
Malaysia is a popular destination for international students, with over 130,000 students from 136 countries choosing to study there. The Malaysian government aims to attract even more international students in the coming years. For those who wish to stay in the country after graduation, there are a few options available. International students can upgrade their student pass to an employment pass or temporary employment pass, which is valid from six months up to five years. Additionally, Malaysia has introduced a long-term social visit pass for graduates from 23 low-risk and high-income countries, allowing them to stay and work in the country for up to a year after graduation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can international students stay in Malaysia after graduation? | Yes, international students from 23 low-risk countries can stay in Malaysia for up to a year after graduation. |
| What are the requirements for staying in Malaysia after graduation? | International students must secure a job offer from a Malaysian employer, who will obtain a work permit and inform the student of the official document requirements. |
| How long is the work permit valid for? | The work permit, also known as an Employment Pass, is valid for a minimum of 2 years and a maximum of 5 years. |
| What are the passport requirements? | The candidate's passport must be valid for at least 18 months from the date of the job offer to allow for processing time. |
| What are the job requirements? | The job must be a minimum of a two-year employment contract with a monthly salary of RM5,000. |
| What is the process for obtaining an Employment Pass? | The employer must submit the application for the Employment Pass and confirm that the international candidate is more competitive for the role than a Malaysian candidate. |
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What You'll Learn
- International students from 23 countries can stay in Malaysia for up to a year after graduation
- Students need to secure a job offer from a Malaysian employer first
- Employers must obtain a work permit for international students
- Students can upgrade their student pass to an employment pass
- Students can work part-time while studying in Malaysia

International students from 23 countries can stay in Malaysia for up to a year after graduation
International students from 23 countries will be able to stay in Malaysia for up to a year after graduation, according to a new policy announced by the country's Home Minister, Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, on 27 November 2023. The policy will come into effect on 1 December 2023.
The 23 countries included in the scheme are Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan, Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Canada, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, and the United States, Singapore, and Brunei.
The one-year long-term social visit pass will allow international students to further their studies, travel, and work part-time in permitted job sectors. To work in Malaysia after graduation, international students must first secure a job offer from a prospective employer, who will then obtain a work permit on their behalf. The Malaysian Immigration Department allows international students to work part-time for 20 hours per week during semester breaks or holidays of 7 or more days, as long as their student passes are valid.
Malaysia is a popular destination for international students, with over 130,000 students from 136 countries enrolled in its universities and colleges. The Malaysian government aims to attract over 250,000 international students by 2025. The country offers a diverse workforce, a friendly integration of locals and expats, competitive salaries, and affordable tuition fees.
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Students need to secure a job offer from a Malaysian employer first
International students in Malaysia are not authorised to seek jobs immediately after graduation. Instead, they must first secure a job offer from a Malaysian employer. This is because the employer will need to obtain a work permit on the student's behalf and inform them of the official document requirements for a successful application.
International students will require an Employment Pass, which is valid for a minimum of two years and a maximum of five years. To receive this pass, the candidate's passport must be valid for at least 18 months from the date of the job offer to allow for sufficient processing time for renewal and any appeals.
There are three types of work permits issued by the Immigration Department in Malaysia. One of these is issued to candidates who have been offered a job contract of more than two years with a Malaysian company, with a monthly salary of 5,000 RM. This typically includes professionals, managers, and skilled workers.
To boost the chances of securing a job after graduation, an internship can be advantageous. Most internships also provide a stipend, which can help finance the cost of living in Malaysia.
As of December 1, 2023, Malaysia will offer long-term social visit passes to international students from 23 low-risk nations, including Singapore, Brunei, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan, Germany, and the United Kingdom. This will allow graduates to stay in the country for up to a year after graduation to further their studies, travel, and work part-time in permitted job sectors.
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Employers must obtain a work permit for international students
International students in Malaysia can work part-time while studying during their vacations. After graduating, international students' employment prospects in Malaysia improve, and they can upgrade their student pass to an employment pass or temporary employment pass, which is valid from six months to five years.
However, to legally work in Malaysia, foreign nationals, including international students, must obtain a work visa or work permit. The process of obtaining authorization to work in Malaysia is encompassed by the term "work visa." As a foreign national, you must first secure a job offer from a Malaysian company before your prospective employer can apply for a work permit on your behalf. The relevant authorities in charge of issuing work permits for foreign employees must endorse the application before you can commence work in Malaysia.
