Study and Work in Malaysia – All You Need to Know

Malaysia is a Southeast Asian country with its capital being Kuala Lumpur. The country is known as the 43rd most populous country in the world with over 32 million people. Kuala Lumpur is the capital of the country and also the largest city in which the seat of the monarch of the country is seated. The federal government seat of power is in another city known as Putrajaya, where the prime minister resides. The country’s national language is Malay. It also recognizes and accepts the English language as a second language. The two main languages spoken by the Malaysians are; Malay and English.

International students can study full-time undergraduate or postgraduate degrees and courses to be able to work in the country. You must obtain a work permit from the Ministry of Labor in the country to enable you to work in Malaysia. International students who are caught working while on school term may be on the verge of having their student visa revoked.

It is also worthy of note that, international students are required to undergo some medical tests and some of these tests are; blood and urine tests, chest X-ray examinations,s and general health examinations of the body by a qualified doctor.

Cost of Living and Studying in Malaysia

Studying and living in Malaysia is quite affordable. International students compared to the living expenses of other study abroad options like America, England, Australia, and others. Malaysia has both public and private universities. The tuition fees would vary depending on what choice of universities you choose to attend and the course of study. On an average scale, an international student can be expected to pay about MYR 7,000 per year for a bachelor’s degree and MYR 11,000 per year for a Master’s degree. However, variations can also occur in the tuition cost based on the course applied for.

For other living expenses such as; food, accommodation, travel, and books. an international student can budget between MYR 10,000 and MYR 15,000 each year. Big cities like the country’s capital; Kuala Lumpur or Putrajaya will require high living expenses.

International students are not allowed to work while the school is in session. You need to have enough funds to be able to take care of yourself while you study in the country. International students are only permitted to work when there is a semester break or summer holidays. The minimum duration is 20 hours per week during holidays.

Necessary Steps to Work and Study in Malaysia

As an international student, before you can work and study in Malaysia, there are specific guidelines that you need to follow. You will also need to get a work permit before you will be allowed to work. Below are some laid-out guidelines that you have to follow as you may consider working while you studying in Malaysia.

• You must have a valid Student visa or student pass, as it is referred to in Malaysia, and this would gain you entry into the country. This student visa or pass must be applied for from your home country before coming to Malaysia.
• In Malaysia, international students are permitted to only work part-time during semester breaks or summer holidays and so you will need to seek permission to work part-time through your hosting Malaysian university by getting a work permit.
• An offer letter is required from your proposed place of work before you can be given a work permit.
• The international students can only work in selected places that will be made known to the student, some of the accepted places include; restaurants, hotels, mini markets, and petrol kiosks.
• Also, students are only permitted to work 20 hours per week on a part-time basis and when caught working more than that duration of time or having two jobs it may also lead to having your student visa or student pass revoked.

Requirements for International Student Application To Malaysia

As an international student who wants to study in Malaysia, you need to obtain a student visa. For some, the host institution may apply for the student to pass on behalf of the student. The student pass is only valid for a year after which you will need to renew it every year if your course or degree of study is for more than one year. Some of the basic requirements needed for a student pass in Malaysia are outlined below;

• A copy of the student’s international passport
• A copy of the host university offer letter
• Student passport-sized photographs
• Student academic transcript and certificates for postgraduate studies or copies of elementary studies certificate
• Pre-medical examination report of the student, outlining the details of the test
• Proof of health insurance policy
• Proof of sufficient funds to put you through your stay in the country such as living expenses and tuition

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5 Reasons Why You Should Consider Studying in Malaysia as a Foreign Student

As an aspiring international student who wants to obtain a degree in any Malaysian university, below are discussed some of the top reasons why you are likely making a good choice.

1. A multicultural country: Malaysia is a multicultural country with different tourist destinations. The country welcomes and allows international students and other foreigners to come into the country and enjoy the environment. The capital of the country, Kuala Lumpur is said to have some of the greatest architecture in the world. The city boasts great tall buildings which are said to be the most spectacular in the world.
2. No language barrier: although Malay is the official language in Malaysia, most of its citizens understand the English language. It is also used as a form of communication in its institutions for studying.
3. Low cost of living: the cost of living is relatively cheap, and most foreign students can cope with spending an average of about 1100 MYR on food, accommodation, and transportation each month.
4. Good universities: Malaysian universities are thriving with their wide range of degrees and courses to choose from.
5. Peaceful environment: Malaysia boasts of a very peaceful environment. It is also welcoming to foreign students who want to study in the country. The locals are friendly and do not discriminate between foreigners.

Conclusion

Malaysia is one of the good study abroad options for international students. It’s vast culture and student-friendly environment, the country accepts and welcomes students from all around the world. Although Islam is the major religion of the country, it does not restrict other religious gatherings.

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