Best Part-Time Jobs for International Students in Malaysia

Studying in Malaysia offers international students a vibrant cultural experience and quality education.

But to support living expenses and gain practical experience, many students consider part-time employment.

This guide explores the feasibility, opportunities, and considerations for part-time jobs for international students in Malaysia

Is Part-Time Work Possible for International Students in Malaysia?

Best Part-Time Jobs for International Students in Malaysia (3)

Yes, part-time jobs for international students enrolled in Malaysian public or private higher education institutions are available under specific conditions:

Work Hours: Up to 20 hours per week during semester breaks or holidays exceeding seven days.
Permissible Sectors: Employment is restricted to restaurants, petrol kiosks, mini markets, and hotels.
Prohibited Roles: Positions such as cashiers, singers, masseurs, musicians, and Guest Relation Officers (GROs) are not allowed.
Approval Process: Prior approval from the Malaysian Immigration Department is mandatory.

Know more about the guidelines for part-time work for international students in Malaysia on this page.

Best Part-Time Jobs for International Students

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A. On-Campus Jobs

If you prefer working close to your classes, on-campus jobs are a great option. These roles are typically flexible and student-friendly:

Library assistant – Help organize books, assist students, and manage library tasks.
Research assistant – Work with professors on academic projects (ideal for postgraduates).
Administrative support – Assist in university offices with paperwork and student services.
Café or retail jobs within campus – Some universities have cafés or bookstores that hire students.

B. Off-Campus Jobs

If you want to explore work beyond campus, here are some common part-time jobs international students take up:

Restaurant & café staff – Work as a waiter, kitchen assistant, or cashier in student-friendly cafés.
Retail assistant – Help with sales, stock management, and customer service in shopping malls.

Before applying for off-campus jobs, check with your university to ensure compliance with visa regulations.

C. Freelance & Online Jobs (Best for Flexibility)

If you prefer to work from home or set your own hours, freelancing is a great option:

Tutoring – Teach English, math, or other subjects to younger students.
Freelance writing & design – Work on content writing, graphic design, or video editing projects.
Translation services – If you're bilingual, offer translation services online.

Freelancing doesn’t require a work permit, but it’s important to ensure it doesn’t affect your studies.

How to Find Part-Time Jobs for International Students in Malaysia

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Securing part-time employment involves several steps:

University Resources: Utilize your university's career services and job boards for on-campus opportunities.
Online Job Portals: Websites like JobStreet, Indeed list part-time positions suitable for students.
Networking: Engage with classmates, professors, and locals to learn about job openings.
Direct Applications: Approach businesses in permissible sectors directly to inquire about vacancies.

Earnings from Part-Time Work for International Students in Malaysia

Earnings vary based on the job type and employer:

General Part-Time Roles: Typically pay between MYR 8 to MYR 15 (USD 2 - 4) per hour.
Tutoring Positions: Can offer higher rates, approximately MYR 20 to MYR 40 (USD 5 - 10) per hour, depending on subject complexity and your expertise.

💡 What to know: While part-time income can supplement living expenses, it may not be sufficient to cover all costs.

Tips for Balancing Work and Studies

Best Part-Time Jobs for International Students in Malaysia

Although it sounds glamorous to be able to work while studying and being financially independent, it may harder than people think.

The fact is, studying is in itself a fulltime job for most students, so taking on an additional job can sometimes be draining.

With that said, here are these tips can help balancing studies and part-time work for international students:

✅ Prioritize your studies – Choose a job that doesn’t interfere with your classes.
✅ Manage your time wisely – Create a schedule to balance work, assignments, and rest.
✅ Choose flexible jobs – Online or weekend jobs can help avoid academic conflicts.
✅ Know your limits – Don’t overwork yourself—your main focus should be your education.

Written by Shahd Ashraf

Updated 3 days ago | min read

Shahd Ashraf is a reader, a writer, an English teacher, and a lover of classical language. Her passion for language began when she joined a poetry club in college. Shahd’s writing extends beyond words and yearns to connect with the reader on a meaningful level.