Malaysia is a popular study destination for international students, with widely recognized programs, affordable study costs, a multicultural environment, and many English-taught options. Hence, more and more international students choose Malaysian universities and colleges to pursue their academic interests and research activities. There are plenty of reasons why international students choose to study in Malaysia, yet the most prominent reasons include low tuition fees, high-quality education and research, diversity in the student population, multilingualism, and so on.
Once you decide to study in Malaysia for a degree program and receive an acceptance letter from a Malaysian university, the next step is to apply for the necessary immigration approval so you can legally enter and stay in the country for your studies. Most international students need an electronic Visa Approval Letter (eVAL) before entering Malaysia, and students from countries that require a visa must also obtain a Single-Entry Visa before traveling. If you don’t know where to start or how to proceed, read our article and find out how to get a student visa for Malaysia.
Steps on Applying for a Malaysian Student Visa
Below, we state the crucial steps you need to consider when applying for a student visa to Malaysia.
Step 1. Prepare Your Documents
The first step for applying for a Malaysian student visa is to collect the necessary documents once you receive an acceptance letter from a Malaysian university. Applicants for higher education programs should generally be outside Malaysia when the application is submitted. Preparing the documents may take time and can affect your student visa application process, so it is best to start collecting them as early as possible.
An example document is proof of English language proficiency. When applying for the Visa Approval Letter (VAL/eVAL), international students must demonstrate an acceptable level of English language proficiency and upload an accepted English-language certificate, such as MUET, IELTS, TOEFL iBT, TOEFL Essentials, PTE Academic, Cambridge English, Linguaskill, OET, or ELS CIEP. Obtaining an acceptable English language proficiency certificate can take time, depending on the type of language exam you prefer and your level of English, so it is best to start earlier to acquire an adequate score in English.
Step 2. Apply via the Online Visa Application Platform
Once you have finished obtaining your documents, you must start your online application via the Education Malaysia Global Service (EMGS) system, the EMGS Hub mobile application, or through your education institution via the STARS system. You can also find downloadable forms and document guidelines in the system to complete the required documents for your student visa application.
Step 3. Pay the Application Fee
The next step for your Malaysian student visa is to pay the application and other service fees to complete the process. Depending on the Malaysian institution you’re enrolled in, your nationality, the type of application, the medical screening route, the insurance plan you choose, the i-Kad delivery method, and any visa-related charges, the total fee can change. Once you calculate the fees for your visa application on EMGS, you can continue with the next step and make your payment.
Step 4. Track Your Application
Once you submit your application, it is your responsibility to track your application and stay in contact with your institution in Malaysia. You can check the current status of your application by visiting EMGS’s online system. EMGS states that the client charter is 14 working days for a complete application, but incomplete or incorrect documents and clearance from relevant agencies may add processing time. After the application is approved, the Immigration Department of Malaysia issues the electronic Visa Approval Letter (eVAL).
Step 5. Arrange Accommodation
Lastly, once you receive your eVAL and prepare to travel to Malaysia, you can contact the International Office of your Malaysian university and look for options to arrange accommodation. After arrival, new international students must complete post-arrival medical screening within seven working days, and the Student Pass endorsement is completed after the required arrival procedures.
Documents Needed for Malaysian Student Visa Applications
VISA
REQUIREMENTS | DOCUMENT DETAILS |
|---|
| Copy of Your Passport | Applicants need to provide the passport biodata page, pages with visa information, the observation page showing extensions or previous passport numbers, and any special pass or exit stamp if applicable. The passport must generally have at least 18 months of validity. Students from Libya, Iran, Iraq, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen must provide copies of all passport pages. |
| Photo | one passport-sized photograph with a white background, measuring 35 mm x 45 mm |
| Offer Letter | a copy of the offer or acceptance letter from the university or college you will attend |
| Academic Documents | copies of all previous academic records, certificates, and transcripts; some courses may have additional entry requirements |
| Health Declaration Form | a completed health declaration form |
| English Language Certificate | an accepted English language certificate, such as MUET, IELTS, TOEFL iBT, TOEFL Essentials, PTE Academic, Cambridge English, Linguaskill, OET, or ELS CIEP, unless your institution or application route confirms otherwise |
| Personal Bond | the education institution signs a personal bond on behalf of the student, and the student may be required to lodge the specified bond amount with the institution |
Additional documents may be requested for students from specific countries or for applications in certain Malaysian states. For example, current EMGS guidance mentions a No-Objection Certificate for applicants from Sudan, a No-Objection Letter for applicants from Oman, and a Letter of Eligibility for applicants from Iran and Libya. Students applying for Sarawak may also need additional documents, such as an authorization letter, cover letter, or pre-VAL medical report. It is best to visit the online application website by Education Malaysia Global Services for the most current requirements.
FAQs: Student Visa Applications for Malaysia
Where to Apply for a Malaysia Student Visa?
How Much is the Visa Issuance Fee for a Student Visa?
There is no single fixed Malaysia student visa fee for every international student. EMGS’s fee calculator currently lists a new IPTA or IPTS application option at MYR 1,728, which is approximately USD 424 at recent exchange rates, before the final total is adjusted by selections such as medical screening, Student Pass fee, eVAL fee, health insurance, i-Kad, and Multiple Entry Visa fees. Standard medical screening options shown in the calculator range from MYR 250 to MYR 350, or about USD 61 to USD 86, depending on the selected route and location. Exchange rates and EMGS fees can change, so always use the official calculator before paying.
The fees for a Malaysian student visa can differ by many factors, such as the nationality of the student, the type of insurance plan preferred, the type of higher education institution enrolled, medical screening fee, multiple-entry visa fee, and so on. To receive the accurate amount of Malaysia student visa application fees based on your circumstances, you can try the Visa Application Fee Calculator provided by EMGS.
The student visa application process is one of the essential steps to study in Malaysia, and missing any requirement may cause serious problems. By following this guide, you can become familiar with what you need to do during your application and be ready for the process beforehand.
We hope this article on how to get a Malaysia student visa was informative. If you are interested, please visit the Study in Malaysia Page and Available Courses for International Students.
