Got your university offer in Malaysia? Your next step is to arrange your student visa. International students need to complete specific requirements before they can start their studies. In this guide, we explain the student visa in Malaysia, the documents you need, the application process, fees, and other important details.
Key Steps to Apply for a Student Visa in Malaysia
Getting a student visa for studying in Malaysia starts after you receive an offer from a Malaysian educational institution. The application usually goes through several steps, and completing each one correctly can help avoid delays.
9 main steps include the following:
1. Obtaining an offer from a Malaysian institution
Before applying for a student pass, you must hold an acceptance letter from an accredited Malaysian university or educational institution. Applications for a new Student Pass are typically submitted while the student is outside Malaysia.
2. Applying for a Student Pass via EMGS
After accepting the offer of admission, you can submit your application online through the "Education Malaysia Global Services" (EMGS) or through the educational institution you will be attending. You will be required to submit specific documents, along with additional ones depending on your nationality and individual circumstances.
3. Waiting for document review and approval
EMGS reviews the application and verifies the submitted documents before forwarding the application to the Malaysian Immigration Department for approval. Students can also track the application status via the EMGS platform.
4. Receiving the electronic visa approval letter (eVAL)
Once the application is approved by the Malaysian Immigration Department, the student receives the electronic Visa Approval Letter (eVAL). New students must obtain this letter before traveling to Malaysia, as entry into the country is not permitted while the application is still being processed.
5. Apply for a single entry visa
Depending on your nationality, you may need a Single Entry Visa (SEV) before traveling to Malaysia. Students from countries that require an entry visa should apply through the official Malaysian eVISA system or the relevant Malaysian diplomatic mission, according to the current entry rules.
6. Completing the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC)
International students are required to complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) via the official Malaysian Immigration Department online system prior to travel; the card may be submitted within the three-day period preceding the date of arrival.
7. Traveling to Malaysia and Completing Arrival Procedures
Once you have obtained approval and the necessary entry documents, you may travel to Malaysia. Upon arrival, students may receive assistance with immigration procedures through the relevant meet-and-greet services.
8. Completion of the medical examination upon arrival
Upon arrival in Malaysia, international students must undergo a medical examination at a clinic accredited by EMGS or at a qualified university clinic. This examination is mandatory and is a required step for obtaining the student visa.
9. Obtaining Student Pass Approval
Following the completion of the medical examination, the university submits the passport for student pass approval, coordinating with EMGS and the Malaysian Immigration Department to finalize the process. Once approved, the student pass is endorsed in the passport, allowing the student to reside legally in Malaysia for the duration of their approved study period.
Also Read: Student Dependent Visa in Malaysia
Required Documents for a Student Visa in Malaysia
Before applying, international students need to prepare a set of documents for their student pass application. The exact requirements can vary depending on the student’s nationality and study program, but the main documents include:
Valid passport: With a sufficient validity for the intended period of study.
Passport-size photograph: A recent photo with a white background, following the required size and photo specifications set by EMGS.
University or college offer letter: Students must have an official offer or acceptance letter from a Malaysian educational institution before submitting the Student Pass application.
Academic certificates and transcripts: Copies of previous academic qualifications and transcripts are required to support the application and confirm the student’s academic background.
Health Declaration Form: Applicants must complete and submit the required health declaration form.
English language certificate: Depending on the program and institution, students need to provide proof of English proficiency.
Additional documents, when applicable: Some nationalities may need extra documents, such as a No Objection Certificate (NOC), No Objection Letter (NOL), or Letter of Eligibility (LOE). The required document depends on the applicant’s country of origin.
Health insurance: With coverage of at least 12 months for the relevant category.
Students should check the latest document requirements through EMGS and their university before submitting the application.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Student Visa in Malaysia?
There is no fixed timeframe for processing student passes in Malaysia; according to EMGS, the processing period for a student visa application is up to 14 working days, commencing once the required documents are complete and the application is ready for processing.
Student visa processing times in Malaysia include the following:
Student Pass processing: 14 working days for a complete application.
