About studying in Malaysia

Malaysia is one of the most practical options for Pakistani students who want an English-taught degree at a moderate cost in a Muslim-majority country. Both public universities and private universities, including branch campuses of UK and Australian universities, accept HSSC/FSc and A-level students for bachelor's programmes and 16-year graduates for master's. Students who do not meet direct entry can start with a one-year foundation programme.

To study in Malaysia from Pakistan, you first get an offer letter, then your university applies for your student pass through Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS). Once EMGS issues your electronic Visa Approval Letter (eVAL), you get a single-entry visa and travel. This guide explains each step, the costs, English requirements and what work is allowed.

Meezab Future Consulting helps Pakistani students who want to study in Malaysia: choosing the right course, applying to universities and preparing the student visa file.

Major cities

Kuala Lumpur, Selangor (Petaling Jaya, Cyberjaya), Penang, Johor Bahru

Bachelor's tuition approx.

approx. RM 35,000–80,000 for a full degree (non-medical)

Medicine (MBBS) approx.

approx. RM 300,000–450,000 for the full programme

Living costs

approx. RM 1,500–2,500 per month

Main intakes

Private: Jan/Feb, May, Sept; public: mainly Sept, some Feb

Student visa

Student Pass via EMGS (eVAL) + Single Entry Visa for Pakistanis

EMGS/visa costs

approx. RM 2,450–4,200 in year 1, excl. tuition (varies)

Work while studying

Up to 20 hrs/week, only in breaks of more than 7 days

Post-study options

No graduate pass for Pakistanis; Employment Pass routes

Why Pakistani students choose Malaysia

• Most degree programmes are taught in English.
• Total costs are moderate compared with the UK, Australia or Canada.
• Several UK and Australian universities run branch campuses in Malaysia that award the same degrees.
• The student pass process through EMGS is centralised, with a 14-working-day client charter for complete applications.
• Postgraduate students can apply for dependant passes for spouse and children.
• Halal food, mosques and a large Muslim community make daily life easy for Pakistani students.
• Multiple intakes a year at private universities give flexible start dates.

Courses in Malaysia

Popular subjects

Study cities

Cost of studying in Malaysia

Tuition depends on the university and field. As a rough guide, a full bachelor's degree in business or IT costs approx. RM 35,000–60,000 and engineering approx. RM 40,000–80,000, while pharmacy and medicine cost much more (approx. RM 120,000–200,000 and RM 300,000–450,000 for the whole programme). Branch campuses of foreign universities are usually at the higher end. Always check the exact fee schedule on the university website, as fees are set by each institution.

Living costs are about RM 1,500–2,500 a month for rent, food, transport and utilities, with Kuala Lumpur costing more than smaller cities. In the first year you also pay EMGS and immigration charges (application processing, visa, personal bond, medical screening and mandatory insurance), which are commonly approx. RM 2,450–4,200, and some universities charge more as a package. Some universities also take a refundable visa deposit. Expect an annual student pass renewal cost after the first year.

Entry requirements for Pakistani students

• Bachelor's: at least 12 years of education, such as HSSC/FSc or A-levels; many programmes ask for around 65% or B grades in relevant subjects. Predicted or provisional results are not accepted at some universities.
• Foundation programmes are available for students who do not meet direct degree entry requirements.
• Master's: a recognised bachelor's degree, normally 16 years of education; some programmes also ask for a minimum CGPA, often around 2.5–3.0.
• English: requirements are set by each university; Universiti Malaya's general minimum is IELTS 5.0, TOEFL iBT 60 or PTE 41, but many programmes require IELTS 6.0–6.5.
• Documents: passport valid at least 18 months, IBCC-attested Matric/HSSC certificates, HEC-attested degrees and transcripts, photos and the offer letter.
• Medical insurance that meets EMGS rules, and a post-arrival medical screening at an EMGS panel clinic, are mandatory.

Malaysia student visa from Pakistan

Malaysia's student visa is called a Student Pass. After you receive an offer letter, the university submits your application to EMGS (or you apply through the EMGS portal) with your passport, academic documents, photos and fee payment. EMGS checks the documents and the Immigration Department makes the decision. The client charter is 14 working days for a complete application, but in practice it can take 4–6 weeks during busy intakes. When approved, you receive an electronic Visa Approval Letter (eVAL), which is valid for six months; do not book flights or travel while your application is still being processed.

Pakistani students also need a Single Entry Visa (SEV) before travelling, which you apply for through Malaysia's visa system or the Malaysian High Commission in Islamabad using your eVAL; the details must match exactly. Within 7 days of arrival you must complete a medical screening at an EMGS-registered clinic. After the medical is cleared, your passport is endorsed with the Student Pass, which is renewed each year for the length of your programme.

Work while studying and after graduation

International students can work part-time for up to 20 hours a week, but only during semester breaks or holidays of more than 7 days, and only with prior approval from the Immigration Department, applied for through your university. Permitted workplaces include restaurants, petrol kiosks, mini markets and hotels, and some jobs (such as cashier or musician) are not allowed. After graduation, the Graduate (Social) Visit Pass is not open to Pakistani citizens. Graduates must find an employer to sponsor an Employment Pass; since March 2026 there is also a special Employment Pass route for foreign graduates of Malaysian universities in selected manufacturing sectors, with conditions such as a minimum CGPA of 3.50 for bachelor's holders and a salary of at least RM 4,000.

Intakes and when to apply

Private universities usually have three intakes a year, around January/February, May and September. Public universities mainly admit international students in September, with some programmes starting in February. Because the EMGS process can take several weeks, apply to universities from Pakistan 4–6 months before your intended start date.

How Meezab Future Consulting helps you study in Malaysia

1. 1
   Profile check

   Share your grades, budget and goals. We suggest courses and universities in Malaysia that fit your profile.

2. 2
   Applications

   We help you prepare documents, statements and applications, and follow up for your offer letter.

3. 3
   Visa file

   We guide you on funds, documents and interview preparation for your student visa.

4. 4
   Before you fly

   Accommodation, travel and arrival tips so you are ready for your first semester.

Study in Malaysia from Pakistan: FAQs