Triangle
Note: All Student Pass (visa) applications are processed by both the Immigration Department of Malaysia and Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS).

 

New students applying through the University

All international students must obtain a Student Pass (Visa) to study in Malaysia. Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) is a Company Limited by Guarantee (“CLBG”) under the purview of the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia (MoHE). EMGS also acts as a one-stop centre mandated by the MoHE to manage all student pass applications.

The Immigration Department of Malaysia issues all student passes. The University of Nottingham Malaysia does not have the authority to approve or reject your student pass application. All New international students will have the option of applying for their Visa Approval Letter (VAL) through the following methods:

Option A: Applying via the UNM Visa Office   Option B: Applying directly to EMGS

Option A is the recommended method. However, students who opt for Option B can contact the UNM Visa Office if any assistance is required.

All new international students applying for their VAL will be required to pay an additional fee of RM2,000 as a deposit. The Visa Office will refund this deposit fee once the student submits their passport for the student pass shortening/cancellation after completion of studies or graduating before returning to their home country. Therefore, the total processing fee is RM4,660 (RM2,000 deposit fee + RM2,660 visa processing fee). All these fees are payable via MyNottingham portal.

All international students will not be required to undergo a pre-arrival medical examination based on the circular issued by the MoHE. However, all international students MUST fill up and sign-off the ‘HEALTH DECLARATION FORM FOR APPLICANTS' and submit it to the Visa Office for VAL application.


As such, students will only undergo their post-arrival medical examination after arriving on campus with any EMGS registered panel clinics. Students who fail the post--arrival medical examination are allowed to appeal their case once. However it is subject to the approval by the EMGS panel clinic.

All international students who are renewing their Student Pass (Visa) for the second year (subject to renewal) MUST meet the following criteria:

  • Obtain an attendance of no less than 80%
  • Obtain a Pass in all modules (subjects)- if one obtains a Poor or Fail (any subject), a Dean's supporting letter is required.

Students can appeal for their visa renewal with supporting evidence. However, the Immigration Department of Malaysia reserves the right to extend or deny student passes for any period.

i-Kad Renewals are done on a yearly basis and students must meet the following criteria:

  • Obtain an attendance of no less than 80%
  • Obtain a Pass in all modules (subjects)- if one obtains a Poor or Fail (any subject), a Dean's supporting letter is required.
  • For those that receive a student pass for the full duration of their studies (3 years), your health insurance coverage must be renewed before an i-Kad renewal is submitted to the Visa Office.

The Immigration Department of Malaysia reserves the right to extend or deny any i-Kad renewals. Failure to renew will lead to a cancellation of the student pass and students will be required to return to their home country, as stipulated in the guidelines.

Students changing courses after their Student Pass (Visa) is issued by the Immigration Department for the full duration of their studies (3 years)


All international students having a student pass issued for a full duration of studies (3 years) will have to now return to their home country and reapply for a new VAL with the newly changed course from their home country. These students are required to shorten/cancel their current valid student pass, return home, provide an exit stamp from KLIA and re-apply for a new VAL. Students are not allowed to reapply while in Malaysia.

This includes students who wish to transfer to another university to continue their studies. The university will NOT be responsible should the Visa Office reports back to the Immigration Department if the student fails to hand in their passport for the cancellation process. This can lead to their passport being blacklisted by the Immigration Department.

 

Student Pass (Visa)

All international students who defer, withdraw, terminated, and completed studies are required to shorten/cancel their present student pass before leaving the country. They are required to get advice from the Visa Office on the necessary formalities. This is in line with the directive from the Malaysian Immigration Department guidelines NOT allowing international students to return home before shorten/cancellation is carried out. Any student fail to comply this guidelines will have their passport being blacklisted by the Immigration Department and the University will have no control over this decision.

 

 

 

Getting started with your VAL application

All new international students must be issued with an Electronic Visa Approval Letter (eVAL) before arriving in Malaysia. The application process can take up to four to six weeks (4 to 6 weeks) so students are advised to submit their applications as early as possible and submissions are highly encouraged before the following deadlines.

