International students who desire to enter Malaysia to further their studies should look at this chapter which is filled with information on the necessary requirements for student visas and ways to obtain them.

At present, there are over 500 higher educational institutions in Malaysia but only about 200 of these institutions are given permission to recruit international students.

Therefore, it is important for international students to note that they are only allowed to study in higher educational institutions which are approved by the following two authorities :

• Ministry of Higher Education (in Malay: Kementerian Pengajian Tinggi Malaysia) grants approval to institutions to conduct courses of study.
• Ministry of Home Affairs (in Malay: Kementerian Hal Ehwal Dalam Negeri Malaysia) grants approval to institutions to recruit international students

Objective
To manage Immigration affairs in accordance with national interests

Function

• Issuing of passports or travel documents to nationals and permanent residents
• Issuing of visas, passes and permits to foreigners who enter Malaysia
• Supervising exit/entry of nationals at gazetted points of entry
• Enforcing of the Immigration Act/Regulations and the Passport Act

• Offer letter from Educational Institution.
• Nationals from The People's Republic of China and Commonwealth Independent States who wish to study in Public Educational Institutions are required to obtain prior consent from the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education Malaysia.
• Nationals from the People's Republic of China are required to obtain Entry Visa prior to entry.
• Completed Form IMM. 14 in duplicate.
• Two (2) copies of Passport/ Travel Document.
• Two (2) passport sized photographs.
• Except for nationals from The People's Republic of China, other nationals who have obtained approval to study through the respective Educational Institution are allowed direct entry into Malaysia.
• Students have to show their approval letters upon arrival. Special Pass will be issued to refer them to the respective State Immigration Department for issuance of Student Pass.
• Educational institution's representative is required to receive and attend to the student on arrival.

• Only immediate families of students who are pursuing Post-Graduate courses will be considered Social Visit Pass according to the validity of the respective Student Pass.
• Higher Educational Institution is required to sign Personal Bond prescribed under Regulation 18, Immigration Regulations 1963 as a guarantee that the person to whom such pass is issued will comply with the provisions of the Ordinance and of any regulations made thereunder. No fees shall be charged for the Personal Bond.