Student Pass Policies for International Students
International students must comply with the new Student Pass policies set by the Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS). Please adhere strictly to the requirements to minimise delay or other problems that may arise.
- You must forward all the necessary documentation to the Student Enrolment Centre (SEC) before an application can be made for your Student Pass.
- The University will apply for a Student Pass on your behalf.
- A valid passport with a minimum one and half year (18 months) validity is required to apply for a Student Pass.
- You need to obtain an approval letter from the EMGS prior to entering the country via the University.
- The whole process with COMPLETE DOCUMENTS for application, submission and approval for the Visa Approval Letter (VAL) from EMGS will take approximately 6 to 8 weeks.
- Once approved, the University will obtain the Visa Approval Letter (VAL) from EMGS, which will be issued by the Malaysian Department of Immigrations.
- Please seek advice from the nearest Malaysian Embassy or High Commission for application to obtain an entry visa before entering Malaysia.
- It is advisable to obtain your Visa Approval Letter (VAL) before entering to study in Malaysia to avoid any issues or problems that may arise to study in the country.
Entering Malaysia with Visa Approval Letter (VAL)
- Please note that the Visa Approval Letter (VAL) is ONLY valid for six (6) months.
- Upon receiving your Entry Visa from the Embassy of Malaysia, you are to inform the University a minimum of SEVEN (7) working days before departing from your country. Please complete the Immigration Clearance & Arrival Information Form (Kuala Lumpur Campus) ¨C IIS. A penalty of RM200 will be imposed for late notifications.
- Bring along a copy of your Visa Approval Letter (VAL), Letter of Admission (LoA) and original school certificate/transcript.
- The University representatives will meet you at the Airport (KLIA, KLIA2, Subang) to assist you to process your Entry Visa at the Immigrations checkpoint.
- Please report to the International Support Team (IST) on the next working day after your arrival with your original passport, Letter of Admission (LoA) and original school certificate/transcript.
Social / Tourist Pass
- It is illegal to study in Malaysia under a Social / Tourist pass.
- The University strongly discourage the use of Social Visas to enter Malaysia before receiving your Visa Approval Letter (VAL). Please be reminded that as the University cannot guarantee the approval of your Student Visa/Pass application, it may place your studies at high risk.
Transfer Students from other university
- Any student who wishes to transfer and study at Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» University must cancel their Student Pass from the previous college/university. We advise students to submit all relevant documents to the Student Enrolment Centre (SEC).
- Students are allowed to begin their studies with Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» University once they have obtained the Visa Approval Letter (VAL) from EMGS, which will be sent to the students by the University.
- International students are required to complete at least one (1) semester before transferring to other institutions.
- International students are only allowed to transfer to other institutions one (1) time only, in the same level of studies and within the first year of studies.
- Transfer institutions are only allowed for students pursuing their bachelor's degree or higher.
Transfer Students from Other Programme
- Any student who wishes to transfer their programme at Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» University must cancel their Student Pass for the previous programme.
- Students are ONLY allowed to begin their studies with Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» University once they have obtained the Visa Approval Letter (VAL) from EMGS, which will be sent to the students by the University.
- Students holding a valid pass under the previous programme is not allowed to study in any other programme.
- International students are required to complete at least one (1) semester before transferring to another programme.
- International students are only allowed to transfer to other programme one (1) time only, in the same level of studies and within the first year of studies.
- *Note: International students who did not complete at least one (1) semester nor within the first year of studies may proceed with the transfer programme application from their home country.
- Transfer programme are only allowed for students pursuing their bachelor's degree or higher.
- All documents MUST be submitted to the Faculty/Institute/Centre at least three (3) months (not more than four (4) months) before the expiration date of the Student Pass. If you are doing your Co-Op in a foreign country, please discuss the matter with the Visa Processing Unit (VPU)'s manager.
- Present original passport (will be returned back to the student immediately after verification at VPU counter).
