Douglas Olsen
Malaysia has become a popular destination for international students, attracting people from all over the world with its diverse culture and affordable education. If you're planning to study in Malaysia, you'll need to apply for a student visa, also known as a Student Pass. The process typically takes 4-6 weeks and requires several documents, including a health declaration form, academic records, and proof of English language proficiency. Once you receive your Student Pass, you'll also get an i-Kad, which is an international student identification card that simplifies various aspects of life in Malaysia, such as accessing your campus and using public transport at discounted rates. This article will guide you through the steps of obtaining your student visa and i-Kad, ensuring a smooth transition to student life in Malaysia.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the international student card in Malaysia | iKAD (International Student Card in Malaysia) |
| What is it used for? | Accessing university campus, using public transport at a discounted price, and other benefits |
| Who issues it? | The student’s university or college in collaboration with Malaysian immigration and EMGS (Education Malaysia Global Studies) |
| What does it prove? | That the holder is a registered international student legally living in Malaysia for educational purposes |
| What is the process to obtain it? | First, apply for a Student Visa or Student Pass through EMGS. Then, obtain a Visa Approval Letter (VAL) and a Single Entry Visa (SEV). Finally, apply for the iKAD through your university or college |
| What documents are required for the Student Visa application? | Health declaration form, academic records, passport data page, Visa information pages, proof of English language proficiency, personal bond, and other country-specific requirements (e.g., Letter of Eligibility for Iran) |
| How long does the process take? | Obtaining the Visa Approval Letter takes 14 days, and the Malaysian entry visa processing time is between one and three weeks (unless it’s an eVisa, which is processed within 2 days). Overall, the entire process from applying for the Visa Approval Letter to receiving the Student Pass takes 4-6 weeks |
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What You'll Learn
Student Visa vs Student Pass
International students in Malaysia can benefit from an International Student Card, also known as iKAD. The card simplifies several aspects of student life, such as accessing university campuses, using public transport at discounted rates, and serving as official identification and proof of legal status in the country.
Now, let's clarify the differences between a Student Visa and a Student Pass for those planning to study in Malaysia:
Student Visa vs. Student Pass
The terms "Malaysia Student Visa" and "Malaysia Student Pass" are often used interchangeably, and they essentially refer to the same thing—permission for international students to pursue their education in Malaysia. However, the process of obtaining these can vary slightly:
Student Visa:
- Visa Application: The first step is to apply for a Visa Approval Letter (VAL) from the Malaysian Immigration Department. This typically involves submitting various documents, including a health declaration form, academic records, proof of English language proficiency, and passport details.
- Visa with Reference (VDR): Nationals from countries that require a visa to enter Malaysia must obtain a Visa with Reference. This can be done by visiting a Malaysian Representative Office (Embassy/Consulate) abroad and submitting the necessary documents.
- Entry into Malaysia: With the Visa Approval Letter and, if required, the Visa with Reference, students can enter Malaysia. They will need to present these documents at the immigration checkpoint upon arrival.
- Student Pass Application: Once in Malaysia, students can then apply for their Student Pass, which is the endorsement in their passport allowing them to stay in the country for the purpose of studying.
Student Pass:
- Student Pass Application: Foreign students can apply for a Student Pass through the Education Malaysia Global Service (EMGS) system via their university, college, or training center. This application is made to the Malaysian Immigration Department.
- Visa Approval Letter (VAL): Students from countries that require a visa to enter Malaysia must obtain the VAL before entering. This letter demonstrates that the student has been accepted by an educational institution and meets the eligibility requirements.
- Entry into Malaysia: With the Visa Approval Letter, students can enter Malaysia. They may need to present this letter at the immigration checkpoint and undergo a medical screening within seven days of arrival.
- Student Pass Endorsement: After registering at their educational institution, students can obtain their Student Pass endorsement, which is affixed to their passport by the Malaysian Immigration Department.
In summary, the key difference lies in the order of processes. With a Student Visa, the focus is on obtaining the visa first, whereas with a Student Pass, the emphasis is on securing the pass itself, which is often done after arrival in Malaysia. It's important to note that the specific requirements and procedures may vary based on the student's country of origin and the educational institution they plan to attend.
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Required documents
To apply for an international student card in Malaysia, you will need to apply for a Student Visa or Student Pass. Here is a list of the required documents:
- Passport: You will need to submit a copy of your passport, including the data page (bio-data page) and all pages with visa information. If your passport is empty, you don't need to submit those pages.
- Visa Approval Letter (VAL): You will need to apply for a Visa Approval Letter, also known as a Visa with Reference (VDR), from a Malaysia Representative Office in your home country or the nearest neighbouring country if there is no Malaysian office. This letter is required for the Student Pass application.
- Previous visas: You will need to provide information on all the previous visas you have obtained.
- Photo: One picture of yourself with specified dimensions (35mm x 45mm) and a white background.
- Health Declaration Form: You will need to fill out and submit a copy of the health declaration form, which is available online.
- Academic records: Copies of all academic records, certificates, or transcripts of previous studies.
- English language proficiency: Proof of English language proficiency is required for students whose first language is not English. Accepted certificates include IELTS (International English Language Testing System).
- Vaccination records: If you are coming from a country considered to have a high risk of yellow fever, you will need to obtain the necessary vaccinations and provide your yellow fever vaccination booklet/card before clearing immigration.
- Personal Bond: A signed Personal Bond form and a specified amount lodged with the institution as a security deposit. This ensures compliance with Malaysian immigration laws, and the money will be returned upon completion of studies if no laws are violated.
