Malaysia Student Visa (Student Pass): The EMGS Process Explained

You need a Student Pass. The university you apply to submits the application through EMGS (Education Malaysia Global Services) while you are outside Malaysia. After approval you receive an electronic Visa Approval Letter (eVAL), travel to Malaysia, and complete a medical check within 7 working days of arrival.

International students studying at a Malaysian university need a Student Pass. For higher education, applications are handled by Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS), the government body that processes student visas. This guide explains the process in plain language. Rules and fees change, so always confirm the latest details with EMGS and your university.

Who needs a Student Pass

Any non-Malaysian student coming to study at a university or college in Malaysia needs a Student Pass. For university-level study, the application goes through EMGS, not directly to the Immigration Department.

Important: apply from outside Malaysia

According to the Immigration Department of Malaysia, you must be outside Malaysia when your Student Pass application is submitted. Do not travel to Malaysia on a tourist visa and plan to switch.

The documents you need

EMGS lists these documents for a new application:

• A passport-size photograph with a white background (35mm x 45mm).
• A copy of your passport: the bio-data page and every page with a visa. Your passport should be valid for at least 18 months.
• Your offer letter from the university.
• A completed health declaration form (and a yellow fever vaccination record if you come from a yellow fever risk area).
• Copies of all your academic certificates and transcripts.
• Your English language certificate, if you have one. Leaving it out can delay the application.

Your university arranges the personal bond and usually submits the application on your behalf.

Step by step

• You accept your offer and pay the university's first instalment, which usually includes its visa processing fee.
• The university submits your application and documents to EMGS.
• EMGS screens your application, and the Immigration Department approves it.
• You receive an electronic Visa Approval Letter (eVAL).
• If your nationality needs a visa to enter Malaysia, you apply for a Single Entry Visa through the official eVISA portal.
• You travel to Malaysia and are met or guided by your university.
• Within 7 working days of arrival, you attend a medical screening at an EMGS panel clinic.
• Your Student Pass is endorsed in your passport.

The medical screening after arrival

EMGS requires new international students to attend a medical screening at an EMGS panel clinic within 7 working days of arrival. If you miss it, EMGS cannot continue the process for your Student Pass endorsement, so book it as soon as you land.

What does it cost?

The total is made up of several parts: EMGS processing, medical screening, compulsory health insurance, the Student Pass itself and, for some nationalities, a visa fee. Most universities quote one combined visa processing figure and pay the parts for you. For example, Multimedia University lists an international processing fee (student visa) of RM 3,500 on its fee page. Use the official EMGS fee calculator for the current figures.

Can I work while studying?

The Immigration Department allows Student Pass holders at universities to work part-time, up to 20 hours a week, only during semester breaks and holidays, and only in approved sectors. Students at language centres cannot work. Check the current rules with your university's international office before you accept any job, because working outside the rules can put your Student Pass at risk.

Keep your pass valid

Your Student Pass is tied to your course and university. Keep attending classes, renew it before it expires, and tell your university if you plan to change course.

Official sources

• Education Malaysia Global Services: student visa guidelines
• Immigration Department of Malaysia: Student Pass

Official fee schedule (EMGS)

Universities usually quote one combined figure. The EMGS fee schedule for private institutions lists new-student processing at RM800 (pass up to 6 months) or RM1,600 (6 to 12 months), eVAL RM150, medical screening RM250, pass sticker RM60, visa RM0 to RM50 depending on country, plus compulsory health insurance (about RM456 to RM958 for 12 months by plan). The schedule is undated and subject to service tax, so we check the current figure with the university.