- If the Student Pass validity is less than three (3) months during the submission date, please make enquiry for Special Pass application at the Visa Processing Unit (VPU) counter.
- Make a payment of RM500 at Finance Office for Student Insurance, and settle the outstanding fees.
- Request for renewal clearance from Registrar Office.
- Once the EMGS has approved the renewal application, you may submit your passport to Visa Processing Unit (VPU) one (1) month before the expiration date of your Student Pass.
- The Approval for Student Pass renewal is subject to:
- Student attendance to be at least 80%
- CGPA ¨C 2.00 and above
- Not exceeded duration of studies (Refer to your Letter of Admission)
- Student provide valid reason for 3 consecutive days of absence from class
- The immigration has the right to cancel a Student Pass based on poor attendance, poor academic results and exceeded duration of studies.
**Overstaying is a serious offence in the Immigration Department of Malaysia.
Returning Home during holiday/internship (Co-Op)
If you are planning to return to your home country during the semester break, holidays or Co-Op, you are required to inform the Visa Processing Unit (VPU) for advice on your next Student Pass renewal.
- If you renew or change your passport for any reason, please transfer your Student Pass (sticker) from the old passport to the new one immediately as the Student Pass will not be valid in the old passport, once you have obtained a new one.
- If you renew your passport at your home country, please seek advice from the nearest Malaysian Embassy or High Commission for application to obtain an Entry Visa on your new passport before entering Malaysia.
- If you renew your passport at your Embassy or High Commission in Malaysia, you may proceed to the University¡¯s Visa Processing Unit (VPU) after receiving your new passport.
- You are required to bring your old and new passports to the Visa Processing Unit (VPU) in order to prepare the necessary documents for the Student Pass transfer.
- There will be charges for the Student Pass transfer based on the nationality.
- The duration for transferring the Student Pass (sticker) would be 14 working days upon submission to the Visa Processing Unit (VPU).
- In the event that you lose your passport, you need to do the following steps:
- Lodge a police report. With the police report, proceed to your Embassy or High Commission to make a new passport.Upon obtaining your new passport, proceed to the Visa Processing Unit (VPU) with a copy of your police report and a letter from the Embassy as the support document to obtain your new Student Pass sticker for your new passport.
Defer Studies
- If you wish to defer your studies due to non-medical reason, you will have to cancel your student pass and return to your home country.
- You are required to report to your faculty with a confirmed air ticket, and to the Visa Processing Unit (VPU) for the student pass cancellation application.
- There will be charge of RM53.00 for the Student Pass Cancellation.
- You are required to reapply for new VAL if you wish to continue your studies for the following semester.
- Failure to comply with this procedure, EMGS / Immigration department has the right to terminate your student pass and you can be blacklisted from entering/staying in Malaysia.
Completion of Studies
- You shall cancel the Student Pass once you have completed the programme.
- You are required to complete the Completion Form from the Registrar's Office one month before leaving to your home country/transfer university and obtain approval for the deposit refund.
- If you received a job offer in Malaysia and wish to apply for working permit, you must bring the Offer Letter from the company for a Student Pass Cancellation.
- If you wish to leave for your home country, you must bring along a confirmed air ticket for a Student Pass Cancellation.
- There will be charges for the Student Pass Cancellation.
- Failure to comply with this procedure, the University will notify the Immigrations Department and EMGS.
Withdrawal
- If you wish to withdraw from your studies, you are required to complete the Withdrawal Form from the Registrar's Office one month before leaving to your home country/transfer university and obtain approval for the deposit refund.
- If you wish to transfer to another University, you are required to bring the Offer Letter from the new university for a Student Pass Cancellation.
- If you wish to leave for your home country, you are required to bring along a confirmed air ticket for a Student Pass Cancellation.
- There will be charges for the Student Pass Cancellation
- Failure to comply with this procedure, the University will notify the Immigrations Department and EMGS.
- Please be reminded that you are required to carry your passport/Ikad at all times when travelling in Malaysia.
