Student Pass — higher education

The Student Pass facility is granted to non-citizen students aged three (3) years and above who pursue studies in Malaysia, ranging from pre-school to higher education or equivalent levels.

1.1. Students in Higher Education Institutions (Public Universities / Private Institutions) a. Admission to Public Universities (UA). b. Admission to Private Higher Education Institutions (IPTS) with courses and establishment approved by the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), and authorized to enrol international students by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MOHA). c. Admission to Language Centre, Training/Skills Centre, or Accredited Centres registered and approved by the Ministry of Education Malaysia (MOE) and Ministry of Human Resource (MOHR) and authorized to enrol international students by MOHA. d. Applicants MUST BE OUTSIDE MALAYSIA at the time of application submission. Applications may be submitted online by institutions or students via the STARS system or EMGS portal (https://visa.educationmalaysia.gov.my (visa.educationmalaysia.gov.my in Bing)). EMGS will conduct academic screening and issue the Approval to Study for International Student letter only to eligible applicants. e. Complete applications meeting academic requirements will be forwarded by EMGS to the Student Pass Unit, Visa, Pass and Permit Division, Immigration Department of Malaysia Headquarters for eVAL approval, subject to travel document and security checks. f. Upon obtaining eVAL approval, applicants from countries requiring a visa https://www.imi.gov.my/index.php/perkhidmatan-utama/visa/keperluan-visa-mengikut-negara/ must apply for a Single Entry Visa (SEV) exclusively via the official eVISA portal https://malaysiavisa.imi.gov.my g. Note: eVISA applications can be made worldwide, except from Malaysia, Israel, and North Korea https://malaysiavisa.imi.gov.my/faq. h. Upon arrival in Malaysia, students must undergo a Post-Arrival Medical Examination within 7 days. i. After passing the medical examination and receiving EMGS support letter, institutions may submit applications to the Immigration Office nearest to the institution’s address for Student Pass endorsement and issuance.

1.1. Students in Higher Education Institutions (Public Universities / Private Institutions) a. Admission to Public Universities (UA). b. Admission to Private Higher Education Institutions (IPTS) with courses and establishment approved by the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), and authorized to enrol international students by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MOHA). c. Admission to Language Centre, Training/Skills Centre, or Accredited Centres registered and approved by the Ministry of Education Malaysia (MOE) and Ministry of Human Resource (MOHR) and authorized to enrol international students by MOHA. d. Applicants MUST BE OUTSIDE MALAYSIA at the time of application submission. Applications may be submitted online by institutions or students via the STARS system or EMGS portal (https://visa.educationmalaysia.gov.my (visa.educationmalaysia.gov.my in Bing)). EMGS will conduct academic screening and issue the Approval to Study for International Student letter only to eligible applicants. e. Complete applications meeting academic requirements will be forwarded by EMGS to the Student Pass Unit, Visa, Pass and Permit Division, Immigration Department of Malaysia Headquarters for eVAL approval, subject to travel document and security checks. f. Upon obtaining eVAL approval, applicants from countries requiring a visa https://www.imi.gov.my/index.php/perkhidmatan-utama/visa/keperluan-visa-mengikut-negara/ must apply for a Single Entry Visa (SEV) exclusively via the official eVISA portal https://malaysiavisa.imi.gov.my g. Note: eVISA applications can be made worldwide, except from Malaysia, Israel, and North Korea https://malaysiavisa.imi.gov.my/faq. h. Upon arrival in Malaysia, students must undergo a Post-Arrival Medical Examination within 7 days. i. After passing the medical examination and receiving EMGS support letter, institutions may submit applications to the Immigration Office nearest to the institution’s address for Student Pass endorsement and issuance.

4.1. Student Pass (UA/IPTS Category) EMGS Support Letter [Acceptance Declaration (AD)] Offer letter from UA/IPTS/ Language Centres, Training/Skills Centre and Accredited Centres. 14 Form (New & Renewal Applications) Passport-sized photo (3.5cm x 5cm, white background) Copy of passport (all pages including cover; validity must be at least 18 months) Valid MOHA approval letter for international student intake Academic results and transcripts Personal Bond form (stamped) Health Insurance Policy recognized in Malaysia with a coverage period of at least 12 months. Letter of Authorization from the Institution of Higher Learning (Sarawak only) Cover Letter from the Institution of Higher Learning (Sarawak only) Pre-VAL Medical Report / Health Report from Country of Origin (Sarawak only)

3.0. Fees a. Student Pass – RM60.00 b. Social Visit Pass for Dependents / Guardians of Student Pass holders – RM90.00 c. Visa – rates vary by country (https://www.imi.gov.my/index.php/perkhidmatan-utama/visa/kadar-bayaran-visa/

Is it mandatory for international students to have insurance coverage? Yes. It is compulsory for all international students entering Malaysia to have insurance coverage throughout their period of study. When does the insurance policy coverage purchased through EMGS start? For new applications, students who purchase insurance through EMGS will be covered from the date of entry into Malaysia. Coverage for renewal applications will follow the approved Student Pass renewal duration.

