Download our information kit here.
Before travelling to Sarawak, new students are mandated to apply for student pass/visa. To obtain this, student must acquire a Visa Approval Letter (eVAL/VAL) from Malaysia Immigration Department (Sarawak).
With effect from 1st August 2022, all international student’s pass/visa application must be submitted to Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) throught the university.
Your student pass/visa application documents should be forwarded to Admissions Office and the university will submit these documents to EMGS.
Attempting to enter Malaysia using a Tourist Visa and then converting it into student pass/visa is not possible. This will lead to Malaysia Immigration advising you to exit Malaysia and cause unwarranted delays with both EMGS and Malaysia Immigration Department.
In the event that you have already applied for an eVAL/VAL but attempt to enter Malaysia using a Tourist Visa, please be aware that you will likely be denied entry at the immigration entry point. It is crucial to adhere to the correct visa application and entry procedures to avoid any complications or issues with immigration authorities.
Required documents
Transferring from Other Institution Within Malaysia
For students who are transferring from another institution within Malaysia to Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak, there are specific steps and documents required when applying for eVAL/VAL for studying with this university.
Transferring Process
Students who are transferring must first cancel their previous institution’s pass/visa and obtain a Release Letter from the previous institution before proceeding with applying for eVAL/VAL with Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak.
Required documents
Pre-Departure & Entry to Malaysia / Sarawak
Please refer to Pre-Departure & Entry Guidelines
Renewing your student pass/visa is an important responsibility for all international students in Swinburne Sarawak. A valid student visa allows you to study full time and have multiple entries into Malaysia. Please carefully follow the steps outlined below to ensure a smooth renewal process.
Reasons for Renewal
Renewing your student visa/pass is essential to avoid penalties for overstaying. It is recommended to renew your student pass/visa 3 months before expiry. While Malaysia Immigration Department issues and manages these passes, Swinburne Sarawak Visa Unit will assist you in applying for your student pass/visa renewal through Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS).
Malaysia Immigration Laws & Regulations for Renewal
To be eligible for student pass/visa renewal, you should meet the following conditions:
Violation of Student Pass
Student pass/visa renewal after expiry
If you submit your student pass/visa renewal after expiry date, the Malaysia Immigration Department will impose penalties. The penalty amount will be determined by immigration authorities.
Additionally, a Special Pass fee of RM100 and Overstayed Penalty and Expired Visa/Pass fee as per Ancillary Fee will be charged on top of the renewal processing fee.
Submission Processes
Follow these steps for the renewal process:
Following these steps and adhering to the guidelines will ensure a successful student pass/visa renewal process. If you require any further assistance, please contact [email protected] or visit Visa Services Counter.
When it comes to changing program as an International Student in Malaysia, there are specific guidelines to follow:
Change of Program within the First Semester
The Malaysia Immigration Department (Sarawak) only allows changes of program during the first semester of study without requiring you to exit Malaysia. This means that you can change your program to any other approved program during your initial semester without leaving Malaysia.
Change of Program after the First Year
If you wish to change your program after completing the first year of study, you will need to exit Malaysia and re-apply for a new Visa Approval Letter (eVAL/VAL) from your home country.
Progressing to a Higher Level of Study
Required Documents
Please refer to New Student Pass/Visa Application.
When you complete your studies with us, withdraw from a course or transfer to another Malaysian Institution, it is important to prroperly cancel you rcurrent student pass/visa to avoid future travel document and visa-related inconveniences.
If you fail to formally notify the university about your current status with the university, the university is obligated by Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) to report students to Malaysia Immigration Department, Royal Malaysia Police and your respective embassy to trace your whereabouts.
Withdrawal from the University / Completed Studies / Returning to Home Country:
If you are leaving the university, completing your studies or returning to your home country, follow these steps for student pass/visa cancellation:
Complete the required forms available on the Student Form webpage. Submit these documents to Visa Services Counter at least seven (7) working days before your departure:
Important Notes:
Transfer to other Institution in Malaysia
If you are transferring to other institution within Malaysia, in addition to the documents required for withdrawing from the university, you will need the following additional document:
Please provide all the necessary documents accurately for a smooth student pass/visa cancellation process. If you have any questions or concerns, reach out to Visa Services Counter or email us at [email protected].
Transfer to Swinburne University of Technology Australia
If you are transferring to Swinburne University of Technology Australia, you will be required to formally withdraw from Swinburne Sarawak Campus and cancel your current student pass/visa before transferring and leaving Malaysia.
In addition to the documents required for withdrawing from the university, you will need the following additional documents:
Download our information kit here.
