ENTERING MALAYSIA
Immigration Procedures & Requirement

Contents:

1. Entry Procedures
2. The Student Pass

Any person wishing to enter Malaysia must possess a valid national Passport or internationally recognized Travel Document valid for travel to Malaysia. Anyone who is not in possession of a Passport or Travel Document which is recognized by the Malaysian Government, must obtain a Document in lieu of Passport. Application for the Document in lieu of Passport can be made at any Malaysian Representative Office abroad. Holders of Travel Documents like a Certificate of Identity, Laisser Passer, Titre de Voyage or a Country’s Certificate of Permanent Residence must ensure that their return to the country which issued the document or the country of residence is guaranteed. The documents shall be valid for more than six (6) months from the date of entry into Malaysia.

A. Entry Procedures

The visa is an endorsement or sticker on a passport to indicate that permission has been granted to enter Malaysia. A visa can be obtained from Malaysian Overseas Missions1 before arrival but it must be used within its validity period (normally 3 months). However, for a permission to stay, a pass for an approved period will be stamped in the passport at the point of entry.

Citizens of Israel, Serbia and Montenegro are not allowed to enter Malaysia for any purpose without prior approval from the Malaysian Government.

a) Types of Visas:

There are three (3) types of visas issued by the Malaysian Government to foreign nationals:

• Single Entry Visa: Issued to foreign nationals who require a visa to enter Malaysia mainly for a social or business visit. This is normally valid for a single entry and for a period of three (3) months from the date of issue.

• Multiple Entry Visa: Issued to foreign nationals who require a visa to enter Malaysia mainly for business or government to government matters. This is normally valid for a period within three (3) months to five (5) years, from the date of issue.

• Transit Visa: Issued to foreign nationals who require a visa to enter Malaysia on transit to other countries. Foreign Nationals on transit without leaving the airport precincts and who continue their journey to the next destination with the same flight do not require a transit visa.

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b) How to Apply for A Visa

Application for visas should be made at the nearest Malaysian Mission abroad. In countries where Malaysian Missions have not been established, application should be made to the British High Commission or Embassy.

The applicant should present himself together with the following documents:

1. Passport or Travel Document

2. Form IM.47 (3 copies)

3. Three (3) passport sized photographs

4. Return or onward - journey traveling ticket

5. Proof of sufficient funds

Countries with Partial Visa Abolition Agreement with Malaysia: Nationals of these countries do not require a visa to enter Malaysia for the purpose of social/business visits for not more than three (3) months. For other purposes, a visa is required.

The countries are: Argentina, Albania, Algeria, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia Herzegovina, Czech & Slovak, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Krygyzstan, Luxembourg, Norway, Peru, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Turkmenistan, Tunisia & United States of America.

Nationals of West Asian countries also do not require a visa to enter Malaysia for the purpose of social/business visit not more than three (3) months. For other purposes, a visa is required. The countries are: Bahrain, Morocco, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Jordan, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Turkey & Egypt.

Nationals of Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, Libya and Syria do not require a visa to enter Malaysia for the purpose of social/ business visits of not more than 14 days (15 days in the case of Iran). For other purposes, a visa is required.

Nationals of certain East European countries, Baltic and Commonwealth of Independent States(CIS) also do not require a visa to enter Malaysia for the purpose of social/business visits of not more than thirty (30) days. For other purposes, a visa is required. These countries are: Armenia, Atzerbaijan, Bulgaria, Estonia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldovia, Rumania, Russia, Tadjikistan, Ukraine & Yelorussia.

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c) Requirement of Pass

Other than application for entry for the purpose of tourist social or business visits, all applications for other types of passes mentioned below must be made before arrival in the country. All applications must have sponsorship in Malaysia. The sponsors must agree to be responsible for the maintenance and repatriation of the visitors from Malaysia if it should become necessary. Foreign nationals who wish to visit Malaysia have to obtain a pass at the point of entry besides a visa (where required), which allows them to stay temporarily. A pass is an endorsement in the passport constituting permission to stay for the approved duration.
d) Types of Passes

• Visit Pass (Social)
• Visit Pass (Business)
• Visit Pass (Temporary Employment)
• Visit Pass (Professional)
• Employment Pass
• Dependent Pass
• Transit Pass
• Landing Pass
• Student Pass

B. The Student Pass

The Student Pass is the one immediately relevant to international students wishing to study in Malaysia.

