Information and FAQs for new students
The COVID-19 situation in Malaysia and globally changes rapidly and governments around the world have put in stringent policies to control the spread of the virus. Many policies are introduced rapidly without much warning. This webpage will be updated weekly where possible but we will continue to send out emails to both new and continuing students to update them on any significant changes in policy. Please check your inboxes regularly during this period.
Students who are currently residing in Malaysia
How will my course be delivered - teaching and learning
Q. What is the teaching method for teaching and learning session at UNM?
From June 2022 onwards, the university will resume 100 percent face-to-face learning. All UNM students, including international students, are required to make the necessary arrangements to be physically present for their lectures and other learning sessions (Workshops, Laboratories, Seminars, etc.). The campus is fully open and all facilities are now operating normally.
The option to study online, in exceptional circumstances will only be applicable to students whose country’s borders remain closed (e.g.: China) and to those with serious medical reasons (must be able to provide documented evidence). This approach enables students to proceed with their studies as planned, notwithstanding the conditions as mentioned above.
Students who want to apply to study online are required to submit an application by completing the following online form by Friday, 7th October 2022. For further enquries, please contact your respective faculty.
FOSE
FOSE Application form
FASS
FASS Application form
Q. How about exams and assessments?
All examinations until August 2022 will continue to be conducted online. However from AY 2022-23 onwards, all exams will return to in-person exams. Hence examinations during December 2022 for Foundations students and January 2023 for UG/PGT students will require physical presence on campus.
Q. What will be done for students if a last-minute decision to extend the closure of the campus is taken that forces students to do their courses online?
The extension of any closure of the campus will be a directive from the Ministry which UNM will have to comply with. Therefore, if there is an extension of closure, the classes will continue to be delivered online or as advised by UNM.
What to know about traveling to campus and campus accommodation?
Q. When can I come to campus?
For now, students may return to start their new academic year. The Univeristy will update the students from time to time basis. This will be organised in a phased approach to ensure that we follow the necessaary SOPs.
For international students, this is subject to your visas being processed by the Malaysian Immigration Department and following the SOPs upon arrival, including the mandatory quarantine requirements. Quarantine days maybe imposed subject to the risk assessment carried out at the quarantine centre by health officers. For more information, please contact the International Student Support Team.
Q. I am an international student now staying within Malaysia, can I travel to campus?
Q. How should I make my way/travel to the campus from within Malaysia?
All Returnees, including international students residing in Malaysia are expected to travel to campus via your own transportation. You are then allowed to drive into the campus including those arriving using public transportation, e.g., taxis or e-hailing vehicles.
Q. Can I return to my own reserved room or must I stay in a self-isolation room first?
Effective from 15th October 2021, fully vaccinated students returning from within Malaysia (including Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan) are not required to undergo self-isolation and may check in to their on-campus accommodation.
Q. My programme is going to take place in KLTC, not the main campus in Semenyih. What is the plan for students who plan to live in the city centre?
For full time and part time students, currently it is online and we will adopt the blended learning approach soon when it is safe to resume . For students in KLTC you will follow the same study mode as students on campus.
If you are staying on our main campus and are a full time student, you will need to write to us separately and we will advise you further if you want to arrange for a drop off to KL as the current drop off points after quarantine, are only to campus, UniVillage and Taman Tasik Semenyih.
Q. I am currently residing in Malaysia but not on campus - what do I do to organise my return to campus accommodation?
To allow UNM to better manage the staggered arrival and check-in of students into their on-campus accommodations, you are required to provide your arrival details here at least three (3) working days before your arrival date. This will allow our Accommodation team to anticipate your arrival and assist with your check-in. Your date and time will be confirmed via an email reply.
Check in form
Accommodation
For further information on accommodation arrangements, self isolation policies on campus and the latest SOP's please visit the accommodation website
International students currently residing outside of Malaysia
Arriving in Malaysia - quarantine and other requirements
Q. When will international students commence their studies in Malaysia?
The Ministry of Higher Education allows all new international students from all countries to return to campus physically. Please consult the visa office or International Student Support should you have any further questions pertaining to your visa or entry into Malaysia.
Q. Will students from the 23 banned countries now be able to return to Malaysia?
Yes, all students are allowed to return. The ban has been lifted for all countries.
Q. For students who have already been vaccinated/immunized, would they still need to quarantine in a facility after landing in Malaysia?
No, you are no longer required to quarantine should you be fully vaccinated unless you exhibit symptoms of Covid-19, monkeypox, MERS-CoV, and other infectoius diseases.
Q. I understand that online payment is required for Covid-19 detection test charges and quarantine cost before leaving Malaysia. To whom do we have to pay and how much?