- For further enquiry, please drop by the Visa Processing Unit (VPU) at South Wing, Block A, 2nd Floor. Our office hours are between 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday or e-mail to [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is ¡®International Student¡¯?
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2. Does every international student need a Student Pass to study in Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» University?
Yes. It is a mandatory requirement for an international student to apply for a Student Pass if he/she has been accepted by any educational institution to pursue full-time studies in Malaysia.
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3. How do I apply for the Student Pass?
To apply for the Student Pass, please coordinate and send all the necessary documents to the University's marketing counsellors. They will submit this to the Immigration Department of Malaysia (IDM) for processing. Note that the processing of the VAL takes six (6) to eight (8) weeks.
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4. When should I apply for the Student Pass?
Only registered students can apply for the Student Pass. As the Student Pass application will take around two (2) months to approve, please confirm your registration at least three (3) months before the intake date, with complete application document and proof of payment as stated in the Admission Procedure.
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5. How will I be notified if the Student Pass application has been approved?
Once approved by the Immigration, the University will notify you via email as stated in the online registration form. The original copy of your Visa Approval Letter (VAL) will be sent to you upon request. You may also check the status of your application at . Note that the VAL is valid only for six (6) months. You should get your Entry Visa and come into Malaysia at least one (1) month before your VAL expires. To obtain an Entry Visa, go to the nearest Malaysian Embassy (preferably in your home country).
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6. What is an Entry Visa?
An Entry Visa is a stamp in your passport that the Malaysian Embassy in your home country issues after you submit your VAL. Please visit the Immigration website to find out on the list of selected nationalities who are required to have the Entry Visa to enter Malaysia. Note that The Immigration Department of Malaysia (IDM) will not issue the Student Pass to you without the Entry Visa stamp from the Malaysian Embassy on your passport.
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7. How do I obtain the Entry Visa?
Go to the nearest Malaysian Embassy (preferably in your home country). Bring along your Letter of Acceptance (LoA) of Offer Letter from Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» University, VAL and all the other relevant documents and forms duly completed as well as your proof of payment as required by the Malaysian Embassy. *Softcopy of the VAL will be sent to you via email, upon request*.
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8. How long will the processing of the Entry Visa take?
This depends on the Malaysian Embassy's protocol in your country. As per normal practice, it should not take more than three (3) working days. For more information, visit .
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9. What if the Malaysian Embassy wants the original VAL for the Entry Visa application?
The University will send you the original copy of your Visa Approval Letter (VAL) upon request via courier. Please send your mailing (house) address and your phone (contact number) to [email protected].
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10. Can I study in Malaysia under a Social/Tourist Pass?
No. It is illegal to study in Malaysia under a Social/Tourist Pass. Students are NOT ALLOWED to enter the country via any other pass other than the Student Pass.
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11. When do I report to Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» University?
You are required to report to Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» University on the nearest intake date of the programme that you enrolled for. You may book your flight according to the schedule. Click here for the schedule.
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12. How do I request for the Pick Up service and assistance for the Immigration Clearance?
Once you've received your Entry Visa, please make your travel arrangements, complete the Immigration Clearance and Pick Up form at IIS and inform the University at least five (5) working days before departing from your country. You will then receive the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» representative¡¯s name and mobile number before departure. The Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» representative will wait for you at the Airport Immigration Office ¨C Student Waiting Area (before the immigration checkpoint), to assist you with the immigration clearance. Note that without the presence of the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» representative, the Immigration Officer will not allow you to pass through the immigration checkpoint. Please bring along a copy of your VAL. Fail to adhere to this protocol, you will not be allowed to leave the airport until the University send a representative. You will also be charged with MYR200 for late request.
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13. What should I do if the representative does not show up after 10 minutes?
Please make a phone call to the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» representative for clarification.
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14. What should I do at the immigration checkpoint?
Please make sure that the Immigration Officer stamp the Entry Visa stamp (with entry date) on your passport.
