Malaysia student visa for Indian students: All you need to know

With high English proficiency, a low cost of living and high quality universities, Malaysia is an emerging option for Indian students who are looking to study overseas.

Read on to learn more about getting a Malaysian student visa and what you can expect from the process.

Every immigration journey is different, so it is best to seek out advice from a professional in regards to visa requirements. While this article can help, it is not a substitute for guidance on your specific visa needs. It is also recommended to keep on top of news and updates from the Embassy of Malaysia in Indiafor changes in policy or requirements.

Malaysia student visa application

To get a student visa to Malaysia as an Indian student, you are required to apply for a Visa with Reference (VDR)

The VDR allows you to get a Student Pass to study and stay in the country. You are also required to get the VDR before entering Malaysia.

🎒The Student Pass is the only option for students to study in Malaysia. It also allows for multiple entries in and out of the country, and allows for you to bring your spouse or children along with you on a Dependent Pass. A Dependent Pass does need to be applied to separately in a similar process as the Student Pass.

The reference that is required in a VDR is a letter from the immigration department in Malaysia. Once you are enrolled at your institution in Malaysia, the school or university should provide necessary details to the department to generate a letter about your proposed study in the country. You should also have a Visa Approval Letter (VAL) provided by your institution in Malaysia. ¹

After that, you will have to start your application package. This will include a completed and signed form as well as supporting documents, and a payment of fees.

As an Indian resident, you will need to interact with either of these 3 Malaysian centres domestically to submit an application:

• High Commission of Malaysia New Delhi for North and East India
• Consulate General of Malaysia, Mumbai for West India
• Consulate General of Malaysia, Chennai for South India

Additionally, the government of Malaysia works with VFS Global to provide additional application submission centres across India. Here are the list of cities where you can find a VFS centre for Malaysia:

• Hyderabad
• Kolkata
• Chandigarh
• Bangalore
• Ahmedabad
• Pune

If you need any further information you can contact VFS Global Malaysia at contactcenter.myin@vfshelpline.com or at +91 22-67866099 from 8am-4pm Monday through Thursday.²
The Malaysian immigration system is moving towards an e-Visa system. Indian nationals are expected to be able to apply for an e-VIsa, including with an e-VDR. Check with your educational institution in Malaysia and the immigration department to see if you can receive your visa digitally.
Let’s break down what you can expect once you start the application process.

✏️ Malaysia student visa process

Here is a quick step by step guide on the student visa process. It is important to note that many steps of a typical visa application process are handled by your institution in Malaysia.

1. Apply and enroll into a higher education institution in Malaysia
2. Receive your letter of acceptance and your reference letter for a VDR
3. Gather the remainder of your documents
4. Download and complete the application form
5. Attach your photographs and supporting documents
6. Submit your application at the nearest visa application centre
7. Pay the application and visa fee
8. Track your application online and check for any communication requesting additional documents
9. Once you have received approval, collect your passport from the centre or arrange for courier delivery to your address

It is a good idea to start the application process at least 2-3 months ahead of time to ensure room for additional documents being required, or even an in-person interview with the Malaysian authorities. ³

🎓 Malaysia student visa requirements for Indian students

There are a few requirements to meet for a successful visa application. It is important that prospective students follow the instructions provided by the institution in Malaysia. The institution will provide their own set of requirements and instructions for you to follow, that will be passed on to the immigration authorities.

🏦 Malaysia student visa financial requirements

Your financial requirements are to be met through the educational institution in Malaysia. They will have their own requirements and you are likely to be required to pay a bond to the institution to hold those funds for you.
The institution will then sign a personal bond with the immigration department for your application. ⁴

In a nutshell, you won’t have to show meeting financial requirements as part of your VDR as it would have been taken care of with your enrollment.

🖇️ Documents required for Malaysia student visa

Here are a list of documents you will need as part of your visa application⁵:

• The visa application form
• The original VDR approval letter
• Original passport with at least 6 months validity after your prospective arrival date in Malaysia and 3 blank pages
• 2 copies of the biodata page of your passport
• Proof of academic history in India
• 1 recent photograph 3.5cm X 5cm in size, 60%-70% face appearance on a white background with your crown to shoulders showing.
• 1 recent photograph 3.5cm X 5cm in size, 60%-70% face appearance on a white background with your crown to shoulders showing attached to your application form
• A confirmed flight ticket to Malaysia with flight details and e-ticket number
• Travel medical insurance

Travel medical insurance is required as part of your application package. VFS Global for Malaysia can help you choose and purchase a plan right for you.

⌛ Malaysia student visa processing time

Here is approximate processing times for a Malaysian student visa depending on your submission centre in India⁶:

The processing times above are in addition to the submission day, and can increase or decrease depending on the application.

✔️ Malaysia student visa checklist

Let’s break down everything you need for a Malaysia student visa application.

• A reference letter from the immigration department in Malaysia
• Evidence of admission to the Malaysian school, program or university
• A completed application form
• A valid passport
• A copy of your biodata page
• 2 color photographs 3.5cm X 5cm 60%-70% face appearance in white background from crown to shoulders
• Proof of academic history in India
• Confirmed air travel
• Travel medical insurance
• Demand draft for visa fee payments

🏷️ Malaysia student visa fees

There are 3 main fees to pay when you’re applying for a Malaysia student visa:

• Visa fee
• The OCS fee
• The VFS Global fee

All 3 fees can be paid in Indian Rupees and are non-refundable. The OCS and VFS Global fees are both paid in cash. The visa application fee must be a demand draft, and be made out to the appropriate High Commission or Consulate General depending on your residence in India.

• The High Commission of Malaysia for North and East India, including Chandigarh and Kolkata
• The Consulate General of Malaysia at Mumbai, for South and West India including Ahmedabad and Pune
• The Consulate General of Malaysia at Chennai, for Bangalore and Hyderabad

Here is the list of authorized banks for the Consulate General of Malaysia at Mumbai:

• SBI bank
• IndusInd bank
• Ratnakar bank Limited
• Standard Chartered bank
• Axis Bank
• Deutsche bank
• HDFC Bank
• ICICI Bank
• Kotak Mahindra Bank

And here is the list of authorized banks for the Consulate General of Chennai

• SBI bank
• IndusInd bank
• Ratnakar Bank Limited (RBL)
• Standard Chartered Bank
• Axis Bank
• Deutsche bank

Let’s take a look now on how much a Malaysia student visa application will cost:

The total cost for your Malaysia student visa is expected to be ₹6,220. This is inclusive of GST. There may be additional charges for courier delivery and other add-on services.⁷

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All sources checked as of 24 June, 2021