This is no longer applicable unless you exhibit symptoms upon arrival you will be referred to the nearby health facilities for further treatment and all cost will be borne by you.
Q. Is the quarantine cost inclusive of meals?
If there is any quarantine required it will be either at your own accommodation or at any health facility if your case is referred as serious.
Q. I have dietary restrictions e.g. lacto/vegetarian. Would appropriate food be arranged for me during quarantine?
This is no longer applicable as quarantine is not required for those who are fully vaccinated. If you are not vaccinated you are required to quarantine for 5 days at your designated accommodation.
Q. Can a family member travel with me? Will they be allowed to be quarantined in the same room as me?
Beginning 23rd November 2021, the Malaysian Immigration Department will allow Dependents of International Students to enter Malaysia. Do take note, this facility given by Immigration Department applies to only few categories of students such as; Post Graduate Research students, Post Graduate Taught students and some UG students originating from the middle eastern countries. Kindly refer to the email sent by the Visa Office today 1st December 2021.
Q. Can I choose not to travel since dependents aren’t allowed to accompany me?
You will need to consult your school on this. Kindly refer to the latest email by the provost office.
Q. For the PCR test taken 2 days before the flight, should it be 48 hours before take-off or 48 hours before landing in Malaysia?
This is no longer applicable however you are advised to consult the airlines you will be taking if they have any requirement at their end.
Q. Where do we find out the list of verified clinics where we can do PCR at in our countries?
We would suggest that you check with your respective Ministry of Health.
Q. Other than PCR test, do new students have to do regular medical screening like before?
Yes.
You will need to undergo the post-arrival medical screening at an EMGS panel clinic within 7 days after being discharged from the quarantine centre. You may also choose to do it at our UNM clinic on campus.
Q. Will the university arrange for transportation from the airport to the quarantine centre and once the quarantine period is complete will the university arrange travel to campus?
There is no quarantine centre now hence you may fill in the airport arrival form should you need transportation from the airport to campus. There are pickups on selected dates.
Preparing to come to campus - accommodation and other questions
Q. I received an email requesting to update the authorities on my student accommodation address in order to process my VAL. Which address do I need to provide?
This will be your accommodation address you are going to stay in, either on campus or off campus whichever you have booked. If you have booked university accommodation on campus please inform us. If you have booked off-campus (private) accommodation, we will need to verify your booking to prepare a declaration form to accommodation in order to process your VAL application.
Please contact the Visa Office once you have booked your accommodation.
New students: new/variation/progression
Returning students: visa renewals
Q. I paid for accommodation last semester, but I haven't arrived on campus yet. Can the payment be brought forward to secure future payment?
Kindly take note of your room validity via the room offer sent to you via email by Accommodation Office.
Your rental charge will be based on your official check in and check out date.
Accommodation Office will collect full payment for first rental invoice in advance. Based on your actual Check-In Date, Accommodation Office will do an adjustment in your student’s account, and a Credit Note will be added into your next rental bill. Therefore, in the next quarterly billing, student will just need to pay the remaining balance only.
In the case that you do not check in at all before the offer duration (as stated in your room offer), you may request to cancel the room offer and request for refund (if you have made the payment) via email.
Accommodation
Q. As new international student, I don’t know how long it will take to get my visa. Do I still need to apply for accommodation in advance?
Q. I am a new student. When should I book my accommodation?
Q. Can I provide the address of my relatives in Malaysia with whom I’ll be staying after quarantine and while studying at UNM? Or is it compulsory for us to stay in on-campus accommodation?
Ideally, we would recommend all new students to stay in our on-campus accommodation for the purpose of acclimatisation while being new in Malaysia as advised by the Ministry of Higher Education. However, you are allowed to stay with your relatives if you wish to.
For further information on accommodation arrangements, self isolation policies on campus and the latest SOP's please visit the accommodation website
Student visa FAQ's for new international students
VAL - Visa approval letter
TA - Travel authorisation
SEV - Single entry visa
i-Kad - Immigration card is issued once student pass is endorsed onto your passport
TE - Transfer endorsement, transfer old visa sticker from old to new passport
Q. My VAL is still at 32% progress for the last couple of months. What needs be done to get it approved?
Previously the application was put on hold at 32% because the Malaysian Government had closed borders for all international students. Since October 2021 the Government has issued a directive to allow all international students to enter Malaysia.
Presently, the Immigration Department requires three (3) additional documents to be submitted to process VAL applications. These documents are:
- Declaration of Accommodation - this to be filled by students and verified by UNM Accommodation Office
- Declaration for Commencement of Online Classes - This will be given and verified by the respective faculty.
- Health Declaraion form to be filled by student is the applictaion idel more than 3 months.
