student visa in malaysia
If you’re like many of my foreign friends, you’re probably asking yourself how to get a student visa in Malaysia. All of your friends are going backpacking in this awesome country and you’re going to miss out. Well not anymore because I’m here to help guide you through the student visa application process for foreigners in Malaysia.
Malaysia is one of the leading and popular destinations for international students due to the economical factor. All education and hostel facilities are offered to the students at affordable rates and therefore countries like China, South Korea, and India have noticed a substantial rise in the number of students applying for student visa in Malaysia. The student’s visa in Malaysia is issued according to the duration of study.
Malaysia is one of the most popular destinations for backpackers and university students in Asia. As Malaysia has recieved a big number of foreigners, the government has created a special regulation for exploring this country. There are three types of visas for backpackers: Social Visit Pass (SVP), Student Visit Pass (SVP) and Traveller Visit Pass (TVP). Farmers’ Information Centre also has information about student visa in Malaysia.
Have you ever wanted to study in Malaysia? If so, you’re not alone. Malaysia has a high quality of life, with affordable healthcare and a low crime rate. And while it might be considered an off-the-beaten-path destination for many people, it’s actually one of the top destinations for students in Asia.
But getting your student visa isn’t always easy—you have to meet certain requirements and prove that you’re ready for study abroad. That’s where Touriago comes in! We make it easy for you to apply for your student visa in Malaysia by providing all the information you need about the process and helping you fill out your application form. Our team will even ensure that your application is submitted on time so there are no delays in getting your visa approved!
As part of our commitment to customer service, we also offer 24/7 online chat support for anyone who needs help with their application at any point along the way. We want to make sure that everyone has access to high quality education regardless of their financial situation or background—and we believe that starts with making sure our customers get what they need when they need it most!
If you are a student looking for a student visa in Malaysia, you’ve come to the right place. We can help you with all of your needs. Our service is fast and easy.
We provide visas for students in Malaysia. Our services are professional and reliable. We have been providing these services for many years, and we have many satisfied customers.
The Requirements for a Malaysia Student Visa
When you apply for a Malaysian Student Visa (ie. your Visa Approval Letter) to the Immigration Department, you must attach the following documents:
- One picture of yourself, with 35mm x 45mm dimensions and a white background.
- A copy of your passport, showing the following:
- Your personal information
- Issuance and expiry date. The passport must be valid for at least 12 more months.
- All the previous visas you have obtained.
- The page which states any amendments (extensions, clarifications of name, and previous passport numbers).
- Pages of all the pages of your passport, only if you are from one of the following countries:
- Iran
- Iraq
- Libya
- Somalia
- Sudan
- Syria
- Yemen
- The letter of acceptance from your Malaysian educational institution.
- Previous academic certificates and transcripts.
- Medical certificate, proving you are of good health. You must undergo a pre-arrival medical screening at a registered clinic overseas.
- Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate, if you are from a country or you recently travelled to a country that is at risk of Yellow Fever transmission.
- A Personal Bond, which all foreign students have to sign as an effort to ensure they will not violate the Immigration laws of Malaysia. If you do not violate any laws, the bond will be returned.
- Proof of English Language Proficiency. You must undergo an English Language test and attach the certificate which shows you have an acceptable level of English. Malaysia accepts certificates from the following tests:
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
- PTE – Academic (Pearson Test of English)
- CAE (Cambridge English: Advance)
- CPE (Cambridge English: Proficiency)
- MUET (Malaysian University English Test)
- If you are from Sudan: A No-Objection Certificate (NOC) which your institution must apply for at the Sudanese Embassy in Kuala Lumpur.
- If you are from Iran: A Letter Of Eligibility (LOE), which your institution must apply for at the Iranian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur.
Malaysian student visa application process
- Accept a place at a Malaysian university: Receive a formal admissions letter from your chosen institution and pay any enrollment fees.
- University begins the student pass application process: Your university contacts the Malaysian immigration authorities to register an application on your behalf. They’ll ask you to read through and digitally sign the official application form after they’ve filled it in.
- Gather the required documents: You’ll need to send your university several documents so they can complete the application. A full list is included in the section below.
- Pay visa processing fee: As well as the government application fee, some universities charge a processing fee. The exact amount will depend on the institution.
- Await a decision: The immigration authorities will normally notify the institution of your application outcome within a week.
- Receive a letter of approval: Your university will forward the visa approval letter (VAL) to you. This is a provisional student pass that allows you to enter the country. You’ll need to present this to immigration officials upon your arrival.
- Inform the university of your travel plans: Send the university details of your arrival dates, airport location, and flight numbers. A university representative will usually meet you at the airport.
- Collect your student pass: Your university will send off your passport to the immigration department within two weeks of your arrival. When it returns, it’ll include your student pass sticker.
Required documents
The Malaysian authorities will ask for the following documents as part of the application process. Therefore, it’s important to send these over to your host institution soon after accepting your place to avoid any delays.
