Student visa (Student Pass)

International students apply through Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS). Your university submits the application after you accept your offer. You receive an eVAL (visa approval letter), travel on a Single Entry Visa, do a medical screening within 7 days of arriving, and then receive your Student Pass and i-Kad. Your passport should be valid for at least 18 months. Monash University Malaysia estimates the visa-related costs at about RM2,500 for the first year (EMGS fee, visa, i-Kad, medical screening and insurance).

Source: EMGS

Tuition fees

Fees vary a lot by university and subject; medicine, dentistry and pharmacy cost the most. EMGS estimates roughly US$2,500–5,000 a year at public universities and US$6,000–9,500 a year at private ones for typical programmes. Example: UKM lists RM43,000 a year for its English-taught business management and IT bachelor's degrees for international students. A 6% service tax on tuition for international students applies from July 2025. We confirm the exact fee for your course before you apply.

Living costs

Many students spend about RM1,500–3,000 a month: shared or campus housing RM300–1,200, food RM500–800, transport RM50–200, phone and utilities RM150–350. Kuala Lumpur and Penang cost more than smaller towns such as Kampar, Sintok or Kota Bharu.

English requirements

Typical minimums are IELTS 5.5–6.0 (or TOEFL equivalent) for bachelor's degrees and 6.0–6.5 for postgraduate study; medicine and law often ask for more. Example: UKM asks international undergraduates for IELTS 6.0, TOEFL 550 or MUET Band 3. Many universities run an English course if you are slightly below.

Intakes

Public universities usually admit bachelor's students once a year (around September–October); postgraduate intakes are more flexible. Private universities and branch campuses have several intakes a year, often January/February, April/May and August/September. Apply 3–6 months before your intake so the visa is ready.

Working while you study

Students at universities can work up to 20 hours a week during semester breaks and holidays longer than 7 days, with approval from the Immigration Department through the university. Some jobs are not allowed.

After you graduate

The EMGS Graduate Pass lets graduates with a bachelor's degree or higher stay in Malaysia for 12 months after graduation. To work long term you need an Employment Pass from an employer.

Source: EMGS Graduate Pass