
Malaysia is a popular destination for international students due to its vibrant culture, affordable living costs, and wide range of English-taught programs. The country also offers international students the opportunity to work part-time while pursuing their studies. This provides students with a unique advantage, as they can fund their education while gaining valuable real-world experience in an international setting. While there are specific regulations and restrictions on the types of jobs and working hours, international students in Malaysia can generally expect to work up to 20 hours per week during the semester and full-time during semester breaks and longer holidays.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Work allowed? | Yes, international students are allowed to work part-time in Malaysia. |
Work hours | Students can work up to 20 hours per week during the semester. Full-time work is allowed on semester breaks, public holidays, or holidays exceeding 7 days. |
Work sectors | International students can work in restaurants, petrol kiosks, mini markets, and hotels, except in the following positions: cashier, singer, masseur, musician, Guest Relations Officer, or any activity deemed immoral. |
Visa | International students need a valid student pass and approval from the Department of Immigration, Malaysia. |
Work permit | International students need to apply for a work permit. |
Application process | Students must submit a copy of their passport, address, contact number, and a letter from the prospective employer. The application must be forwarded by the educational institution in the presence of the student at the Immigration Department of Malaysia. |
University support | The respective university should provide a supporting letter allowing the non-Malaysian student to work, including the dates of the semester break. |
Language | English is widely spoken in Malaysia, making it easier for international students to communicate and find employment. |
Scholarships | Malaysia offers scholarships and grants to international students. |
What You'll Learn
- International students in Malaysia can work part-time for up to 20 hours per week during semesters
- Full-time work is allowed during semester breaks and holidays exceeding seven days
- Certain jobs are prohibited, including cashiers, singers, and musicians
- A valid student pass and work permit are required for part-time work
- Malaysia offers internships and scholarships to international students
International students in Malaysia can work part-time for up to 20 hours per week during semesters
To work part-time, international students must obtain approval from the Malaysian Immigration Department. They can do so by submitting an application through their educational institution, which includes providing a copy of their passport, address, contact number, and a letter from their prospective employer. The university should also provide a supporting letter allowing the non-Malaysian student to work, including the dates of the semester break.
International students in Malaysia are prohibited from working in certain roles, including as cashiers, singers, masseurs, musicians, or Guest Relations Officers (GROs). They are also not allowed to engage in any activity deemed immoral.
International students can work in various sectors, including restaurants, petrol kiosks, mini-markets, and hotels. They can expect to earn between 12 and 15 Malaysian Ringgit per hour for part-time jobs, although some positions may offer higher wages, such as private tutoring or freelance work.
It is important for international students in Malaysia to understand the regulations and working conditions to balance work and studies effectively. They should also take advantage of the support and resources provided by their universities, such as international student offices, career centres, and job boards.
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Full-time work is allowed during semester breaks and holidays exceeding seven days
International students in Malaysia are permitted to work part-time, with certain restrictions in place to protect students and for cultural considerations. One such restriction is a limit on working hours to a maximum of 20 hours per week during the semester. However, full-time work is allowed during semester breaks, public holidays, and holidays exceeding seven days. This provides international students with a unique advantage, allowing them to fund their education while gaining valuable real-world experience in an international setting.
To work during semester breaks, international students in Malaysia must adhere to specific regulations and conditions. Firstly, students need to obtain approval from the Malaysian Immigration Department. This involves submitting an application through their educational institution, which includes providing a letter from a prospective employer. The university should also provide a supporting letter allowing the non-Malaysian student to work, along with the dates of the semester break.
It is important to note that certain jobs are prohibited for international students in Malaysia. For example, they cannot work as cashiers, singers, masseurs, musicians, or Guest Relations Officers (GROs) in the hotel sector. Additionally, international students are not permitted to engage in any activity deemed immoral. When seeking employment, international students should review the prohibited jobs list to ensure compliance with Malaysian regulations.
International students in Malaysia have various job opportunities available to them, including working in restaurants, petrol kiosks, mini-markets, and hotels. They can also explore online job websites such as Best Jobs, neuvoo, Jobstreet, Indeed, Monster, and talentcorp. Larger cities in Malaysia typically offer more job opportunities and potentially higher wages than smaller ones. Additionally, knowing the local language can be advantageous in the job market, setting applicants apart from other international candidates.
In conclusion, international students in Malaysia are permitted to work full-time during semester breaks and holidays exceeding seven days. By understanding and adhering to the regulations, students can effectively balance their work and studies while enjoying the benefits of this opportunity.