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15. When should I report to Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» University?
Please report to International Office, Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» University (2nd Floor, Block A, South Wing) on the next working day at 9am. Bring along your passport, Letter of Acceptance and VAL for verification purpose.
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16. When will I get a Student Pass/Sticker inserted into my passport?
This normally takes not more than one (1) month if you include the medical examination and fulfil all the post entry requirements.
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17. What is the validity of the Student Pass?
The Immigration Department of Malaysia (IDM) will issue the Student Pass for a maximum of 12 months or if the programme duration is less than 12 months, the validity of the Student Pass will be the same as the duration of the programme you enrolled for. However, the Indonesian students are given the option to apply for a pass with a 24 months validity depending on the duration of the programme.
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18. Do I need to go through a medical examination again, after arriving in Malaysia?
Yes. You will need to undergo a second medical check-up within seven (7) days of arrival in Malaysia. Once you have reported to Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» University, the University will arrange a medical examination appointment for you. Fail to attend the appointment; your Student Pass will be cancelled.
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19. Can the Social Pass be converted into Student Pass?
No. Effective from 01/01/2014, foreigners holding Visit Pass (Social) who wish to study in Malaysia cannot convert their passport to Student Pass in Malaysia.
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20. I am currently under a Student Pass of another university in Malaysia. Once I withdraw from the current university and do not plan to return to my home country, can I use the Student Pass to pursue my studies in Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» University?
No. You are NOT ALLOWED to pursue your studies in any university in Malaysia under a Student Pass issued for another university or without the Visa Approval Letter (VAL). Issuance of the VAL will take around two (2) months by the IDM. You MUST return to your home country after the cancellation of your current Student Pass. You are only ALLOWED to enter Malaysia and pursue your studies in Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» University once the VAL has been issued.
*** All international students are required to comply with the policies set by the Immigration Department of Malaysia (IDM). Please adhere strictly to these requirements to minimise delay and other problems that may arise.
1. I have completed the current programme I enrolled for and I would like to progress to a higher-level programme next semester. Should I apply for a new Student Pass?
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2. Do I need to leave the country while waiting for the approval of the new Student Pass?
No. You may proceed with the new programme while waiting for approval. However, you MUST apply for a Special Pass and pay the necessary fees in order to obtain a valid Special Pass from the IDM to enable you to stay in Malaysia legally while waiting for the new VAL.
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3. How long will the processing of the new Student Pass take?
Processing of the new Student Pass will take at least two (2) months.
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4. What is the validity of the Special Pass?
The Immigration Department of Malaysia (IDM) will issue the Special Pass for a maximum of 30 days. Hence, you are advised to apply for two (2) Special Passes while waiting for the approval of the new Student Pass. The Special Pass application fee will be from MYR100 to MYR153.
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5. Am I required to go for a medical check-up?
Yes. You are required to do so. Please proceed to the International Support Team (IST) once you have cancelled your Student Pass to request for a medical check-up appointment. Fail to adhere to this protocol, your application for the Student Pass will be cancelled.
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6. Am I allowed to go back to my home country on my semester break?
Yes. However, bear in mind that you will have to follow the new student process such as applying for a new Entry Visa at the Malaysian Embassy (if necessary), request for the airport pick-up service at least five (5) working days before arrival and wait for the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»¡¯s representative to assist you with the immigration clearance.
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7. My current Student Pass is still valid for a few more months. I feel like it¡¯s a waste to cancel it now. Can I cancel it later?
No. You are required to cancel your current Student Pass immediately to enable you to do the Course Selection on time, which will guarantee you a seat in the class you intend to attend.
1. Do I need to apply for a new Student Pass if I would like to change to another programme?
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2. Do I need to leave the country while waiting for the approval of the new Student Pass due to this reason?
No. You may proceed with the new programme while waiting for approval. However, you MUST apply for a Special Pass and pay the necessary fees in order to obtain a valid Special Pass from the IDM to enable you to stay in Malaysia legally while waiting for the new VAL.