Can I study part time? Under current rules, except for mobility programmes, international students can only enrol for full-time courses. However, your actual schedule depends your academic course. Students often find ample time in between lectures and coursework to pursue hobbies and other interests. Travels are quick and easy, so going on a short holiday is a luxury everyone can afford. In between studies, students can also work part-time when they are on a semester break or holiday period of more than 7 days. You can read more on working part-time while studying here.

You must achieve a CGPA of at least 2.0 in order to renew your student pass. Your overall attendance must also be at least 80% in order to renew your student pass. If you fail to meet any of the above requirements, your institution will be required to submit an explanation letter to support your renewal application.

2.3. Work Permission a. This facility is granted only to Student Pass holders from Public Universities (UA) or Private Higher Education Institutions (IPTS). Language Centres, Training/Skills Centre, and Accredited Centres ARE NOT PERMITTED. b. Student Pass holders are allowed to work part-time during their study period, limited to 20 hours per week, only at approved locations: Restaurants Petrol stations Mini markets Hotels University/college areas c. Students are prohibited from front desk duties in line with current foreign worker policies and from working as student recruitment agents. d. Applications must be submitted to the Student Pass Unit, Immigration Department HQ/State Immigration Office with the following documents: Job offer letter Support letter from the institution (UA/IPTS) stating work permission request, semester schedule, and holiday dates Copy of passport (biodata page and current pass) e. Approval is subject to document verification and the discretion of the Immigration Department of Malaysia. f. Any student found violating regulations will have their Student Pass revoked.

2.1. Dependents (Higher Education Institutions) a. Eligible dependents include: b. Spouse c. Biological/step/adopted children under 18 years old d. Disabled children (no age limit, certified by medical specialists) e. Biological parents f. Parents-in-law g. Only Student Pass holders at Master’s or PhD level are permitted to bring dependents to reside in Malaysia. h. Dependents are NOT ALLOWED to work, conduct business, deliver political speeches, lectures, or engage in political activities. i. Student Pass holders under the Language Centre, Training/Skills Centre, and Accredited Centre category are not permitted to bring dependents.

Can I work while studying? All international students studying at public or private higher education institutions are allowed to work part-time for a maximum of 20 hours per week ONLY during semester breaks or holidays of more than 7 days at restaurants, petrol kiosks, mini markets and hotels as long as their student passes remain valid. Please note that prior approval from the Department of Immigration is required. International students are NOT permitted to work as cashiers. In addition, in the hotel sector, international students are NOT allowed to work as singers, masseurs, musicians or GROs (Guest Relation Officers). International students are not allowed to engage in any job or activity deemed to be immoral. Applications to work part time must be made through the educational institution at which the international students are enrolled. The international student needs to be present with the representative of the education institution at the Immigration Department of Malaysia in order to submit an application for part time work.

22. Can students bring dependants to Malaysia? Eligible students may apply for Dependant Passes for their immediate family members (husband, wife, children, father, mother, father-in-law, and mother-in-law), subject to Malaysian immigration requirements. i. Postgraduate students are eligible to apply for Dependant Passes. ii. Undergraduate (Bachelor's Degree) students may only apply if they are citizens of the listed countries. 1. Saudi Arabia 2. Bahrain 3. United Arab Emirates (UAE) 4. Turkey 5. Qatar 6. Azerbaijan 7. Palestinian Territories 8. Kuwait 9. Yemen 10. Iran 11. Syria 12. Oman 13. Jordan 14. Lebanon 15. Iraq 16. Libya 17. Maldives

1.1. Students in Higher Education Institutions (Public Universities / Private Institutions) a. Admission to Public Universities (UA). b. Admission to Private Higher Education Institutions (IPTS) with courses and establishment approved by the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), and authorized to enrol international students by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MOHA). c. Admission to Language Centre, Training/Skills Centre, or Accredited Centres registered and approved by the Ministry of Education Malaysia (MOE) and Ministry of Human Resource (MOHR) and authorized to enrol international students by MOHA. d. Applicants MUST BE OUTSIDE MALAYSIA at the time of application submission. Applications may be submitted online by institutions or students via the STARS system or EMGS portal (https://visa.educationmalaysia.gov.my (visa.educationmalaysia.gov.my in Bing)). EMGS will conduct academic screening and issue the Approval to Study for International Student letter only to eligible applicants. e. Complete applications meeting academic requirements will be forwarded by EMGS to the Student Pass Unit, Visa, Pass and Permit Division, Immigration Department of Malaysia Headquarters for eVAL approval, subject to travel document and security checks. f. Upon obtaining eVAL approval, applicants from countries requiring a visa https://www.imi.gov.my/index.php/perkhidmatan-utama/visa/keperluan-visa-mengikut-negara/ must apply for a Single Entry Visa (SEV) exclusively via the official eVISA portal https://malaysiavisa.imi.gov.my g. Note: eVISA applications can be made worldwide, except from Malaysia, Israel, and North Korea https://malaysiavisa.imi.gov.my/faq. h. Upon arrival in Malaysia, students must undergo a Post-Arrival Medical Examination within 7 days. i. After passing the medical examination and receiving EMGS support letter, institutions may submit applications to the Immigration Office nearest to the institution’s address for Student Pass endorsement and issuance.

