Want to Study Abroad in Malaysia? See How to Get Malaysian Student Visa

There are many study abroad destinations and every country is in competition with each other. They try to provide the best of the education and facilities to attract the most students so they can become top study abroad destination which strengthens their economy. In this struggle, each country has its own specialties and attractions that catch the attention of students around the world. You must have heard a lot about countries like United States, United Kingdom, Australia etc. But they are not it. There are 50 study abroad destinations most providing good quality education.

Not so much spoken about yet one of the most attractive study abroad destination, Malaysia, is our today’s main subject.  It is a delightful country to study abroad. There are many universities and colleges in Malaysia. Of all those institutes, Malaysian government has authorized only 200 of them to enroll foreigner students. This way it is easy to balance good international standards and quality of education.

You can also study in any of those institutes as many other students from around the world has chosen them. In my later article,  I will discuss in detail all perks and advantages of studying in Malaysia and why it would be a fun place for students. Today, I will guide you all about the Malaysian visas, which you need and how you can get it.

Since you want to go there for education, you will need a student type of visa. But getting student visa of Malaysia is a little different compared to other countries that host international students. Most countries only issue you student visa after you get admission in a university and they refer you for it by sending some documents like Student Pass. That pass along with other required documents is submitted to the countries embassy or consulate.

Study process in Malaysia also works like but with just one tiny difference. You will first find and select an institute where you will spend next few years of your life. But before university issue you that Student Pass, you must apply for study. This all process will be through that institute and you don’t get your visa in your own country but after landing in Malaysia. It may be a little different but you don’t have to worry about it. After this article you will have no confusions.

What Visa to Apply For?

Malaysia don’t simply offer one particular visa for students. There 3 types of visas to enter Malaysia each its own purpose. Each is different from and I have defined them below, so you can select which visa you are going to need. The 3 types of visas are called:

1.     Transit Visa

2.    Single Entry Visa

3.    Multiple Entry Visa

Transit Visa:

Before going into details, let me first tell you that this visa is not used by students as its purpose is different. However, for the sake of knowledge, I will tell you more about it. If you are travelling through a country then you use Transit visa. For example, if you are going to some other country but need to stay in the Malaysia between that journey there you will need a Malaysian Transit Visa.

Single Entry Visa:

If you are going to Malaysia and don’t intend to stay more than 3 months then this Visa is suitable for you. Single Entry Visa is usually used by those who are attending some social event or short course. It is a just a little temporary stay in Malaysia so if you are planning to study a whole undergraduate or postgraduate course then you can’t use it.

Multiple Entry Visa:

For the students going for undergraduate or postgraduate course then this is the visa you will apply for. This is the visa for longest stay in Malaysia and even with this, you can’t stay for more than 1 year. You will need to renew it more than once depending on the course. Multiple entries are also permitted if certain conditions are fulfilled.

·        SEE ALSO: All Documents You Need to Get Admission in a Foreign University

Academic Requirements to Study in Malaysia

Malaysia does not require students to have some extraordinary skills or educational background. These universities are also just like any other university of the world. However, if competition gets tough then it can be a problem for you depending on the university. You must already have sufficient education with certifications in order to be eligible to apply for an undergraduate or a postgraduate program.

If you are applying for an undergraduate programs like Bachelors or something, you must have passed intermediate exams with a grade that is specified as merit by the institute. Likewise, if you are planning to get admission in an MPhil or postgraduate programs then you must have had at least 16 years of education.

In addition to above mentioned, you will also need additional certificates like language proficiency test. Usually international students apply for English-Taught programs in Non-English countries like Malaysia. In such case, you will be asked for TOEFL or IELTS certifications with a sufficient scores.

• SEE ALSO: Why Cultural Diversity in Study Abroad Destination is a Good Thing

Malaysian Study Visa Requirements

For Malaysian student visa, you will be applying through the university. This happens after you have applied to university. Still 

all the visa work will be done by Malaysian visa officials. Following is a list of documents that you will need to submit to get the visa.

1.     A student visa application form filled with all required information.

2.    An offer letter from the university where you applied for admission

3.    Original and Two photocopies of your Passport

4.    Two passport sized photographs

5.    Educational certifications originals Two with photocopies

6.    Bank statement showing you can afford living expenses and education in Malaysia

7.    Health certificate

8.    Proof of security and personal bond

How to Apply for Malaysian Study Visa

1.     Find a university and apply for admission in a program of your choice

2.    Once you have selected a university, go to its official website and apply online for admission.

3.    If they have accepted you application then you will apply for visa through university.

4.    You can also apply online for study visa here.

5.    You will be issued a ‘Visa Approval Letter’ which will allow you to enter Malaysia

6.    Travel to Malaysia with the Visa Approval Letter. Go to Malaysian Embassy there and collect your visa.

Quick Facts Why Study in Malaysia

Usama Ahmed Awan The Editor of StudyAbroad.pk, Usama is a BZU studied Software Engineer, now  a Teacher, Article Writer, Educational Counselor and Journalist. He has been  writing to assist students selecting the right career path.