Requirement of the Student Pass: Any foreigner who wishes to study in Malaysia is required to obtain a Student Pass. Foreign nationals who wish to study in any educational institution in Malaysia must accordingly apply for a Student Pass as per Regulation 13 of the Immigration Regulations 1963. However, to further promote Malaysia as a centre of educational excellence, the Malaysian Government has introduced simplified and hassle-free entry procedures to welcome foreign students like YOU to study in Malaysia’s public and private higher educational institutions.

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Conditions for Entry under Student Pass

• You must have an offer letter from an educational institution

• You have been accepted for a full-time course of study (inclusive of English program) at a Public or Private Higher Educational Institution approved by the Minister of Home Affairs

• You have the financial capability to meet course fees and living/travel expenses

• You do not intend to work in Malaysia and prepare to leave Malaysia at the end of your studies

• Possess good health and character

• Genuine intention to seek entry for study purposes only

• Only Post Graduate students are allowed to bring their immediate families

The higher educational institution is required to sign a Personal Bond prescribed under Regulation 18 of the Immigration Regulations 1963 as a guarantee that the person (student) to whom such a Pass is issued will comply with the provisions of the Ordinance and of any regulations made there under. 

The bond rate is as follows:

Note: The Bond fees for other countries not stated above is RM1,500

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Application Procedure for Student Pass

Under the new, simplified procedure, Malaysian institutions of higher learning will apply on your behalf for the Student Pass, and you will be informed within (14) days of the application whether or not you have been successful. As such, as a student, you do not need to apply directly for visas from the Malaysian embassies/missions in your home country.

All applications, processing, approval and issuance of Student Passes or Visas are done in Malaysia, except for students from the People’s Republic of China (PRC) who are required to obtain their Entry Visas from the Malaysian Embassy in Beijing, Guangzhou or Shanghai prior to their entry to Malaysia. Nationals from the PRC or Commonwealth of Independent States who wish to study in public educational institutions here must obtain prior consent from the Department of Higher Education of Malaysia’s Ministry of Education.

The Malaysian educational institutions are required to submit the following documents to the Immigration Department Headquarters in Kuala Lumpur:

• A covering and offer letter from the institution to the student

• Student Pass application form (IM14) in duplicate

• Photocopy of the student’s passport / travel document (2 copies)

• Two passport size photographs of the student

• The educational institution is required to sign Personal Bond prescribed under Regulation 18 of the Immigration Regulations 1963

• Nationals from PRC and Commonwealth Independent States (CIS) who wish to study in public educational institutions are required to obtain prior consent from the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Educational Malaysia

• Application for transfer of educational institutions has to be supported by a release letter from the previous educational institution

• The above, duly completed, must be submitted to :

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Upon approval of the application, the Headquarters of the Immigration Department in Kuala Lumpur will inform the foreign student concerned through the educational institution.

Students must show their approval letter on arrival at the immigration point in Malaysia. A special pass will be issued, referring them to the respective State Immigration Department for issuance of Student’s pass. The education institution’s representative is also required to receive and attend to the student upon arrival. This is a form of support service provided for international students as most of them are usually unfamiliar with Malaysia. Within two weeks of their arrival, the educational institution is required to submit students’ passports to the State Immigration Department to enable a Student Pass sticker to be affixed. The fees for a Student Pass is RM60.00 a year (or part of a year), while a Visa fee ranges from RM6.50 to RM100.00 depending on the country. All payment of fees, issuance of Student’s Passes and Visas as well as renewal of a Student Pass can be done at the relevant State Immigration Departments.

Terms to be Observed during the Course of Study for Student Pass Holders
In accordance to Regulation 13(4) (a) & (b) of the Immigration Regulations 1963, other Terms of Application that educational institutions must observe regarding foreign students include:

1. Foreign student are not allowed to transfer to other educational institutions, unless prior approval is obtained from the Headquarters of the Immigration Department (Visas, Pass & Permit Division).

