Malaysia Study Visa
Studying in Malaysia for international students
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 ($14), so they’re really affordable compared to those of other countries.
Why study in Canada?
The decision to pursue your degree in Malaysia has many positive effects on your personal, professional, and social life.
World-Class Education
Offering a degree that is well-recognised globally, Malay- sian universities rank in the world’s top universities and a total of 13 in the top 600 according to QS World University Rankings 2023. Based on QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022, 10 Malaysian programmes were placed among the top 50 universities for the study of their academic subject.
Affordability
Malaysia offers affordability in many areas, from food, travelling, transportation and the tuition fees. Our average total tuition fees per annum are approximately at US$ 4,400 for public universities & US$ 4,970 for private univer- sities. Malaysia sits among one with the lowest cost, in which our Cost-of-Living Index is only 42.47.
Modern and Progressive
Malaysia is well-known as a modern, progressive and Muslim-friendly country with easy access to Halal food and contemporary life and facilities. Malaysia’s modern and convenient transportation system connect every part of the city, through our Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and Klang Valley LRT, MRT and Monorail.
English is Widely Spoken
English is widely spoken and used in Malaysia. As one of the main requirements for students’ admission to apply for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), Malaysia has adminis- tered its own English proficiency test, the Malaysian University English Test (MUET). Whether you are navigat- ing through the streets of the capital city Kuala Lumpur or exploring the serenity in the rural areas, you can interact with the locals or your international friends using English.
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