All non-Sarawakian new students who have successfully received an offer to study at Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak are required to apply for a Student Pass. This pass is mandatory to ensure compliance with immigration laws during your studies in Sarawak. Students Pass MUST be applied within the Visit Pass validity period.
To start the application, students must submit their passport and the necessary supporting documents to the Swinburne Visa Services Counter. Visa Services will assist by submitting these documents on your behalf to the Sarawak Immigration Department for approval. The process may take several weeks.
Required documents
Transferring from Other Institution Within Malaysia
For student s who are transferring from another institution within Sarawak to Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak, there are specific steps and documents required when applying for a new student pass for this university.
Transferring Process
Students who are transferring must first cancel their previous institution’s pass/visa and obtain a Release Letter from the previous institution before proceeding to apply Student Pass with Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak.
Required documents for New Students Transferring from Other Institution
Renewing your student pass is an important responsibility for all non-Sarawakian students in Swinburne Sarawak. A valid student pass allows you to study full time with our university and be able to have multiple entries into Sarawak without complications.
When to renew your student visa
For Non-Sarawakian Students who have not completed their study with the current program are required to renew their student pass/visa at least 3 months before the pass expiry date. Failure to renew before students pass expiry date will be deemed as overstaying and will be subject to penalties imposed by Malaysia Immigration Department (Sarawak).
Renewal may not be applicable to those who have been granted in accordance with total program duration.
Student Pass Renewal Criteria
Required Documents for Student Pass Renewal Application
For non-Sarawakian students who have successfully transferred to new program of the same level of study that differs from the program stated in their student pass/visa are required to re-apply for a new student pass/visa under the new program. Student will need to shorten the current student pass before applying for a new student pass.
Required documents for Articulating Student Pass Application
Articulation
When Articulating from Swinburne Foundation Studies to a degree program of your choice, you are required by Malaysia Immigration Department to re-apply for a new student pass under your new program.
Required documents for Articulating Student Pass Application
Progressing to a Higher Level of Study
When progressing to a higher level of study, you are required to first cancel your current student pass and exit Sarawak. When returning to Sarawak to progress into your new program, you are required to apply for a new student pass. Please refer to Withdrawing/ Completed Studies / Other Reason(s) for visa cancellation procedures.
Please refer to Required Documents for New Application.
Students must formally withdraw from the university and must have their student pass physically cancelled through Visa Services Counter.
Please note that submission of visa cancellation must be at least 7 working days before departure to buffer for administrative processes between the university and Malaysia Immigration Department (Sarawak).
Applicable to all Non-Sarawakian students who are:
Withdrawing / Completed Studies / Other Reason(s)
For students that are leaving the university, completed your studies or returning to your home State due to other reason(s).
Required documents for Withdrawal & Student Pass Cancellation
Non-Sarawakian students must apply for Check Out Memo (COM) if planning to withdraw from the university. The following documents are required when withdrawing and applying for Check Out Memo (COM):
Important Notes:
1. Your Withdrawal documents will be processed after your student pass is cancelled with Malaysia Immigration Department (Sarawak) and you have submitted the Immigration Exit Stamp out of Sarawak to Visa Unit
2. If you are not in Sarawak/Malaysia at the point of withdrawal submission, you MUST email Visa Services the Immigration Exit Stamp page, student visa page and Passport Details page from your passport along with the documents stated above. Processing of your withdrawal and refund will take longer than expected because the university is required to notify all relevant authorities and obtain their feedback before endorsing your withdrawal application.
For those who have graduated, your certificate collection will be on hold until you have successfully completed the withdrawal procedure.
Transfer to other Institution in Malaysia
If you are transferring to other institution within Malaysia, in addition to the documents stated in Required documents for Withdrawal & Student Pass Cancellation,, you will need to submit the following additional document:
Please provide all the necessary documents accurately for a smooth student pass/visa cancellation process. If you have any questions or concerns, reach out to Visa Services Counter or email us at [email protected].
Final Semester Students
Final semester students are advised to remain in Sarawak until result publication date or return to Sarawak for Student Pass cancellation before pass expiry.
Failure to comply, the university is required to report you to the relevant authorities, and this may impact your graduation application, certificate collection and refund.
Applicable to new or current students entering Sarawak with their MyKAD and issued a Visit Pass Slip. The student is required to report to Malaysia Immigration Department (Sarawak) HQ at Bangunan Sultan Iskandar, Jalan Simpang Tiga, Level 2, Counter 5 or 7 to convert the Visit Pass Slip to their passport. Visa Services may assist to guide you through the procedure but you must be physically present at immigration counter for the procedure.
Required Documents for converting Visit Pass Slip to Visit Pass / Entry Stamp on Passport
