In short: every international student, whatever their nationality, applies for a Malaysian student visa through EMGS (Education Malaysia Global Services) after you receive your university offer. EMGS issues a Visa Approval Letter (VAL), you travel to Malaysia, complete a medical screening at a panel clinic within seven working days of arrival, and your passport is then endorsed with the Student Pass.
What are the steps, from offer to Student Pass?
- Offer letter. Apply to the university and receive your offer letter. The university submits your visa application to EMGS through its own system.
- EMGS application. Complete the EMGS application with your documents, photograph and payment. Career Gliders prepares the file with you and checks it before submission.
- Visa Approval Letter (VAL). When the application is approved, you and the university can download the electronic VAL (eVAL). If your nationality is on EMGS's list, you also need a Single Entry Visa (SEV) before travelling. You collect it with your VAL from the Malaysian embassy, high commission or consulate nearest to where you live now, which may not be in your home country; you choose that mission in your EMGS application.
- Travel. Fly to Malaysia with your VAL, your passport and your documents. Tell us your arrival date so TJS Studysteps can meet you at the airport.
- Medical screening. Attend a medical screening at an EMGS panel clinic in Malaysia within seven working days of arrival. EMGS cannot start the Student Pass endorsement until it is done.
- Student Pass. The university submits your passport for the Student Pass endorsement, and EMGS issues your student card (i-Kad). TJS Studysteps follows this up with the university for you.
What does the EMGS visa cost?
These are the amounts on EMGS's fee calculator for a new application to a public or private higher education institution, as listed on 19 October 2026. They are paid to EMGS, not to Career Gliders.
| Item | Amount (MYR) |
|---|---|
| Visa processing fee (public or private university) | 1,728, plus 8% service tax |
| eVAL fee | 159 |
| Student Pass fee | 60 |
| Visa fee | Varies by nationality |
| Medical screening | 250–350, depending on the clinic package and state |
| Medical insurance (EMGS plans) | 498–644, depending on the plan and your age; a qualifying own policy is also accepted |
| i-Kad student card | 50 if you collect it, 60.60 by courier to your university |
EMGS sets and changes these fees, and the visa fee and entry rules vary by nationality. Check the calculator for your nationality before you pay; your counsellor confirms the total for your programme.
From Pakistan
Pakistani nationals need a Single Entry Visa (SEV), collected from the Malaysian mission in the country where they live, which is not necessarily Pakistan. For the SEV, medical screening and flights, see the visa guide for Pakistani students.
Which documents does the visa need?
The EMGS application needs your passport (valid for at least 18 months), a passport photograph that meets EMGS's guidelines, your offer letter, academic documents, a health declaration, proof of payment and insurance. The document checklist lists every item.
How much money must I show?
Typically USD 6,000–8,000 in your own or your sponsor's bank account, held for the previous three to six months. The amount depends on the length of your programme and living costs.
What happens when I arrive?
At immigration you show your VAL and passport. Within seven working days you attend the medical screening at an EMGS panel clinic. TJS Studysteps meets you at the airport, helps you settle into your accommodation and follows up your Student Pass with the university.
Can I work on a Student Pass?
Students on full-time Bachelor's or Master's programmes at universities approved by EMGS can work up to 20 hours a week during semester breaks or holidays, subject to the university's approval. Students on language or short certificate courses cannot work.
Where can I check EMGS's own guidance?
EMGS publishes its rules and fees at visa.educationmalaysia.gov.my: the medical screening guidelines, the Single Entry Visa country list and the fee calculator. On where to collect a Single Entry Visa, see EMGS's student visa application guide and its overview of the student visa process. Where anything on this page differs from EMGS, EMGS is right.
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