Janice Lozano
Malaysia has become an increasingly popular destination for international students due to its world-class universities, affordable tuition fees, and a blend of Eastern and Western educational methodologies. The country offers a seamless blend of diverse cultures, languages, and cuisines, providing international students with a truly enriching experience. To enter Malaysia as an international student, one must obtain a visa and a Student Pass. This process can be done through the Education Malaysia Global Service (EMGS) system, and the Student Pass is issued by the Malaysian Immigration Department upon arrival in the country. International students are drawn to Malaysia for its high-quality education, cultural diversity, and vibrant campus life, making it a prime choice for those seeking academic excellence and personal growth.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| International student entry requirements | Students must have completed 12 years of education and have undergone a national/international examination recognized by the Ministry of Education for admission to diploma or degree programs. |
| English proficiency requirements | IELTS (6.0-6.5) or TOEFL equivalent, with exemptions for students from English-speaking countries or prior education in English. |
| Visa requirements | Students from countries that require a visa must obtain one from a Malaysian Embassy or Consulate abroad before entering Malaysia. Upon entry, the student's original passport must be submitted to the State Immigration Office to obtain a Student Pass. |
| Work permissions | International students are allowed to work part-time for up to 20 hours per week during semester breaks or holidays, provided their student passes remain valid. |
| Top universities for international students | Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU), Sunway University, Taylor's University, INTI International University, and Monash University Malaysia. |
| Academic strengths | Medicine, engineering, architecture, hospitality & leisure management, art and design, business and management studies. |
| Living expenses | Accommodation, daily expenditures. |
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What You'll Learn
Student visa requirements
International students are allowed to enter Malaysia with a Student Pass. The process of obtaining a Student Pass is straightforward, with approximately 90% of student visa applications being accepted. The entire process, from application to receiving the visa, usually takes between four and six weeks.
To apply for a student visa in Malaysia, you must submit the following documents:
- A copy of your offer letter or letter of acceptance from your university or college.
- A copy of your passport, including the data page (bio-data page) and all pages with visa information.
- A health declaration form.
- Copies of all academic records, certificates, and transcripts of previous studies.
- Proof of English language proficiency, such as a language test certificate.
- For students from countries at high risk of yellow fever, a yellow fever vaccination booklet or card is required.
Additionally, students from Iran must provide a Letter of Eligibility (LOE) approved by the Iranian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur.
The university or college will initiate the student pass application process by contacting the Malaysian immigration authorities. They will then provide you with the official application form to review and digitally sign. After submitting the application, you will need to pay a government fee, and some universities may charge an additional processing fee.
It is important to start the application process as early as possible and ensure that all the required documents are in order to avoid any delays. The Visa Approval Letter (VAL) processing time is approximately two weeks, and the entry visa processing time can take up to three weeks.
Student Pass Validity and Renewal:
The Student Pass is typically valid for one year and must be renewed before its expiry date. Renewal applications can be made at the State Immigration Office. Students are advised to renew their passes at least one and a half months before they expire. The annual student visa fee is reasonably priced at around RM 60 ($14).
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Top universities
Malaysia is a popular choice for international students, offering high-quality education at affordable prices. Degrees from Malaysian universities are recognized worldwide, and the country boasts strong international partnerships, ensuring that the education received is globally relevant. Most programs are taught in English, eliminating language barriers for international students.
International students intending to study in Malaysia must obtain a Student Pass (also known as a Student Visa), which requires proof of acceptance, financial resources, and health insurance. The application process for a Student Pass can be done through the Education Malaysia Global Service (EMGS) system, and there is usually a fee involved.
Now, let's take a look at some of the top universities in Malaysia for international students:
Asia Pacific University (APU)
APU, located in Kuala Lumpur, is the top choice for international students in Malaysia. With students from over 130 countries, it offers a diverse range of degree programs, including IT, engineering, business, and media studies. APU's strong focus on technology and internationally-focused education equips graduates with skills sought after in the global job market.
Sunway University
Sunway University, also located in Kuala Lumpur, is known for its excellent connectivity and vibrant campus life. The university offers various programs, ensuring that students can find the perfect fit for their career goals.
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
This public institution has two main campuses: one in Kuala Lumpur and the other in Johor Bahru. It specializes in engineering and technology courses but also offers faculties dedicated to the sciences, biosciences, and medical engineering.
Universiti Putra Malaysia
Located in Serdang, just south of Kuala Lumpur, Universiti Putra Malaysia was originally founded as an agricultural college. While it maintains a strong focus on agriculture and forestry, it has expanded to offer courses across all subject areas.
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)
USM is a public research university with a main campus in Georgetown, Penang. It offers a broad subject spectrum, including engineering and healthcare, with additional campuses on the western and eastern sides of Peninsular Malaysia.
Universiti Malaya
Malaysia's oldest university, established in 1949, Universiti Malaya offers courses across a full subject spectrum. It has a large student body, with over 14,580 undergraduates and more than 13,500 postgraduates.
These universities offer excellent opportunities for international students, providing globally recognized degrees, diverse academic programs, and welcoming cultural experiences.
