Malaysia Student Visa Guide: Steps, Fees & Requirements

Are you scrolling endlessly, trying to find the right information about Malaysia student visa? 

This guide will simplify the process and answer all your questions!

At YourUni, we will guide you step-by-step to make applying for your Malaysia student visa as easy as possible.

Why Does Every International Student Need  Malaysia Student Visa?

Malaysia student visa is mandatory for all international students planning to study at any educational institution in Malaysia. 

It ensures you can legally reside in the country and access necessary student benefits such as housing, healthcare, and part-time work (under certain conditions). 

Without it, you could face entry issues or challenges in continuing your education. 

Your Malaysia student visa application must go through three main parties:

• Educational Institute.
• Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS).
• Malaysia Immigration Department.

Each plays a vital role in issuing your Malaysia student visa.

Who Is Eligible for a Malaysia Student Visa?

To qualify for a Malaysia student visa, you need to meet the following criteria:

1. You must be 18 to 45 years old (for language institutes). There is no age limit for higher education institutions.

2. You must fall into one of these categories:

• International student applying to public higher education institutions.
• International student applying to private higher education institutions.
• International student applying to language centers.

How to Apply for Your Malaysia Student Visa? 

You have two options to apply for a Malaysia student visa:

1. Through YourUni: We will act as your representative to apply for your visa. Send us the required documents, and we will handle everything.

2. Through Your Institution: Your university will help with your application.

Here is the step-by-step process if you choose to go through your university.

Malaysia Student Visa Application Process

Let’s dive into how to get a student visa in Malaysia. It is not as complicated as it seems.

Just you need to follow the below steps until you get your Malaysia student visa.

Here is what you need to do:

📍Step 1: Choose a University and Get an Offer Letter 

Malaysia offers many educational institutions, from public and private universities to foreign universities. 

Choose a recognized Malaysian university and obtain an offer letter with your course details.

This step is the basic step in your Malaysia study visa journey.

📍Step 2: Prepare for Malaysia Student Visa Requirements

You will need to provide the following documents: 

• Passport-size photograph (35mm x 45mm jpg), colored with a white background. 
• Your passport must be valid for at least 18 months.
• Photocopies of any passport pages containing visa information.
• Students from certain countries like Libya, Iran, Iraq, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen must provide copies of all passport pages, including blank pages.
• A Letter of Acceptance (offer letter) from a Malaysian institution.
• Medical test for Malaysia student visa, confirming you are free from communicable diseases.
• Students from high-risk countries for yellow fever must provide proof of vaccination.
• Certified copies of academic qualifications from previous studies.
• Proof of English proficiency (such as IELTS or TOEFL results).
• Completed Malaysia student visa application form.
• Proof of payment for visa fees.
• A signed personal bond to ensure compliance with Malaysian immigration laws.
• Letter of Eligibility (LOE) for students from Libya and Iran.
• No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Sudan, or No Objection Letter (NOL) from Oman.

🔴Important Notes:

- Ensure your documents are clear and legible.

- If your documents are in another language, they must be translated into English and certified.

We highly recommend reading Malaysia student visa requirements. You will find everything you need to get the complete picture.

📍Step 3: Submit Visa Application Through Your Institution

Your university or college will help complete your application from your home country. 

Step 3.1: Send Required Documents to Your University

Send to your university all required documents (in step 2), so they can complete your Malaysia student visa application.

Step 3.2: Payment of the Visa Fees

Since the student is applying through the university, they need to pay the fees to the university. 

After submitting the payment, you will receive an application number, and application details will be sent to your email.

📍Step 4: Malaysia Student Visa Approval Letter

If your visa is approved, you will receive the Visa Approval Letter (VAL) via email.  Keep both electronic and print copies with you.

Step 4.1: Issuance of the EMGS Approval Letter

When EMGS approves your application (at 32%-35% completion), they will issue the EMGS Approval Letter. 

This means your application is ready for submission to the Immigration Malaysia student visa office for eVAL approval.

Step 4.2: Issuance of the Electronic Visa Approval Letter (eVAL)

Once the Malaysian Immigration Department approves your application, you will be able to download the Electronic Visa Approval Letter (eVAL) from the EMGS Hub (application status reaches 70%).

📍Step 5: Issuance of eVISA for Students

After receiving your eVAL, you can apply for your eVisa. 

Malaysia student eVisa allows international students to enter Malaysia on a Single Entry Visa (SEV).

You can apply for this visa if you are from a country that requires a visa to enter Malaysia.

💡Note: If you are from a non-SEV required country, you do not need eVisa. You can apply for Visa on Arrival (VOA) at select Malaysian entry points.

📍Step 6: Pre-Arrival to Malaysia Preparations

To ensure a smooth entry into Malaysia, follow these steps: 

Step 6.1: Buy a Flight Ticket to Malaysia

Buy a one-way flight ticket to Malaysia. 

For students from SEV-required countries, do not purchase your flight ticket before your eVisa for students is issued. 

Your entry point must be Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) or Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (KLIA 2).

Step 6.2: Prepare the Necessary Documents

Make sure you have the following documents before boarding your flight:

• A valid passport
• Offer letter 
• Approval Letter (eVAL)
• eVISA for students.
• A valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate (if applicable).

