Studying abroad is a bold and commendable decision, though it may come with its own set of challenges. To help you make the most of your student journey at IMU and smoothly transition into university life, we have compiled key information and resources tailored specifically for our international students.
International Students
Living Expenses in Malaysia
Pursuing university studies will bring about a significant shift in your spending habits compared to before enrollment. As you will be living and studying in Kuala Lumpur for several years, careful financial planning and budgeting become essential.
Kuala Lumpur, being Malaysia’s financial capital, generally has a higher cost of living than other cities. However, areas like Bukit Jalil offer relatively more affordable living options compared to the city centre. In addition to tuition fees, you should plan for other expenses such as food, accommodation, internet access, transportation, mobile connectivity, and leisure activities. While actual costs may vary depending on your lifestyle, preferences, and choice of accommodation, the estimated monthly living expenses typically range between RM2,000 and RM5,000.
To help you plan your budget, the following guide provides brief estimates of some essential expenditures while you are in Malaysia:
| Accommodation | Monthly rental for accommodation ranges from approximately RM3000 depending on your accommodation needs & room type. It varies according to location, room type and whether shared or single; amenities may be provided in some units. Click here to view IMU Accommodation details. |
|---|---|
| Food | RM1000 – RM2000 monthly |
| Travel | RM1000 – RM2000 monthly |
| Other Expenses | RM1000 and onwards (including toiletries and laundry; mobile phone and internet charges; stationery, social activity) |
For more detailed information, you may also refer to the official Malaysian government website on cost of living, provided by Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS): Cost of Living – Education Malaysia.
This resource gives an overview of typical expenses and serves as an additional guide for international students when planning their budget.
Insurance
IMU University international students are insured against outpatient GP visits and hospital admission. Students who have clinical exposure are covered additionally for personal liability and medical malpractice insurance. The insurance premium payment is paid together as part of the student visa fees for all enrolled students. A comprehensive briefing will be provided by our insurer, Tokio Marine Insurance (Malaysia) and IMU Student Services Hub (SSH) during the orientation week of Semester 1 as part of the orientation to make students aware of the insurance coverage.
Student Pass and Visa
All international students who would be undertaking full-time studies in Malaysia are required to have a Student Pass (Visa). Typically, a Student Pass is valid for one year (or part of a year), depending on the programme.
Besides having the visa, to ensure that your experience coming to Malaysia for studies runs smoothly, it is important to check all immigration requirements regularly and before travelling as immigration requirements may change from time to time.
At IMU, our team at the Student Visa Office will manage your application for Student Pass and will be able to advise you on the latest immigration requirements.
Please take note that it is the prerogative of the Malaysian Immigration Department and the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) to approve or reject any visa application.
Please refer to below comprehensive guides on your Student Pass and Visa:
About Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS)
The Ministry of Higher Education has established the Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) as the one-stop centre for processing student passes. As part of this arrangement, EMGS will coordinate student pass applications and make arrangements for medical health checks. A visa application fee will be charged, which includes the EMGS processing fee, medical insurance, health examination, i-Kad, multiple-entry visa, and visa office administrative charges.
How to apply for Student Pass?
Rules
- International students who wish to study in a Malaysian institution must apply for a Student Pass before entering Malaysia.
- Conversion of a Social Pass (Tourist Pass) is strictly not allowed.
Exemption
Students who hold Malaysian Permanent Residents (PR) are exempted from applying for the Student Pass and Visa.
Duration
The Student Pass application process takes about 8 weeks for approval. This duration is an estimate and is dependent on EMGS and the Malaysian Immigration Department.
Application Steps
Make Payment
Students must ensure that they accept the offer by making payment for the necessary tuition fee and visa application fee as stated in the letter.
Get Your Documents Ready
A. Documents Required for Student Pass Application
- Student Pass / Visa processing fee of RM3,000 (non-refundable) via IMU
- Completed Health Declaration Form
- Passport-size photographs (white background – size 3.5cm X 4.5cm)
- Scanned copies of passport (ALL pages including blank pages)
- Ensure that your passport has a validity of at least 18 months from the intake date
B. Other Documents (if applicable according to below condition)
- Applicants transferring other institutions in Malaysia
- Release Letter, including attendance and academic record
- Applicants financed by scholarships, sponsorships, or study loans
- Sponsorship Letter
- Applicants graduating from high school
- School Leaving Certificate
- Applicants with names spelt differently in academic documents
- Statutory Declaration or Verification Letter from School or Embassy of your country to confirm your identity
- Applicants above 23 years old
- Resume or Character Reference Letter
- Expatriates residing out of country of origin
- Resident Pass
- South Sudan applicants
- No Objection Certificate (NOC)
- Iranian applicants
- Letter of Eligibility
- Nigerian applicants
- Scratch Card
- Chinese (China origin) applicants and those with qualifications from China
- Online Verification Report of the academic certificate
- You may retrieve the report from here
- Libyan applicants
- Letter of Eligibility (LoE) from the Academic Affairs of the Embassy of Libya-Malaysia
- You may request for the letter from here
Submit Your Document
When to Submit?