2. Foreign students can only pursue courses of study that have been approved by the Ministry of Educational Malaysia. The educational institution must inform the Immigration Department if the student decides to change his/her course of study.

3. The educational institution must report to the Immigration Department when a foreign student:

   • fails within a reasonable time to enter the educational institution after obtaining approval from the Immigration Department.

   • having entered such educational institution, fails to remain or ceases to be retained as a student therein.

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Entry Pass for Family of Foreign Students

Family members of the foreign students with Student Passes may also visit the country by easily acquiring a Social Visit Pass. The conditions include the following:

• Form Imm. 47 (3 copies)

• Form Imm. 12 (2 copies)

• 2 photographs measuring 3.5 cm x 5.0 cm

• Proof of family relationship

• 1 photostat copy of Passport / travel document

• Application may be submitted to the nearest Malaysian Representative Office abroad together with a copy of the Student Pass application.

• For countries that have no Malaysian Representative office abroad, the applicant may enter Malaysia on Visit Pass (Social) at the entry point and then apply for extension to the State Immigration office where the educational institution is located within 1 (one) month from the date of entry.

Please refer to ADDRESS SECTION of the Colleges & Universities for the list of Malaysian Overseas Missions.

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FINANCING FOR HIGHER EDUCATION IN MALAYSIA

Contents:
A. Introduction
B. Public Services Department (JPA)'s Sponsorship Program
C. National Higher Education Fund (Perbadanan Tabung Pendidikan Nasional)
D. Skill Development Fund , Ministry of Human Resources
E. The Star Education Fund
F. The Malaysian Association of Private Colleges and Universities (MAPCU) Scholarship
G. The Social Security Organisation (SOCSO) Education Fund
H. Employees Provident Fund (Account II) Withdrawal Scheme For Education
I. The Scholarship Division, Ministry of Education
J. Children Education Insurance Saving Scheme
K. Bank Loans
L. Unit Trusts Investment Schemes
M. Conclusion

A. Introduction

The cost of tertiary education does not come cheap, but it is a lifetime investment for your future. Therefore whether your parents can afford your entire or partial cost of tertiary education, you are advised to go through this pathway in order to be competitive in your career advancement. If your family cannot afford the cost, you may work while studying part-time or look for some forms of scholarship, study grant, loan or other sources of financial aid to help you to pay for your education

As you can see that tertiary education is not cheap and the cost of education is projected to increase at a compounded rate of 5%-10% per year, so higher education in the future is just going to get more expensive. It is therefore important to plan ahead and look at the various options and sources that are available to help finance your education. This Chapter provides some places and sources that you can approach for funding your education. Some of which include the Scholarship from Public Services Department (JPA) and Ministry of Education, The STAR Education Fund, MAPCU Scholarship Program, PTPTN loans, Skill Development Fund, EPF Education Withdrawal Scheme, SOCSO Loan for Dependent Children, education insurance policy as well as loans from banks and education investment in unit trusts.

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B. Public Services Department (JPA)'s Sponsorship Program

PSD (or more popularly known as JPA) offer scholarships or loans to Malaysian students to further their education in Malaysia or in overseas universities. The various sponsorship programs being offered are :

Ø Overseas Education Sponsorship Program

Under this program, those outstanding students will be selected to undergo 1 to 2 years preparatory course in Malaysia and thereafter these students will be placed in reputable universities overseas (either UK or USA) subject to the following:
• Passing the preparatory course with excellent grade

• Gain acceptance into any reputable universities determined by JPA

• Passing health test

Under this sponsorship, scholarships are given out and recipients of the scholarship will be bonded to work for the government.

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Ø German Engineering Program

Under this programmed the selected students will be sponsored with scholarships and have to attend 2 years preparatory course at PPPITM, Shah Alam. In the preparatory course, students are prepared to sit for the A-level exam and study basic German language.

Those who pass the German language test and are accepted into German university will be sent to pursue degree programs in any German university.

Ø Local Education Sponsorship Program

• Scholarship

Scholarship is offered to outstanding students to pursue programs such as in Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Engineering, Science and Technology as well as social Science in local public universities. Scholarship will be offered to outstanding Polytechnics students.

