A foreign student who wishes to study in Malaysia is required to have a Visa and Pass to enter the country.

 
Visa

A visa is an endorsement (in the form of a sticker) on the passport to indicate that permission has been granted to the particular individual to enter Malaysia. There are three types of Visas issued by the Malaysian government: Single Entry Visa, Multiple Entry Visa and Transit Visa. In most cases, a visa can be obtained from Malaysian Overseas Missions prior to arrival. It is usually valid for three months and must be used within its validity period. Students from Commonwealth countries (with the exception of Bangladesh, India. Nigeria. Pakistan and Sri Lanka) do not require Visas to study in Malaysia.

Pass

In addition to visa approval, foreign students need another document called Pass, which indicates that permission has been granted for a stay in Malaysia for a specific purpose. Therefore, a Pass for an approved period of stay will be stamped in the passport at the point of entry. There are several types of Passes. such as Visit Pass (Social). Visit Pass (Temporary Employment), Visit Pass (Business). Visit Pass (Professional), Employment Pass, Dependant Pass, Transit Pass. Landing Pass and Student Pass. All foreign students intending to study in Malaysia must obtain a Student Pass.

For foreign students in higher educational institutions, all matters relating to Visas and Student Passes will be carried out by the educational institutions which offer seats to international students. Therefore, students do not have to liaise directly with the Immigration Department of Malaysia. Students will be notified of both successful and unsuccessful Visa and Pass applications through the educational institution concerned within seven (7) working days from the date of application.

All applications, processing, approval and issuance of Visas and Student Passes to prospective foreign students are done in Malaysia, except for students from the People’s Republic of China. Students from China can obtain their Entry Visas from the Malaysian Embassy in Beijing, Guangzhou or Shanghai before coming to Malaysia.

Family members (parents/spouses/children) of foreign students pursuing their Masters and PhD courses are allowed to stay on a Visit Pass (Social) throughout the duration of the student’s study. Parents of students who are in primary/secondary schools or pursuing the certificate, diploma and first degree courses are allowed to stay on a Visit Pass (Social) on a six (6) months to six (6) months basis throughout the duration of the student’s study.

Students who come to Malaysia o source for a suitable college or university can enter Malaysia with a Visitor Pass (Social). After you have made your choice, the educational establishment that you have selected will apply for a Student Pass on your behalf.

Once your application for a Student Pass is approved, the Immigration Department will inform the foreign student through the educational institution concerned. Students will then receive a Letter of Approval.

The student is required to produce the Letter of Approval at the immigration check point in the airport. They will then be issued a Special Pass which is valid for 30 days.

Within this 30-day period, the educational institution concerned will submit the student’s passport to the State Immigration Department for Student Pass stickers to be affixed. The processing tee for the Student Pass will be paid by the educational establishment.
 

Note: The ‘Visa On Arrival’ service is limited to tourists and not applicable to students.

Student Pass

A tee of RM60.00 will be charged for a student who stays in Malaysia for a duration of one year or less.

Visa

The fee to obtain a Visa differs according to the students’ countries of origin. However, the maximum fee is RM100.00

Processing Fee

A fee of RM500.00 will be charged for Journey Performed (JP) Visa, if students enter the country before the Student Pass Letter of Approval is issued.

Foreign students in Malaysia are allowed to work part-time in restaurants. petrol kiosks, mini markets and hotels (except as cashiers) as long as the Student Pass is valid, In addition, students are not allowed to work as singers. musicians, masseur/masseuse, guest relations officers (GRO) or be involved in activities deemed to be immoral.

The opportunity to work part-time is only permitted during semester breaks. festive breaks and holidays exceeding seven (7) consecutive days. The maximum duration permitted for working is 20 hours a week. In addition, the students’ progress report and attendance record will be submitted every three months once to the Immigration Department by the educational establishment concerned. The opportunity to work will only he extended if the student maintains a good academic performance.

Application to work part-time must be made through the educational institution in which the student is studying.

The Director General of The Immigration Department of Malaysia reserves the right to approve or reject the application for employment by foreign students, according to Section 9(1) (a) the 1959/1963 Immigration Act Amended 2002.