Once these three forms are signed and sent to EMGS, your application will be submitted to Immigration Department for VAL approval. However, all VAL approval is at the discretion of Immigration Department.
Q. How can I apply for travel authorisation (TA) as stated in the EMGS guidelines since my VAL is not issued? Do I need to provide any additional documents to support the application?
TA is no longer active as it has been removed by Immigration Department ever since border is fully open.
Q. I am a 15-year-old student, is it possible for my mother to travel with me to Malaysia so that she can accompany me while I study? How do I apply for a visa for her?
Yes, your mother is allowed to travel with you. However, you will be traveling to Malaysia with VAL and SEV (if required) but your mother will be traveling with Scoail/Visit Pass. She has to apply for one at the nearest mission and subject to the apptoval by the officer in-charge.
Q. As a new student, can I continue to study online for my second semester even after my VAL is issued? I plan to enter Malaysia in January 2022 for my second semester with VAL.
VALs are valid for six (6) months from the date of issue by the Immigration Department. Any student who fails to enter before their VAL (if SEV applicable) expires may not be allowed to enter. Students are required to email Visa Office for VAL extension and extension will be granted only once and at the discretion of Immigration Department.
Since the border is fully open, ideally all students are encouraged to return to campus to resume their studies as per the directives issued.
Q. My VAL has expired, what can be done to get this extended, in order for me to enter and resume my studies?
All expired VAL’s will be extended by Immigration Department given the fact the borders were closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. All international students are required to submit:
- Declaration of Accommodation,
- Declaration of Online Classes,
- and Health Declaration form for processing VAL extension.
Q. My passport validity is less than 18 months now, can my VAL be approved and can I renew my passport after arriving Malaysia?
All passport must be valid 18 months above when submitted to the Iimigration department for VAL approval. Any passport having less than 18 months validity period may not be processed for VAL approval. Therefore, you are required to renew your passport and send scanned copies of the new passport to visa office immediately.
Q. I am holding a British (UK) passport and have been living in Singapore since January 2020. I have not travelled to UK for the year can my VAL be approved?
Since the border is fully open, all international students can enter Malaysia with VAL, this including UK students.
Q. I have given my accommodation details for staying in Malaysia to the visa office, how long do I have to wait for my VAL to be approved?
The Immigration Department takes around 7 - 14 working days to approve your VAL from the date they receive the application from EMGS. The timeline depends on the availability of the senior officers for approval processes. All VAL approval is at the discretion of Immigration Department.
Q. I am a year 1 student. I have completed semester one online and am coming to Malaysia to start semester two, am I considered as new student?
Yes, you are considered as new student. Any student who have not received a Student Pass (visa sticker) endorsement in their passport are considered as a new student. This includes those who have previously obtained VALs that have now expired or received VAL extension to enter Malaysia.
Q. Once I receive my VAL, is it compulsory to travel from my home country or can I travel from a different country too? I'm from India but currently I'm going to be in UAE for few months. What can I do in such a situation?
It is adviced to stay in India until your VAL is issued and apply for SEV to enter Malaysia. Should you opt to travel to UAE, this can complicate your travel plans to Malaysia as you are NOT allowed to apply SEV in UAE as the VAL is approved and addressed to India. If you still insist of travelling from UAE, then you must do the following:
- Officially write to the Visa Office for the change of SEV from India to the UAE.
- The Visa Office will have to cancel your SEV letter through EMGS (which may take around 3 weeks) before securing a new SEV from the Immigration Department referring to UAE Malaysian mission. Upon approval, you will be allowed to enter officially with a TA.
Q. I’m a new student and have not received my student i-Kad. Would that be a problem with regards to my entry at KLIA?
All new students will not have their i-Kad issued at this point of time before VALs are approved and issued. The process of acquiring an i-Kad will only take place when a student enters Malaysia, perform their post-medical at the appointed EMGS clinic and clear their medical check-up, submission of passport to EMGS and Immigration Department for student pass endorsement. Once immigration issues your student pass, your i-Kad will be automatically processed and released within 3 to 4 weeks.
Q. I am a foundation student and about to complete my studies in April 2022. I do not have my VAL and student pass endorsed in my passport, will this have an impact for my undergraduate studies in September 2022?
EMGS reports to Ministry of Higher Education in which is responsible for all international students studying in Malaysia. Therefore, all student applications must be vetted carefully before EMGS issues ‘EMGS Approval Letter’ to students. This letter proves as a testament that you have fulfilled your academic requirements to study with us. All international student are encouraged to enter Malaysia after receiving their VAL given all classes will be conducted physically.
Q. If I received Student Pass for full duration of studies (2 years and 3 years), do I have to pay yearly insurance?
Students who receives Student Pass for full duration of studies will have to make insurance payment separately thru our Finance on yearly basis.