Student Pass
A Student Pass covers non-citizens studying in Malaysia, from pre-school at age three through to postgraduate study. For higher education, EMGS screens the application and your institution submits it. The pass fee is RM60. Holders may work 20 hours a week in approved settings, and Master's and PhD students may bring dependants.
How the application actually runs
You do not apply for a Student Pass yourself. For higher education, your institution submits it and EMGS screens it — which means your choice of institution determines how smoothly the process runs, and a slow institution is a slow application.
At school level, a school representative, parent or legal guardian may apply on the child's behalf.
The work limit, precisely
Twenty hours a week, in a defined list of settings: restaurants, petrol stations, mini markets, hotels and university areas. The right extends to students at public universities and private higher education institutions. It does not extend to students at language centres or training centres.
This is a genuine constraint rather than a formality, and it is not a route to funding your studies. If your plan depends on working, look at the Employment Pass instead.
What happens after you graduate
The Student Pass ends with your course. There is no automatic conversion to a work or residence pass. Graduates who want to stay generally move to an Employment Pass via a Malaysian employer, or — where the capital is available — into one of the long-stay programmes.
Who it suits — and who it doesn't
A good fit if
- You have an offer from a Malaysian institution, which must sponsor you
- You are studying for a Master's or PhD and want your family with you
- You want a low-cost, legitimate basis to live in Malaysia while studying
Look elsewhere if
- You want to work full time — the limit is 20 hours a week
- You are enrolling at a language or training centre; those are excluded from work rights
- You want a route to long-term residence, which this is not
- You want to bring dependants as an undergraduate — that is limited to postgraduates
Common questions
- Who can apply for a Malaysian Student Pass?
- Non-citizen students aged three and above, covering pre-school through to higher education. For higher education, EMGS conducts the screening and applications are submitted through the STARS system or the EMGS portal. At school level, a school representative, parent or legal guardian may apply.
- How much does a Student Pass cost?
- The Student Pass fee is RM60. A Social Visit Pass for a dependant or guardian is RM90. Visa rates vary by nationality and are charged separately, as are EMGS processing and medical screening costs.
- Can I work on a Student Pass?
- Up to 20 hours a week, and only at approved locations — restaurants, petrol stations, mini markets, hotels, and within university areas. This applies to students at public universities and private higher education institutions only. Students at language and training centres are excluded.
- Can I bring my family on a Student Pass?
- Master's and PhD students may sponsor a spouse, children under 18, disabled children of any age, and parents. Dependants must show financial capability through three months of bank statements or a scholarship or embassy sponsorship letter. Dependants are not allowed to work or conduct business.
- What documents are required?
- A health insurance policy recognised in Malaysia with at least 12 months of coverage, a stamped personal bond form, and the institution's supporting documentation. Dependants additionally need proof of financial capability.
Written and reviewed by Jason Yap, Chairman of the PVIP Agent Association.
Last reviewed 23 July 2026.
Planning to stay on after graduating? Compare the long-stay routes →