligibility (LOE) - for applicants from Iran and Libya
For more details, applicants may refer to the EMGS website: https://visa.educationmalaysia.gov.my/guidelines/required-documents

What are the main stages of a Student Pass application?

The process generally includes:
i. Offer Letter issued to the applicant by the institution
ii. Online application submission to EMGS
iii. Academic screening and document verification
iv. Issuance of electronic Visa Approval Letter (eVAL)
v. Travel to Malaysia
vi. Medical screening
vii. Passport endorsement

How long does the Student Pass application process take?

Processing time may vary depending on document completeness and clearance from relevant agencies. The client charter is 14 working days for a complete application. However, incomplete or incorrect document submissions may result in additional processing time.

What is an electronic Visa Approval Letter (eVAL)?

An electronic Visa Approval Letter (eVAL) is an approval issued by the Immigration Department of Malaysia prior to a student's entry into Malaysia. Students are required to obtain a Single-Entry Visa (if applicable) and enter Malaysia for study purposes.

I am a new student. Can I apply for an eVAL while in Malaysia or travel to Malaysia while my eVAL is being processed?

A student may only enter Malaysia after receiving the eVAL. Entering Malaysia while the eVAL is still being processed is not permitted.

How long is the eVAL valid?

The eVAL is valid for six (6) months from the date of issuance.

What is a Single-Entry Visa (SEV)?

A Single-Entry Visa (SEV) is a mandatory, one-time entry visa issued to foreign nationals from specific countries. It must be obtained through Malaysia's eVISA system before travelling to Malaysia. Students may apply for an eVISA via: https://malaysiavisa.imi.gov.my/evisa/login. Students may refer to the list of countries that require a Single-Entry Visa (SEV) on the EMGS website: https://visa.educationmalaysia.gov.my/guidelines/sev-required-countries

Is medical screening mandatory?

Yes. All international students are required to undergo post-arrival medical screening upon arrival in Malaysia as part of the Student Pass application process.

Where can the medical examination be done?

Post-arrival medical screening can be conducted at an EMGS panel clinic or at the university's in-house clinic for students enrolled in public universities.

What happens if a student fails the medical screening?

Students who fail the medical screening may submit an appeal at the same EMGS panel clinic where the screening was conducted. The appeal must be submitted within three (3) days of receiving the notification.

Is it mandatory for international students to have insurance coverage?

Yes. It is compulsory for all international students entering Malaysia to have insurance coverage throughout their period of study.

When does the insurance policy coverage purchased through EMGS start?

For new applications, students who purchase insurance through EMGS will be covered from the date of entry into Malaysia. Coverage for renewal applications will follow the approved Student Pass renewal duration.

What is Student Pass endorsement?

Student Pass endorsement is the process of issuing the Student Pass in the student's passport after arrival in Malaysia.

How long is the Student Pass valid?

The Student Pass is usually issued with a validity of up to one (1) year at a time. Renewal is subject to meeting the required conditions and the approved duration of study.

When should a Student Pass be renewed?

Renewal applications should be submitted before the expiry of the current Student Pass to avoid overstaying issues. EMGS strongly recommends submitting renewal applications as early as three (3) months before expiry.

Can I change my course, and how will it affect my eVAL?

Yes, international students may change their course after receiving the eVAL; however, procedures differ according to the following scenarios:

Scenario 1: Student received the eVAL but has not entered Malaysia. The institution must submit an eVAL cancellation application. Upon approval by the Immigration Department of Malaysia, a new eVAL application may be submitted for the new course.

Scenario 2: Student entered Malaysia using the eVAL but has not obtained the Student Pass. The student must exit Malaysia. The institution must submit an eVAL cancellation application, after which a new eVAL application may be submitted for the new course.

Scenario 3: Student entered Malaysia using the eVAL and has obtained the Student Pass. The institution may submit a Variation application for the new course. This option is only applicable once and must be submitted within 18 months after completion of the first semester. If Variation requirements are not met, the student must apply as a new applicant. The institution must shorten the Student Pass (via a Check Out Memo application) and ensure the student exits Malaysia before reapplying for a new eVAL.

What is a Variation application?

A Variation application is submitted when there is a change of programme or institution while the student remains in Malaysia. Eligibility requirements include: completion of at least one semester of the main programme, application submitted within 18 months after completion of the first semester, and enrolment in a Bachelor's Degree or above programme.

What is a Progression application?

A Progression application is submitted when a student advances to a higher level of study (e.g., Bachelor's Degree to Master's Degree) while remaining in Malaysia.

Does a new Student Pass need to be issued for progression or variation?

Yes. Students must obtain a new eVAL and endorse a new Student Pass under the new programme or institution. Only students with a valid pass may remain in Malaysia during the application process, subject to immigration regulations.

22. Can students bring dependants to Malaysia?

Eligible students may apply for Dependant Passes for their immediate family members (husband, wife, children, father, mother, father-in-law, and mother-in-law), subject to Malaysian immigration requirements.

i. Postgraduate students are eligible to apply for Dependant Passes.
ii. Undergraduate (Bachelor's Degree) students may only apply if they are citizens of the listed countries.

What is a Graduate Pass?

The Graduate Pass is a Long-Term Visit Pass that allows international students to stay in Malaysia for up to one (1) year after graduation.

Who is eligible to apply for a Graduate Pass?

International students who have completed a Bachelor's Degree or higher at a Higher Education Institution (HEI) in Malaysia.

What are the requirements to apply for the Graduate Pass?

i. Proof of completion via an official confirmation letter issued by the HEI
ii. A valid Student Pass at the time of application
iii. A passport with at least 18 months' validity
iv. Active health insurance coverage for 12 months
v. Submission of a Personal Bond with a Malaysian citizen sponsor earning not less than RM1,500
vi. No legal convictions in Malaysia

What are the benefits of the Graduate Pass?

Benefits include a Multiple Entry Visa (MEV), Dependant Graduate Pass eligibility, permission to work part-time in approved sectors, and the ability to stay, travel, and explore Malaysia.

How do I apply for the Graduate Pass?

Applications can be submitted via the EMGS website: https://visa.educationmalaysia.gov.my/graduate-pass

Which nationalities are eligible to apply for the Graduate Pass?

Applicants from the following countries are eligible: Australia, Bahrain, Brunei, Cambodia, Canada, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kuwait, Laos, Myanmar, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, UAE, United Kingdom, USA, and Vietnam.

Can students work while holding a Student Pass?

International students may work part-time for up to 20 hours per week during semester breaks with prior approval from the Department of Immigration. Permitted workplaces include restaurants, petrol kiosks, minimarkets, hotels, and the institution's campus. Students are strictly prohibited from working as singers, masseurs, musicians, or Guest Relation Officers.