Entering Malaysia To Study: Immigration Procedures for International Students

Introduction

This chapter offers useful information on immigration matters for international students who wish to pursue their higher education in Malaysia. According to Immigration Rules and Regulations, all international students (full-time and foreign exchange students) are required to have a valid Student Pass and Visa in order to study in Malaysia.

The government agencies that are responsible for immigration matters are the Malaysian Immigration Department and Malaysian diplomatic mission overseas (i.e. Malaysian High Commission Consulates or Embassies)

(Note : An International student or someone is neither a Malaysian nor a permanent resident in Malaysia)

Selecting an Institution

It is important for international students to note that they are only allowed to study at public or private higher educational institutions which are approved by the following two authorities :

• The Ministry of Higher Education (in Malay : Kementerian Pengajian Tinggi Malaysia) which grants approval to institutions to conduct various courses; and
• The Ministry of Home Affairs (in Malay : Kementerian Hal Ehwal Malaysia) which licences approved institutions to recruit international students

At present, there are over 400 private higher educational institutions in Malaysia but only about 216 of these private higher educational institutions are given permission by the Immigration Department to recruit international students for tertiary education. All public universities can recruit international students. Please refer to Where To Study for a list of these institutions.

Immigration Procedures

The section below will give international students like YOU a more detailed explanation about visas, getting a student pass, and other procedures required in order to enter and stay in Malaysia as a student. Below are the procedures for visa / student pass applications and entering Malaysia to study :

• Procedure 1 : Applying for a Visa and Student Pass
• Procedure 2 : Arriving in Malaysia : At the Malaysia Immigration Check Point
• Procedure 3 : Affixing the Student Pass Sticker and Student Pass/Visa Fees

Procedure 1 – Applying for a Visa and Student Pass

Visa Issued at Point of Entry

The Malaysian Government has introduced simplified and hassle-free entry procedures to welcome international students like YOU to study at Malaysian public and private higher educational institutions.

A visa is required but the procedure is simple i.e. You do NOT need to apply for a visa from the Malaysian Embassy in your home country in order to enter Malaysia to study, with the exception of students from the People's Republic of China. The visa will be issued to you upon your arrival in Malaysia at the immigration check point provided you have valid travel documents and a letter of approval for a student pass by the Malaysian Immigration Department.

(Note : Students from the PRC are required to obtain their Entry Visas from the Malaysian Embassy in Beijing, Guangzhou or Shanghai prior to entering Malaysia.)

Applying for a Student Pass through an Institution Prior to Entering Malaysia

The process of applying for a student pass is simple. The Malaysian institution of higher education which has offered international students like YOU a place to study at their institution will apply for the student pass on your behalf, prior to your arrival in Malaysia.

Applications will be submitted by the respective higher educational institution to the Director of Pass & Permit Division, Malaysia Immigration Department Headquarters in Kuala Lumpur (e-Student Pass System). Students do not need to apply directly to the Immigration Department under this procedure.

Prospective students will be informed of their application status by the Immigration Department in Malaysia through their educational institutions within an estimated seven to 14 days after the application. A prospective international student must have an approved student pass before entering the country.

• Documents required for applying a student pass Malaysian educational institutions are required to submit the following documents to the Malaysian Immigration Department Headquarters in Kuala Lumpur in order to apply for student passes for students who intend to study at their respective institutions.
• An offer letter or letter of acceptance from the educational institution to the student
• Student Pass Application Form (Imm.14) in duplicate
• Two photocopies of the student's passport / travel document (with a validity period of at least 12 months)
• Three passport-sized photographs of the student 
• One photocopy of the student's medical health examination report
• Evidence of student's ability to finance their education cost in Malaysia
• The educational institution is required to sign a Personal Bond* prescribed under Regulation 18 of the Immigration Regulations 1963 together with payment

Upon approval, student passes are then granted to international students which will allow them direct entry into Malaysia with the exception of students from The People's Republic of China who are required to obtain a Single-Entry Visa before they come to Malaysia.