Can International Students Work in Malaysia After Graduation?

Congratulations on Your Graduation!

Now that you have graduated, you might be wondering: Can international students work in Malaysia after graduation?

Could Malaysia be a future career destination? 

Let's explore the possibilities and see what Malaysia has to offer.

Can International Students Work in Malaysia After Graduation?

Yes, they can! International students can work in Malaysia after graduation! 

Malaysia has a dynamic economy and continuous growth, providing promising job opportunities for international graduates in various sectors.

Malaysia also offers a high quality of life, affordable living costs, and cultural diversity, making it an attractive environment to live and work.

What Job Opportunities Are Available in Malaysia?

Malaysia offers diverse job opportunities in several sectors, including:

Technology

The technology sector in Malaysia is rapidly growing, providing opportunities for graduates in fields such as information and communication technology (ICT), software development, data analysis, and digital marketing.

Hospitality and Tourism

With its beautiful landscapes and vibrant culture, Malaysia's tourism industry provides employment opportunities in hotels, resorts, and travel agencies.

Finance

The financial sector in Malaysia offers job opportunities in banks, insurance, and investment.

Education

Graduates in the field of education can work in international universities and schools.

Manufacturing

This sector offers opportunities for graduates in fields such as electronics, automotive, and pharmaceuticals.

What Is the Legal Process for Working in Malaysia?

After graduation, your Student Visa is no longer valid. To stay and work in Malaysia, you need a Graduate Pass.

What is a Graduate Pass?

Graduate Pass is a visa or pass introduced by the Malaysian Government  for students who have  graduated from Malaysia.

It allows international students to stay in Malaysia for up to one year after completing their studies to look for a job. 

This visa is only available for students from 25 nationalities and need specific eligibility requirements such as:

• A passport valid for at least 18 months.
• A valid Student Pass during the Graduate Pass application process.
• A letter of completion from your educational institution proving you have successfully completed your course.
• A valid Student Pass during the Graduate Pass application process.
• An active health insurance policy for the duration of the Graduate Pass.
• A personal bond with a Malaysian citizen as your sponsor, who must have a minimum monthly salary of RM 1,500.
• The student must not have any legal convictions in Malaysia.

Students of the following nationalities are eligible to apply for the Graduate Pass:

Once you secure a job, your employer will help you apply for a Work Permit.

Types of Work Permits in Malaysia

There are three main types of work permits:

1. Employment Pass (EP)

Employment Pass (EP) is for skilled workers who have successful employment in a Malaysian company.

It has 3 categories:

2. Visitor’s Pass (Temporary Employment Pass)

The Visitor's Pass (Temporary Employment Pass) is granted to foreign workers with a 2 years employment contract.

3. Professional Visit Pass (PVP)

The Professional Visit Pass (PVP) is for foreign workers with qualifications and skills. 

They can either be employed by a foreign company or need to be in Malaysia for work purposes for 12 months or less.

Steps to Find a Job in Malaysia 

To start your job search in Malaysia, follow these steps:

Create a Strong Resume

Tailor your resume to the Malaysian job market.

Search Online

Use job websites such as Jobstreet and Indeed.

Network

Connect with professionals in your industry through networking events and LinkedIn.

Start Small

Consider part-time or freelance work to gain experience and enhance your resume.

Challenges You May Face in the Malaysian Job Market

While Malaysia offers many opportunities, there are also challenges to consider:

Competition

You may face stiff competition from local and other international graduates.

Cultural adaptation

You may need some time to adapt to the Malaysian culture and work environment.

Language barriers

While English is widely spoken, proficiency in Malay can be a significant advantage.

Tips for Success in the Malaysian Job Market

Start early 

Start looking for job opportunities while you are still studying, and build a strong professional network.

Develop your skills

Focus on developing your language skills, technical skills, and explore new areas.

Be adaptable

Be flexible and willing to adapt to a new work environment and different culture.

Leverage your internship in Malaysia

An internship in Malaysia can provide you experience, build connections, and demonstrate your skills to potential employers. This could make it easier to find a full-time job after graduation.

Learn Bahasa Melayu

Learning the Malay language will increase your job opportunities and open up more doors as some organisations require proficiency in Malay.

Understand Malaysian work culture

Understanding the core values and beliefs of the work culture in Malaysia improves your communication with colleagues, helps build stronger relationships, and achieves success.

We Want to Tell You.. 

It all depends on you!

Malaysia is a promising destination for international students who want to work after graduation.

With good planning, hard work, and skill development, you can achieve your career goals in this beautiful country.