• Study Loan

The loan is granted to students studying overseas who face financial difficulties. The loan is to cover the tuition fees only. Applicants’ requirements for local sponsorship programs:

-         Malaysian citizen

-         Acceptance into public universities, UiTM or polytechnics

-         Not more than 26 years old for Diploma level program

-         Not more than 36 years old for Bachelor degree or advanced diploma programs

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C. National Higher Education Fund (Perbadanan Tabung Pendidikan Nasional - PTPTN Fund, Ministry of Education)

The National Higher Education Fund (Perbadanan Tabung Pendidikan Tinggi Nasional, PTPTN) was established under the National Higher Education Act 1997 (Act 566) and started full operation on 1 November 1997. Its main objectives are to provide loans to eligible students at higher learning institutions (IPTA and IPTS)and ; to provide saving schemes and to manage funds for higher education.
 

Loan Eligibility Requirements

• Malaysian citizen

• Pursuing full-time studies at first degree or diploma level at any of the IPTA and IPTS in Malaysia

• Pursuing Master degree program at any IPTA and IPTS in Malaysia

• Not receiving financial assistance from other bodies

• Subject to “Means Test” (evaluation of family financial status)

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Loan Amount Per Year (Depending on course and institution)
• First Degree Level :
- For IPTA students - from RM3,000 to RM6,000 per year
- For IPTS students - from RM8,000 to RM20,000 per year
• Diploma level : from RM2,500 to RM 5,000 per year

Insurance
Students are required to get insurance and premium deductions made on their behalf by PTPTN.

Repayment
• Repayment period :
- IPTA students : Bachelor Degree (Science Stream) : 15 years
: Bachelor Degree (Arts Stream) : 10 years
: Diploma (Science/Arts Stream) : 10 years
- IPTS students : Bachelor Degree (Science Stream) : 20 years
: Bachelor Degree (Arts Stream) : 15 years
: Diploma (Science/Arts Stream) : 10 years

• The borrower is required to start the repayment of the loan six months after the completion of studies or after securing a job, whichever is earlier.
• Lembaga Hasil Dalam Negeri (LHDN) is being appointed as a collecting agent to collect by way of pay deduction by employers
• Borrower can pay directly to PTPTN
• Monthly installments include administrative charge of 4% based on the reducing balance

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How To Apply

• Using the standard form prepared by PTPTN (Borang OMR)

• Enclosing letter of acceptance by IPTA/IPTS; SPM result or its equivalent; confirmation of parents or guardian’s income

• For IPTS students, their applications need to be submitted through the respective IPTS

D. Skill Development Fund (Tabung Pembangunan Kemahiran), Ministry of Human Resources

The main objective of setting up the Skill Development Fund (SDF) is to increase the number of skilled workers in line with the need for K-workers (knowledgeable workers) in the K-economy. The role of the fund is to provide financial loans to trainees who are undergoing skills training. The setting up of the SDF can help to alleviate the financial burden of parents who are financing their children’s skill training. This is done in view of the high financial cost of the training and the fact that most of the trainees are from low and middle-income group from rural areas. The trainee needs to repay the loan only after completion of training.

The setting up of the SDF was approved by Parliament on 14 December 2000 as a Trust Fund under Section 10 of the Financial Procedure Act 1957. The fund is specifically used to finance the loans for skill training.

To manage the SDF, a new division called the Skill Development Fund Division (SDFD) was set up on 1 January 2001 under the Ministry of Human Resources. The role of the SDF is similar to the National Higher Education Fund (NHEF). While the SDF provides loans for skill training, the loan by NHEF is however for academic studies.

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Loan Eligibility Requirements

• Malaysian citizen

• Pursuing a Sijil Kemahiran Malaysia (SKM) Level 1-5 course, which is accredited by the National Vocational Training Council (NVTC)

• No financial assistance from any other government agency

• Aged between 15 to 50 years.

Loan Amount

• Maximum RM 5, 000 per year for the duration of training

• For part time trainees, only the fees amount is provided

• Subject to an administrative charge of 4% per year based on the reducing balance

Guarantors
• The borrower must have two guarantors, one of whom is the parent/guardian/husband/wife. The second guarantor must have a monthly income of not less than RM 600 and must not be more than 45 years old.