Step 6.3: Complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC)

Fill out the MDAC form online up to three days before your arrival. The EMGS International Student Arrival Centre (ISAC) at the airport will assist you with this process if needed. 

Step 6.4: Inform the University of Your Travel Plans

Send the university all details of your travel plan. A university representative usually will meet you at the airport.  

The best time to come to Malaysia as a student is one week before studying to finish all necessary processes.

💡Note: Start looking for your accommodation before this step to ensure a smooth transition when you arrive in Malaysia.

📍Step 7: Entering Malaysia

After arrival to Malaysia, follow these steps:

Step 7.1: Registration and Immigration Clearance

Present your documents to the Malaysian Immigration Department at the airport. 

The immigration officer will issue you a Special Pass (SP) Entry Stamping. 

💡Note: Special Pass is valid between 14 and 30 days. Make sure the SP Expiry Date is not less than 7 days.

Step 7.2: Complete Post-Arrival Medical Screening

You must complete post-arrival medical screening within 7 days at any EMGS-registered clinic. 

Your medical report will be updated in the system within 3-5 working days, and your EMGS status will change to 80%.

📍Step 8: Get Your Malaysia Student Pass

Your university will submit your passport to the Immigration Department to get your Student Pass Malaysia sticker.

The Student Pass process takes at least 14 days. 

You cannot arrange travel while your passport is being processed. 

Once the process is complete (status reaches 100%), you can collect your passport with a Student Pass sticker from the university once you receive an email from them. 

💡Note: 2 documents you should receive after getting your Student Pass:

1. Your iKAD. 
2. Your Insurance Card. 

How Long Does the Malaysia Student Visa Process Take?

The typical Malaysia student visa processing time is around 4 to 6 weeks. 

However, delays can happen, so it is best to apply early to avoid stress before your classes begin.

Malaysia Student Visa Check Online

You can track your Malaysia student visa status through the EMGS website or mobile app or your university will provide updates.

Malaysia student visa tracking helps ensure that you stay updated with your application progress and avoid unnecessary delays.

What about Malaysia Student Visa Fee?

Total student visa Malaysia price range between MYR 1800 and MYR 3200 (approximately USD 450 to USD 575). 

Malaysia visa price depend on nationality and institution.  

For more details, check Everything You Need to Know About Malaysia Student Visa Fees.

What Are Common Malaysia Student Visa Rejection Reasons?

Malaysia has one of the highest student visa approval rates globally, with 90% of applications accepted. 

However, some applications are still rejected.

 Common reasons for rejection include:

- Missing or incorrect documents

- Failure to meet financial requirements

- Insufficient proof of academic qualifications

- Health issues discovered during the medical examination

- Overstaying your previous visa

- Criminal background

If your visa application is rejected, understand the specific reason before an appeal request. 

For more details, read our article on Malaysia Student Visa Rejection Reasons.

Malaysia Student Pass Renewal

Student Pass is usually valid for one academic year. 

To qualify for renewal, you need a CGPA of at least 2.0 and an overall attendance of at least 80%.

Submit your passport, educational transcripts, and certificates to your university. 

Renewal processing takes 6-8 weeks, so apply at least 3 months before your Student Pass expires.

🔴Important: If your pass is not renewed, you will need to apply for a new Student Pass.

After Your Studies 

Once you complete your course, your Student Pass must be canceled before you leave the university. Failure to do so may affect your future applications for visas or passes with the Malaysian Immigration Department.

If you plan to work in Malaysia after your studies, you can apply for a Graduate Pass.

Special Conditions for Malaysia Student Visa 

Transferring Your Course Within the Same Institution

If you want to transfer courses within the same institution, you will need a support letter from your institution and meet requirements.

You must reapply for a Malaysian student visa under your new course, but you do not need to leave Malaysia during this process.

Transfer to Another Institution

If you want to transfer to another institution, you are allowed to do:

• You have received a new offer letter.
• Your previous institution has issued a release letter.
• EMGS has provided a supporting letter (if applicable).
• The current Student Pass has to be shortened/ cancelled, and apply for a new Special Pass. 
• Exiting the country will depend on the immigration destination.
• Students are only allowed to transfer twice in the same level of education (in 3 different universities/colleges).

Student Visa Cancellation in Malaysia

If you decide not to pursue your studies in Malaysia, your institution must submit a Malaysia Student Pass cancellation request with EMGS on your behalf.

You cannot submit this request yourself.

Can You Work With Malaysia Student Visa?

Yes, if you hold Malaysia Student Visa, you are allowed to work in Malaysia. 

However, there are some conditions:

• Malaysia student visa working hours up to 20 hours per week during your semester breaks or holidays if they last more than 7 days.
• If you work more than the permitted hours, your visa may be canceled, or you could face deportation.

We Can't Wait to See You in Malaysia!

Congratulations on completing this comprehensive guide to understanding Malaysia student visa! 

You are now equipped with the knowledge to study in Malaysia effectively & confidently.

YourUni is here to support you, from answering questions freely to studying at your Malaysian university. 

Contact us today and let's make your study dreams come true!