- Letter of Eligibility (LOE): If you are from Iran, you will need a Letter of Eligibility, which your institution must apply for at the Iranian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur.
- No-Objection Certificate (NOC): If you are from Sudan, you will need a No-Objection Certificate, which your institution must also apply for at the Sudanese Embassy in Kuala Lumpur.
It is important to note that the list of required documents may not be exhaustive, and you should refer to the official websites and guidelines for the most up-to-date and complete information. Additionally, some countries may have specific requirements, so it is essential to check the relevant sources for your country of origin.
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Health declaration form
International students in Malaysia are issued with an International Student Card, known as iKAD. The card serves as official identification and proof that the student has obtained legal status to live in Malaysia for educational purposes. The iKAD is issued by the student's university or college in collaboration with Malaysian Immigration and EMGS (Education Malaysia Global Studies).
To obtain an iKAD, students must first apply for a Student Pass from the Department of Immigration Malaysia. This can be done through the EMGS system via the university, college, or training centre. Students from countries that require a visa must obtain one at the Malaysian Embassy, High Commission, or Malaysian Consulate before entering Malaysia. Upon entry, the student's original passport must be submitted to the relevant State Immigration Office to receive the Student Pass.
As part of the application process, students are required to submit a Health Declaration Form. This form can be downloaded and filled out, with a scanned copy uploaded for online applications. The Health Declaration Form is a mandatory requirement for obtaining a student visa in Malaysia.
The Health Declaration Form serves as a health assessment for the applicant, ensuring they meet the necessary health requirements to study in Malaysia. It may include questions about the student's medical history, current health status, and any relevant health conditions. Additionally, students from countries considered at high risk for yellow fever must obtain the necessary inoculations before arriving in Malaysia and provide their yellow fever vaccination booklet/card during the immigration process.
The Health Declaration Form may also require students to disclose any pre-existing medical conditions, medications they are currently taking, or any other relevant health-related information. This information helps the relevant authorities in Malaysia assess the student's overall health status and ensure they have access to appropriate healthcare services during their stay.
It is important to carefully review and accurately complete the Health Declaration Form, as providing false or misleading information could result in delays or even rejection of the student visa application. Students should refer to the guidelines provided by Education Malaysia Global Services for detailed instructions on filling out the form and submitting all the necessary supporting documents.
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English language proficiency
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iKad/iCard
International students in Malaysia can obtain an iKad, also known as an iCard, to simplify many aspects of their stay in the country. The iKad is a foreign national identity card that acts as proof of the student's legal status to live and study in Malaysia. It also serves as a means of identification and provides access to university campuses and public transportation at discounted rates.
To obtain an iKad, international students must first apply for a Student Pass or a Student Visa from the Malaysian Immigration Department. This process involves several steps and the submission of various documents. Here is a simplified guide on how to apply for the iKad/iCard in Malaysia:
Step 1: Obtain Acceptance into a Malaysian Educational Institution
Before applying for the iKad/iCard, international students must first secure acceptance into a recognised Malaysian educational institution. This can be a university, college, or language school.
Step 2: Prepare Required Documents
The next step is to gather and prepare the necessary documents for the Student Pass or Visa application. The required documents may include:
- Passport with a minimum validity of 12 months and copies of all pages with visa information.
- Visa Approval Letter (VAL) or Visa with Reference (VDR) for those from countries requiring a visa.
- Health declaration form, especially if coming from a country with a high risk of yellow fever.
- Academic records, certificates, or transcripts of previous studies.
- Proof of English language proficiency, such as IELTS or other accepted English language tests.
- Personal bond, ensuring compliance with Malaysian immigration laws.
- Letter of Eligibility (LOE) for students from Iran, obtained from the Iranian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur.
- No-Objection Certificate (NOC) for students from Sudan, obtained through their institution at the Sudanese Embassy in Kuala Lumpur.
Step 3: Submit the Student Pass/Visa Application
After preparing the required documents, students can proceed with submitting their Student Pass or Visa application. There are two options for this step:
- Apply directly through the Education Malaysia Global Service (EMGS) system via the university, college, or training centre.
- Apply through the Department of Immigration Headquarters in Putrajaya or relevant State Immigration Offices.
Step 4: Receive the iKad/iCard
Once the Student Pass or Visa application is approved, international students will receive their iKad/iCard, which serves as their foreign national identity card in Malaysia. The iKad/iCard will be issued by the student's university or college in collaboration with Malaysian immigration and EMGS.
It is important to note that the Student Pass or Visa application process may take around 4-6 weeks, including the processing time for the Visa Approval Letter and the Malaysian entry visa. Therefore, students should plan their applications accordingly to ensure they receive their iKad/iCard in a timely manner.
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Frequently asked questions
The international student card in Malaysia is officially known as iKAD. It is an official identification card issued to international students studying in Malaysian institutions. It acts as proof that the student has obtained a legal status to live in the country.
To apply for an international student card in Malaysia, you must first obtain a Student Pass or Student Visa. This can be done through the Education Malaysia Global Service (EMGS) system via universities/colleges/training centres. Once you have received your Student Pass, you will be issued an iKAD.
To apply for a Student Pass, you will need to submit a copy of your passport, a health declaration form, and copies of all academic records, certificates, or transcripts of previous studies. If you are from a country considered to be at high risk of yellow fever, you will also need to provide your yellow fever vaccination booklet/card. Additionally, you may need to demonstrate English language proficiency and obtain a Visa Approval Letter (VAL).
