Whiterock Educational Services 

Malaysia

 

The Federation of Malaysia comprises Peninsular Malaysia and the states of Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo. Peninsula Malaysia is separated from the states of Sabah and Sarawak by the South China Sea. To the north of Peninsula Malaysia is Thailand while its southern neighbor in Singapore. Sabah and Sarawak are north of Indonesia in Borneo. There are 11 states in the peninsula of Malaysia and two states on the northern part of Borneo. The nation also includes dozens of small islands.

 

I hear there is a new process for applying for a student pass in order to study in Malaysia. Can you please tell me more about this process?

 

Under the new process, institutions of higher education in Malaysia will submit student pass applications to EMGS (EMGS is a subsidiary of the Malaysian Ministry of Education incorporated under the laws of Malaysia in the implementation of policies related to international students). The application and approval processing pases through EMGS to ensure efficiency, transparency and consistency. Other advantages include:

 

• Shortened turn around time between application processing and the issuance of a Visa Approval Letter by the Immigration Department of Malaysia.

• Mitigating the risk of international students being cheated by bogus educational institutions.

• The standardisation of student pass applications and processing fees.

 

 

Does every international student need a student pass to study in Malaysia?

 

Yes, this is a mandatory requirement under the laws and regulations of the Government of Malaysia.

 

What are the entry requirements to study at institutes of higher education in Malaysia?

 

International students are usually required by law to have at least twelve (12) years of education and have undergone a national/international examination recognized for the purpose of admission to diploma or degree programmes. For Nigerian students, SSCE result and its equivalent is the basic requirement for undergraduate studies.

 

Do I need to pass the IELTS or TOEFL examinations in order to obtain admission to a degree 
programme in Malaysia?

 

No.

 

When should I apply for my student pass?

 

Generally, every educational institution has different intake dates for various courses/programmes offered. You should therefore clarify this matter with Whiterock  directly as to when is the latest date for the submission of your course/programme application to the educational institution(s). Accordingly, we will then advise you on when you would need to submit the required documentation and provide the payment of relevant fees, etc for your student pass application.

 

Do I need to go through a medical examination after arriving in Malaysia?

 

Yes, a Malaysian medical examination is mandatory for international students and you are required to attend and complete the medical examination only at EMGS’s approved panel of clinics/hospitals within seven (7) days from your date of entry into Malaysia.

 

If I do not attend a Malaysian medical examination what will be the consequences?

 

If you fail to attend a Malaysian medical examination within the timeline stipulated by EMGS, your student pass application will be cancelled and no student pass will be issued.

 

If my student pass application is rejected, can I get a refund for the application processing fee?

 

No, the student pass application processing fee is non-refundable.

 

Can I work while on a student pass?

 

All international students studying at public or private higher educational institutions are allowed to work part-time for a maximum of twenty (20) hours per week ONLY during semester breaks or holidays of more than seven (7) days at restaurants, petrol kiosks, mini markets and hotels as long as their student passes remain valid and with the prior approval of the Department of Immigration.

 

International students are NOT permitted to work as cashiers. In addition, in the hotel sector, international students are NOT allowed to work as singers, masseurs, musicians or GROs. International students are not allowed to engage in any job or activity deemed to be immoral.

 

Applications to work part time must be made through the educational institution at which the international students are enrolled. The international student needs to be present with the representative of the educational institution at the Immigration Department of Malaysia in order to submit an application for part time work.

 

Can I avail myself of any scholarships?

 

You will need to check with the college/university that has accepted you as a student on this matter.

 

Can I change my mind and transfer to another educational institution?

 

If you wish to withdraw from your course/programme in your present college/university and to transfer to another approved educational institution in Malaysia, a release letter from the current college/university and an offer letter from the new college/university are required to support your application for a new student pass sponsored by the new college/university. Your current college/university will arrange for your existing pass to be cancelled or shortened prior to the issuance of the release letter.

The student pass is not transferable.

 

What are tuition fees for international students?

 

Tuition fees will depend on the course/programme and the educational institution of your choice

 

How long will it take me to get a Visa Approval Letter (VAL)?

 

It should take fourteen (14) working days upon receipt of a complete application and payment. The educational institution will submit the application and payment on your behalf to EMGS.

 

 How does one get an entry visa into Malaysia?

 

To obtain an entry visa, you are required to visit the Malaysian Embassy in Nigeria with your offer letter from the Malaysian educational institution, the Visa Approval Letter issued by the Immigration Department of Malaysia and all other relevant documents and/forms duly completed and payment as required by the Malaysian Embassy/Mission for the application of an entry visa. Check with your student counsellor at Whiterock for further guidance

 

What are the documents required to apply for a student pass?

 

Once you have accepted the offer letter made by the Malaysian educational institution and relevant payments/fees made, the said educational institution will apply for a student pass on your behalf.

 

When and how can I pay for my student pass application and processing fee?

 

You are required to pay the relevant student pass application and processing fee to the Malaysian educational institution who will then submit the application on your behalf to EMGS.  In this case, your student counsellor at Whiterock will guide you through the process.

 

What is a student pass?

 

A student pass is a multiple entry visa and permission to remain in Malaysia for the purposes of study at an approved institution on an approved course.

 

What is the validity of a student pass?

 

The Department of Immigration issues Student Passes for a maximum of 12 months or if the course duration is less than 12 months the Pass will be for the duration of the course.

 

Do I need to submit a security bond deposit in order to obtain a student pass?

 

Yes, you will be required to submit a personal bond. Whiterock will let you know what the value of this bond is. Speak with your student counsellor.

 

How long does it take to get an entry visa from the Malaysian Embassy/Mission?

 

This depends upon the discretion of the visa officer at the Malaysian EMbassy in Nigeria but It should not take more than three (3) working days typically.

 

What do I need to pay for my student pass application?

 

Check with your application officer at Whiterock or your student Counsellor

 

How long does it take to process my student pass application?

 

It should take fourteen (14) working days upon receipt of a completed application, inclusive of payment.

 

Why do I have to undergo a Malaysian medical screening procedure?

 

It is a mandatory requirement determined by the Government of Malaysia to protect the health of Malaysian residents and to reduce the potential burden on the public health service in Malaysia. The Ministry of Higher Education (“MOHE”) has laid down criteria for the assessment of the health condition of international students which must be complied with. The criteria does allow for students to appeal any negative or abnormal results.

 

Can I bring my dependants with me?

 

You are allowed to bring your dependants only if you are studying full time in Malaysia on a course/programme that is more than twelve (12) months, at the discretion of the Immigration Department of Malaysia.

 

Who can be my dependants?

 

Your parents/guardians, spouse and your children can be your dependants.

 

How can I apply for a dependant pass?

 

Dependant pass shall be applied directly to the Immigration Department of Malaysia.

 

What is the procedure to apply for a dependant pass?

 

Please clarify this matter directly with your counsellor at Whiterock.