Malaysia, Your Next Destination: Study, Work and Residence Options

Your plans for Malaysia will depend on your goal: a university programme, a job, remote work or moving with your family. ElWijha helps you understand the available options and their main requirements, and plan for your needs before getting started.

Entry requirements depend on your nationality and the purpose of your trip. Visa-free entry for a visit does not automatically give you permission to work or undertake long-term studies.

Check the Malaysian Immigration Department’s visa requirements and confirm before travelling whether you need to complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card. This is a separate requirement from a visa or residence pass.

Each university sets its requirements for previous qualifications, language proficiency, documents, fees and application deadlines according to the programme. English-taught programmes are available, but accepted language evidence varies between institutions.

Check your programme’s accreditation through the Malaysian Qualifications Register, as well as the requirements for recognising the qualification in the country where you intend to use it.

New Student Pass applications for higher education are submitted through the institution or Education Malaysia Global Services. The student must be outside Malaysia when applying. After receiving the electronic Visa Approval Letter, applicants who require a visa obtain a Single Entry Visa through the official eVisa portal.

Requirements include an offer letter, a passport, academic documents and health insurance. After arrival, the medical examination must be completed within seven days, followed by the remaining steps to issue the Student Pass. University admission alone does not guarantee approval of the pass.

Look for scholarships offered by your chosen institution, alongside the Malaysia International Scholarship, which supports master’s and doctoral studies subject to nationality, academic and participating-university requirements.

Follow application dates and eligibility criteria published by Malaysia’s Ministry of Higher Education. Check the funding amount, duration and covered expenses to determine what you will need to pay yourself.

The Employment Pass is one route for foreign professionals. An eligible company submits the application after obtaining the necessary approvals. The pass allows you to work for the company named on it; changing companies requires a new application.

Under the requirements effective from 1 June 2026, categories are determined by monthly salary:

• Category I: RM20,000 or more.

• Category II: RM10,000–RM19,999.

• Category III: RM5,000–RM9,999.

These thresholds apply to this pass and are not a general minimum wage. Meeting them alone does not guarantee approval.

Eligible remote workers and freelancers can explore the DE Rantau programme administered by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation. Eligibility depends on factors such as profession, income and evidence of work. Having an online job alone is not sufficient.

An eligible Employment Pass holder may apply for a Dependant Pass for their spouse and eligible children under 18. Its duration depends on the principal holder’s pass and the dependant’s passport validity. It does not automatically grant the right to work.

For students, eligibility to bring dependants depends on the level of study, nationality and applicable requirements. Before arranging family travel, ask the university to confirm eligibility and required documents with immigration. Student dependants are not allowed to work under Student Pass rules.

Your budget will depend on the city, accommodation and lifestyle. Include rent, a security deposit, food, transport, utilities and insurance, along with tuition, travel and pass-related fees.

Choose university accommodation or off-campus housing according to availability and your budget. Obtain actual prices and check the tenancy conditions and included services. Before choosing insurance, review coverage limits, exclusions and any costs you may have to pay yourself.

The Malaysia My Second Home programme offers renewable long-term stays. Requirements vary by category and include age, a fixed deposit, property purchase, fees and physical-presence conditions.

Permanent residence follows a separate route through the Entry Permit. Studying or working in Malaysia for several years does not automatically grant permanent residence.

Can students work while studying?

Eligible students may work part-time for up to 20 hours per week at approved locations, with prior immigration approval. Under immigration rules, this option does not apply to students at language and training centres.

Confirm permitted working periods with your university and immigration before accepting a job, and follow the conditions of your approval.

Can graduates stay in Malaysia after completing their studies?

The Graduate Pass allows eligible international graduates with a bachelor’s degree or higher to stay for one year, with part-time work in permitted sectors.

Requirements include nationality, a valid Student Pass when applying, insurance, proof of completion and a Malaysian sponsor who meets the criteria. Algeria is not among the eligible nationalities at the time of review. Algerian students therefore need to consider another route for which they qualify.

Can students change university or programme after starting their studies?

This is possible subject to specific conditions and procedures. A new electronic approval letter and Student Pass may be required. Contact your institution before making a change, as the process depends on whether you have entered Malaysia, received your pass and progressed in your studies.