Malaysian Student Visa Requirements for International Students
Required Documents for Malaysian Student Visa (VDR Application)
Arrival Procedure in Malaysia
Upon obtaining the visa:
Students must book a flight to Malaysia.
Notify the university or institute of the arrival date.
📌 Important: Malaysian immigration does not allow students to exit the airport unless a representative from the university or institute is present to receive them.
Visa Processing Time
After submitting the above documents to EMGS (Education Malaysia Global Services), processing usually takes 3 to 5 weeks.
Once approved, students receive a Visa Approval Letter (VAL). This letter, along with the original passport and the university/institute offer letter, must be submitted to the Malaysian embassy or consulate in the student’s home country to obtain the entry visa.
Visa for Family Members / Dependents
Dependents can only apply for a visa after the student has obtained a student visa and commenced studies in Malaysia.
Eligible Dependents (First-Degree Relatives):
- Parents
- Spouse
- and children
For Middle Eastern students:
- Parents,
- spouse,
- and children
For postgraduate students:
- Immediate family members (spouse and children)
Required Documents for Dependent Visa:
Can a Tourist Visa Be Converted into a Student Visa?
No. According to Malaysian immigration law, tourist visas cannot be converted into student visas.
All student visa procedures must be completed before entering Malaysia.
Helpful Resources:
- EMGS Official Website: educationmalaysia.gov.my
- Immigration Department of Malaysia: imi.gov.my