4.1. Student Pass (UA/IPTS Category) EMGS Support Letter [Acceptance Declaration (AD)] Offer letter from UA/IPTS/ Language Centres, Training/Skills Centre and Accredited Centres. 14 Form (New & Renewal Applications) Passport-sized photo (3.5cm x 5cm, white background) Copy of passport (all pages including cover; validity must be at least 18 months) Valid MOHA approval letter for international student intake Academic results and transcripts Personal Bond form (stamped) Health Insurance Policy recognized in Malaysia with a coverage period of at least 12 months. Letter of Authorization from the Institution of Higher Learning (Sarawak only) Cover Letter from the Institution of Higher Learning (Sarawak only) Pre-VAL Medical Report / Health Report from Country of Origin (Sarawak only)

I am a new student. Can I apply for an eVAL while in Malaysia or travel to Malaysia while my eVAL is being processed? A student may only enter Malaysia after receiving the eVAL. Entering Malaysia while the eVAL is still being processed is not permitted. How long is the eVAL valid? The eVAL is valid for six (6) months from the date of issuance.

What happens if a student fails the medical screening? Students who fail the medical screening may submit an appeal at the same EMGS panel clinic where the screening was conducted. The appeal must be submitted within three (3) days of receiving the notification.

How long is the Student Pass valid? The Student Pass is usually issued with a validity of up to one (1) year at a time. Renewal is subject to meeting the required conditions and the approved duration of study. When should a Student Pass be renewed? Renewal applications should be submitted before the expiry of the current Student Pass to avoid overstaying issues. EMGS strongly recommends submitting renewal applications as early as three (3) months before expiry. Can I change my course, and how will it affect my eVAL? Yes, international students may change their course after receiving the eVAL; however, procedures differ according to the following scenarios: Scenario 1: Student received the eVAL but has not entered Malaysia. The institution must submit an eVAL cancellation application. Upon approval by the Immigration Department of Malaysia, a new eVAL application may be submitted for the new course. Scenario 2: Student entered Malaysia using the eVAL but has not obtained the Student Pass. The student must exit Malaysia. The institution must submit an eVAL cancellation application, after which a new eVAL application may be submitted for the new course. Scenario 3: Student entered Malaysia using the eVAL and has obtained the Student Pass. The institution may submit a Variation application for the new course. This option is only applicable once and must be submitted within 18 months after completion of the first semester. If Variation requirements are not met, the student must apply as a new applicant. The institution must shorten the Student Pass (via a Check Out Memo application) and ensure the student exits Malaysia before reapplying for a new eVAL. What is a Variation application? A Variation application is submitted when there is a change of programme or institution while the student remains in Malaysia. Eligibility requirements include: completion of at least one semester of the main programme, application submitted within 18 months after completion of the first semester, and enrolment in a Bachelor's Degree or above programme. What is a Progression application? A Progression application is submitted when a student advances to a higher level of study (e.g., Bachelor's Degree to Master's Degree) while remaining in Malaysia. Does a new Student Pass need to be issued for progression or variation? Yes. Students must obtain a new eVAL and endorse a new Student Pass under the new programme or institution. Only students with a valid pass may remain in Malaysia during the application process, subject to immigration regulations.

What is a Graduate Pass? The Graduate Pass is a Long-Term Visit Pass that allows international students to stay in Malaysia for up to one (1) year after graduation. Who is eligible to apply for a Graduate Pass? International students who have completed a Bachelor's Degree or higher at a Higher Education Institution (HEI) in Malaysia. What are the requirements to apply for the Graduate Pass? i. Proof of completion via an official confirmation letter issued by the HEI ii. A valid Student Pass at the time of application iii. A passport with at least 18 months' validity iv. Active health insurance coverage for 12 months v. Submission of a Personal Bond with a Malaysian citizen sponsor earning not less than RM1,500 vi. No legal convictions in Malaysia What are the benefits of the Graduate Pass? Benefits include a Multiple Entry Visa (MEV), Dependant Graduate Pass eligibility, permission to work part-time in approved sectors, and the ability to stay, travel, and explore Malaysia. How do I apply for the Graduate Pass? Applications can be submitted via the EMGS website: https://visa.educationmalaysia.gov.my/graduate-pass Which nationalities are eligible to apply for the Graduate Pass? Applicants from the following countries are eligible: Australia, Bahrain, Brunei, Cambodia, Canada, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kuwait, Laos, Myanmar, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, UAE, United Kingdom, USA, and Vietnam. Can students work while holding a Student Pass? International students may work part-time for up to 20 hours per week during semester breaks with prior approval from the Department of Immigration. Permitted workplaces include restaurants, petrol kiosks, minimarkets, hotels, and the institution's campus. Students are strictly prohibited from working as singers, masseurs, musicians, or Guest Relation Officers.

You must achieve a CGPA of at least 2.0 in order to renew your student pass. Your overall attendance must also be at least 80% in order to renew your student pass. If you fail to meet any of the above requirements, your institution will be required to submit an explanation letter to support your renewal application.