Document review: The application must contain the required and correct documents.
eVAL: Issued after the Student Pass application receives the required approval.
Entry visa: Required for students whose nationality is subject to Malaysia's visa requirement.
Medical screening: Must be completed within 7 working days after arrival in Malaysia.
Student Pass endorsement: Completed after the post-arrival medical screening is clear.
Students should start the application early and check the latest requirements with EMGS and the Malaysian university, especially if an entry visa is needed before traveling.
Also Read: Study fees in Malaysia in English
Medical Screening for International Students in Malaysia
Medical screening is an important part of the student visa process in Malaysia. New international students must complete a medical screening after arriving in Malaysia before their student pass can be endorsed. The process is handled through the medical screening system approved by Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS).
It includes:
Pre-Arrival Medical Screening
It is required before traveling to Malaysia, depending on application and institution, and can be carried out at an EMGS panel clinic or, where permitted, another clinic, with the medical report prepared in English and submitted with the application.
Post-Arrival Medical Screening
New international students must attend a medical screening at an EMGS panel clinic in Malaysia within 7 working days of arrival. EMGS provides a list of approved clinics for students, and once the medical requirements are cleared, the passport can move forward for student pass endorsement.
Also Read: Top Reasons International Students Choose Malaysia for Higher Education
Costs of Student Visa in Malaysia
Student Visa costs in Malaysia depend on the type of institution, the student’s nationality, the length of the student pass, insurance coverage, and whether an entry visa is required.
For a new student visa application, students should pay the following:
EMGS processing and visa-related fees.
Student Pass fee: This is charged by the Malaysian immigration department.
Medical insurance: The insurance cost depends on the selected plan and coverage period.
Medical screening: The applicable fee depends on the clinic and screening requirements.
Service tax and other applicable charges: Additional charges may apply depending on the application and services used.
Also Read: Best Internationally Recognized Universities in Malaysia
How to Renew a Student Visa in Malaysia?
Students who need more time to complete their studies must renew their student pass before it expires. The renewal is normally handled through the educational institution and Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS), which checks the application before it is submitted to the Malaysian Immigration Department.
To avoid delays, students should prepare their renewal documents early and make sure they meet the academic and attendance requirements.
The main requirements include:
Valid passport.
Recent passport photo.
Academic results and transcripts.
Academic performance with a minimum CGPA of 2.0 for student pass renewal.
Overall attendance rate of at least 80%.
Valid health insurance.
Students should keep their current student pass valid while the renewal is being processed and follow any additional instructions from their university or EMGS.
Student Visa in Malaysia for GCC Citizens and Residents
GCC students who want to study in Malaysia need to apply for a student pass through the approved process before traveling. The entry requirements depend on nationality, so GCC citizens and residents with other passports may follow different visa procedures.
According to the current Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) list, citizens of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates need a Single Entry Visa (SEV) before entering Malaysia. Students must first obtain the required student pass approval and visa approval letter (eVAL) and then complete the entry visa procedure when applicable.
For GCC residents who hold a non-GCC passport, the SEV requirement is determined by their own nationality. They should therefore check the official EMGS requirements for the passport they will use when applying.
Why Apply Through StudyFans to Study in Malaysia?
StudyFans can help students with the main steps of studying in Malaysia, from choosing a university to preparing the application. The team can also help with student visas in Malaysia and help them prepare the documents needed for the visa application.
Studyfans can support students with:
Choosing a suitable university and study program.
Preparing and submitting the university application.
Checking the documents needed for the Student Pass.
Understanding the student visa in Malaysia application process.
Following up on the application and its progress.
Getting ready for travel and the first steps after arriving in Malaysia.
Conclusion
Getting a student visa in Malaysia starts with choosing the right university and preparing your documents correctly. Knowing the student pass requirements early can help you avoid delays and make the process easier.
Planning to study in Malaysia? Contact StudyFans today for support with your university application and student visa process.
If you wanted to know more or have any questions, we are here to help you and you can always contact us:
Phone: 00905437394024
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