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Repayment
• The borrower is required to start the repayment of the loan six months after the end of the training or after securing a job, whichever is earlier.

• The maximum repayment period for the loan is as follows, with the condition that the loan is fully repaid by the age of 60 years:

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E. The Star Education Fund

The Star Education Fund was launched by the Minister of Education in 1994 in conjunction with The Star Education Fair. Each year, at the official opening of the Star Education Fair, the Minister of Education or his representative would receive the scholarship awards from the contributors on behalf of the Fund.

The Fund acts as an umbrella body for individuals, corporations and educational institutions interested in contributing towards the education of exceptional and needy students. The objectives of the Fund are to provide educational and training opportunities to deserving and needy Malaysian students, as well as to play a role in assisting the nation in meeting its manpower needs and to make Vision 2020 a success.

The Fund comprises two tiers:

Tier 1 - The Star Newspaper ’s own contributions

Tier 2 - Contributions from local IPTS and overseas educational institutions of higher learning for students to pursue selected programs at constributors’ institutions

Scholarship Eligibility

- Malaysian citizen and must be below 25 years of age

- Applicants must be active in sports and/or co-curricular activities

- Applicants must not be bonded to or a recipient of any financial aid or rewards from other educational institutions or organizations

- Possession of good academic results

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The NST-MAPCU Scholarship Program, a joint project of New Straits Times (NST) and the Malaysian Association of Private Colleges and Universities (MAPCU).
It is aimed at financially deserving students with satisfactory academic record, providing them the opportunity of quality private education.

In line with the government’s policy of establishing a caring society amongst Malaysians, MAPCU, through its participating member institutions has made available more than Ringgit 2 million for the NST-MAPCU Scholarship 2003.

Scholarship Features

• Open to financially deserving students with good academic results

• Based on SPM and STPM results

• Full tuition fee waiver for the entire duration of the course in Malaysia

• All scholarships are for studies in Malaysia at leading participating institutions

• Terms and conditions set by respective institutions and NST-MAPCU shall apply

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Applicants’ Criteria

To be eligible for the scholarship program, applicants must meet the following general requirements :

• Applicants must be Malaysian citizens.

• Applicants must possess good academic results in SPM/‘O’ Level, UEC and/or STPM/‘A’ Level examinations or its equivalent

• Applicants must qualify to gain admission to the participating institution for the relevant course

• Applicants must be active in sports and/or co-curricular activities

• Applicants must possess leadership qualities and be self motivated

• Applicants must be financially deserving.

• Applicants must not already be in receipt of any scholarships, financial aid or award from other educational institutions or organizations.

• Applicants must abide by the terms and conditions of the NST-MAPCU Scholarship Program.

• Applicants must abide by all other terms and conditions of the awarding institution, including any bond required.

The list of participating colleges and their contact address can be found at MAPCU’s official website at www.studymalaysia.com/mapcu.

For more information, students are advised to call the relevant institution for details of the scholarship offered and course information.
For more details, please visit website:-www.studymalaysia.com/mapcu

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Enquiries

• Enquiries on specific institution’s scholarships, please contact the institutions directly
• General enquiries : nst-mapcu.sp@taylors.edu.my

Application Forms

Application forms can be downloaded from MAPCU’s website or obtained from the participating institutions or write/e-mail to the NST-MAPCU
Scholarship Secretariat at :-NST-MAPCU Scholarship Secretariat
No. 1 Jalan SS15/8,
47500 Subang Jaya
Selangor
E-mail : nst-mapcu.sp@taylors.edu.my

G. The Social Security Organization (SOCSO) Education Fund

SOCSO’s education fund is for the benefit of SOCSO’s members/contributors. It is in the form of a loan given to dependent children who are in receipt of a monthly benefit for :-

• Dependent’s Benefit

• Survivor’s Pension or children of an employee who is in receipt of a monthly benefit for :-

• Permanent Disablement

• Invalidity Pension

However, this study loan can be converted into a scholarship if the students obtain excellent results such as graduating with a First Class Honors Bachelor degree.

