Malaysia Student Visa
Study in Malaysia at recognized educational institutions with this student pass
What is Malaysia Student Visa?
International students who want to pursue further education in Malaysia will need a Malaysia Student Visa. Any foreign national who wants to enter Malaysia needs to obtain a Pass pertaining to their purpose of travel.
The term Malaysia Student Visa and Malaysia Student Pass are often used interchangeably, and by all definitions, they mean pretty much the same thing. The Student Pass is in the form of a sticker on your passport, endorsing your stay in Malaysia for the purpose of studying.
Study at Recognized Institutions
Access to universities, colleges, and language schools
i-Kad Identity Card
Receive foreign national identity card with Student Pass
Work During Holidays
Part-time work allowed during school holidays (7+ days)
Quick Facts
Processing Time
4-6 weeks (overall process)
Validity Period
6 months to full course duration
Application Method
Through EMGS or your institution
Renewable
Yes, with CGPA 2.0 & 80% attendance
Required Documents
Prepare these documents when applying for a Malaysian Student Visa Approval Letter to the Immigration Department
Passport Photo
One recent passport-size photograph with specific dimensions
Requirements:
- • 35mm x 45mm dimensions
- • White background
- • Recent photo
Passport Copy
Complete passport information and visa pages
Must show:
- • Personal information page
- • Valid for 12+ months
- • All previous visas
- • Amendment page
Acceptance Letter
Official letter of acceptance from Malaysian educational institution
Must include:
- • Course details
- • Duration of study
- • Institution stamp
Academic Documents
Previous certificates and transcripts
Required:
- • Certificates
- • Academic transcripts
- • Certified translations
Medical Certificate
Proving you are of good health
Requirements:
- • Pre-arrival screening
- • Registered clinic
- • Recent certificate
English Proficiency
Test certificate showing acceptable English level
Accepted tests:
- • IELTS / TOEFL
- • PTE Academic
- • CAE / CPE / MUET
Personal Bond
All foreign students must sign a Personal Bond as an effort to ensure they will not violate Malaysia's Immigration laws. If you do not violate any laws, the bond will be returned.
Yellow Fever Certificate
Required if you are from or recently travelled to a country that is at risk of Yellow Fever transmission.
Country-Specific Requirements
•Sudan nationals: No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from Sudanese Embassy in Kuala Lumpur
•Iran nationals: Letter Of Eligibility (LOE) from Iranian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur
•Certain countries: Full passport pages copy required (Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Yemen)
How to Get Malaysia Student Visa
The process of getting a Malaysia student visa is divided into 6 main steps
Get Accepted
Receive acceptance into a Malaysian educational institution
Apply for VAL
Apply for Visa Approval Letter (VAL) through EMGS or your institution
Entry Visa
Apply for Malaysian entry visa (if you are a visa-subject national)
Travel to Malaysia
Appear at immigration checkpoint in Malaysia after you travel
Register
Register at your educational institution within 7 days
Get Student Pass
Collect your Student Pass at Malaysia Immigration Department
Apply for Visa Approval Letter (VAL)
Two Application Options
Apply Yourself
Create an account on the EMGS website and submit your application directly
- Direct control over application
- Upload documents yourself
- Track application status online
Through Institution
Entrust the application process to your university's international office
- University handles paperwork
- Less administrative burden
- Institutional support throughout
VAL Processing
Processing time: 14 days for Visa Approval Letter
Pay visa processing fee and personal security bond
Receive VAL via email - print and keep both versions
Malaysian Entry Visa for Students
After getting a Visa Approval Letter, certain nationals also need a visa to enter Malaysia
Visa With Reference Required
You need a Malaysian Visa With Reference if you are from one of the following countries. This visa requires authorization from the Malaysian Immigration Department (your VAL).
Don't need entry visa?
If you are not on the list above, you can travel to Malaysia visa-free and get a Malaysia Visa On Arrival (VOA) after presenting your Visa Approval Letter at the immigration checkpoint.
How to Apply for Entry Visa
In Person at Embassy/Consulate
- 1.Find nearest Malaysian Embassy/Consulate and check their requirements
- 2.Download and complete Malaysia visa application form
- 3.Submit documents, passport, application form, and VAL copy
- 4.Receive visa sticker affixed to your passport
Online Application (Selected Countries)
Only nationals of the following countries can apply for Malaysian visa online:
After You Arrive in Malaysia
Immigration Checkpoint
Present your VAL, entry visa, and supporting documents to immigration officers
Register at Institution
Complete registration at your educational institution within 7 days
Medical Screening
Undergo medical screening within 7 days at EMGS-registered clinic
Get Your Student Pass and i-Kad
Student Pass
After registration and medical screening, request your Malaysia Student Pass at the Immigration Department. Submit your passport through your school.
The Student Pass is a sticker on your passport endorsing your stay in Malaysia for studying purposes.
i-Kad Identity Card
Along with your Student Pass, you will receive an i-Kad - a foreign national identity card proving you have valid resident status in Malaysia.
Keep your i-Kad with you at all times during your stay in Malaysia.
Student Pass Validity
Duration Based on Course
Language Schools
6 months (renewable)
Most Courses
1 year (renewable accordingly)
Certain Courses
Full course duration
Renewal Requirements
- • CGPA of at least 2.0
- • Overall attendance of at least 80%
- • Passport copy (biodata & visa pages)
- • Educational transcripts & certificates
Work Rights
Limited Work Permission
A Malaysian Student Pass does NOT allow the holder to work during the school year.
When You Can Work
School Holidays Only
You can only work during school holidays that are at least 7 days long
Part-Time Only
Maximum of 20 hours per week even during holidays
Important: Violating work restrictions can result in visa cancellation and deportation.
Student Pass Cancellation
If you decide not to continue your studies in Malaysia
You cannot submit a Student Pass cancellation request yourself. Your educational institution must submit the cancellation request with EMGS on your behalf.
Contact your school's international office to initiate the cancellation process if you wish to discontinue your studies in Malaysia.
Ready to Study in Malaysia?
Ready to pursue your education in Malaysia? Let us help you navigate the student visa application through world-class institutions.