There are different types of Malaysian work permits depending on the profession and duration of work. For instance, a Malaysia Employment Pass is issued to foreign nationals working in highly skilled positions, such as technical or managerial roles. The Temporary Employment Pass (TEP) has specific conditions related to nationality, age, and approved countries. For certain professions, such as foreign domestic helpers, there are additional requirements, including age and gender specifications.
The Professional Visit Pass is another type of work permit that allows individuals to work in Malaysia for a specified period. This pass is applicable to foreign artists, film workers, religious workers, government workers, students undergoing training, guest lecturers, or volunteers. In this case, a sponsor rather than an employer is required, and the sponsor must apply for the work permit.
Upon hiring a foreign worker, employers in Malaysia are responsible for ensuring compliance with various requirements and regulations. Employers must facilitate the clearance process for foreign workers at authorized entry points within a specified timeframe, typically within 24 hours of their arrival. Additionally, employers are mandated to ensure that foreign workers undergo a health examination within 30 days at a registered health center with FOMEMA (Foreign Workers Medical Examination Monitoring Agency) approval. The issuance of the Visit Pass (Temporary Employment) [VP(TE)] is contingent upon the worker being certified as healthy by the designated health center.
Furthermore, employers are required to notify the Immigration Department in cases of abscondment and provide relevant documentation, including the employer's or company representative's identification document. If a foreign worker is deemed unfit, the employer must arrange for their repatriation to their country of origin by applying for a Check Out Memo (COM). Employers must also ensure that foreign workers are deported upon completion or termination of their employment by utilizing the Check Out Memo process.
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Students can upgrade their student pass to an employment pass
International students in Malaysia are not authorised to seek jobs immediately after graduation. However, they can upgrade their student pass to an employment pass or temporary employment pass, which is valid from six months to five years.
To secure an employment pass, international students must first secure a job offer from a prospective employer in Malaysia. The employer will then obtain a work permit and inform the candidate of the official document requirements. The candidate's passport must be valid for at least 18 months from the date of the job offer to allow for sufficient processing time for renewal and any appeals.
There are three types of work permits issued by the Immigration Department in Malaysia. The type of work permit obtained depends on the length of the employment contract and the monthly salary. For example, to receive a work permit for a minimum of two years, the candidate must have a minimum two-year employment contract with a monthly salary of RM5,000.
The Malaysian government has also introduced a long-term social visit pass for international graduates from 23 low-risk and high-income countries, including Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States. This pass allows graduates to stay in Malaysia for up to a year after graduation to further their studies, travel, and work part-time in permitted job sectors.
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Students can work part-time while studying in Malaysia
International students in Malaysia are allowed to work part-time while studying. This can be a great way to earn some extra money to cover expenses, gain valuable experience, and ease the financial burden of studying abroad. However, there are specific regulations and conditions that must be met.
Firstly, international students must have a valid student pass and approval from the Department of Immigration, Malaysia. They can work up to 20 hours during school holidays that are more than 7 days long. To apply for part-time work, students must submit an application through their educational institution at the Immigration Department of Malaysia, along with a representative of the institution.
It is important to note that work opportunities for students on a full-time student visa are limited by certain legal conditions imposed by Education Malaysia Global Studies (EMGS) and the Malaysian Immigration. International students are prohibited from working as singers, masseurs, musicians, or GROs (Guest Relation Officers). They are also not allowed to engage in any immoral activities. To work part-time, students may need to provide a letter from their potential employer, along with a copy of their passport, address, and phone number.
Students can explore various part-time job opportunities in Malaysia, including on-campus positions and short-term freelance work. These jobs can provide a good income, with companies typically paying around 8-12 RM per hour for part-time roles.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can stay in Malaysia after graduation. They can upgrade their student pass to an employment pass or temporary employment pass, which is valid from six months up to five years.
International students seeking to work in Malaysia after graduation need to first secure a job offer from a prospective employer in Malaysia. The candidate's passport must be valid for at least 18 months from the date of the job offer. The employer will then obtain a work permit and inform the candidate of the official document requirements.
The length of time international graduates can stay in Malaysia depends on their employment pass. The employment pass is typically valid for a minimum of 2 years and a maximum of 5 years. Additionally, Malaysia will offer long-term social visit passes to international students from 23 low-risk nations, allowing them to stay for up to a year after graduation.
























