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Settling In

Malaysia Post-Arrival Guide

What to do after you land in Malaysia. Do the medical check and get your Student Pass (the permit that lets you study in Malaysia; a sticker goes in your passport). Then get your i-Kad (your student ID card), a bank account and a SIM card.

Welcome • Malaysia

Malaysia Post-Arrival Guide

Arrival Plan

First day to first week

University Enrolment

Check-in and orientation

Student Pass

Sticker, i-Kad and renewal

Your First Steps in Malaysia

These steps make sure you can stay in Malaysia legally and live normally.

Medical check

Within 7 working days of arrival, at an EMGS panel clinic or your public university clinic.

University check-in

Bring your passport, your eVAL (the visa approval letter), your Single Entry Visa and your offer letter to the international office.

Phone and money

Get a Malaysian SIM card and open a Malaysian bank account.

Safety

Save 999 in your phone. It is the emergency number. Do not walk alone at night.

Post-Arrival Resources

Comprehensive guides for each aspect of settling into your new life in Malaysia.

Arrival Plan
First day to first week

From the airport to your medical check.

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University Enrolment
Check-in and orientation

What to bring and what happens.

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Student Pass
Sticker, i-Kad and renewal

Keep your pass valid.

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Banking and SIM
Bank account and phone

Get set up for daily life.

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Registration
What you must report

What you must tell the government when you arrive.

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Adaptation Timeline

A structured approach to settling in Malaysia during your first few months.

First days
Days 1 to 3
Land, settle and check in.
Get help at the ISAC desk (the student help desk) at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).
Get a SIM card for your phone and a Touch 'n Go card (a card or app you top up to pay for buses and trains).
Check in at your university.
First week
Week 1
Make your stay legal.
Do your medical check at an EMGS panel clinic, or at your public university's own clinic.
Give your passport to your university. It is returned with the Student Pass sticker.
Pay the MYR 750 (Malaysian ringgit) personal bond to your university if you have not paid it. You get it back when you finish or leave your studies, if you broke no immigration rules.
After the sticker
Weeks 2 and later
Start your normal life as a student.
Collect your i-Kad.
Go to orientation.
Open a bank account.
Support Services

Support Resources

Essential support services and resources to help you during your stay in Malaysia.

University international office

Your first stop for check-in, the Student Pass and the welcome events.

International Student Arrival Centre (ISAC)

The student help desk at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.

Hours

24 hours

Campus health centre

Most campuses have a student health centre for common illnesses.

Emergency services

Police, fire and ambulance.

Contact

999

Hours

24 hours

Cultural Adjustment

Understanding and adapting to the cultural nuances of Malaysia.

Respect
Malaysians value politeness and respect.
Greet people with a small bow or a firm handshake.
Do not touch someone's head. Do not point with your first finger.
Religion
Malaysia has many religions.
Wear modest clothes at places of worship.
Do not argue about religion.
Daily life
Small habits help.
Take off your shoes before you enter a home.
Keep your student ID with you every day.
Language
Most Malaysians speak basic English.
Say terima kasih (thank you) and selamat pagi (good morning).

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about post-arrival life in Malaysia.

Settle In Step by Step

Read the guide for each part of your first weeks.

Arrival PlanGet Personal Support

Complete Guide to Malaysia

Explore all aspects of studying in Malaysia with our comprehensive guides

Post-Arrival - Detailed Guides

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Need Assistance?

Need Help Settling In Malaysia?

Qogent is with you even after you land in Malaysia, offering post-arrival assistance and guidance.

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