Malaysia Student Visa Guide: Application Process

If you’re considering studying in Malaysia, you’ll need to secure a student visa, also known as a student pass, to legally reside and study in the country. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you navigate the Malaysia student visa process.

Education Malaysia Global Services(EMGS) is the official platform and agency appointed by the Malaysian government to handle student pass applications and related services for international students studying in Malaysia. EMGS facilitates the process of obtaining student passes and provides support services to ensure a smooth transition and stay for international students in Malaysian educational institutions.

Document Requirements for Malaysian Student Visa

1. Passport : Provide a copy of the bio page of your passport and all other pages that contain information, excluding the blank pages.
   • Students from the listed countries must submit copies of all pages of their passport when applying for a student pass through EMGS:
     • Iraq
     • Libya
     • Iran
     • Somalia
     • Sudan
     • Syria
     • Yemen
   • Observation Page of Passport: The observation page of a passport displays details like passport validity extensions, name corrections, and previous passport numbers (if changed).
   • Passport Validity: Passports should be valid for at least 18 months. Specifically for one-time Student Pass applications, it is advised to extend passport validity by 12 months beyond the length of study. For example, if your course lasts 36 months, your passport should be valid for 48 months.
2. Passport-Sized Photographs: As per the standard requirement.
3. Health Declaration Form: Download here.
4. Offer Letter: An acceptance letter from your university or college in Malaysia.
5. Personal Bond: A requirement by the Immigration Department for Malaysian educational institutions. The institution will ask you to deposit a specified amount on your behalf, which acts as a guarantee. You will receive a refund of this money when you complete or withdraw from your studies, provided you have not violated any Malaysian immigration laws. Here is the list of countries and the personal bond fees in RM.
6. Academic Certificates and Transcripts: You must submit copies of your academic certificates and transcripts. Additional entry requirements may apply to certain courses; check with your educational institution for details.
7. English Language Proficiency: Most university courses in Malaysia are conducted in English, so demonstrating proficiency in English is important to fully engage in your studies. Accepted English language tests for the Student Pass Application include:
   • MUET (Malaysian University English Test)
   • IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
   • TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
   • TOEFL Essentials (Online)
   • PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English)
   • Cambridge English exams: B1 Preliminary, B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency
   • Cambridge English – Linguaskill Online
   • Cambridge English – Occupational English Test (OET)
   • ELS Certified Intensive English Programme Level (CIEP Level)
8. Medical Insurance: New international students must visit a designated panel clinic in Malaysia for medical screening within 7 working days of their arrival. Here are the list of panel clinics.

Additional Documents for Students of Sudan and Iran

1. Only students from Sudan require a No-Objection Certificate (NOC). The educational institution must apply for this document, which authorized representatives of the institution can obtain from the Sudanese Embassy in Kuala Lumpur.
2. Only students from Iran need a Letter of Eligibility (LOE). The institution must apply for the LOE on behalf of the student at the Iranian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur. Once approved, the embassy will directly provide the LOE details to EMGS.

How to Obtain Malaysia Student Visa?

1. Apply and Get Accepted: Gain acceptance from a recognized Malaysian educational institution.
2. Prepare Required Documents: Gather the necessary documents for your visa application as requested by your institution.
3. Apply for the Visa Approval Letter (VAL): Mostly the University would apply for a visa on behalf of applicants after collecting necessary documents. Otherwise, you can apply at Education Malaysia Global Services(EMGS) website on your own. Here are the list of documents to support your application. Check your Malaysia Student Visa fee by giving basic details here.
4. Receive the Visa Approval Letter (VAL): Upon approval of the application, you will receive the Visa Approval Letter (VAL) via email.
5. Travel to Malaysia: Upon receiving the VAL, make travel arrangements to Malaysia. Additionally, inform your university about your arrival so that a university representative can pick you up at the airport.
6. Complete Student Pass Formalities: Visit the Immigration Department in Malaysia at the entry point to complete the student pass formalities. Provide biometric data (fingerprinting) and complete any required paperwork. Attend a medical screening at a designated panel clinic within 7 working days of your arrival.
7. Obtain the Student Pass and i-Kad: After processing, you will receive your student pass (sticker on your passport) and i-Kad (a foreign national identity card), which allows you to legally study in Malaysia.

Which Students Need a Visa with Reference along with Visa Approval Letter to Enter Malaysia?

Malaysia Representative Offices overseas issue the Visa with Reference (VDR), a special type of visa that students from specific countries must obtain before entering Malaysia. Here is the list of Countries that needs visa along with VAL.

How to apply for Malaysian Student Visa with Reference?

• Gain acceptance from a recognized Malaysian educational institute and find the nearest Malaysia Embassy/Consulate in your home country here. Certain nationals can apply for eVisa; find out the list below.
• Provide the required documents, including the acceptance letter, visa approval letter, passport, 2 photo copies, and other supporting documents as requested by the Embassy or Consulate.
• Pay the application fee and wait for visa processing.

Who can apply for eVisa?

Students from following countries can apply for eVisa:

• China
• India
• Sri Lanka
• Nepal
• Myanmar
• Bangladesh
• Pakistan
• Bhutan
• Serbia
• Montenegro.

What is the Visa processing time for Malaysia Student Visa?

The Visa Approval Letter (VAL) processing takes 14 working days from the date of submission. The processing time for a single entry visa is 1 to 3 weeks.

What is an i-Kad?

The i-Kad is a foreign national identity card recognized by the Department of Immigration in Malaysia. Foreign nationals residing in Malaysia must carry it at all times. The i-Kad serves as an alternative to carrying your passport everywhere within Malaysia.