Study in Malaysia
What can you imagine when the modern world mixes with the developing world? Probably something as beautiful as Malaysia. Malaysia has a cultural and historical blend that has made it something of a treasure in Southeast Asia. And, when someone says, “historical blend”, in Southeast Asia, that has got to make you hungry. After all, such a combination can only mean one thing: delicious food to make you go wild.
Lately, too, universities and colleges in Malaysia have started introducing English-taught Master’s and Bachelor’s programmes. Students come from everywhere to join in their classes, living long-term in a place that most people only dream of.
Malaysia boasts of a vibrant economy, stunning landscapes, and diverse culture. It has partnerships with the leading institutes around the world. The local universities in Malaysia are tremendously improving, and the cost of higher education is lower than other international destinations. A multicultural environment is perfect for aspiring international students who can learn and grow in a place that is a cultural melting pot. Most of the universities offer twinning degree options that help students in leveraging their career.
Why study in Malaysia?
Malaysia's higher education system has international standards that are closely monitored by the Ministry of Higher Education. It is constantly supervised by Malaysian Qualifications Agency, a quality assurance body that oversees the accreditation of national higher education. There are a lot of institutions from countries like the UK and USA that have their campuses in Malaysia. This allows students to avail quality education at a much lower cost.
Malaysian colleges and universities offer a wide variety of courses. Undergraduate and postgraduate programmes are offered in various fields, including pharmacy, medicine, engineering, law, business, economics, commerce, information technology and education.
Outside the classroom, there are lots of activities you can explore. You can either visit the islands of Penang, Langkawi, Pangkor and Tioman and experience a nice beach holiday, or have a look at the colourful stages of Malay history in Penang. You can also head down to the famous Batu caves, a 400-million-year-old limestone hill with a series of awe-inspiring caves and cave temples.
Visa Requirements for Malaysia
Approval of a Visa Approval Letter usually takes a minimum of 14 Working Days from the time EMGS receives the application documents and payment.
Students will receive the Visa Approval Letter electronically, as a PDF or through the “Track application” page on the EMGS website.
The Visa Approval Letter means you have been granted approval to obtain a Student Pass. The letter is not the actual student pass, it just allows you to enter Malaysia where you will complete the process.
Depending on your country, you might also need to obtain a Single-Entry Visa from a Malaysian embassy. If your counThese are the general documents you’ll need to get your Visa Approval Letter (VAL):
- Transcripts/academic records from your secondary school and post-secondary school.
- English language proficiency certificate (IELTS, TOEFL)
- GRE or GMAT scores if you’re applying for a Masters programme
- Filled-out visa application form
- Offer letter from the university you’ve applied for
- Passport-size photographs
- Photocopy of passport (valid for one year)
- Pre-arrival Medical Examination Report
Students can either apply via their institution or do it themselves through the Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) website.
Getting your Visa Approval Letter
After you or your host university makes the required payment and submits your documents, you’ll receive a Visa Approval Letter (VAL) issued by the Malaysian Immigration Department.
Once you have received it, you can make plans to travel to Malaysia. The try does not require you to have a visa to enter Malaysia, you will just need the Visa Approval Letter.