Study Visa in Malaysia: Process and Application

Malaysia is a popular destination for international students who want to pursue higher education in a diverse and multicultural environment. The country offers a range of academic programs, from undergraduate to doctoral degrees, in various fields of study. Malaysia also boasts a high quality of education, with many universities ranked among the top in Asia and the world. Moreover, Malaysia has a booming economy, with many employment opportunities for graduates in sectors such as manufacturing, tourism, and technology. Additionally, international students can benefit from the stay-back options that allow them to work in Malaysia for up to two years after completing their studies. However, to study and work in Malaysia, international students need a study visa, which is also known as a student pass. A study visa is a type of permit that grants permission to enter and stay in Malaysia for the duration of the academic program. A study visa also allows students to work part-time for up to 20 hours per week during semester breaks. To apply for a study visa, students need to meet certain requirements, such as having an offer letter from a recognized educational institution, having sufficient funds, and having a valid passport.

In this article, we will explore more about the student visa in Malaysia, such as the application process, the fees, the documents, the benefits, and more. 

Study Visa in Malaysia: Details 

To study in Malaysia, you need to obtain a Visa Approval Letter, A Single Entry Visa or Visa on Arrival, and a Student Pass, which has to be renewed annually. Here are more details regarding the study visa in Malaysia. 

Student Pass: This is the main document that allows international students to study and stay in Malaysia. It is issued by the Immigration Department of Malaysia and must be applied for through the Education Malaysia Global Services website. The Student Pass is valid for up to 12 months and must be renewed every year until the completion of the studies. The Student Pass also grants a Multiple Entry Visa (MEV) to the students and their dependents, which allows them to travel in and out of Malaysia during their studies. A student pass visa also enables the holder to apply for a dependent pass for their spouse or children under 18 years old, subject to certain conditions and fees. It can be renewed annually until the completion of the course, subject to satisfactory academic performance and attendance. The renewal process must be done at least three months before the expiry date of the current student pass.

The fees for a student pass vary depending on the country of origin and the type of course. Generally, the fees include a processing fee, a student pass fee, a visa fee, and a personal bond fee. The processing fee is 1,000 MYR for all students, while the student pass fee is 60 MYR per year or part thereof. The personal bond fee is a security deposit that ranges from 200 to 2,000 MYR, depending on the country, and is refundable upon cancellation of the student pass. 

Visa Approval Letter (VAL): This is a document that confirms the eligibility and approval of the student to study in Malaysia. It is also issued by the Immigration Department of Malaysia and must be applied for through the Education Malaysia Global Services website. The VAL is required to obtain a Single Entry Visa (SEV) or a Visa on Arrival (VOA) at the Malaysian Embassy or Consulate abroad, or the point of entry in Malaysia, depending on the country of origin. The VAL must be presented to the immigration officer at the airport along with the SEV or VOA to enter Malaysia and obtain the Student Pass sticker on the passport.

VDR stands for Visa with Reference, which is a type of visa issued by the Malaysian Representative Office abroad to a non-citizen who wants to enter Malaysia for specific purposes, such as work, study, or marriage. The VDR is approved by the Immigration Department Headquarters in Malaysia and has different requirements depending on the category and the country of origin of the applicant. The VDR is valid for a single entry and must be used within six months from the date of issuance. The VDR holder must also obtain a Visit Pass (Temporary Employment) within 30 days of arrival in Malaysia. The visa fee ranges from 13 to 50 MYR, depending on the country, but does not exceed 50 MYR for each visa issued. The VDR must be accompanied by the VAL to enter Malaysia and obtain the Student Pass sticker on the passport.

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Malaysia Study Visa: Eligibility

Here are some of the main eligibility criteria for a study visa in Malaysia:

• You must have an offer letter from a recognized educational institution in Malaysia.
• You must have completed at least 12 years of education and passed the relevant examinations.
• You must have a valid passport with at least 12 months of validity.
• You must have a Visa Approval Letter (VAL) from the Immigration Department of Malaysia, which your institution will apply for on your behalf.
• You must undergo a pre-arrival medical screening at a registered clinic overseas and submit a medical certificate.
• You must sign a Personal Bond, which is a guarantee that you will not violate the immigration laws of Malaysia.
• You must have proof of English language proficiency, such as IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, CAE, CPE, or MUET.
• You must have proof of student health insurance.

Depending on your country of origin, you may also need additional documents, such as:

• A Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate, if you are from or have recently traveled to a country that is at risk of Yellow Fever transmission.
• A No-Objection Certificate (NOC), if you are from Sudan.
• A Letter of Eligibility (LOE), if you are from Iran.