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3. How long will the processing of the new Student Pass take?
Processing of the new Student Pass will take at least two (2) months.
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4. What is the validity of the Special Pass?
The Immigration Department of Malaysia (IDM) will issue the Special Pass for a maximum of 30 days. Hence, you are advised to apply for two Special Passes while waiting for the approval of the new Student Pass. Each Special Pass application¡¯s fee will be from MYR100 to MYR153.
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5. Am I required to go for a medical check-up?
Yes. You are required to do so. Please proceed to the International Support Team (IST) once you have cancelled your Student Pass to request for a medical check-up appointment. Fail to adhere to this protocol, your application for the Student Pass will be cancelled.
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6. Am I allowed to go back to my home country on my semester break?
Yes. However, bear in mind that you will have to follow the new student process such as applying for a new Entry Visa at the Malaysian Embassy (if necessary), request for the airport pick-up service at least five (5) working days before arrival and wait for the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»¡¯s representative to assist you with the immigration clearance.
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7. My current Student Pass is still valid for a few more months. I feel like it¡¯s a waste to cancel it now. Can I cancel it later?
No. You are required to cancel your current Student Pass immediately to enable you to do the Course Selection on time, which will guarantee you a seat in the class you intend to attend.
1. What is medical screening?
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2. Why do I have to undergo a Malaysian medical screening procedure?
It is a mandatory requirement determined by the Government of Malaysia to protect the health of Malaysian residents. The Ministry of Education (MOE) has laid down a criterion for the assessment of the international students¡¯ health condition, which must be complied with. The criterion does allow students to do an appeal for any negative or abnormal results.
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3. What happens at the medical screening?
You will be asked to sign a consent letter prior to the examination. You may sign the letter on the same day of the screening or during your next visit when you collect your result. Your blood and urine specimens will be taken from you at the clinic. The result of your health check will determine whether or not you should stay in Malaysia based on MOE criteria. If you are, and if you agree to bear your own on-going medical treatment cost, you will be asked to sign a letter of undertaking to be submitted to EMGS through the doctor. Fail to do so; your Student Pass will be cancelled, as you will need to return to your home country to undergo the screening. Please note that EMGS is not permitted to discuss the outcome of your screening and/or your appeal as this information is confidential. All related clarification shall be sought directly from the doctor at the panel clinic. Please bring along a copy of your passport to the panel clinic for medical screening.
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4. What should I do if I failed the medical screening and how do I make an appeal?
An appeal must be made at the same clinic within seven (7) days from the notification sent by EMGS. To appeal, please submit the completed Appeal Letter to the doctor. The doctor will then guide you accordingly. Please note that all cost related to the screening will be borne by you, payable directly to the clinic. The clinic will then submit the Appeal Letter to be endorsed by EMGS. Should you fail in the second screening, you will have to go back to your home country because the EMGS will not issue the Student Pass.
1. What is the process for the Student Pass renewal?
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2. When should I submit the application document for the renewal of the Student Pass? And what are the documents needed?
Please submit the application document to the Faculty or the VPU on the first week of the month ¨C three (3) months before the expiration date of the current Student Pass. You may submit earlier (e.g.: 4 - 5 months before expiry), only if you need to go back to your home country for Co-Op Placement, or important events. (e.g.: If the expiration date of the Student Pass is on 25 April 2016, submission must be done before 25 January 2016). Original passport needs to be viewed by the VPU officer during the submission of the document for verification purpose. For required document, please refer to the Renewal of Student Pass Application Checklist.
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3. When should I submit my original passport for issuance of the new Student Pass?
Please submit your passport to the VPU on the first working day of the month ¨C one (1) month before the expiration of the current Student Pass. (e.g.: If the expiration date of the Student Pass is on 25 April 2016, submission must be done on 1 March 2016), once the renewal application has been approved by the EMGS. You may also check on the status at
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4. Can I renew my Student Pass if my passport expiration date is around the corner?
