The application process for a student’s visa for Malaysia

1. Enroll in a Malaysian university: receive an official enrollment letter to the chosen institution and pay all the fees;
2. The university starts the student ID application process: your university contacts the Malaysian immigration authorities to register the application on your behalf. They will ask you to read and sign the official application form after completing it.
3. Collect the required documents: You will need to send your university several documents so that they can complete the application. The full list is in the section below.
4. Pay the visa application fee: In addition to the government application fee, some universities charge a visa application fee. The exact amount will depend on the institution.
5. Wait for a decision: Immigration authorities usually notify the agency of the results of your application within a week.
6. Get your approval letter: Your university will send you a Visa Approval Letter (VAL). This is a preliminary student card that allows you to enter the country. You will need to show this to immigration officials upon arrival.
7. Inform the University of your travel plans: Send the University information about your arrival dates, airport location and flight numbers. Usually a university representative will meet you at the airport.
8. Get your student ID: Your university will send your passport to immigration within two weeks of your arrival. When it comes back, it will contain your student ID sticker.

Necessary documents

The Malaysian authorities will require the following documents as part of the application process. It is therefore important to send them to the host institution soon after accepting your place to avoid any delays.

• Official enrollment letter from your university
• A completed and signed application form for a student visa
• A copy of a passport valid for more than 12 months
• Two passport photographs
• Records of academic qualifications
• Confirmation of the availability of sufficient financial resources
• A medical certificate confirming that you are healthy
• Personal bond (a letter signed by your university to guarantee that you will comply with immigration laws)
• Certificates of knowledge of the English language

The period of issuance of the Malaysian student’s visa

It is plain and simple to obtain a student’s visa for Malaysia. In general, the entire process from application to visa issuance takes up between two to six weeks.

Processing time for a visa approval letter (VAL) is 14 days, and processing time for an entry visa is between one and three weeks.

It is a good idea to start the application as soon as possible in case of any unforeseen delays.

Can you work with a Malaysian student visa?

International student employment regulations in Malaysia are stricter compared to many other countries. You are allowed to work 20 hours each week, but only during holidays. You are not allowed to work at any time during the semester.

The type of roles you can take on is also limited. Although you can find work in a restaurant, gas station, convenience store or hotel, you will not be allowed to work as a cashier, musician or any other position.

What to do if your visa application was rejected?

Approximately 90% of student visa applications are accepted in Malaysia, giving the country one of the highest approval rates in the world. Very few applications are rejected, but the most common reasons for rejection are lack of information or insufficient financial resources.

After receiving a negative decision, students can contact the immigration service and ask for a letter stating the reasons for the refusal.

You can write to the Home Secretary within 30 days to appeal the decision, but there is no guarantee that you will be successful. Visa application fees are non-refundable, so please ensure that you are confident that all future applications will be accepted.