Planning to study in Malaysia in 2025? This guide explains the Malaysia Student Pass (your study permit), how the eVAL (Electronic Visa Approval Letter) works, who needs a Single Entry Visa (SEV) to enter, the exact documents, fees, timelines, renewals—and what to do after arrival.
What is the Malaysia Student Visa / Student Pass?
- Student Pass = study permit issued in Malaysia after you arrive and complete post-arrival steps.
- eVAL is the approval you receive before travelling. It’s usually valid for 6 months and comes with a travel authorization.
- SEV (Single Entry Visa) is required by certain nationalities before travelling. Check the latest SEV list and obtain it from a Malaysian mission if applicable.
- You cannot convert a tourist visa into a Student Pass in Malaysia—apply via EMGS first.
Eligibility & documents (2025)
Prepare these before your institution (or you) submit the eVAL application via EMGS:
| Item | What Malaysia requires |
|---|---|
| Passport | Bio-data page + visa pages; valid ≥ 18 months (longer than course duration recommended). |
| Offer/Acceptance letter | From a Malaysian public/private institution. |
| Passport photo | Studio quality, 35×45 mm, white background, no glasses; used for Immigration and i-Kad. |
| English proficiency | Upload accepted test (e.g., IELTS/TOEFL/PTE/MUET/Cambridge/Linguaskill/OET/ELS CIEP). Missing certificate can delay processing. |
| Academic records | Certificates/transcripts meeting program entry requirements. |
| Health Declaration | EMGS health declaration form (pre-arrival). Yellow fever vaccination proof if arriving from risk countries. |
| Personal bond | Deposit lodged via your institution (amount varies by nationality); typically finalized at endorsement stage. |
| Special cases | NOC (Sudan) or LOE (Iran) if applicable; additional documents for Sarawak campus applicants. |
Step-by-step: Malaysia student visa process
Pre-arrival
- Receive offer from your Malaysian university/college.
- Submit eVAL application via EMGS (institution usually does this). Upload passport, photo, transcripts, English test, health declaration.
- Track your application online and in the EMGS app.
- When eVAL is approved (valid for ~6 months), apply for SEV at a Malaysian mission if your nationality requires it.
- Arrange insurance (Malaysia-based policy meeting MOHE requirements) and plan your arrival.
Arrival & endorsement
- Enter Malaysia with your eVAL (+ SEV if required).
- Post-arrival medical screening within 7 working days at an EMGS panel clinic (mandatory for new students).
- Student Pass endorsement (passport submitted via your institution to Immigration) and i-Kad issuance.
- Registration & orientation (complete any balance insurance/personal bond steps if pending).
Fees & costs (what to budget)
- EMGS + Immigration (year 1): typically around RM2,450–RM4,200 depending on program and provider (processing, pass/visa, insurance, medical, courier).
- Annual renewal: about RM750–RM800 for pass-related charges (ex-insurance), varying by institution and Immigration.
- Medical insurance: compulsory Malaysia-based plans are available via EMGS partners; typical annual premiums start ~RM450–RM950, depending on coverage level.
- Personal bond: refundable deposit amount depends on nationality (lodged by your institution with Immigration).
Tip: use the official EMGS fee calculator to estimate your exact total before applying.
Timelines (typical)
- eVAL processing: commonly 4–6 weeks for complete files (varies by peak periods and checks).
- eVAL validity for travel: 6 months from issue (travel authorization period co-terminus).
- Student Pass endorsement (after arrival): allow several weeks for Immigration processing via your institution.
- Medical screening: must be done within 7 working days of arrival, otherwise endorsement can’t start.
Renewals & compliance
- Renew yearly before expiry (keep insurance active).
- Academic & attendance: many institutions require at least CGPA 2.0 and ≥80% attendance for pass renewal.
Who needs a Single Entry Visa (SEV)?
Many nationalities must obtain an SEV at a Malaysian mission after eVAL approval and before travel. Always check the official SEV list (it changes) and follow your institution’s instructions.
Note: Requirements and fees can change. Always cross-check the EMGS portal and your institution’s latest instructions.