- Formal admissions letter from your university
- Completed and signed student visa application form
- Copy of your passport with an expiry date over 12 months away
- Two passport-style photographs
- Academic qualification records
- Proof of sufficient financial resources
- A medical certificate that proves you’re in good health
- A personal bond document (a letter signed by your university to guarantee you’ll comply with immigration laws)
- English language proficiency test certificates
Malaysian student visa processing time
Applying for a Malaysian student visa is quick and easy. Overall, the whole process from application to receiving your visa usually takes between four and six weeks.
The Visa Approval Letter (VAL) processing time is 14 days, and the entry visa processing time is between one and three weeks.
It’s well worth starting your application as soon as possible just in case of any unforeseen delays.
Can you work whilst on a Malaysian student visa?
International student employment rules are stricter in Malaysia compared to many other countries. You’re allowed to work for 20 hours each week, but only during the university holidays. You’re not permitted to work at any point during term-time.
The type of roles you can take on is also restricted. Although you could find work in a restaurant, petrol garage, mini market, or hotel, you won’t be allowed to work as a cashier, musician, or any other position believed to be immoral.
What if your visa application is refused?
Approximately 90% of student visa applications are accepted in Malaysia, giving the nation one of the globe’s highest approval rates. Very few applications are refused, but the most common reasons for rejection include missing information or inadequate financial resources.
After receiving a negative decision, students can contact the immigration authorities and request a letter outlining the reasons for rejection.
You can write to the Home Minister within 30 days to appeal against the decision, but there’s no guarantee you’ll be successful. Visa application fees are non-refundable, so make sure you’re confident any future applications will be accepted.
Conclusion
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. As such, the type of Pass you need to study in Malaysia is a Malaysia Student Pass.
The term Malaysia Student Visa and Malaysia Student Pass are often used interchangeably, and by all definitions, they mean pretty much the same thing.
Malaysian student visa application process
- Accept a place at a Malaysian university: Receive a formal admissions letter from your chosen institution and pay any enrollment fees.
- University begins the student pass application process: Your university contacts the Malaysian immigration authorities to register an application on your behalf. They’ll ask you to read through and digitally sign the official application form after they’ve filled it in.
- Gather the required documents: You’ll need to send your university several documents so they can complete the application. A full list is included in the section below.
- Pay visa processing fee: As well as the government application fee, some universities charge a processing fee. The exact amount will depend on the institution.
- Await a decision: The immigration authorities will normally notify the institution of your application outcome within a week.
- Receive a letter of approval: Your university will forward the visa approval letter (VAL) to you. This is a provisional student pass that allows you to enter the country. You’ll need to present this to immigration officials upon your arrival.
- Inform the university of your travel plans: Send the university details of your arrival dates, airport location, and flight numbers. A university representative will usually meet you at the airport.
- Collect your student pass: Your university will send off your passport to the immigration department within two weeks of your arrival. When it returns, it’ll include your student pass sticker.
Required documents
The Malaysian authorities will ask for the following documents as part of the application process. Therefore, it’s important to send these over to your host institution soon after accepting your place to avoid any delays.
- Formal admissions letter from your university
- Completed and signed student visa application form
- Copy of your passport with an expiry date over 12 months away
- Two passport-style photographs
- Academic qualification records
- Proof of sufficient financial resources
- A medical certificate that proves you’re in good health
- A personal bond document (a letter signed by your university to guarantee you’ll comply with immigration laws)
- English language proficiency test certificates
Malaysian student visa processing time
Applying for a Malaysian student visa is quick and easy. Overall, the whole process from application to receiving your visa usually takes between four and six weeks.
The Visa Approval Letter (VAL) processing time is 14 days, and the entry visa processing time is between one and three weeks.
It’s well worth starting your application as soon as possible just in case of any unforeseen delays.
Can you work whilst on a Malaysian student visa?
International student employment rules are stricter in Malaysia compared to many other countries. You’re allowed to work for 20 hours each week, but only during the university holidays. You’re not permitted to work at any point during term-time.
The type of roles you can take on is also restricted. Although you could find work in a restaurant, petrol garage, mini market, or hotel, you won’t be allowed to work as a cashier, musician, or any other position believed to be immoral.
What if your visa application is refused?
Approximately 90% of student visa applications are accepted in Malaysia, giving the nation one of the globe’s highest approval rates. Very few applications are refused, but the most common reasons for rejection include missing information or inadequate financial resources.
After receiving a negative decision, students can contact the immigration authorities and request a letter outlining the reasons for rejection.
You can write to the Home Minister within 30 days to appeal against the decision, but there’s no guarantee you’ll be successful. Visa application fees are non-refundable, so make sure you’re confident any future applications will be accepted.
If you’re dreaming of studying abroad in Malaysia, you’ll need to gain a student visa, also known as a student pass, before you arrive.
Your student pass is only valid for one year and must be renewed at least one and a half months before its stated expiry date. Annual student visa fees are around RM 60 ($14), so they’re really affordable compared to those of other countries.