Study in Malaysia: Are students allowed to work part-time?
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Studying abroad can definitely make a dent in your pocket and can be a financial challenge for the whole family. While you are excited to study aboard and do new things, financial constraints can puncture all the fun. Working while studying could be a big help, provided you know all the rule.
International students studying in Malaysia often wonder about their ability to work while pursuing their education. The good news is that, yes, international students are allowed to work part-time, but there are specific regulations and conditions that must be met. Understanding these rules is crucial for students who want to balance work and study effectively. If you are planning to work in Malaysia while you are studying, then you must know and understand the working conditions and the general eligibility criteria specific to Malaysia.
Also Read: Cost of Living for International Students in Malaysia
Malaysia opens new post-study visa option
Starting from December 1, 2023, Malaysia has introduced new visa rules to make it easier for visitors and students to enter the country. This new plan, called the Visa Liberalization Plan, includes several important changes:
- 30-Day Visa Exemption: Visitors from China and India can now enter Malaysia without a visa for up to 30 days.
- Multiple Entry Visa: Travelers can apply for a visa that allows them to enter and leave Malaysia multiple times, with each stay lasting up to 30 days.
- Longer Visitor Visa Validity: The validity of visitor visas has been extended from three months to six months.
One of the most important changes for international students is the new Graduate Pass, also known as the Social Visit Pass. This pass allows graduates from Malaysian universities who have completed a bachelor's degree or higher to stay in Malaysia for up to one year after they graduate. During this year, graduates can continue their studies, travel around the country, or work part-time.
The Graduate Pass is available to international students from 23 specific countries, including Australia, Canada, Germany, and the United States. To get this pass, graduates need to have a valid passport for at least 18 months, have health insurance while in Malaysia, and find a local sponsor.These new visa rules are part of Malaysia's plan to attract more international students. The country aims to bring in 250,000 foreign students by 2025, making it a more attractive place for education.
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Part-time working conditions for non-Malaysian students
International students are allowed to work part-time if they fulfil the following conditions:
- If you have the will to work then you must have a valid ‘student pass'.
- International students should file an application for approval of part-time work.
- International students are allowed to work part-time during semester breaks, festive holidays or more than seven days of holiday for a maximum of 20 hours a week.
- International students are also allowed to work in restaurants, petrol kiosks, mini markets and hotels except in the following positions: cashier, singer, masseur, musician, Guest Relations Officer or any activity deemed to be immoral.
- International students looking to work part-time in Malaysia should submit a copy of their passport, address, contact number, and a letter from the prospective employer.
To be eligible for the part-time work, application for the same must be forwarded by the representative of the Educational Institution, in the presence of the student at the Immigration Department Headquarters Malaysia. The respective university should also provide a supporting letter allowing the Non-Malaysian student to work, and it should also include the dates of the semester break.
The Director-General of Immigration Malaysia has the right to approve or reject any Non-Malaysian student's application to work under section 9 (1) (a) Immigration Act 1959 / 1963 Amendment 2002.
After the approval of the application, students will be interviewed. The passport of a student whose application has been approved will be sanctioned accordingly. The extension of the work should only be given to students who maintain a good academic record.
Application Process for Approval from Authorities
International students looking to work part-time in Malaysia should have the following:
- A supporting letter stating a valid reason to work part-time in Malaysia
- A photocopy of their passport with all pages
- Contact address and number
- Offer letter from the employer including salary, working hours and position
- Academic Calander
- A supporting letter from the Dean or Head of School
Post-study work in Malaysia
Once you complete your studies, you do not need to apply for the work permit by yourself. At this stage, your prospective employer will apply on your behalf. You just need to wait for the "landing order" from the Immigration Department of Malaysia which will be forwarded to you by your employer. The actual cost should be less than USD 500 (INR 42 K); student visa Malaysia fee, levy, work permit fee & processing charges, medical screening depending on circumstances, and is paid for by your employer.
These procedures and guidelines go through changes based on various factors. It will be best to ask the relevant questions before you commit to working in Malaysia to avoid any kind of conflicts later.
Q: Is it hard to get into Uni Teknologi Malaysia?
Q: Can international students work in Malaysia part-time?
Yes, international students in Malaysia are allowed to work part-time. However, there are specific regulations that must be followed. Students can work up to 20 hours per week during semester periods and can work full-time during semester breaks or holidays that last more than seven days. Before starting any part-time job, students must obtain approval from the Malaysian Immigration Department.
Q: How much can an international student earn in Malaysia?
International students can expect to earn between 12 to 15 Malaysian Ringgit per hour for part-time jobs, although some positions may offer higher wages, such as private tutoring or freelance work.
Q: Do international students get work permit in Malaysia?
Yes, international students need to apply for a work permit to work part-time in Malaysia. This process involves submitting an application through their educational institution, which includes providing a letter from the prospective employer and obtaining approval from the Immigration Department.
Q: Can I convert my student visa to a work visa in Malaysia?
Converting a student visa directly to a work visa in Malaysia is not straightforward. Generally, international students must complete their studies and then apply for a separate work visa if they wish to stay in Malaysia for employment. It's essential to check with the Malaysian Immigration Department for specific guidelines and requirements regarding visa conversion.
Q: What is the best part-time job while studying in Malaysia?
International students often wonder - Can we do part time job while studying in Malaysia? Yes, you can. Some of the best part time jobs for students in Malaysia, which are high paying as well are:
Sales Representative;
Part-time Educator;
Digital Trainee;
Graphic Designer;
Client Onboarding Analyst; and many more.
Q: How much does it cost to study at UTM Malaysia?
UTM Malaysia cost for international students can be checked from the table given below:
Courses | 1st Year Tuition Fees |
|---|---|
MS (5 courses) | INR 38 K - 5 L |
MBA/PGDM (1 course) | INR 5 L |
BE / BTech (4 courses) | INR 4 L |
MIM (3 courses) | INR 3 L - 5 L |
BE7 PG (1 course) | INR 3 L |
Executive MBA/PGDM (1 course) | INR 4 L |
BBA (2 courses) | INR 1 L - 4 L |
Living Cost
The cost of living for international students studying at UTM is low compared to international students. The living cost will vary from USD 200 – USD 400 a month depending on individual needs and lifestyle. The accommodation for on-campus students is around USD 120 – 250 per month. On the other hand, the off-campus accommodation cost can vary from USD 100 – USD 500 per month.
Also Read: BBA4 of Living for International Students in Malaysia
Q: What are the entry requirements for the MSc Software Engineering course of UTM Malaysia?
UTM entry requirements for international students for an MSc Software Engineering course are given below:
- A bachelor’s degree
- IELTS Academic with 6.0 score / TOEFL with a score of 60 / PTE with 69 overall score
- Application materials like academic transcripts, English language proficiency certificate, copy of passport, passport size photograph, etc.
Raushan Kumar is a skilled writer and a Study Abroad Expert in the Editorial Team at Shiksha. He oversees various aspects of studying abroad, including educational opportunities, entrance exams, colleges, latest new... Read Full Bio
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University of Teknologi Malaysia is a moderately competitive university to get into, as its acceptance rate stands at 60%. This figure tells us that almost 60 out of every 100 applicants manage to get enrolled in the university, which is more than half of all the applicants. Therefore, once an applicant fulfills University Teknologi Malaysia Johor admission requirements i.e.; competitive grades, standardized test scores, English language requirements as well as relevant documents, they are most likely to secure an admission to the university. However, students must not take this lightly and apply to the university within the deadlines in order to get enrolled as a student.