Please renew your passport immediately if its validity is less than 15 months before you submit the Renewal Application. However, to enable you to stay legally in the country and continue with your studies, you may apply for a shorter period of Student Pass while processing on your passport renewal.
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5. Can I renew my Student Pass if my CGPA is lower than 2.0, and/or attendance is less than 80%?
You are required to request for a Supporting Letter from the Faculty/Centre to explain the reason of the low CGPA and/or low attendance and the Dean/Director should sign the letter. Final decision on the period of extension will be made by the EMGS. If the reason is acceptable, EMGS will approve the application and issue a shorter period of Student Pass (instead of 12 months), with a FINAL stamp stamped on the pass. Repeat the same process should the same situation occur again in the next semester/year.
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6. What should I do if I just realised that my Student Pass has expired, or going to expire within few days?
Proceed to the VPU immediately. The staff will guide you accordingly. Please do not wait until the Student Pass expire as you will be considered as overstaying in the country without a valid visa/pass. Students who have overstayed in Malaysia will be brought over to the IDM for questioning by the Immigration Enforcement Officer, accompanied by the VPU officer. Final decision will be made by the IDM. Any penalty imposed by the IDM for overstaying or any other penalties (MYR1, 000 ¨C MYR10, 000) must be borne by the student.
1. Upon the completion of my studies, I would like to leave Malaysia for good. Should I cancel my Student Pass?
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2. What should I do if I want to withdraw from Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» University?
You are required to submit the Withdrawal Form, your original passport and the necessary documents to the VPU for the cancelation of the Student Pass. Note that the cancelation process will take around two (2) weeks.
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3. When should I submit the application document of the cancelation of the Student Pass? And what are the documents needed?
You are required to submit your document to the VPU at least one (1) month before the expiration date of the Student Pass. For the required documents, please refer to the Shorten and Cancelation of Student Pass Application Checklist.
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4. Do I need to cancel my Student Pass in the event of deferment?
Yes. You are required to cancel your Student Pass if you are not attending classes for more than three (3) months. To continue your studies in Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» University, you must submit the necessary documents and pay the EMGS fees to apply for the new Student Pass. Note that you will have to follow the new student process such as applying for a new Entry Visa at the Malaysian Embassy (if necessary), request for the airport pick-up service at least five (5) working days before arrival and wait for the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»¡¯s representative to assist you with the immigration clearance.
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5. Will I be able to book my flight ticket if the VPU have not returned my passport to me?
Yes. You may book your flight ticket (no payment made) with departure date between two (2) to four (4) weeks from your document submission date. The IDM will shorten your Student Pass period according to the date of the departure as stated on your flight ticket.
1. What should I do once I have received a new passport?
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2. What should I do if I lost my passport?
You are required to report to the VPU immediately. The VPU officer will assist you to lodge a police report at the nearest police station. Proceed to contact your Embassy/High Commission in Malaysia or Passport Department in your country to issue a new passport for you. Once you have received a new passport, immediately submit to the VPU to proceed with the Transfer Student Pass Application in which a new Student Pass (sticker) will be printed and pasted in your new passport.
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3. When should I submit the application document for the transfer of the Student Pass? And what are the document needed?
You are required to submit the necessary documents to the VPU for the Transfer Student Pass Application at least one (1) month before the Student Pass expired. For the required documents, please refer to the Transfer of Student Pass Application Checklist.
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4. When will I get my passport back?
Your passport will be returned to you within two (2) weeks from the date of submission.
1. As an undergraduate student, can I apply for the Dependence Pass for my parents?
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2. My spouse's Dependence Pass will expired soon; do I need to apply for renewal 3 months before the expiration date as a Student Pass?
Renewal of the Dependence Pass can be done two (2) weeks before its expiration date. Prior to that, please make sure that you have already renewed your Student Pass. For required document, please refer to the Dependence Pass Application Checklist.
