Malaysia Student Pass
In Malaysia, you stay as a student with a Student Pass, the permit that lets you study in Malaysia. A sticker goes in your passport after you arrive. Here is how you get it, keep it, renew it and what comes after.
MalaysiaMALAYSIA STUDENT PASS
Type: Student
ID#: Example
ID: Example
Status: Student
Example: Master's Programme
Example: Universiti Malaya (UM)
Example card. Your Student Pass is a sticker in your passport, and your i-Kad is your student ID card.
What Is the Student Pass?
The Student Pass is the permit from the Immigration Department of Malaysia that lets you live in Malaysia to study. EMGS (Education Malaysia Global Services, the office that handles Student Passes) handles the applications.
eVAL vs Student Pass
Issued before you travel.
Valid for 6 months.
Lets you get your entry visa and come into Malaysia one time.
Put in your passport after arrival.
Up to 1 year each time.
Lets you live and study in Malaysia.
How EMGS Fits In
Your university sends your applications to EMGS. EMGS checks them and passes them to the Immigration Department.
Key Documents
eVAL
eVAL (electronic Visa Approval Letter): a letter you get before you fly. It lasts 6 months.
Student Pass sticker
Put in your passport after your medical check.
i-Kad
Your student ID card. You can use it as ID in Peninsular Malaysia (the mainland part of Malaysia), but not as a travel document.
Personal bond
Personal bond: MYR 750 (Malaysian ringgit) for students from India and from Pakistan, paid to your university. You get it back when you finish or leave your studies, if you broke no immigration rules.
Breaking the Rules
What Keeps Your Pass Valid
Study full time
International students may only take full-time courses.
One degree at a time
You cannot study two full-time degrees at once.
Keep insurance
You need valid medical insurance for your whole stay.
Keep your grades and attendance up
You need a CGPA of 2.0 on your university's scale and 80% attendance to renew.
Applications You May Need
After your first Student Pass, these are the applications most students make.
Key Dates
Medical check
Within 7 working days (Monday to Friday) of arrival
Sticker in your passport
After the medical check
i-Kad
After the sticker
Renewal
Before your pass ends
Application Types
Student Pass renewal
You renew each year until your course ends.
Key Requirements:
- CGPA of at least 2.0 on your university's scale.
- Attendance of at least 80%.
- Passport valid for at least 12 months (advised).
- Medical insurance for the new period.
Variation or progression
Variation is a change of course or university. Progression is a move to a higher level, such as bachelor's to master's.
Key Requirements:
- A new offer letter.
- A letter from your old university saying you were released or finished.
- A new eVAL and a new Student Pass sticker.
Graduate Pass
After a bachelor's degree or higher, some graduates can get a Graduate Pass to stay in Malaysia for 12 months and work in allowed jobs. For Indian citizens this is open until 31 December 2026. Pakistan is not on the list of nationalities that can apply.
Key Requirements:
- Letter from your university that you finished.
- Passport valid for at least 18 months.
- A year of medical insurance bought in Malaysia.
- A Malaysian citizen as your sponsor (a person who backs you), earning at least MYR 1,500 (Malaysian ringgit) a month.
Your First Year, Step by Step
Medical check
At an EMGS panel clinic (a clinic EMGS has approved), or at your university's own clinic if it is a public university.
Duration: Within 7 working days (Monday to Friday) of arrival
Sticker in your passport
Your university takes your passport to the nearest Immigration office.
Duration: After the medical check
i-Kad
EMGS issues your student ID card.
Duration: After the sticker
Renewal
Each year, until your course ends.
Duration: Before your pass ends
How Renewal Works
Your university sends your renewal to EMGS. You give it your papers.
Student Pass Renewal
Check your end date
Look at the sticker in your passport. Plan to renew up to 3 months before it.
Give papers to your university
Passport, photo and results.
Pay the fees
At a private university (IPTS), the EMGS renewal fee is MYR 270, plus insurance for the new period. At a public university, ask your university for the fee.
New sticker
Your university gets the new Student Pass put in your passport.
Moving On From Your Student Pass
| From Status | To Status | Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Pass | Graduate Pass | Bachelor's degree or higher, valid Student Pass, Malaysian sponsor, a year of insurance | Open to Indian citizens until 31 December 2026. Not open to Pakistan. |
| Student Pass | New Student Pass (progression) | Finished course and an offer for a higher level | Apply within 3 months of finishing. |
Documents for Your Student Pass
The papers depend on whether you apply for the first time, renew or change course.
First Student Pass
Offer letter
From your Malaysian university.
Passport copy
Photo page and visa pages. For a first Student Pass, it must be valid for at least 18 months.
Photo
A colour photo of you with a white background, taken at a photo studio.
Health declaration form
Filled in and scanned.
Certificates and mark sheets
Copies of all past study records.
English test certificate
Such as IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic or MUET.
Personal bond
MYR 750 for students from India and from Pakistan, paid to your university.
Renewal
Passport copy
For a renewal, at least 12 months of validity is advised.
Photo
Colour, white background.
Results and transcripts
To show a CGPA of at least 2.0.
Variation or progression
New offer letter
For the new course or level.
Release or completion letter
From your previous university.
Personal bond
A new bond for the new application.
How Long It Takes
EMGS aims to decide a complete application in about 14 working days.
From Application to Sticker
Apply
Your university sends your application to EMGS.
Key Activities:
- You must be outside Malaysia when it is sent.
eVAL
The Immigration Department says yes before you fly. This approval is your eVAL.
Key Activities:
- Valid for 6 months.
Medical check
Within 7 working days of arrival.
Key Activities:
- At an EMGS panel clinic or public university clinic.
Sticker and i-Kad
Your Student Pass goes in your passport.
Key Activities:
- Your university takes your passport to Immigration.
What Can Slow It Down
Missing papers
Incomplete or wrong papers add time.
No English test result
Upload an English test result with your application. Without it, your application may take longer, and your pass may be shorter than your course.
Checks by other offices
Other government offices must check your papers, and this takes time.
Processing Time
Typical Cases
Keeping Your Pass in Good Order
Small habits keep you out of trouble with your pass.
Good Habits
Carry your i-Kad
Show it when asked.
It shows your Student Pass is still good.
Keep insurance
Top it up if it ends before your pass.
You must have insurance for your whole course.
Keep your grades
Aim for a CGPA of 2.0 or more.
You need it, and 80% attendance, to renew.
Mistakes to Avoid
Plan Ahead
Most problems come from late renewals. Put the date in your phone.
Common Student Pass Questions
Short answers about keeping, renewing and changing your Student Pass.
Frequently Asked Questions
Websites to Read
Need More Help?
Your university's international office handles most pass work with EMGS. Ask them first.
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