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Malaysia Study Visa: Application Process

1. Get accepted into a Malaysian educational institution. You need to find a suitable course and institution that is registered with the Ministry of Higher Education and the Ministry of Home Affairs. You can search for accredited institutions on the Education Malaysia website. Once you receive an offer letter from the institution, you need to accept it and pay the required fees.
2. Apply for a Visa Approval Letter (VAL). Your institution will submit an online application for a VAL on your behalf to the Immigration Department of Malaysia. You need to provide the required documents for the VAL application. 
3. Wait for the VAL approval. The Immigration Department will process your VAL application within 14 working days. You will receive an email notification with a reference number and a link to download your VAL. You need to print out the VAL and keep it with you for the next steps.
4. Apply for a Malaysian entry visa (if you are a Malaysian visa-subject national). Once you receive your VAL, you can apply for a VDR at the nearest Malaysian Embassy, High Commission, or Consulate in your country. You will need to submit your original passport, VAL, offer letter, and other supporting documents as required by the Malaysian Representative Office. You will also need to pay the visa fees, which vary by country but do not exceed 50 MYR.
5. Travel to Malaysia and appear at the immigration checkpoint. You need to present the relevant documents at the immigration checkpoint when you arrive in Malaysia such as 

• Your passport with the VDR (if applicable).
• Your VAL.
• Your offer letter from your Malaysian educational institution.
• Your confirmed return flight ticket.
• Enough funds to cover your living expenses in Malaysia.

Obtain your Student Pass sticker. Within seven days of your arrival, your institution will submit your original passport to the Immigration Department to be issued a Student Pass sticker. The Student Pass sticker will indicate the duration of your stay and the name of your institution. 

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Malaysia Study Visa: Documents Required 

To study in Malaysia as an International student, you need to apply for a Visa with Reference (VDR) and a Student Pass. The VDR is a visa that allows you to enter Malaysia with a reference letter from the immigration department. The Student Pass is a permit that allows you to study and stay in Malaysia for the duration of your course. You also need a Visa Approval Letter (VAL) from your educational institution in Malaysia to apply for the VDR and the Student Pass.

Here are the documents you need to prepare for your application:

• The visa application form
• The original VDR approval letter
• Original passport with at least 6 months validity after your prospective arrival date in Malaysia and 3 blank pages
• 2 copies of the biodata page of your passport
• Proof of academic history in India
• 1 recent photograph 3.5cm X 5cm in size, 60%-70% face appearance on a white background with your crown to shoulders showing.
• Support letter from the Ministry of Education or the Department of Skill Development
• Offer letter from your school, university, language center, or training center in Malaysia
• Two sets of Form Imm.14
• Personal Bond form (stamped)
• For students who wish to transfer university or college, they need a release letter from their previous institution, an attendance report, an academic performance report, and a support letter from the Ministry of Education.

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What to do if your Visa Application is Rejected? 

If your Malaysia student visa application is rejected, it can be a disheartening setback, but there are steps you can take to address the situation and potentially reapply successfully. Here’s what you should do if your Malaysia student visa application is rejected:

Understand the Reason for Rejection: Firstly, carefully review the rejection letter or communication from the Malaysian immigration authorities to understand the reasons for the rejection. Common reasons may include incomplete documentation, insufficient financial resources, or issues with the academic institution you applied.

Seek Clarification: If the rejection letter is unclear or if you have any doubts regarding the reasons for rejection, consider reaching out to the Malaysian embassy or consulate in your country. They may provide further clarification on the specific reasons for the rejection and offer guidance on how to address them.

Consider Appealing the Decision: In some cases, you may have the option to appeal the decision. If you believe there has been a misunderstanding or if you can provide additional evidence to support your application, it may be worthwhile to appeal. Be sure to follow the instructions provided by the immigration authorities regarding the appeals process, including any deadlines.

Rectify the Deficiencies: If the rejection was due to incomplete documentation or insufficient funds, take the necessary steps to rectify these deficiencies. Gather any missing documents, ensure that your financial statements meet the required criteria, and make any necessary updates to your application before reapplying.

Consult with a Visa Consultant or Legal Advisor: If you’re unsure about how to proceed or if you encounter any legal complexities, consider seeking assistance from a qualified visa consultant or legal advisor. They can provide expert guidance on your specific situation and help you navigate the reapplication process effectively.

Explore Alternative Options: While you work on resolving the issues with your Malaysia student visa application, consider exploring alternative options for pursuing your education goals. This could include applying to different academic institutions or exploring study opportunities in other countries with more lenient visa policies.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, acquiring a study visa in Malaysia isn’t a very hassle-free process. However, it requires careful planning and following all the instructions and requirements from the Malaysian authorities. Any mistake or omission in the application process could result in delays or rejections of the visa. Therefore, prospective students need to research the visa requirements thoroughly and prepare their applications well in advance. Moreover, they should seek guidance and help from reliable sources, such as the Malaysian embassy, the university they are applying to, or a professional visa consultant. For help and guidance regarding the same, you can reach out to our admission experts at Gyanberry. Book your free video call appointment now!