Student Visa to Malaysia

Malaysia is a popular study destination, offering globally recognised education at a much lower cost than Western countries. With top-ranked universities, international branch campuses, and modern infrastructure, students can get a quality education through diverse programmes.

It is also highly affordable, with living and tuition costs about one-third of those in the US or UK. English is widely spoken, and the country’s multicultural environment makes it easy for international students to adapt.

Ranked among the world’s safest and most peaceful countries, Malaysia also offers post-study opportunities such as the Graduate Pass, allowing students to stay and explore employment opportunities after graduation.

This article explores the Malaysian student visa process, helping you navigate your academic journey in Malaysia with ease.

Table of contents:

• Malaysian student visa overview
• Types of student visas in Malaysia
• Eligibility criteria for Indian students
• Application steps for a student visa to Malaysia
• Visa fees and processing time
• Malaysia student pass rules and restrictions
• Renewing your student visa in Malaysia
• Applying for a Graduate Pass
• Career pathways after graduation
• Tips for a smooth Malaysia student visa process

Malaysian student visa overview

All international students pursuing any level of education in Malaysia must apply for a Student Pass through the Department of Immigration Malaysia. Student Pass applications are typically submitted by higher education institutions in Malaysia. Students must also obtain an approved Visa Approval Letter (VAL) and a Visa with Reference (VDR) from a Malaysian representative office abroad before entering Malaysia.

Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS), a government organisation, manages student visa applications and supports international students studying in Malaysia.

If you’re enrolled in a private institution, the university/college submits the student visa application to EMGS. Once processed, a Visa Approval Letter (VAL) is issued, and you can obtain your visa from the Malaysian Embassy in Delhi or the Consulates in Mumbai or Chennai.

For public institutions, the university directly obtains student visa approval from the Malaysian Immigration Department on your behalf.

Types of student visas in Malaysia

Malaysia offers two types of student visas:

• Student Pass: This pass allows international students to study at recognised educational institutions in Malaysia. It is valid for one year and must be renewed if your course lasts longer.
• Graduate Pass: This is a Social Visit Pass that allows international students to stay in Malaysia for up to one year after graduation. You are allowed to travel and work in selected sectors.

Eligibility criteria for Indian students

To obtain a student visa to Malaysia, you must be enrolled in a private higher education institution (IPTS) approved by the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) and authorised by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MOHA).

Documents required

Photograph

• 1 passport-size photo (35mm x 45mm, white background)

Passport copy

• Name and address page + all pages with visas (skip blank pages)
• Observation page (if applicable)
• Special pass/Exit stamp (if applicable)
• Validity: minimum 18 months (ideally, longer than course duration)

Offer letter

• A copy of your offer letter from your university/college, before applying (mandatory)

Health documents

• Completed Health Declaration Form
• Yellow fever vaccination (if from high-risk countries)

Academic documents

• Certificates, transcripts, and prior academic records
• You must meet course-specific entry requirements

English proficiency

• Required for a VAL
• Accepted tests: IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, MUET, Cambridge, etc.

Financial / compliance requirement

• Personal bond: Malaysian educational institutions must sign a personal bond for international students, for which you must deposit a specified amount. This amount is refundable after you complete your studies or withdraw from your course, provided you have not violated any immigration laws. You can submit this bond after you arrive in Malaysia.

Additional (for the Sarawak area only)

• Authorisation letter
• Cover letter
• Pre-VAL medical report (if applicable)

Pre-VAL

• Upload your Pre-VAL Medical Report if your screening was done at a non-EMGS registered clinic (must be in English)
• If you use an EMGS-registered clinic, this step is handled automatically

Students applying to public universities should check with their institution for specific instructions. 

Application steps for a student visa to Malaysia 

The student visa process in Malaysia is primarily managed through the Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) portal:

1. Apply and receive a formal admission/acceptance letter from a recognised Malaysian university.
2. Apply online on the EMGS website, which your university usually initiates. For more details, check this document.
3. Obtain a VAL from a Malaysian Embassy in India or from the EMGS website.  You should also get a VDR from your university or college in Malaysia.
4. Completed applications that meet academic requirements are submitted by EMGS to Malaysia’s Immigration Department for eVAL approval, subject to document verification and security checks.  Once approved, EMGS issues an electronic VAL (eVAL). Do not book your travel until you have this.
5. Apply for an e-visa online. This is a single-entry visa. For more information on Malaysian e-visas, check out their official website.
6. Make your travel arrangements once you obtain the visa.

On-arrival:

1. Complete a mandatory medical check-up at an EMGS-approved clinic within 7 days of arrival. You can find the list of clinics on the Education Malaysia portal.
2. Register at your Malaysian university and submit your passport to your university to receive the Student Pass sticker.

Visa fees and processing time

Fees

RM 2,805.60 (approximately INR 65,130), including EMGS fees, health insurance, the eVAL, and other related costs.

Processing time

Applying for a Malaysian student visa is a straightforward process, typically taking 4 to 6 weeks (24 working days). The Visa Approval Letter (VAL) is usually processed within 3-8 weeks.