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Certain jobs are prohibited, including cashiers, singers, and musicians
International students in Malaysia are permitted to work part-time, which can be a great opportunity to fund their education and gain valuable real-world experience. However, it's important to note that certain jobs are prohibited for international students, including cashiers, singers, and musicians.
These restrictions are in place for various reasons, including student protection and cultural considerations. In addition to these prohibited positions, international students are also not allowed to work as masseurs, Guest Relations Officers (GROs), or engage in any activity deemed immoral.
International students in Malaysia are advised to review and understand the working regulations and conditions to ensure compliance and effectively balance their work and studies. They must also obtain approval from the Malaysian Immigration Department before commencing any part-time employment.
The maximum number of working hours for international students is set at 20 hours per week during the semester to protect their academic progress. However, full-time work is permitted during semester breaks, public holidays, and holidays exceeding seven days.
It is important for international students in Malaysia to stay dedicated to their studies while also embracing the opportunity to grow personally and professionally through part-time work.
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A valid student pass and work permit are required for part-time work
International students in Malaysia are permitted to work part-time, but they must have a valid student pass and work permit. The process of obtaining a work permit involves several steps and requirements. Firstly, international students must submit an application through their educational institution. This application must include a letter from a prospective employer, and the student must be present with a representative of the institution when submitting the application to the Malaysian Immigration Department. The university should also provide a supporting letter that allows the non-Malaysian student to work and includes the dates of the semester break.
It is important to note that the Director-General of Immigration Malaysia has the authority to approve or reject any non-Malaysian student's application under the Immigration Act 1959 / 1963 Amendment 2002. In addition to the work permit, international students must ensure they have a valid student pass. This pass allows students to stay and study in Malaysia and is separate from the work permit.
There are also specific regulations and conditions that international students must adhere to regarding the type of work they can undertake. For example, international students are prohibited from working as cashiers, singers, masseurs, musicians, or Guest Relations Officers (GROs) in the hotel sector. Any job or activity deemed immoral is also off-limits. The allowed working hours for international students are set with student protection in mind and to protect academic progress. During the semester, students can work a maximum of 20 hours per week, while full-time work is permitted during semester breaks, public holidays, or holidays exceeding seven days.
International students can expect to earn between 12 and 15 Malaysian Ringgit per hour for part-time jobs, although positions like private tutoring or freelance work may offer higher wages. It is worth noting that Malaysia offers a wide range of internships to international students, providing valuable opportunities for real-world experience.
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Malaysia offers internships and scholarships to international students
Internships in Malaysia
Malaysia offers internships that provide international students with professional development and a deep dive into the country's rich cultural tapestry, enhancing their global awareness and adaptability. The Asia Internship Program (AIP) is a popular option, offering internships in various industries, including hospitality, startups, and sustainability initiatives. These internships can last between 2 to 6 months, with rare cases of up to 1 year, and do not require a work visa as they are not considered full-time jobs.
International students can also opt for online internships, allowing them to gain experience remotely while attached to an organization in Malaysia. University internships are another option, where students can complete their training within their university or any center of excellence. Most university programs in Malaysia require internships or practical courses for graduation.
Scholarships in Malaysia
The Malaysian International Scholarship (MIS) is an initiative by the Malaysian Government to attract talented international students to pursue advanced academic studies in the country. This scholarship is available for postgraduate and post-doctoral studies and covers various benefits, including air tickets, tuition fees, monthly maintenance allowance, and medical/health insurance. Applicants must meet academic requirements, such as a minimum of Second Class Upper (Honours) or a CGPA of 3.5/4.0 at the Bachelor's degree level.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students in Malaysia are allowed to work part-time.
International students in Malaysia can work a maximum of 20 hours per week during the semester. Full-time work is allowed during semester breaks, public holidays, or holidays exceeding 7 days.
International students in Malaysia are not permitted to work as cashiers, singers, masseurs, musicians, or GROs (Guest Relation Officers). They are also not allowed to engage in any activity deemed immoral.
To apply for part-time work, international students must submit a copy of their passport, address, contact number, and a letter from their prospective employer. The application must be forwarded by a representative of the educational institution in the presence of the student at the Immigration Department of Malaysia.
The Visa Liberalization Plan in Malaysia introduced in December 2023, includes several changes such as a 30-day visa exemption for visitors from China and India. One key benefit for international students is the Graduate Pass, which allows graduates from Malaysian universities with a bachelor's degree or higher to stay and work part-time in Malaysia for up to one year after graduation.