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Malaysia

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At a glance

Living index rating
Affordable
Monthly rent
RM 500 – RM 900 in student housing; RM 800 – RM 1,500 shared flat in Kuala Lumpur
Monthly food
RM 500 – RM 800
Other monthly expenses
RM 400 – RM 800 (transport, utilities, phone, personal)
Visa processing time
About 4 – 8 weeks through EMGS
Family allowed for students
Limited

Visa requirements

  • Student Pass, applied for by your institution through Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS)
  • Offer letter from a Malaysian institution approved to take international students
  • EMGS issues a Visa Approval Letter (VAL); you then get a Single Entry Visa if your nationality needs one
  • Health declaration before arrival and a medical check at an EMGS clinic within 7 days of arriving
  • Medical insurance through the approved scheme
  • Part-time work up to 20 hours a week only during semester breaks of 7+ days, with Immigration approval, in approved sectors

Work permit after studies

  • Since 2024, graduates of Malaysian institutions can apply for a post-study pass to stay and look for work (about 12 months)
  • With a job, your employer can apply for an Employment Pass, which has minimum salary requirements

Citizenship route

  • Permanent residence is mainly for highly skilled professionals, investors and spouses of citizens, and is discretionary
  • Citizenship by naturalisation needs long residence (at least 10 of the last 12 years) and Malay language, and is rarely granted
  • Dual citizenship isn't allowed

Family details

  • Postgraduate students (master's and PhD) can bring a spouse and children under 17 (or a parent) on dependant passes (Long Term Social Visit Pass)
  • Undergraduate students generally can't bring dependants
  • Dependants can't work in Malaysia

Universities in Malaysia

Top-ranked

All other universities and colleges (101), A–Z

This guide is for general information. Visa and immigration rules change often, so always check the official government website before you apply. Last updated 6 October 2026.