Student Visa

All international students must hold a valid student visa to study at Curtin Malaysia. The team from International Student Office will assist you throughout the application or renewal process. The following information is provided to assist international students studying in Curtin Malaysia on a student pass or visa.

Student visa renewal and penalties

All international students are required to submit their passports with the completed forms and have made a full payment to the International Student Office at a minimum of 2 months before the expiration date stated on your existing visa.

Documents required for visa renewal

Application for Extension of Visit Pass Form*
Application for Visa Form*
Original Passport**
Latest exam results retrieved from eStudent

* to be collected from International Student Office
**current passport or both current and old in case of any passport renewal

Penalties for late submission

Students whose passports are submitted later than the given time will risk late processing resulting in penalties, including liability for legal actions on overstaying. Infringement of the law under Section 15 (4) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 (act 155) provides a fine of not less than RM10,000.00 or imprisonment not exceeding 5 years or both.

Alternatively, the student may be fined twice by the Immigration Department and the International Student Office at RM100.00 each, totaling RM200.00 for any late visa renewal.

Renewal process

A Malaysian Student Pass lasts just one year and thus you must renew your student pass annually. Remember that renewing your visa/pass is your responsibility. There are penalties involved if you overstay so be sure to apply to extend your pass through the International Student Office at least 2 months before the expiration date.

While The Malaysia Immigration Department issues and regulates the passes, the International Student Office at Curtin Malaysia will help you to renew your pass. The process is fairly easy and we have prepared a checklist to help you.

View or download the Student Pass / Visa Renewal Checklist

Visa/Student Pass first-time application

Important information on getting your initial student pass.

All international students are required to apply for a Student Pass before entering Malaysia. Do not enter Malaysia on a Tourist visa and then attempt to change to a Student visa. You will have to leave the country again to do this and it will create lengthy immigration delays. If you’ve already applied for a Student visa and then attempt to enter the country on a Tourist visa you may be denied entry.
Students that wish to transfer to Curtin Malaysia from another institution or who are graduating from another Malaysian institute must curtail their current pass first and obtain a ‘Letter of Release’ before applying for a new student pass through Curtin.
The Immigration Department of Malaysia is responsible for the granting and extension of entry visas. Immigration policies are also determined by the Department. Visa approvals are not automatic and there are stringent criteria to be met. In addition, different criteria exist for different nationalities.

View the Initial Visa Process

How to get a visa

Apply for admission to Curtin Malaysia, providing all relevant supporting documents.
Upon approval, a Letter of Offer and Student Pass application forms will be issued to the prospective student. The student then proceeds to undergo a medical examination in his/her country of origin.
- All Sudanese students need to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their respective countries’ authorities as a prerequisite for entry into Malaysia. The NOC is to be sent along with the student’s letter of offer, visa application and medical forms.
The medical clearance (medical report should be in English) together with completed Student Pass application forms and Acceptance of Offer is then sent to Curtin Malaysia. Curtin Malaysia will process the Student Pass application only when tuition and other fees as indicated in the Letter of Offer are fully paid.
The Sarawak State Immigration Department will approve or reject Student Pass applications usually within 6-8 weeks (Curtin Malaysia will be duly notified of the outcome of the applications).
Upon approval, a letter from the Sarawak State Immigration Department (addressed to Malaysian High Commission/Embassy) will be forwarded to the prospective student.
The prospective student then submits the letter and his/her passport to the Malaysian High Commission/Embassy in his/her country of origin for a ‘Single Entry Visa’ endorsement.
Once the student is determined to be clear of any contagious/communicable/dreaded diseases, the medical practitioner will provide a supporting medical report to recommend the student remain in Malaysia as a student.
Curtin Malaysia will submit the medical report and the student’s passport to the Sarawak State Immigration Department for immediate endorsement of a Student Pass with a ‘Multiple Entry Visa’.
All international students are not allowed to work while holding Curtin Malaysia Student Passes.
Appropriate action will be taken against international students who miss classes for three (3) consecutive days by the International Student Office unless a valid reason is given, along with proof such as a medical certificate.

Medical check-up

Section 8(3)(b) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 (Amended 2002) requires foreign students to undergo medical check-ups in their home countries before entering the State of Sarawak. Medical check-ups must be done at a government general hospital or specialist Institution recognised by the government.
Upon arrival in Sarawak, students are required to undergo another medical check-up. A student can only remain in Malaysia subject to ‘medical clearance’ from an approved local medical practitioner.

For more information on visa requirements and the visa application process on its website. Visit The Malaysian Immigration Department website