Malaysia Student Visa: Requirements, Process, and Updates for 2025

Do you want to study in Malaysia? Then, you need a Malaysian student visa. The Malaysian student visa is also known as the Student Pass. It is issued to international students who want to study in the country. Whether you want to enrol in a public or private educational institution, or enrol in a bachelor’s or master’s program, a student visa is what you need. This blog covers everything about the Malaysian student visa: its requirements, fees, and application process. You will also learn whether you can bring any dependents or a lot. Moreover, you will understand the latest visa updates.

Who Needs a Malaysian Student Visa?

A Malaysian student visa is required for any international student who wants to study in the country, including Indians. You need this visa to study at any level of education (langauge schools & universities). Only students from specific ASEAN countries, like Brunei and Singapore, have different requirements for a student visa.

The Malaysian student visa, or the student pass, is issued for a year and needs to be renewed for a longer duration of studies. To travel, you must have the necessary documents (including necessary finances). The application for the visa can be made through Education Malaysia Global Services.

To learn why you should consider studying in Malaysia, watch this video:

Documents Required for Malaysia Student Visa

According to the rules issued by Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS), the documents listed below are absolutely important to wish to study in Malaysia: 

1. Completed the Malaysia student visa application form, signed by the applicant
2. Offer letter from a Malaysian University approved by the Pass & Permit Department of the Immigration Headquarters of Malaysia
3. Academic transcripts 
4. Health certificate
5. 2 passport-size photographs with white background (35mm x 45 mm)
6. Two photocopies of the passport 
7. Proof of financial support and bank statements 
8. Proof of security and personal bond
9. Evidence of full-time course of study approved by the Ministers of Home Affairs 
10. Students must demonstrate their proficiency and efficiency in the English language when applying for a Visa Approval Letter (PTE, IELTS, TOEFL, CAE, CPE, MUET).
11. Letters of Approval
12. If a student is coming from a country with a high risk of yellow fever, he or she must have the required vaccinations before entering Malaysia.

Is IELTS Compulsory for Malaysia?

International students need to prove their English language proficiency. This is because the medium of instruction is English. While IELTS specifically is not mandatory, you need to prove you can communicate in English. IELTS results are widely accepted by universities in Malaysia. 

However, if you do not want to take the IELTS examination, there are alternatives too! You can take the TOEFL exam. Some universities do not require you to prove English proficiency if your entire schooling was from an English-medium school. 

Certain universities have different criteria. In that case, too, you are free from taking the English language test. Nevertheless, you must be able to communicate in English. This will be tested in the visa interview and the university-specific admission process/test.

How Much Bank Balance is Required for a Malaysia Student Visa?

International students must have sufficient finances to travel to Malaysia. You need sufficient funds to pay for your tuition fees, and your travel insurance. You also need necessary funds to pay for the student visa. One major expense you will incur is the living expenses. Therefore, you must prove that you have necessary funds in your bank account:

Particulars	Minimum Bank Balance
Malaysia Student Visa (student pass)	MYR 40,000 (approximately INR 7.5 Lakhs

Guidelines For Passport Photograph

Students applying for a Malaysian visa should follow the criteria to avoid any problems with law enforcement personnel.

1. The photos must be in colour and not in black and white colour
2. It should be professionally taken against a white background
3. It should have dimensions of 45 mm height and 35 mm width
4. It should be free from reflection, free from shadow and visible 
5. It should be free from a red-eye and nothing covering the face 
6. It should contain the full name of the students at the back of the photograph

Also Read: Cheapest MBA in Canada for International Students

How to Apply for a Malaysia Student Visa?

The Malaysian Government has made the student visa application process quite easy. The students are no longer required to contact their local Malaysian embassy or consulate. Let’s go through the application process step by step: 

Step 1: Get in Touch with the Institution: 

Students can apply for the student pass directly from the selected university and submit the application with complete information. Make sure to have a passport with a validity of more than 1 year, otherwise, the student pass will not be processed. 

Step 2: Wait for the Confirmation of Acceptance:

 Students will be informed of the application status. The notification of acceptance is sent via the Immigration Department in Malaysia within 7 days. 

Step 3: Submit the Necessary Documents: 

Submit all the above-mentioned documents to the chosen university to gain the student visa to study in Malaysia. 

Step 4: Confirmation of Student Pass: 

The university will send a letter confirming the student pass and a letter of approval will be issued by the Immigration Department of Malaysia. 

Step 5: Share Flight Details with the Institution: 

Inform the university regarding the airport location, flight number, and arrival date and time. The university’s representative will come to the airport and brief you with all the details. Within two weeks, you will receive the student pass from the Immigration Department of Malaysia. 

Lastly, travel to Malaysia on a student visa, and start your studies.

To learn more about Malaysia student visa application process, watch this video:

Malaysia Student Pass Categories

Depending on the institution you choose, you will be placed in one of the Malaysian Immigration Department’s many categories.

