Malaysia Study Visa: Types, Requirements, Process, and Cost

With top-notch education standards, Malaysian universities have become a hot favorite with international students from across the globe. At present, Malaysia is home to more than 170,000 students from over 162 countries – studying in its globally renowned universities. International students planning on studying in Malaysia are required to apply for a Malaysia Study Visa. 

Types of Malaysia Study Visa  

The government of Malaysia only offers one type of Study Visa – the Student Pass. In order to be able to study at a Malaysian university, international students are required to apply for a Student Pass, which acts as a Malaysia Study Visa.;

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What is the eligibility for a Malaysia Study Visa 2024?

Academic Eligibility

Students planning on completing an undergraduate course/program in Malaysia must have completed:

  • STPM (Sijil Tinggi Persekolham Malaysia) with principal-level passes
  • UEC (Unified Examination Certificate) with 75% marks
  • Matriculation certificate
  • Polytechnic certificate (if any)


Students planning on completing a postgraduate course/program in Malaysia must have completed:

  • Bachelor’s degree (from a well-known private/public university)
  • Pre-masters course (If any)


Language Eligibility 

  • International students aspiring to study in Malaysia must have completed an internationally recognized English Proficiency exam such as IELTS and TOEFL. The minimum score required for IELTS is 6 while for TOEFL is 500.

Student Pass

  • The Malaysian government equips every international student qualifying to study in Malaysia – with a Student Pass. International students are not allowed to begin a course without a valid Student Pass.

Acceptance Letter

  • Students are eligible for a Student Pass only if they have already been accepted for a full-time course/program in a university in Malaysia. Part-time, evening, and weekend courses/programs do not qualify. 

What are the requirements for a Malaysia Study Visa 2024?

While applying for a Malaysia Study Visa, you would be mandated to gather the following documents:

  • Completed student visa application form with signature.
  • Valid Passport
  • Offer letter from the selected university.
  • Two passport-size photographs
  • Two copies of your valid passport
  • Academic transcripts of records
  • Medical certificate
  • Proof of security and personal bond
  • Proof of financial support
  • Proof of full-time course of study approved by the Minister of Home Affairs
  • Approval letter


If any, your choice of university will notify you of additional requirements before processing your Malaysia Study Visa application. 

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What is the process to apply for a Malaysia Study Visa 2024?


STEP 1: Get accepted from a Malaysian university: Earn a formal acceptance letter from the preferred university, pay the enrollment fee, and book a slot for the upcoming intake. 

STEP 2: Get a Student Pass: Your chosen university contacts the immigration authorities in Malaysia to register a Student Pass application on your behalf. 

STEP 3: Gather the required documents:  Do this in advance, and gather all the supporting documents mentioned in the checklist mentioned in this previous section. You’ll be required to send these documents to your university so that they can complete the application process. 

STEP 4: Pay the processing fee: Pay the mandated fee for the Malaysia Study Visa application as well as the government application fee.

STEP 5: Await a decision: The immigration authorities will notify you of the outcome of your application within a week. 

STEP 6: Receive a letter of approval: If successful, the university will now send you a Visa Approval Letter (VAL), which is a provisional student pass that allows you to enter the country.

STEP 7: Collect your Student Pass: Once you’ve arrived in Malaysia, you’ll need to collect your official Student Pass from the designated center. 

What is the cost of a Malaysia Study Visa 2024?

International Students applying for a Malaysia Study Visa must pay the following fees. Depending on the program, university, and nature of the application, the charges may vary. However, the below-mentioned costs are mandatory. 

Fee Type Less than 6 monthsBetween 6 and 12 months
New Student Processing Fee 500RM1000RM
eVAL 150RM150RM
iKad 50RM50RM
Medical 250RM250RM

What is the processing time for a Malaysia Study Visa 2024?

Processing times for Malaysia Study Visa may vary if you have submitted an incomplete application or have a complex case. The current processing time for Malaysia Study Visa is 4 to 6 weeks.

Waiting times for your visa interview vary wildly between countries.

Top 10 Universities in Malaysia for International Students

Here are the top 10 universities in Malaysia that attract the highest numbers of international students.

  • Universiti Malaya (UM)
  • Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)
  • Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)
  • Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)
  • Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)
  • Universiti Teknologi Petronas
  • Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM)
  • Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM)
  • International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM)
  • Multimedia University (MMU)


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What are the benefits of a Malaysia Study Visa 2024?

  • Research and Innovation.
  • Wide range of courses and programs.
  • Stay in a safe country.
  • Global business hub.
  • Work after studies.


How can we help?

Applying for a Malaysia Study Visa is a complex and time-consuming process. Working with registered immigration consultants and study visa experts at Nationwide Visas will make sure that you are fully prepared and informed on the Malaysia Study Visa prerequisites, laws, eligibility, and documents. 

Student Pass, which acts as a Malaysia Study Visa. which acts as a Malaysia Study Visa.

 

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Frequently Asked Question

  • Can you bring a family member on a Malaysia Study Visa?

    If you are a Student Pass holder in Malaysia, with the Dependent Pass, you can bring your: Spouse (legally married husband or wife) Children below 21 years of age (biological, adopted, or stepchild).

  • While universities in Malaysia have specific guidelines related to students working part-time jobs, the government of Malaysia allows international students to pursue part-time work opportunities for 20 hours per week during their course duration.

  • To qualify for a Malaysia Study Visa, international students are required to have a minimum IELTS score of at least 6. 

  • The acceptance rate for Malaysia Study Visa is 90% - which is higher than the US and UK. 

  • iKad is a type of identity card for non-Malaysian citizens with valid residency status in Malaysia. An iKad is only issued upon the issuance of a Student Pass. 

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