Applying for a Visa
To study in Malaysia, you will need a student visa.
This page provides information on the following topics:
Before you apply for a student visa, you must seek full information from an Immigration Department of Malaysia office (if you are already in Malaysia) or the closest Malaysian Diplomatic Mission (if overseas).
Overview
The Immigration Department of Malaysia is responsible for granting and extending of entry visas. Immigration policies are also determined by the Immigration Department of Malaysia.
Visa grants are not automatic and there are stringent criteria to be met. Different criteria exist for different nationalities.
Full student visa information is available from the immigration department’s website.
Please note that your visa will be issued for the particular course(s) that you have been offered. If you change or extend your course at Swinburne Sarawak, you may need to change your visa or visa details.
How to Apply for a Visa
Upon submitting your application to Swinburne University of Technology, Sarawak Campus, you will have to wait for the Visa Approval Letter which will be couriered to you. This letter is issued by the Immigration Department of Malaysia and given to the Education Abroad Officer of the University to be sent to you in your respective country.
With the Visa Approval Letter in hand, you are to contact the Malaysian Embassy nearest to you to obtain a single entry visa into Malaysia.
When applying for the visa, you will also need:
- Your Letter of Offer
- Documents stated on the Immigration Department’s website relevant to you – please download the relevant information and read it carefully before applying for your visa
Upon your arrival at Swinburne Sarawak, your single entry visa will be converted into a six- or 12-month visa, depending on your program. This conversion will be done at the Immigration Department of Malaysia by the Education Abroad Officer of the University.
Please note that the six- or 12-month student visa is renewable on its expiry date.
Conditions of Your Student Visa
Under the Malaysian Government Legislation, the enrolment of international students is governed by the Immigration regulations 1963.
Your student visa will be governed by a range of conditions that you must abide by. Some conditions of your student visa are:
- You have accepted an offer for full-time program of study at a public or private university approved by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Malaysia.
- You have the financial capability to meet the program fees and living expenses.
- You do not intend to work in Malaysia and must be prepared to leave the country upon completion of your studies.
- You must satisfy course requirements.
- You must maintain a valid enrolment - attendance requirements may apply.
- You must not work on a full-time basis without permission. If you are given permission to work on a part-time basis, you must not work more than 21 hours a week. International students are only allowed to work on a part-time basis during the semester break.
- You must notify Swinburne Sarawak of any change in your residential address within seven days of the change.
- Except in extremely limited circumstances, it will not be possible for you to remain in Malaysia beyond the date authorised by your visa.
Failure to abide by the conditions on your visa may result in your visa being cancelled.
Students with Families
This matter will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the Registrar, Student Operations Unit.