Nomad Watch
MY

Student Pass

Active Post-study work

Malaysia · Pas Pelajar · apply online · processing 14-14 days

Tuition $3k–10k per year
Work during study 20 hrs/week vacations: 20 hrs/week
Post-study work 24 months 2 options
Proof of funds —

Path to staying

  1. Study12 months, renewable
  2. Post-study workup to 24 months

Overview

Country
Malaysia
Visa name
Student Pass
Local name
Pas Pelajar
Status
Active
Duration
12 months
Renewable
Yes

The Student Pass is a Malaysian Immigration pass for non-citizens aged three and above enrolled at an eligible Malaysian school or education provider. Higher-education applications are screened and routed through EMGS; the pass is usually issued for up to one year at a time and renewed against the approved course duration. New higher-education applicants must be outside Malaysia when applying.

Tuition and costs

Tuition policy
Full fee
Tuition range
$2,500 – $9,500/year
Scholarships
Available

Tuition is institution- and programme-specific and is generally charged to international students. EMGS estimates annual bachelor’s tuition at USD 2,500–5,000 at public universities and USD 6,000–9,500 at private institutions. A 6% service tax on tuition fees for international students took effect on 1 July 2025; confirm the current total with the institution.

Work rights during study

Work allowed
Yes
Term hours
20 hrs/week
Vacation hours
20 hrs/week
Permission
Separate permit

Part-time work is available only to public-university and private-HEI pass holders, during semester breaks or holidays longer than seven days, up to 20 hours a week. Prior Immigration approval is required through the institution. Approved locations include restaurants, petrol stations, mini markets, hotels and university/college areas. Cashier and front-desk duties, student-recruitment work and specified hotel entertainment roles are prohibited. Language-centre, training/skills-centre and accredited-centre students cannot use this facility. Immigration’s English page describes work “during their study period” without limiting it to breaks; EMGS’s current FAQ and Immigration’s Malay page specify breaks, so this record follows the more specific guidance and flags the wording conflict in the notes.

Post-study work options

Post-study work options
Program Type Duration Min degree Work PR path
Graduate Pass Job seeker 12 mo Bachelors No No
Employment Pass Work permit 24 mo–120 mo Bachelors Unrestricted No

Fees and costs

Fees
Fee Type Amount Frequency
EMGS student processing fee (private HEI, over 6 to 12 months) Application $391 One time
EMGS processing service tax (8%, private HEI, over 6 to 12 months) Tax $31 One time
eVAL processing fee Application $37 One time
iKad processing fee Issuance $12 One time
Post-arrival medical screening Medical $61 One time
Student Pass sticker fee Issuance $15 Per year
Health insurance (Great Eastern Basic example) Insurance $120 Per year

Dependents and family

Dependents
Allowed
Restriction
Higher-education Master’s and PhD students may apply for dependants; Bachelor’s students are eligible only from listed nationalities. Language, training/skills and accredited-centre students are ineligible. Eligible family members include spouse, children under 18, disabled children, parents and parents-in-law.
Spouse work
Not allowed
Conditions
Dependant Pass holders cannot work. Must apply for a separate employment pass to work in Malaysia.

How to apply

Method
Online
Via
Student or institution applies through EMGS/STARS; EMGS conducts academic screening and Immigration issues the eVAL.
Processing
14-14 days
Interview
Not required
Health insurance
Required (buy separately)

Notes and caveats

The passport must generally remain valid for at least 18 months. New students must complete post-arrival medical screening and maintain recognized health insurance. EMGS states a 14-working-day client charter for complete applications, but processing can take longer. Fees vary by provider category, course duration, nationality and insurance choice; see the fee list and obtain a current EMGS calculator quote. IELTS/TOEFL thresholds are set by institutions/programmes rather than a national Student Pass rule. A Student Pass itself does not guarantee permanent residence or citizenship.

Also in Malaysia

Last verified Oct 9, 2026 Last changed Oct 9, 2026 Source

Change history

    • Proof of funds (USD) 3300 none
    • Application fee (USD) 660 none
    • Fees updated
    • Post study options updated

    corrected the separate Employment Pass salary thresholds and maximum duration to the policy effective 1 June 2026, set the Student Pass minimum age from Immigration guidance, and removed the unsupported direct PR claim (https://esd.imi.gov.my/portal/latest-news/announcement/announcement-266-ep-salary-policy-2026/).

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