Category	How to Apply?
International Students in government/private schools	Apply for a student visa at the state immigration office near you.
International Students at Public Higher Education Institutions	Apply for a visa at a state immigration office through an institution. Applicants from Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan must submit their applications to the Department of Immigration in Putrajaya.
International Students at Private Higher Education Institutions/Training Centers	Apply for a Malaysia student visa via the institution’s website at Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS).
International Students in Language Centers	Apply through an institution to the Department of Immigration in Putrajaya.
Holder of Dependent Pass (Expatriate)	The application must be filed to the Expatriate Service Division of Immigration Headquarters in Putrajaya, or to any applicable State Immigration Office.

Malaysia Student Visa Fees 

The application for a Malaysia Visa for Indians varies depending on the type of course and the type of institution in which the student wishes to enrol. Health insurance is also a mandatory aspect of any student visa application. In addition to the visa, students in Malaysia need an I-Kad, the official Malaysian identity card. 

Type of Malaysian University/College	Student Visa Malaysia Fees
Private Higher Institute	RM 1,060 – RM 1,560 (INR 18,000 – 27,000)
Private Institute	RM 810 – RM 1,060 (INR 14,000 – 18,000)
International Accredited Centres	RM 810 – RM 1,060 (INR 14,000 – 18,000)
Public Institute	RM 810 – RM 1,560 (INR 14,000 – 27,000)

Also Read: MBA in Aviation Management: Top Courses, Colleges & Career in 2025

Processing Time For Malaysia Student Visa

The processing time for a Malaysian Student Visa is roughly 1 to 3 weeks. The Visa office takes 14 days to approve the Visa Approval Letter and verify the documents of the candidates. All students are advised to start the visa application process in advance to ensure they make it to their dream university on time!

Medical Screening of International Students in Malaysia 

International students applying for a Student Visa in Malaysia must undertake the following medical screenings: 

1. New foreign students must attend a medical screening at a panel within 7 days 
2. If students are applying for visa renewal they don’t have to undergo medical screening 
3. International students applying for the change of course or the university are required to attend the in-country medical screening at an EMGS panel. 

Malaysia Dependent Pass

Students seeking master’s and PhD degrees in Malaysia are permitted to bring their dependents with them. Only the spouse, children, mother, and father are considered dependents. The following are the documents needed for a dependent pass:

• Form Imm. 38
• Form Imm. 55
• Copy of Student Pass holder passport
• Copies of dependents passport/documents
• Confirmation letter from universities/college
• Health insurance
• Proof of relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate or letter from the embassy) certified by the embassy office)
• Any other relevant documents

Note: During the course of their studies, Student Pass holders and their dependents will be issued a Multiple Entry Visa (MEV) that will allow them to travel to and from their home country.

Reasons for Rejection of Malaysia Student Visa 

The acceptance rate of Malaysian Visa is 90% which is much higher as compared to the other countries. Malaysia attracts around 100,000 students annually but the Malaysian Immigration Department may reject a Malaysia student visa application based on: 

1. Any history of a criminal offence
2. Submission of false documents 
3. Invalid LOR 
4. Insufficient balance in the bank account
5. Poor communication skills 
6. Non-satisfactory academic records 
7. Inconsistent choice of programs or courses 

Also Read: 9 Common Reasons for a Student Visa Rejection

Can I get PR in Malaysia after Study?

It is moderately difficult to obtain a Malaysian PR after completing your studies. However, it is not impossible. Unlike other countries, Malaysia does not provide a post study work permit. However, you are allowed to study and work for up to 20 hours a week. If you get a good job after you graduate from a university you can apply for an Employment Pass.

The Malaysian employment pass is issued for a period of 1-2 years. This pass is renewable. If you stay in the country on a work permit for up to 5 years you can apply for a PR. However, the transition from a student visa to work will not be smooth as there is no post study work visa.

Update: Indians are given a graduate pass (untill the end of 2026) for 12 months. This means you can seek employment after studies in Malaysia. This has made transition to work permit smooth for Indian nationals. 

Malaysia Student Visa 2025 Updates:

The Malaysian student visa updates for 2024 are as follows

1. EMGS announced that the processing fee for student visa applications will be increased as of 1st July 2025. The new application fee would be RM 1,600 (excluding SST).
2. The application renewal fee is also increased to is RM 250 (excluding SST).
3. The government is encouraging students to use the “EMGS Hub” app. The push is being made to completely digitalise the application process. The older “EMGS Connect” app can no longer be used.
4. The graduate passes eligibility (for specific nationalities) extension for 12 month is provided until the end of 2026.  This means after completing your studies, you can seek employment. 12 months are given for the same.

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We hope that this blog provides you with a complete guide on the Malaysia student visa. Are you interested in pursuing your dream course abroad? Get in touch with our Leverage Edu mentors and we will guide you throughout the process of selecting the right university as well as drafting an impressive application.