A recent survey declared that Malaysia was the 11th most preferred overseas education destination for international students. The reason for more international students opting to study in Malaysia is because a number of Malaysian universities have now been ranked amongst the best 500 universities globally. In addition to that, many foreign universities have also chosen Malaysia to open up branch campuses.

Malaysian institutions work with several global industries and organisations on partnerships and collaborations. This also gives the students an opportunity for quality internships in world-class companies. However, any international student wanting to study in Malaysia must apply for a student pass. Post receiving the student pass, they may proceed towards getting a guaranteed student visa.

Step 1 – Get your Acceptance Letter from the University:

If you have not decided on which university in Malaysia you want to pursue your higher education in, then now is the time to do so. Once all the admission formalities are completed and the university has offered you a place, then you can proceed towards applying for your student pass.

The education provider in Malaysia will help you to get a student pass as it is their responsibility. The first step towards this is to get a Visa Approval Letter or a VAL from your education provider in Malaysia. Once you receive the VAL, then you can move on to preparing your visa documents.

Step 2 – Visa Checklist:

You need to prepare your visa documents with care and precision. If you need professional help, you can speak to a visa guidance counsellor at Spinel Info Works. In the meantime, you may refer to this checklist:

• Ensure that you have the original and a photocopy of the Letter of Acceptance from your chosen education provider in Malaysia.
• Download the Student Pass Application Form or IMM 14 and then sign it.
• You will need 2 passport sized photographs of 5cm x 5cm size taken against a blue background.
• Take photocopies of all pages of your passport that have been certified with entry and exit stamps along with any special passes that you have been granted previously.
• Ensure that your passport is valid for at least a year from the date of your proposed entry into Malaysia.
• Take photocopies of all your academic qualifications, both transcripts and certificates from Year 10 onwards.
• You will also need to undergo a medical examination and this pre-arrival medical examination report has to be included with your visa file application.
• A personal bond, either typed or hand written, and then stamped should also be included with the visa file. This bond is actually a deposit that has to be paid to the institution in Malaysia as security. Indian students pay approximately RM 750.

Note:

• You may refer to the above list for indicative purposes only. You will be handed a more updated checklist closer to the time of your visa application to Malaysia.

Step 3 – Where to Apply:

Applying for a student pass for Malaysia has become quite simple now. The Education Malaysia Global Services or the EMGS service launched by the Ministry of Higher Education of Malaysia is one way by which students from India may apply for a student visa to Malaysia if they have been accepted by a public university or a Malaysiaan private higher education institution.

You can apply for the student pass either offline or online, depending on the type of education provider where you have enrolled in Malaysia. Student pass application forms may be downloaded from the EMGS website. 6 months is the earliest that you may submit your documents for a student pass. This is because the VAL that you have received from your selected institution in Malaysia is valid for a period of 6 months only.

If you are opting for an online application:

You may fill up the form online, upload your documents on the system and then send it to the university in order to initiate the processing of your student pass. The average time period taken by the university to process and issue the student pass is around 14 days for international students.

If you are opting for an offline application:

Some Malaysian universities may request you to go for the offline submission of the application form along with the required documents. In such a scenario, you may courier the application form along with photocopies of the required documents directly to the institution in Malaysia.

Step 4 – Visa Fee:

The cost of a student pass in Malaysia is around RM 60. The student visa will be another RM 15.

However, the total cost charged varies from university to university as they may also request you to pay an additional fee for health insurance and medical check-ups. For international students, the university will make this a mandatory requirement when applying for a student visa to Malaysia from India.

In addition to the study pass, student visa, health insurance and medical check-up fees, the international student is also required to make a security deposit in the form of a personal bond. For students from India, that will be an additional RM 750.

Step 5 – Personal Interview:

There is little or no chance that you will be called for a personal interview once you have applied for your Malaysian student pass. However, if it does happen, then make an appointment at your nearest Malaysian embassy or consulate.

If you need to contact the Malaysian embassy or consulate:

Step 6 – Visa Processing Time:

In order to apply for the Malaysian student pass, you no longer have to submit documents to the Malaysian Immigration department. Your institution will guide you through the process of documentation submission.

Once you have submitted your visa application form along with your documents on EMGS, it is sent to the Director of Pass & Permit Division, Malaysia.

Download the EMGS app and you can track the status of your application. Once your application has been approved, the letter of approval for the student pass will be sent to your nearest Malaysian Immigration Department that will be delivered to your chosen education provider in Malaysia. You need to formally accept it and then letter will then be sent to you by your institution.

Post receiving the approval letter, visit your nearest Malaysian embassy or consulate along with your supportive documents, receipts for all fees paid to get the study pass.

This entire process takes about 14 days time.

Step 7 – Arriving in Malaysia:

Before arriving in Malaysia, you should inform your institution at which airport you will be arriving, your flight number, arrival date and time. Carry your VAL or Visa Approval Letter in your hand baggage as that has to be produced at the Immigration Check Point at the airport. On producing this letter, the Special Pass will be issued to you that will refer you to the respective State Immigration Department. The special pass is valid for a period of 30 days.

Your education provider in Malaysia will send a representative to meet you at the airport. Within two weeks of your arrival your passport has to be submitted to the State Immigration Department who will then issue your student pass. This will be affixed on your passport in the form of a sticker.

Once you have been issued with the student pass, you must apply for your i-Kad, which is an identity card issued to all international students having a valid student pass. The i-Kad contains information like the student’s name, passport number, student pass expiry date along with the information of your chosen educational institution in Malaysia. The i-Kad is recognised by all law enforcement agencies in Malaysia. You may also use it to travel within the Malaysian peninsula; however, it is not a substitute for your passport. The i-Kad is issued generally for the total duration your program in Malaysia.

Step 8 – Working in Malaysia as a Student:

As long as you have a valid student pass, international students are eligible to work for up to 20 hours per week during calendar holidays that are more than 7 days in duration and semester breaks. If you decide to opt for part-time work, you need to inform your institution where you are currently enrolled as an international student.

There are only select employment opportunities for international students, for example, in restaurants, petrol kiosks, mini marts and hotels. However, as an international student you may not take up a position as a cashier, singer, masseur, musician, GRO as these professions are considered to be morally wrong according to the Malaysian law.