Malaysia Pre-Departure Guide
Your complete checklist and guide for all essential preparations before traveling to Malaysia for your studies.
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An example plan for before you fly
Pre-Departure Overview
Getting ready for Malaysia means your Student Pass, insurance, money and a place to live. Your university helps with most of it.
Start Early
What to Prepare
- Student Pass: First your eVAL. Then your Single Entry Visa. Students from India and Pakistan apply for it online.
- Insurance: Medical insurance bought in Malaysia, through EMGS or your university.
- Money: EMGS fees, a personal bond of MYR 750 (Malaysian ringgit) and your first tuition payment.
- Housing: A room on or near campus, or a short stay for your first nights.
Preparation Timeline
After you accept your offer
Your university applies to EMGS for your Student Pass.
After your eVAL
Apply for your Single Entry Visa online. It takes about 48 hours.
In the 3 days before you fly
Fill in the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC).
After you arrive
Do your medical check within 7 working days, at an EMGS panel clinic (a clinic EMGS has approved) or your public university clinic.
Your University's Own Steps
Your university sends your Student Pass application to EMGS. It may ask you for papers in its own format.
Read every email from its international office and answer fast.
Pre-Departure Checklist
The main things to sort out before you fly.
Documents
Passport valid for 18 months or more
First Student Pass: at least 18 months. It is better if it is valid 12 months longer than your course ends.
Offer letter
Accepted, with a copy in your hand luggage.
eVAL
You need it before you fly.
Single Entry Visa
Apply online on the eVISA website. This is for students from India and Pakistan.
Practical
Medical insurance
Bought in Malaysia through EMGS or your university.
Personal bond
MYR 750 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.
Place to stay
Ask your university about short-term rooms for new students.
Final Steps
MDAC
In the 3 days before you land.
Yellow fever card
A card that shows you had the yellow fever shot. You need it only if you come from a country with yellow fever risk.
Cash
Tell airport customs if you carry cash worth more than USD 10,000 (US dollars).
Don't Forget!
Pre-Departure Guides
Each guide covers one step in detail.
Culture and Basic Malay Phrases
Malaysia has many cultures and religions. A few habits and words help you settle in.
Social Etiquette & Cultural Norms
Greetings
- Greet people politely, with a small bow or a firm handshake.
- Show respect to older people and people in charge.
Religion
- Respect the customs of all religions.
- Do not argue about religion or say things that could hurt.
Useful Local Phrases
Selamat pagi
Good morning
Apa khabar?
How are you?
Terima kasih
Thank you
Sama-sama
You're welcome
Maaf
Sorry
Tolong
Please
Berapa?
How much?
Di mana?
Where?
Cultural Tips
- Take off your shoes before you enter someone's home.
- Wear modest clothes when you visit a mosque, church or temple.
- Do not touch someone's head. Do not point with your first finger. Both are rude.
- Keep your student ID with you every day.
Regional Differences
Staying Connected and Key Contacts
Buy a Malaysian SIM card and install the apps most people use.
Mobile Phones & Internet
Mobile Phone Options
Prepaid SIM
Easy to top up, with no contract. Providers include Maxis, CelcomDigi and U Mobile.
Postpaid plan
Costs less if you use it for a long time, but you must sign to stay for a fixed time.
Internet Access
- Campus Wi-Fi: You get the codes and passwords when you register.
- Libraries: University libraries have computers and internet you can use.
Useful Communication Apps
Grab
Rides, food delivery and payments
Touch 'n Go
E-wallet and transport card
Messages and calls
EMGS Hub
Track your Student Pass and find clinics for your medical check.
Important Contacts & Resources
Emergency Contacts in Malaysia
Call 999 for police, fire or an ambulance.
Save These Contacts Before Departure
University international office
Ask them about your Student Pass, moving in and your first-week welcome events.
International Student Arrival Centre (ISAC)
A help desk for new students at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Open 24 hours.
Immigration Department of Malaysia
Rules for your Student Pass and for part-time work.
Before You Fly
Save 999, the emergency number.
Save your university international office's number.
Install the apps above.
Tips Before You Fly
Apply on the day you accept your offer. Missing papers slow you down the most.
Upload your English test result with your application.
Make sure your passport is valid for at least 18 months.
Do not book a flight that lands before your eVAL is issued.
Keep your passport, eVAL, Single Entry Visa and offer letter in your hand luggage.
Ask your university if it offers airport pickup or short-stay rooms for new students.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Have More Questions?
Still have questions? Your university's international office can help, or talk to us.
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