STUDENT VISA SERVICES
Your Journey to Studying in Malaysia — Get guidance and support throughout the Student Pass application process, from initial enquiry and document preparation to arrival in Malaysia and Student Pass completion.
Understanding the Process
What Is EMGS?
Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) manages and facilitates the Student Pass application process for international students who wish to study in Malaysia.
Institution
Academic Admission — Standard Language Centre assesses and accepts students academically.
EMGS
Student Pass Processing — EMGS facilitates and processes the Student Pass application.
Immigration Department
Immigration Approval — The Immigration Department handles immigration-related approvals and Student Pass matters.
An Offer Letter from the Institution is not a Student Pass and is not an eVAL. It only confirms admission to a programme.
Three Parties
Who Is Involved?
Three parties work together throughout the Student Pass application process.
Student
- Providing genuine and complete documents
- Paying the required fees
- Following visa and immigration requirements
- Completing required medical screening
- Following instructions from the institution
Education Institution
- Assesses the student's admission application
- Issues the Offer Letter
- Manages or supports the Student Pass application
- Communicates with EMGS
- Assists with post-arrival procedures
EMGS & Immigration
- EMGS manages and facilitates the application process
- The Immigration Department handles immigration approval and Student Pass matters
Stage by Stage
Your Student Pass Journey
A clear overview of the entire Student Pass application process from enquiry to completion.
Before You Apply
Student Enquiry & Eligibility
Before beginning the application process, students should be assessed based on several key factors.
Nationality
Check eligibility and refer to the applicable restricted-nationality requirements.
Age
The age for IPS applications is between 18 and 45 years old.
Current Country of Residence
Determine whether the student is currently in Malaysia or overseas and identify the appropriate application route.
Educational Background
Minimum completion of secondary/high school or equivalent.
Course of Interest
Available programmes include English, Mandarin, Malay, and Japanese courses.
Passport Validity
A minimum of 18 months remaining validity is required.
Previous Study History in Malaysia
If applicable, students may need a Student Release Letter, Academic Transcript, and Attendance Record from their previous institution.
Current Immigration Status
Students should confirm whether they are currently in Malaysia or overseas, and their current pass or visa type if applicable.
Important Notice
IPS Restricted Nationalities
Current Immigration directives restrict new Student Pass applications at Private Educational Institutions (IPS) for applicants from certain countries.
According to the guide, current Immigration directives restrict new Student Pass applications at Private Educational Institutions (IPS) for applicants from the following countries:
Requirements and restrictions may be subject to changes in Immigration directives. Students should confirm the latest requirements before applying.
Document Checklist
Prepare Your Documents
Required documents for a new Student Pass application.
Passport
Provide a clear colour copy of the relevant passport pages.
Passport-Sized Photograph
Recent colour photograph with plain white background, full face visible, no shadows, and no filters.
Offer Letter
Issued by the institution confirming student admission and programme details.
Health Declaration Form
Completed and signed by the student as required by EMGS.
Academic Certificates
Certified copies of the student's highest completed qualification. If originally issued in another language, they should be translated into English.
Academic Transcripts
Official transcript or statement of results showing subjects taken and academic performance.
Other Supporting Documents (if applicable)
Know the Difference
Offer Letter vs Student Pass vs eVAL
Students very often confuse these three documents. Here is what each one means.
| Document | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Offer Letter | Confirms that the institution has offered admission |
| eVAL | Part of the process allowing the student to proceed towards entering Malaysia for study |
| Student Pass | Immigration-related student pass completed through the relevant process |
An Offer Letter is NOT a Student Pass.
An Offer Letter is NOT an eVAL.
An eVAL is NOT a Student Pass.
Track Your Application
Application Issues & Status Tracking
EMGS provides an online Check Application Status function. The official tracker requires your Travel Document Number / Passport Number and Nationality.
GREEN
The application is progressing normally.
The institution will:
Monitor the application and provide an update when there is a status change or completion.
YELLOW
Something needs to be provided, corrected, or clarified.
The institution will:
Identify what is required, contact the Agent or Student, obtain the required document/information, and submit the response to resume processing.
RED
The application has encountered a significant issue.
The institution will:
Identify the official reason, follow the Institution / EMGS instructions, contact the Agent or Student, determine whether the issue can be resolved, and take the appropriate next step.
Avoid Delays
What Can Cause Delays?
Being aware of common issues can help you prepare a complete and accurate application.
Incomplete Documents
Missing required documents or pages.
Incorrect Information
Information such as name, passport number, or date of birth does not match.
Passport Issues
Insufficient validity, unclear copies, or missing pages.
Photo Issues
Incorrect size, background, poor quality, incorrect format, or facial mismatch.
Additional Documents Requested
EMGS or relevant authorities may require clarification or additional documents.
Visa Approval
eVAL Approval
Visa Approval Before Arrival — Understanding the Immigration Approval process.
Immigration Approval
Once the application has completed the relevant EMGS stage, it proceeds to the Immigration Department's approval process. Once approved, an eVAL — Electronic Visa Approval Letter will be issued.
The institution provides the eVAL to the respective Agent or Student.
An eVAL is NOT a Student Pass.
The eVAL is part of the process that allows the student to proceed towards entering Malaysia for study.
Pre-Arrival
Before You Travel to Malaysia
Complete the following steps before departing for Malaysia.
Complete the required application stages
Obtain the relevant approval / eVAL
Apply for eVISA (if required by your country) during travel preparation
Follow the institution's instructions
Select arrival terminal listed below: KLIA1 or KLIA2
Post-Arrival
Arrival in Malaysia
After you arrive, the following steps are required to complete your Student Pass.
Arrival at Airport — Head to ISAC Counter for Clearance
Medical Screening
Perform within 7 days after arrival at EMGS panel clinics.
Student Pass Endorsement Process
Submit passport to institution for student visa endorsement.
Student Pass Completion
Ready to Begin Your Journey?
We are here to guide you through the Student Pass application process and help you prepare the necessary documents.