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Study in Malaysia

University intakes in Malaysia

When Malaysian universities take new students: the main intakes are February and September, and some universities also take students in April, July or November. When to start your application, working back from the intake.

In short: most Malaysian universities take new students in February and September. Some also take students in April, July or November for particular programmes. Admission and the student visa usually take six to ten weeks together, so begin counselling and document attestation well before the intake you want.

When do Malaysian universities take new students?

IntakeWho offers it
FebruaryMost universities: one of the two main intakes
SeptemberMost universities: one of the two main intakes
April, July or NovemberSome universities, for particular programmes

Intake dates and the programmes offered in each intake differ by university. Your counsellor confirms them for the programmes you are considering; we do not publish a single calendar, because universities set and change their own dates.

How long does the process take?

Admission and the student visa usually take six to ten weeks, depending on the university, the intake and EMGS processing times. Before that, your academic documents need to be attested by your country's education authority and foreign ministry.

From Pakistan

In Pakistan, academic documents are attested by IBCC or HEC, and by MOFA. For the steps, see documents and attestation for Pakistani students.

When should I start?

Work back from the intake you want:

  1. Counselling and programme choice. Choose your programme and universities with your counsellor.
  2. Attestation and documents. Have your academic documents attested and prepare the full document set.
  3. Application and offer letter. Apply to the university and receive your offer.
  4. EMGS visa. Apply through EMGS and receive your Visa Approval Letter (VAL). See the student visa guide.
  5. Travel. Arrive before your programme starts, so there is time for medical screening and settling in.

Which intake should I choose?

Choose the intake that gives you enough time to prepare your documents and funds properly, not simply the nearest one. A rushed application is more likely to meet delays. Your counsellor plans the timeline with you.

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Frequently asked questions

When are the intakes in Malaysia?
The main intakes are February and September. Some universities also take students in April, July or November for particular programmes. Intake dates differ by university and programme, so your counsellor confirms the dates for your choices.
How early should I apply?
Admission and the student visa usually take six to ten weeks together, depending on the university, the intake and EMGS processing times. Document attestation in your home country comes before that, so start counselling well ahead of the intake you want.
What happens if I miss an intake?
You can usually apply for a later intake, since most universities take students at least twice a year. Your counsellor checks the next available intake for your programme.

See your path to a Malaysian degree

Tell us what you want to study and your budget. A counsellor will build a costed plan with you, free of charge.