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Courses taught in English
Malaysia offers a wide range of courses for international students that are taught in English. These include undergraduate and postgraduate courses, as well as language courses for students who want to improve their English skills.
English Language Courses
There are several English language courses available for international students in Malaysia. These courses cater to students of all levels, from beginners to advanced, and focus on different aspects of the English language, such as grammar, conversation, pronunciation, reading, writing, and listening comprehension.
The Intensive English Program (IEP) is a popular choice, offering a comprehensive program with daily instruction to help students improve their English language skills. The General & Intensive English Course at California KL Language Center is another option that helps students improve their abilities across all five language skills.
Other English language courses in Malaysia include the English Conversation Programme (ECP), which focuses on developing English conversational skills for everyday situations, and the Stratford GES, a six-level program that emphasizes preparing students for academic and work environments.
Bachelor's Degree Courses
Malaysia also offers undergraduate courses taught in English. For example, students can pursue a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in English Language & Literature Studies, Mass Communications, or other fields. These courses often provide excellent opportunities for research, innovation, and career development.
Visa Requirements for International Students
International students intending to study in Malaysia need to obtain a visa from a Malaysian Embassy or Consulate before entering the country. Upon arrival, the institution must submit the student's original passport to the State Immigration Office to receive a Student Pass. The Student Pass application can be made through the Education Malaysia Global Service (EMGS) system or at the Department of Immigration Headquarters.
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Living expenses
Malaysia is a popular destination for international students, with over 200,000 students from 160 countries choosing to study there. This is due to its high-quality education at an affordable cost and high living standards at a low expense. The living expenses in Malaysia are significantly lower compared to many Western countries. The average monthly cost of living in Malaysia for international students is estimated to range from 1,200 to 2,500 MYR, including accommodation, food, transportation, entertainment, and healthcare. However, the cost of living can vary depending on location, lifestyle, and accommodation choices.
Accommodation is one of the most significant expenses for international students in Malaysia. The cost depends on the type, location, and quality of the housing. There are three main types of accommodation for international students: on-campus, off-campus, and homestay. On-campus accommodation is generally the cheapest and most convenient option, with an average cost ranging from 200 MYR to 600 MYR per month. Off-campus housing offers more independence but requires managing utilities separately, and shared rentals are a popular choice among international students to split costs. Prices can be higher if living in the city centre, and having flatmates can reduce expenses.
Monthly grocery expenses in Malaysia range from MYR 200 to MYR 400. Meals from hawker stalls and food courts can cost as little as MYR 5 to MYR 15, while mid-range restaurants may cost around MYR 25 to MYR 50 per meal. Utilities are another essential expense, with electricity being the most expensive and variable, ranging from 100 to 300 MYR per month. Water is cheaper, ranging from 20 to 50 MYR per month. Internet and phone plans are also necessary expenses, with high-speed internet costing around MYR 100 to MYR 150 per month for unlimited plans, and prepaid mobile plans starting at MYR 30 to MYR 60 per month.
Transportation is another significant expense for international students. Public transportation in Malaysia is affordable, with options like buses, MRT, LRT, and KTM connecting major cities. A monthly transportation pass costs MYR 50 to MYR 150, depending on travel frequency, and single MRT or bus rides cost MYR 1 to MYR 5. Students can also apply for a Concession Card, which provides a 50% discount on Rapid KL services, including buses and trains.
Overall, the cost of living for international students in Malaysia is relatively affordable, and with careful budgeting, students can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without overspending.
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Part-time work
International students in Malaysia are allowed to work part-time, but there are specific regulations and conditions that must be followed. Students can work up to 20 hours per week during semester breaks or holidays that last more than seven days. During semester periods, students can only work up to 20 hours per week, and they must obtain approval from the Malaysian Immigration Department.
To work part-time in Malaysia, international students need to apply for a work permit. Applications for part-time work must be made through the educational institution at which the international students are enrolled. Students must be present with a representative of the educational institution at the Immigration Department of Malaysia to submit their application. To obtain a work permit, students need an offer letter from their proposed place of work. 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.
International students must also adhere to the legal conditions imposed by Education Malaysia Global Studies (EMGS) and the Malaysian Immigration. For example, international students are not allowed to work as singers, masseurs, musicians, or GROs (Guest Relation Officers). They are also not permitted to engage in any job or activity deemed immoral.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Malaysia is an attractive destination for international students due to its world-class universities, affordable fees, and cultural diversity.
International students must have completed at least 12 years of education and have undergone a national/international examination recognized by the Ministry of Education. They also need to provide proof of English proficiency with IELTS (6.0-6.5) or TOEFL equivalent scores, and obtain a student visa or pass before entering the country.
Students from countries that require a visa must obtain it from the Malaysian Embassy or Consulate before entering Malaysia. Upon entry, the student's passport must be submitted to the State Immigration Office to obtain a Student Pass. Alternatively, students can apply for a Student Pass through the Education Malaysia Global Service (EMGS) system via their chosen university or college.
International students are generally permitted to enter Malaysia as long as they meet the entry requirements. However, they can only enrol in full-time courses and are limited to working part-time for a maximum of 20 hours per week during semester breaks or holidays, provided their student passes remain valid.