Malaysia student pass rules and restrictions

The student pass allows dependents or legal guardians to accompany students while they study in Malaysia. However, there are certain restrictions:

• Eligible dependants: Spouse, children (under 18), disabled children (no age limit), parents, and parents-in-law
• Eligible guardians: Parents, legal guardians, adoptive parents, grandparents, or siblings under 7 years of age
• Only Master’s and PhD students can bring dependents
• Dependents are not allowed for students enrolled in language courses, training, or skills centres
• Dependents or guardians cannot work or engage in business/political activities

Requirements

• Your family members must apply for a VDR through your institution, along with additional documents.
• Your parents can apply for a Social Visit Pass for up to 12 months or for the duration of your student pass. They can also apply for a Multiple Entry Visa (MEV) for easier travel in and out of Malaysia.

Working during studies

The student pass allows international students to work part-time during their studies, but with certain restrictions:

• Only students in public universities (UA) or private institutions (IPTS) are allowed to work part-time.
• They are allowed to work 20 hours per week, in petrol stations, restaurants, mini markets, hotels, and on campus. Students cannot work in certain front-desk or administrative roles, such as cashier or student recruitment positions.
• Applications must be submitted to the Immigration department with supporting documents, including an employment letter, a university support letter, and a passport copy. Only after approval by the department are students allowed to work.
• Violations can lead to Student Pass cancellation.

Renewing your student visa in Malaysia

You must renew your student visa at least 3 months before your current student pass expires. Submit the following documents to renew your visa and ensure you meet the eligibility criteria. To renew, apply online through the EMGS portal.

• Photograph: 1 passport-size photo (35mm x 45mm, white background)
• Passport copy:
  • Biodata page - name, address pages
  • All visa pages (skip blank pages)
  • Observation page (if applicable)
  • Special Pass/Exit Stamp (if applicable)
  • Recommended validity: at least 12 months
• Academic documents: All certificates and transcripts (as required by the institution)
• Renewal requirements:
  • CGPA 2.0 or higher
  • At least 80% attendance
  • If not met, an explanation letter from the institution is required 

Applying for a Graduate Pass

After you graduate from a Malaysian university, you can stay and look for a job by applying for a graduate pass. The pass is valid for one year after graduation and does not require employer sponsorship.

Key features of Graduate Pass:

• Multiple Entry Visa (MEV): Allows easy entry and exit from Malaysia
• Dependent pass: Family members can apply for a Dependent Graduate Pass with the same validity
• Work rights: Eligible to work part-time in approved sectors

Application Steps

Here are the steps to follow to apply for a graduate pass:

1. Obtain a course completion letter from your Malaysian university.
2. Create an account on the EMGS portal, or log in to it.
3. Fill out the online application and upload the required documents.
4. Pay the applicable visa fees.
5. Track your application status online.

Eligibility

• Your passport must be valid for at least 18 months
• You must have completed a Bachelor’s degree or higher from a Malaysian university
• You must provide the course completion letter from your institution
• You must hold a valid Student Pass during the application
• You must also have an active health insurance policy for the entire period
• You must obtain a personal bond from a Malaysian national with a minimum salary of RM 1,500 per month, who can act as your sponsor
• You must not have any legal convictions in Malaysia

Career pathways after graduation

Malaysia has a huge expatriate workforce, with many international companies operating across the country. To work there, employers must apply for a work permit on your behalf. Approval is generally based on your job role and skill level.

Different passes for employment in Malaysia include:

• Employment Pass: This is available under two categories: high-level managerial roles and mid-level positions.
• Temporary Employment Pass
• Residence Pass-Talent (RP-T) is offered to skilled individuals to work and live in Malaysia for up to 10 years

Eligibility

• Employer requirements: Your employer must be registered with the Expatriate Services Division (ESD) under Malaysia’s Immigration Department to sponsor expatriates.
• Qualifications: You must have relevant educational qualifications and work experience for the job you are applying for

Tips for a smooth Malaysia student visa process

• Ensure medical reports and academic transcripts are accurate and complete
• Ensure you have a valid passport for the entire duration of study
• Double-check all requirements before submission
• Start the process well in advance to avoid last-minute issues, at least 8 weeks before your arrival
• Do not book travel until your visa is approved
• Professional support can help with timelines and document checks; contact IDP Hotcourses Abroad education experts for assistance 

FAQs

Should the student pass be renewed each year?

Yes. The student pass is valid for 1 year, regardless of your course duration. You must renew your Student Pass using the steps outlined in this article.

Is medical screening mandatory for my visa?

Yes. All international students are required to undergo medical screening at a designated clinic within 7 days of arrival in Malaysia. This is required to endorse your student visa and for the endorsement of your Student Pass and the placement of the Student Pass sticker in your passport.

Do I need sponsorship for my student visa?

No. You will need a personal bond from your university in Malaysia for a Student Pass.  Sponsorship is required only for Graduate Pass applicants.