How to study in Malaysia for international Student

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Pathways in becoming an international student in Malaysia. When it comes to pursue the tertiary education level abroad, Malaysia is indeed among the popular choice based on a testimony.

It is estimated around 110,000 international students from all over the world (more than 100 countries) chose Malaysia as the place for their next level in education.

Dealing with the whole documentation process to study abroad can be fussy. However, here in Malaysia the application process to enter Malaysia as a student is simple.
study in malaysia cost, fees and job
If Malaysia is one of your option for the place to pursue study abroad, you may be a bit puzzled and wonder about the 5W1H of the whole process applying to be an international student in Malaysia.

First of all, unlike other country, Malaysia doesn’t have any centralize system for international student application; which means that any student who wishes to be an international student in Malaysia will have to deal directly with the institutions that they are aiming for.

The following are the step-by-step procedures in applying to be an international students in Malaysia:

1. Identify the needs of your future/desired education (type of programs, level and field of study, etc.)
2. Get familiar with Malaysian Education System.
3. Finalize your preferred choice of institution(s) and double check if you fulfil the requirements needed.
4. Submit your application (online or hard copy; depends on the institutions. But most institutions that aim for international students will have online submission of application form.).
5. If approved, continue with the next step. If rejected, revise your choice in Step 3 and try to re-apply for another institutions.
6. If your application is accepted and successful, the institutions will issue an offer/acceptance letter.
7. Once you accepted the offer, the institution themselves will apply the student pass (VAL)/VISA for you. Upon obtaining your VAL, do apply for a single entry visa (where applicable).
8. Get ready for a study venture in Malaysia.
9. Enroll at the institution. (Dates, venues and other details related to registration will be given through email/letter prior to it.)

Good to know

Out of 500 private higher educational institutions in Malaysia, only 200 of them are approved by the Ministry of Home Affairs to recruit international students. Meanwhile, for the public universities, all of them are allowed to recruit international students. Be alert to apply only at the institutions that are allowed to enrol international students.

It is advisable for international students to get consultations from student counsellor or liaise person on the programs that they will be enrolled to. In addition, do find the budget that fits you the best.

Malaysian institutions offer tons of options that will meet most students’ requirements. The process of getting the Student Pass or VISA is usually provided by the institutions. The immigration process is simple once the documentation is done.

For a clearer view on which institution in Malaysia to enrol or to check out for your shortlisted institutions, you can come and visit Malaysia. It’ll also helps you to make a better decision. Other than that, you can also get more information by searching out Institution Search page.

Related items: Visit Student Part-Time Jobs for International Students
 
Useful Links

Ministry of Education
http://www.moe.gov.my
http://www.educationmalaysia.gov.my

Malaysian Qualifications Agency
http://www.mqa.gov.my

Relevant Government Authorities

International students can also check with the following Malaysia authorities to find out if a particular institution is registered and licensed.

Higher Education Authority (for higher educational institutions)
Department of Higher Education
Ministry of Education Malaysia
Level 5, Block No.2, Tower 2
Jalan P5/6, Precint 5
Federal Government Administrative Centre
62200 Putrajaya, Malaysia
Tel: 603-88706000
Fax: 88706840
Website: www.moe.gov.my

Quality Assurance Authority for Higher Education
Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA)
14th Floor, Menara PKNS-PJ
No.17, Jalan Yong Shook Lin
46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Tel: 603-7968 7002
Fax: 603-7956 9496
Website: www.mqa.gov.my

For more detail and up-to-date information you are encouraged to contact Malaysia Higher Education Authority.