You must submit all the required documents for visa at least 3 months before the intake date as per your Letter of Offer.
How to Submit?
You are required to submit the electronic (soft) copies of the documents mentioned to Student Visa Office at visa@imu.edu.my.
How to check the application status of your Student Pass?
Once you have submitted your Student Pass application, you can check its status through the EMGS online portal. The processing time is typically 8 weeks, but it is important to note that this timeline can vary. Please keep track of your application status and contact the Student Visa Office at visa@imu.edu.my if needed.
What’s next after your Student Pass is approved?
Once your Student Pass is approved, you will receive a Visa Approval Letter (VAL). This letter will be sent to your email address or to your official representative, if you applied through one.
Important Notes:
- The VAL is valid for a one-time use within 6 months from the date of issuance.
- You are advised to arrive in Malaysia no earlier than 4 weeks before your programme starts. This is because your student visa will be valid based on the programme’s duration, and arriving too early may cause your visa to expire before your programme ends.
For Singapore citizens and other nationals residing in Singapore and Thailand:
You are required to enter Malaysia via KLIA or KLIA2 to avoid receiving an incorrect pass that will prevent you from obtaining your Student Pass endorsement.
Do you need a Single-Entry Visa, on top of the Student Pass?
Certain nationalities are required to apply for a Single-Entry Visa (SEV) in addition to the Student Pass. You can check the list of countries that require a SEV (Education Malaysia Global Services).
Nationals from most Commonwealth countries are exempt from applying for the SEV.
If you require a SEV, you can apply online via the eVISA portal here. Please be aware that a fee may be imposed for the SEV, and the student will bear this cost.
For further information regarding SEV, consult the Malaysian Immigration Department’s website here.
Things you must do upon your arrival
Once you have arrived in Malaysia, please follow below checklist:
Immigration Clearance
At the airport, present the following documents to the Immigration Officer:
- Visa Approval Letter (VAL)
- Single-Entry Visa (if applicable)
- IMU Letter of Offer
- Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC)
You will be given a temporary pass, valid for 14-30 days. It is crucial to check that the correct stamp (Special Pass) is issued in your passport to avoid issues when your Student Pass is endorsed.
Make sure to enter through the correct gate and not the autogate to avoid receiving an incorrect entry stamp.
Report to Student Visa Office
Within seven (7) days of your arrival, report to the Student Visa Office in the Marketing and Enrolment Office. You will be provided with guidance on the next steps, including undergoing a post-medical health check and getting your Student Pass endorsed.
Post-Medical Health Check and Endorsement
After reporting to the Student Visa Office, your passport will be submitted to EMGS for Student Pass endorsement. This process typically takes 4-6 weeks, so please refrain from making any travel plans until it is completed, and your passport is returned to you.
The endorsement will only be granted once you have passed the post-medical health check. In case of any doubts about the initial medical report, EMGS may require a repeat test, which will incur additional costs. Should the second test fail, your Student Pass will not be granted, and you will be required to leave Malaysia.
Important Notes on Overstaying
If you fail to submit your passport for endorsement or overstay your temporary pass, you will be classified as an illegal immigrant under Malaysian law. This is a criminal offence and could result in imprisonment, deportation, and difficulties with future visa applications, both in Malaysia and in other countries.
Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC)
All new students must obtain the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card within 3 days prior to their arrival in Malaysia. For more information, click here.
Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate
Students from yellow fever endemic areas (e.g., Africa, Central & South America) are required to have a yellow fever vaccination. The certificate will be checked by the Malaysian Health & Quarantine officers at the airport.
If you have any questions or need assistance, do not hesitate to contact the Student Visa Office or the Visa Hotline at 03-27277484. We are here to help and support you throughout your journey to study in Malaysia.
Opening Bank Account For International Students
Bank Application Letter
To request a bank application letter, please read through, complete, and submit the form via the button at the end of this section.
Ensure all details are accurate, especially:
- Bank branch and address
- Your passport number
- Your student pass reference number
After you submit the form, One-Stop Centre will review and process your request. You will be notified of the progress accordingly.
Friendly Reminder:
Please submit your request at least 3 working days in advance to ensure a smooth process. Your digital letter will be sent via email once approved.
It is recommended to choose a bank branch near your campus or residence for easier access and convenience.
Important Notes:
CIMB Bank does not support bank account openings for Myanmar nationals.
Submission of this form does not guarantee approval. All requests will be reviewed to ensure the information provided is complete and accurate.