Visa Document Submission Deadlines
Intake Dates*Visa Document Submission Deadlines
February 2024

Documents submission deadline - 25 December 2023

All postgraduate taught programmes in the School of Politics, History and International Relations and part-time postgraduate taught programmes in the Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering and School of Media, Languages and Cultures.

Part-time MBA programmes in Nottingham University Business School.

Postgraduate taught programme in the Division of Organisational and Applied Psychology.

All postgraduate research programme (excludingpostgraduate research programme in the School of Economics).
April 2024

Documents submission deadline - 25 March 2024

All three-semester foundation programmes.

All postgraduate research programmes (excluding postgraduate research programmes in the School of Economics, School of English, Nottingham University Business School and Master of Research in the School of Psychology).

June 2024

Documents submission deadline - 13 May 2024

Part-time MBA programmes in Nottingham University Business School.

Documents submission deadline - 29 April 2024

All postgraduate research programmes (excluding postgraduate research programmes  in the School of Economics, School of English and Nottingham University Business School and Master of Research in the School of Psychology).
September 2024

Documents submission deadline - 22 July 2024

All two-semester and three-semester foundation programmes.

Documents submission deadline - 12 August 2024

All undergraduate programmes.

Documents submission deadline - 12 August 2024

All postgraduate taught programmes in the School of Education.

MBA programmes in Nottingham University Business School.

Postgraduate thaught programmes in the Division of Organisational and Applied Psychology.

All postgraduate taught programmes (excluding postgraduate taught programmes in the School of Education, Division of Organisational and Applied Psychology and MBA programmes in Nottingham University Business School).

All postgraduate research programmes.

Documents submission deadline - 29 June 2024

Postgraduate research programme in the School of Economics (UK Starters).

 

*Students residing in Bangladesh, India, Nigeria and Pakistan are advised to submit their visa documents two (2) months ahead of the deadline mentioned above for any specific intake as the SEV application can take longer in the Malaysian Embassy/Mission in those countries.

**Recently, the Immigration Department of Malaysia has introduced an e-VISA application for some countries. This allows students to apply for their visa online, however students are advised to refer to their nearest Malaysian Embassy/ High Commission/Consulate offices to obtain more information. You may visit this website for further details.

Find out more

 

 

Visa application checklist

The following highlights the VAL application checklist. Failure to submit any of the following documents may result in an incomplete application that cannot be processed further. You are highly encouraged to regularly check your emails and respond to the visa team. 

All documents should be sent via email to apply.visa@nottingham.edu.my.

Documents required for residents of all countries

  • A passport sized photograph with a white background. For more details, please refer to the EMGS photo specifications here. Digital copy preferred.  
  • Clear cover to cover scan of all passport pages. Ensure that two passport pages are in ONE A4 paged paper, this includes all blank pages. Your passport validity MUST be more than 18 months from the date of your registration or should be valid for the duration of your course to receive a Student Pass for the full duration of your course (3 years). The issuance of the student pass is entirely at the discretion of the Immigration Department of Malaysia. Passport attachment guidelines
  • Complete academic certificates/transcripts (including English proficiency test, if applicable) in English. For academic certificates/transcripts in other languages, a certified true copy of the English translation must be submitted together with the original version.
  • Conditional/ Unconditional offer letter from UNM. UNM is a "Tier Five" Institution and you are allowed to apply for your VAL, once your conditional offer letter is received.
  • Proof of payment of RM4,660 visa fees (payable thru MyNottingham portal)
  • Completion and submission of the Health Declaration Form.
  • Completion and submission of the Student Declaration Form
  • All new international students applying for their VAL will be required to pay an additional fee of RM2,000 as the Visa Deposit. Therefore, the new fee shall be RM4,660, this inclusive of visa processing fee of RM2,660.

