Counsellor for Study in Malaysia from India.

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Study Abroad - Malaysia

Overview

Malaysia is a beautiful and diverse country with many highlights. The many different regions, each with their own characteristic features, make this country the perfect destination. This country’s economy has been going strong for years.

Malaysia’s population is a mix of three major ethnic groups, each with its own heritage, culture and tradition. 60% of the population are Bumiputera, a term that describes the traditional inhabitants of the country and includes Malays, Orang Asli and other indigenous peoples. Minorities are Chinese, about 20%, and Indians (6%). Malaysia has more than 130 living languages; the official language is Bahasa Malaysia (Melayu).

Malaysia is a multi-ethnic and multi-religious country in Southeast Asia and one of the wealthiest and most developed countries. The Federation of Malaya became an independent country on 31 August 1957.

Why Study in Malaysia?

Its rising reputation in higher education global rankings: Malaysian government has heavily invested in the country’s higher education sector with a vision of establishing it as a leading hub for education in southeast Asia and around the world.

It’s easy on the student pocket: Compared with the US and UK, studying in Malaysia is still a very affordable option for international students.

Rich and diverse culture: Malaysia’s diverse cultural heritage is reflected in its people, food, architecture, religions, festivals, and languages. Study here and you’ll find yourself fully immersed in every aspect of Malaysian culture.

Malaysia is one of the ‘safest’ and ‘peaceful’ countries in the world: According to the Global Peace Index 2020, Malaysia is ranked as the 20th safest nation in the world and fifth safest in the Asia-Pacific region. Welcoming all religions and races, Malays, Chinese, Indian and indigenous groups populate the nation, making for a rich cultural heritage that can be appreciated and admired in the variety of festivals and cuisines which happen all over the country and throughout the year.

Job Opportunities for Students: International students studying in Malaysia are allowed to work part-time for 20 hours per week during semester breaks or holidays. Students are encouraged to work in mini markets, restaurants and cafes, hotels and petrol stations. However, students are not allowed to work as a cashier, singer, masseur, musician or other such jobs.

After completion of higher education, the employment prospects widen. Based on the Critical Occupation List (COL) 2020/2021 by TalentCorp and the Institute of Labour Market Information and Analysis (ILMIA), here are a few popular courses that give a student an edge over the rest when it comes to employability.

1) Engineering – Mechanical engineer, electronic engineer, telecommunications engineer, quality assurance engineer, industrial engineer and process engineer
2) Information and Communication Technology (ICT) – Systems analyst, software developer, database analyst, network analyst, technical helpdesk analyst and test engineer
3) Business Management – Sales manager, marketing manager, management consultant and human resource manager
4) Finance – Research analyst, corporate finance adviser, financial planner and finance executive
5) Accounting – Auditor, tax consultant, financial controller, management accountant and GST specialist
6) Communications – Communications manager, producer, scriptwriter and customer service manager
7) Logistics and Supply Chain Management – Logistics manager, supply manager, warehouse manager, distribution manager and procurement officer
8) Graphic Design and Multimedia – Web designer, graphic designer and 3D artist
9) Actuarial Science – Actuarial science mathematician, product actuary, data scientist and predictive analyst

Eligibility Criteria for study in Malaysia

1) Letter of recommendation
2) Examination records of previous universities
3) Valid passport with all pages
4) Identity proof
5) Medical health record
6) Accommodation form (if accommodation is needed)
7) Application fees (varies from university to university)

Undergraduate Courses to Study in Malaysia: To take up an undergraduate course at the top universities in Malaysia, students ought to have completed:

1) STPM (Sijil Tinggi Persekolham Malaysia) with principal level passes
2) UEC (Unified Examination Certificate) with 75% marks
3) Matriculation certificate
4) Polytechnic certificate (if any)

Postgraduate Courses to Study in Malaysia: To take up a postgraduate course at the top universities in Malaysia, students must have completed:

1) Bachelor’s degree (From well-known private/public university)
2) Pre-masters course (If any)

Level of English Required to Study in Malaysia: If international students aspire to study in Malaysian colleges, students should have completed internationally recognized English language qualification like IELTS and TOEFL. The minimum score necessary for TOEFL is 500 while for IELTS it is 6.

What after Study?

International students graduating from a Malaysian higher institution can only stay and live in the country if they can find an employer willing to sponsor their work permit so they can legally work in the country. This means that the student visa will not be automatically extended and foreign students will need to leave Malaysia after graduation unless they land a job offer. Malaysia is just one of many countries offering post-study options for international students.

Work Permits:

As a foreign student, you will also have to make sure your passport is valid for at least 18 months in order to be eligible for a work visa. Your Malaysian work permit will vary depending on the role, salary, and job contract.

The three types of Malaysian work permits are:

1) Employment Pass (EP)
2) Visitor’s Pass (Temporary Employment Pass)
3) Professional Visit Pass

Process

1) Accept a place at a Malaysian university: Receive a formal admissions letter from your chosen institution and pay any enrolment fees.
2) University begins the student pass application process: Your university contacts the Malaysian immigration authorities to register an application on your behalf. They’ll ask you to read through and digitally sign the official application form after they’ve filled it in.
3) Gather the required documents: You will need to send your university several documents so they can complete the application. A full list is included in the section below.
4) Pay visa processing fee: As well as the government application fee, some universities charge a processing fee. The exact amount will depend on the institution.
5) Await a decision: The immigration authorities will normally notify the institution of your application outcome within a week.
6) Receive a letter of approval: Your university will forward the visa approval letter (VAL) to you. This is a provisional student pass that allows you to enter the country. You’ll need to present this to immigration officials upon your arrival.
7) Inform the university of your travel plans: Send the university details of your arrival dates, airport location, and flight numbers.
8) Collect your student pass: Your university will send off your passport to the immigration department within two weeks of your arrival. When it returns, it will include your student pass sticker.

Facts about Malaysia

The best part of Malaysia is its international students from around the globe including India. Presently, there are more than 170,000 international students from over 162 countries in Malaysia. There are over 100 recognised universities that provide you with tertiary education in 151 courses.