Conditions for Eligibility

Children who are eligible for the education loan are :-

• dependent children of an employee who are :

- contributors to the SOCSO insurance schemes / receiving Invalidity Pension / receiving periodic permanent disablement. The children must be below 21 years of age and unmarried at the time of the application.

• dependent children of an insured person who has died as a result of an employment injury / while receiving invalidity pension / before reaching the age of 55 / and who fulfills the contribution’s qualifying conditions. The children must be below 21 years of age and unmarried.

• dependent children who are above 21 years of age but are receiving a monthly benefit ALREADY studying in an institution of higher learning and unmarried at the time of application

• dependent children who have been offered a place or have registered in any university / college / local Institution of higher learning (including institutions that conduct twinning programs) on condition the degree is completed locally. The institution concerned must be registered with the Ministry of Education or the qualification is awarded by the National Vocational Training Council, Ministry of Human Resources;

• applicants who are not holders of any other scholarship or loan by any other authority.
• children whose family finances are insufficient to support the cost of the education

Method of Application

The application has to be made by filling the “PERMOHONAN PINJAMAN PENDIDIKAN PERKESO” form which is available at the SOCSO Local Office.

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Amount of Loan

The amount of the loan depends on the course taken and includes cost of living and other expenditure as determined for loans by SOCSO.
The actual amount of the loan includes :

• Registration fees

• Course fees including laboratory and lecture fees

• Examination fees

• Subscription for student associations made compulsory by the university, college or institution of higher learning

• Other expenses determined from time to time such as :

- Subsistence

- Flight cost

- Books

- Instruments

- Expenditure for preparation of a thesis

- Practical/training costs

H. Employees Provident Fund (Account II) Withdrawal Scheme For Education

This scheme allows EPF members to withdraw from their account II to pay the fees for their children or for themselves to do further studies in any local or overseas institutions.

Level of Education

• For member

- Diploma and above.

• For member’s children

- Degree and above.

Amount Eligible for Withdrawal

Members may withdraw the maximum amount of the total fees or all balance in account II, whichever is lower. Members may apply for withdrawal in each academic year provided that there is balance left in the account II.

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Mode of Payment

Basically, there are three modes of payment made by the EPF under this scheme. They are payments made to:

i. the local institutions of higher learning.

ii. members if members or their children are pursuing studies abroad or for any payment made by the member, subject to the terms and conditions.

iii. the financial institutions to settle or reduce the balance of study loans taken up by members under certain conditions in which the member or members’ children are currently studying in institutions of higher learning that includes study loans under the name of the member or both the member’s and their children.
How to Apply

Before a member can apply for withdrawal under this scheme, the member is required to check the balance in account II and obtain a letter from EPF that shows how much is allowed to be withdrawn. To obtain this letter, the following documents are necessary:

• letter of acceptance from the university or college for the member or member’s children or letter of registration for subsequent years of study (for second year and following years).

• Member’s identification card.

• copy of member’s bank account book or Current Account Statement.

Members can apply for this scheme by completing the KWSP 9H (AHL) form together with the relevant supporting documents. For more information, please visit or call the nearest EPF office. Any queries can be sent to the EPF via e-mail.
Employees Provident Fund
Bangunan KWSP
Jalan Raja Laut
50350 Kuala Lumpur
e-mail: enquiry@epf.gov.my

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I. The Scholarship Division, Ministry of Education

The Scholarship Division (the Secretariat for Scholarship Board of the Ministry of Education) select and award bursaries and scholarship to Malaysian for higher education both locally and overseas at the diploma, degree and postgraduate levels. Application must be made directly to the Division.

J. Children Education Insurance Saving Scheme

Realizing that the cost of higher education is increasing annually, and that most parents’ priority is to provide the best education opportunities for their children, most insurance firms have come up with Education Insurance. This scheme helps parents to set-up an education fund for their child/children. As with all insurance, the earlier parents start with the Education Insurance Plan, the more secure the education funds will be by the time their children need the money for their studies.

The good thing about getting an education insurance is that you are assured of education funds as it is basically your/your parents’ money. These plans usually allow the insured to withdraw the amount upon maturity, or convert the policy