 

Additional documents for residents of specific countries

  • Copy of yellow fever vaccination card (for students from high risk countries). Please refer here for further details. 
  • No Objection Certificate/ NOC (for Sudanese students). The University apply for the NOC from the Sudanese embassy in Malaysia on your behalf. Any charges from the embassy will be borne by the student.
  • Letter of Eligibility/ LoE (for Iranian and Omani students. The University will apply for the LOE on your behalf from the Iranian and Omani embassy in Malaysia). Any charges from the embassy will be borne by the student.
  • With effect from 15th January 2024, all Libyan students who wish to study in Private and Public education institutions in Malaysia are required to obtain a Letter of Eligibility (LoE) from the Academic Affairs of the Embassy of Libya-Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur. Students are advised to directly apply LoE with their embassy in Kuala Lumpur.
  • For Chinese students, you are required to provide the online verification report of your academic certificate which can be obtained through the China Credentials Verification (CSSD) / Academic Degrees and Graduate Education Development Center (CDGDC)  / Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange

 
New students who have current valid passes for Malaysia (transferring students/ dependant visa holders) may have to submit additional documents. Please refer to Special Circumstances for further information.

Information on visa fees and payments

The visa fee of RM 4,660 is inclusive of the following:

  • UNM, EMGS and Immigration processing fees for the eVAL
  • Student Pass
  • Multiple Entry-Visa (MEV)
  • i-Kad
  • Medical insurance for one year
  • Post-medical health check and x-ray examination
  • Goods and Services Tax (GST) 6%
  • Visa Office processing fee
  • Visa Deposit of RM2,000, refundable upon completion of studies, graduation or before returning to your home country (upon passport submission for visa shortening/cancellation).

The new visa fee of RM 4,660 does not include the following:

  • Other costs such as your traveling expenses/ accommodation/ transits.
  • Post-medical appeal in case it fails.

Payment of these fees can be made by:

  • Online payment for application fees through MyNottingham. For further details, please here.
  • Bank transfers (telegraphic transfer) or direct bank-in to: 

Affin Bank Berhad
Payee Name: The University of Nottingham in Malaysia Sdn Bhd
Bank account number: 100260005567
Bank Address: LTAT Branch, Bangunan LTAT, Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
Swift code: PHBMMYKL

CIMB Bank Berhad
Payee Name: The University of Nottingham in Malaysia Sdn Bhd
Bank account number: 8008306319
Bank Address: No.17 Jalan Jelok 6, Metro Point, 43000, Kajang, Selangor
Swift code: CIBBMYKL

  • Credit/Local Debit Card (on campus or through MyNottingham)

Important note:

It is extremely important for you to email the proof of payment to the Visa Office (please copy our International Finance team in your email) if the payment is not done through MyNottingham portal. Your application will not be processed until the University has received and acknowledged the payment.

Refund of visa processing fees

Visa processing fees (RM2,660) are non-refundable once the VAL application has been submitted by the Visa Office to EMGS. Please contact the Visa Office if you would like to withdraw your VAL application, and you will be advised on your eligibility for a refund. The Visa Office will cancel your VAL once we receive confirmation of withdrawal.

 

 

 

VAL application processing

Once you have submitted your documents, the Visa Office will send them to EMGS for processing. When EMGS has vetted through your documents, your application will be sent to the Immigration Department for approval and issuance of the eVAL. The entire process can take up to 4 to 6 weeks and sometimes may take longer. You can track the status of your application at EMGS Track My Application.

EMGS and the University may request additional documents from you during this period if deemed necessary, and delays in submitting the requested documents may affect your VAL issuance timeline.

It is important to take note that due to the length of the application processing period at both EMGS and the Immigration Department, you are NOT advised to book your flight to Malaysia until your VAL has been approved and SEV is secured.

 

 

eVAL receipt and SEV application

EMGS and the Immigration Department will approve the issuance of your eVAL (electronic Visa Approval Letter) via the EMGS portal. 

Students are advised NOT to book their flights to Malaysia prior to receiving their eVAL approval from the Malaysian Immigration Department.

