We understand that navigating student life in a foreign country can be challenging, but we want to reassure you with some things that can make your life abroad easier.
For international students, carrying your International student card in Malaysia (also known as iKAD) will simplify many aspects for you such as accessing your campus, using public transport at a discounted price, and other benefits.
Know more about how to get your international student card in Malaysia and what you can use it for in this article.
What is International Student Card Malaysia?
iCard in Malaysia is an official identification card issued to international students who are studying in Malaysian institutions.
The iCard is proof that the student has obtained a legal status to live in the country.
It is usually issued by the student’s university or college in collaboration with Malaysian immigration and EMGS (Education Malaysia Global Studies).
Get familiar with the important role of EMGS in issuing the student legal documents in this article.
Purpose of the International Student Card in Malaysia:
- Identification and Legal Status: The iCard proves that the person is a registered international student legally living in Malaysia for the purpose ofeducation.
The iCard often includes essential details like the student’s name, photo, passport number, and the institution they are attending.
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- Access to Campus Facilities: The iCard allows students access to campus facilities such as libraries, computer labs, sports centers, and student services.
- Student Discounts: Many companies in Malaysia offer discounts and special rates to students with iCard.
These discounts include reduced fares on public transportation, discounts at restaurants, cinemas, and shopping outlets. Know more details about student discounts in Malaysia in this article.
- Healthcare: In some cases, the iCard can be linked to the student healthcare insurance. This provides access to medical facilities either on campus or through partner clinics and hospitals.
How to Obtain International Student Card in Malaysia
To have a valid iCARD in Malaysia, students must submit an application through the visa office/department at their university.
The iCARD is typically issued together with the student visa sticker that is stamped on the passport.
To ensure a successful iCARD application, here are the required documents:
- Ensure you have a valid student visa sticker.
- Gather required documents such as passport photo, student visa sticker, and university offer letter.
- Pay the application fee at the university visa office.
- Submit an application through the university visa office.
- Collect your iCARD at the university visa office once you get notified that the iCARD is ready.
Renewal and Expiration of International Student Card in Malaysia
The iCard for international students in Malaysia has a limited time validity. The validity period typically aligns with the duration of the student’s study program or the length of the student visa.
- For Short-Term Programs: the iCard may be valid for the duration of that specific program.
- For Long-Term Programs: programmes such as Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. the iCard is usually valid for one academic year or the duration of the student visa.
The exact validity period will be stated on the card itself. Once the validity period is over, the students need to apply for a renewal.
Process for Renewing the International Student Card in Malaysia
If the iCard is about to expire and the student is continuing their studies in Malaysia, the student will need to renew it.
It is recommended that the student contacts their university visa office for the renewal process.
Nonetheless, here are summarized steps for renewing the iCARD:
- Check Renewal Requirements
- Gather Necessary Documents
- Submit Your Renewal Application
- Pay the Renewal Fee
- Wait for Processing
- Collect the Renewed iCard
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