Malaysia is a popular destination for students from all over the world. It offers affordable education and has English as its primary language, making it an ideal place to study in Southeast Asia. The country has a multicultural environment and many top-tier universities that are known for their academic excellence. So, let’s dive into the enriching world of Malaysian education and explore the pathway to your academic dreams with our comprehensive guide on the Malaysia student visa application process.

Nine Malaysian institutions are ranked in the top 500 by QS World University in 2023, with Universiti Malaya being at the 70th position. These universities not only provide exceptional education but also offer a unique and immersive experience for every student.

Here is a list of some top recommended Malaysian universities

To secure a place at a Malaysian university, you must first receive a formal admissions letter from the institution of your choice and pay any required enrollment fees. Once this is done, your university will begin the process of applying for your student pass by contacting the Malaysian immigration authorities on your behalf. After filling in the official application form, they will ask you to read through and digitally sign it. 

To complete the Malaysia student visa application, you will need to gather several documents and send them to your university. A comprehensive list of the required documents can be found in the section below. Additionally, you will need to pay a visa processing fee, which may vary depending on the institution you attend.

After submitting your application, you will need to wait for a decision. Usually, the immigration authorities will notify your university of the outcome within a week. If your application is approved, your university will forward the visa approval letter (VAL) to you. This provisional student pass will enable you to enter the country, and you will need to present it to immigration officials upon your arrival.

Before traveling to Malaysia, you must inform your university of your arrival dates, airport location, and flight numbers. A university representative will usually meet you at the airport to assist you. Within two weeks of your arrival, your university will send your passport to the immigration department to collect your student pass sticker.

The documents needed to submit for a Malaysia student visa are as follows:

You are required to proceed with your registration at the Malaysian institute and get an i-Kad student pass within a month.

In Malaysia, students who hold a visa are permitted to work part-time for 20 hours per week. To apply for permission to work part-time, the student will need to complete a form. The host institution will handle the process of seeking permission from the immigration department on the student’s behalf.