Once your VAL is approved by the Immigration Department, EMGS will upload your eVAL in the EMGS portal. You will be required to  do the following:

  • Proceed to the EMGS portal once your VAL is approved.
  • After logging in, you should be able to locate a button labelled 'eVAL Download' through which you will be able to download your VAL for printing (in colour). Please note that from 1 January 2018 onwards, we will not be sending out physical copies of the VAL to you.
  • Refer to the Immigration Department's list of countries that require a Single Entry Visa (SEV).
  • Students who require an SEV will be required to visit their nearest Malaysian Embassy/ Mission to apply for the SEV.
  • Alternatively, you may also apply for eVISA via online if access if given.
  • Ensure you have read through the KLIA SOP which is sent from the Visa Office.
  • Once your SEV is issued, you will be able to enter Malaysia legally as a student. The SEV has a validity period of one (1) month or 30 days depending on the country you are coming from.
  • Upon arrival at KLIA please provide your original passport, the printed copy (in colour) of your eVAL, eVISA, to the Immigration officer at the counter.
  • You are required to obtain a Special Pass from the Immigration Department. Please refer to to the KLIA SOP (please hyperlink) for further details.
  • Kindly refer to the email sent by International Student Support on how to fill up your "Airport Arrival Form" properly.

 

 

Arriving in Malaysia and post-arrival procedures

Upon arrival in Malaysia, you should do the following:

  • Present your eVAL/ SEV or eVISA and original passport to the Immigration desk at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) to get your entry stamp. For your Special Pass, please refer to the Immigration Department.
  • It is very important for you to report to the International Office and Visa Office on-campus on the next working day after arrival.
  • You will receive further instructions on completing your post-arrival medical examination (health checkup) at appointed EMGS panel clinics.
  • After completing your post-arrival medical examination, you MUST submit your passport to the Visa Office to receive the Student Pass endorsement sticker. Please take note, passport can only be submitted for Student Pass endorsement after your post-medical cleared.
  • Once your passport has been endorsed and sent back to the Visa Office, you will be contacted via email to collect your passport.
  • You are NOT allowed to make any travel plans while your passport is being processed for student pass endorsement at the EMGS/ Immigration Department.
  • If you are issued a student pass for one year (12 months), you are required to submit it for renewal 3 months before your current pass expiry date - Refer to monthly Renewal Reminder sent by the Visa Office via email.
  • If you are issued a student pass for the full duration of your studies (3 years), you are required to renew your i-Kad annually, 3 months before it expires. Ensure you make your yearly insurance through MyNottingham portal, do check with Finance Office.

*Please note that the eVAL, SEV or eVISA is not your Student Pass. Students are responsible for completing their post-medical examination and visa processing in a timely manner. Failure to do promptly may cause you additional costs for applying a Special Pass. For assistance and enquiries, please contact the Visa Office at apply.visa@nottingham.edu.my at +6 03 8924 8075 or Hotline +6 03 8924 8088

 

International students working 'part-time' while studying

International students are NOT allowed to work part-time throughout the academic year. However, they are only allowed to work part-time for 20 hours per week during their semester break. This is in line with the directive set by the Immigration Department of Malaysia. The following are the 4 sectors that Immigration Department has approved for international students to work as part-time:

  1. Petrol kiosks
  2. Restaurants
  3. Mini-markets
  4. Waiters

To be eligible, students will need to apply to the Immigration Department and an endorsement (rubber stamp) will be placed on your passport.

  • Offer letter from your employer stating your position, payment and working hours, place of work, address,
  • Academic calendar,
  • Attendance/ transcript,
  • Letter from Head of School/Faculty (non-objection letter),

The Visa Office will submit this application to the Immigration Department and you are requested to be present during the submission. Approvals are at the discretion of Immigration Department and you can ONLY commence to work part -time once approval is endorsed in your passport.

*For assistance and enquiries, please directly contact the Visa Office at Abdul.Rahim@nottingham.edu.my or +6 03 8924 8257