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Study in Malaysia: Student Pass, costs, universities and twinning for Pakistani students
A researched guide with 2026 figures from official and industry sources. Last verified 29 September 2026.
Book free counsellingWhy Pakistani students choose Malaysia
- Globally recognised degrees at a much lower cost than the UK, USA or Australia.
- English-taught programmes, and branch campuses of Monash, Nottingham, Heriot-Watt and others.
- Twinning routes such as 2+1 and 3+0 let you finish a foreign degree with less time abroad.
- Muslim-friendly, low-cost cities such as Kuala Lumpur, with halal food and prayer facilities widely available.
Step by step: from offer to visa
- Choose a university and coursePublic universities and private colleges both host international students.
- Accept the offer and pay the feeThe university applies to EMGS for you.
- Receive your eVALThe electronic Visa Approval Letter must arrive before you travel.
- Travel, medical and Student PassArrive with the eVAL and any Single Entry Visa, then complete the medical screening.
- Get your pass endorsedThe Student Pass and i-Kad are issued after arrival.
What it costs (2026)
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| EMGS processing fee | About RM 1,000 | Varies by institution and course length. Use the official EMGS fee calculator. |
| Student Pass | RM 60 per year | Paid to Malaysian Immigration. |
| Medical screening | About RM 250 | At an EMGS-approved clinic on arrival. |
| Health insurance | About RM 500–800 per year | Bundled through EMGS or your university. |
| Total first-year visa costs | About RM 1,500 to RM 3,500 | Sources vary widely, so confirm the exact total with your university. |
Fees change often. Always confirm on the official government page before you pay.
Popular universities in Malaysia
| University | Known for |
|---|---|
| Universiti Malaya | Top public university, wide range |
| Universiti Putra Malaysia | Agriculture, engineering and life sciences |
| Universiti Sains Malaysia | Science, health and research |
| Universiti Teknologi Malaysia | Engineering and technology |
| Monash University Malaysia | Australian degree on a Malaysian campus |
| University of Nottingham Malaysia | UK degree on a Malaysian campus |
| Heriot-Watt University Malaysia | Engineering and business, UK degree |
| Sunway and Taylor’s | Popular private universities with pathway programmes |
Check the latest QS or THE rankings and subject rankings for your course.
Work rights, English and after graduation
- Work rights are very limited. Language-centre students cannot work at all, and other students need permission and may only work in certain sectors during breaks.
- Do not plan to fund your studies through part-time work in Malaysia.
- There is no automatic post-study work visa like the UK or Australia. Graduates usually need an employer to sponsor a work pass.
- English: many courses accept IELTS 5.5 to 6.0, and some accept MUET or English-medium proof. Confirm with the university.
Scholarships and funding
- University merit scholarships, often 10 to 50 percent of tuition.
- Malaysian International Scholarship for eligible postgraduate applicants.
- Research assistantships at public universities.
- Confirm dates and eligibility with each institution.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Malaysia student visa cost?
The Student Pass itself is RM 60 per year, but the EMGS processing fee, eVAL, medical screening, insurance and i-Kad add up to roughly RM 1,500 to RM 3,500 in the first year, depending on your institution.
Do Pakistani students need a visa?
Yes. The university applies for your Student Pass through EMGS, and you may also need a Single Entry Visa before travel.
Can I work in Malaysia while studying?
Only in limited cases with permission, and language-centre students cannot work at all. Plan your budget without work income.
What is twinning?
A programme where you spend part of the degree in Malaysia and the rest at a partner university abroad, for example 2+1, or take the full foreign degree on a branch campus.
How long does it take?
Typically 4 to 8 weeks for the eVAL. Apply as soon as you accept your offer.
When are the intakes?
Most universities offer January or February, May and September. Some have rolling intakes.
Sources and how we verify
Figures checked on 29 September 2026 against these pages. This guide is general information, not legal or migration advice. Rules and fees change, so confirm with the official authority before you apply.
Study in Malaysia with BlueZone Consultants
BlueZone Consultants guides students from Abbottabad, Mansehra, Hazara and across Pakistan through every stage of a Malaysia application: choosing the course and university, checking documents and attestation, preparing the offer and visa file, then planning money, housing and arrival.
Your first counselling session is free. Bring your transcripts, passport and English test result if you have one, and we will tell you honestly whether Malaysia fits your grades and budget.
Check your options for Malaysia
Talk to a counsellor, then use the guides below to prepare.