After Your Bank Application Letter Has Been Issued by One-Stop Centre
Please review and prepare the following checklist before visiting the bank to open your account:
- The bank letter issued by One-Stop Centre. *Valid for one month from the date of issue.
- A printed receipt of your latest semester fees. *May obtain this from the cashier if you do not have it.
- Your original passport.
- A minimum of RM250 cash.
- EMGS student confirmation letter obtained from IMU Visa Office
- Permanent student ID card.
- If you wish to open a bank account at a branch outside of Bukit Jalil, please bring a utility bill as proof of residence in that area.
- Request to set up an online account.
- Students below 18 years old are allowed to open their bank account but they can only withdraw the money at the bank counter. Online transactions are not permitted until 18 years old.
Important Notes:
If you renew your Student Visa, you MUST update your bank with the new visa information.
Failure to do so may result in your bank account being blocked, and you will be required to visit the bank’s main branch to reactivate it.
Telecommunication Services in Malaysia
Calling Home
It is recommended to make international calls using WhatsApp or any voice/video applications, as it is free of charge when connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data. Alternatively, you may also use your Malaysian SIM card (Maxis, Celcom, Digi, etc.) to make calls.
How to make international calls:
- Landline number: 00 – Country Code – Area Code – Landline Number
- Mobile number: 00 – Country Code – Mobile Provider Code – Mobile Phone Number
Charges will vary depending on the telecommunication provider. It is advisable to check the rates with your service provider before making international calls.
Telco Service Packages
There are several telecommunications service providers in Malaysia offering both prepaid and postpaid plans. Popular providers include U Mobile, Digi, Maxis, and Celcom. These providers offer a range of packages to suit different needs and usage preferences.
For detailed information on their available plans and services, you may visit their respective websites listed below:
U-Mobile
Popular for its affordable prepaid and postpaid plans, U Mobile offers generous data packages and student-friendly deals, making it a good option for those who use a lot of mobile internet:
CelcomDigi
After merging, Celcom and Digi now form one of Malaysia’s biggest telcos, known for their wide network coverage and fast 4G/5G speeds, suitable for both urban and rural areas:
Maxis
A premium service provider offering reliable postpaid plans, bundled packages with home internet, and strong customer support, though generally at a higher price point:
TuneTalk
A prepaid-only mobile operator focusing on budget-friendly plans with flexible top-ups, making it simple for students and short-term users:
redOne
Offers some of the lowest-cost mobile plans in Malaysia, operating on CelcomDigi’s extensive network to ensure good nationwide coverage:
TM Mobile
Operated by Telekom Malaysia, TM Mobile provides mobile and wireless solutions, often bundled with business and enterprise services:
Unifi
Run by Telekom Malaysia as well, Unifi offers flexible postpaid and prepaid mobile plans, with nationwide 4G coverage and good integration with home broadband services:
Student Buddy Programme
The role of a buddy is to support new students by providing essential information prior to their arrival in Malaysia. Upon arrival at the university, the buddy will assist in familiarizing them with campus facilities, helping them connect with fellow students, and easing their transition into campus life while ensuring their overall well-being. Buddies will also share useful information about nearby amenities such as grocery stores, restaurants, banks, pharmacies, clinics, and general insights about living in Malaysia.
This initiative is carried out in collaboration with the Student Services Department (SSH) and the International Student Representative (SRC) and the International Students Society (ISS), working together to create a supportive and welcoming environment for all new international students.
International Student Representative
Students with questions may contact the International Student Representative (SRC) via email
International Driving Permit (IDP)
Students who wish to drive in Malaysia are required to apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP). Applications can be made at any JPJ (Road Transport Department) state or branch office.
For detailed information on the application process and requirements, please visit the official JPJ portal here:
Connecting with Your Faith in Malaysia
IMU welcomes students from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds. For many international students, continuing their religious practices is an important part of feeling at home in a new country. Malaysia is a multicultural country with a wide variety of places of worship located near the IMU University campuses.
Below are some examples of worship places you can find nearby. Students are encouraged to explore and connect with their respective faith communities for spiritual support and a sense of belonging.
| Masjid Jamek Sri Petaling | Google Map or Waze |
|---|---|
| Thean Hou Temple | Google Map or Waze |
| Sri Maha Mariamman Temple | Google Map or Waze |
| Catholic Church of The Assumption | Google Map or Waze |
| Calvary Convention Centre | Google Map or Waze |
| Seremban State Mosque | Google Map or Waze |
|---|---|
| Sudhamma Buddhist Society | Google Map or Waze |
| Sri Balathandayuthapani Temple | Google Map or Waze |
| Church of The Visitation | Google Map or Waze |
| Central Christian Church of Malaysia | Google Map or Waze |
Gain further access with IMU mobile app
Download MyIMU App
