INTERNATIONAL STUDENT

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INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ARRIVAL GUIDE


  • Your adventure starts here! Follow this checklist to make sure you have everything in place before travelling to Malaysia to begin your studies.

  • 1. Accept Offer & Create Siswa Mail

    1. To secure your place and begin your student onboarding process, please log in to the MAYA Portal and complete the following important actions:

    3. Accept your admission offer to confirm your intention to enrol at Universiti Malaya.

    5. Create your UM Siswa Mail, your official Universiti Malaya student email account, which will be used for all university communications, announcements, academic notifications, and access to various digital services throughout your studies.

    7. For a smooth setup experience, please refer to the step-by-step user guide (Step 5 of 8, Slides 16–26):https://umsitsguide.um.edu.my/applicant/guides_app/guides_admission_0014_app.html

    9. We encourage you to complete these steps as soon as possible to ensure timely access to your student account and to avoid any delays in subsequent registration and enrolment processes.



  • 2. Pre-Arrival Documents

    1. As your travel arrangements progress, please email to UM eVAL Application Team at eval@um.edu.my the following document in PDF format as soon as it becomes available to facilitate the coordination of your arrival and student pass endorsement process:

    3. Single Entry Visa (SEV) (if applicable)

    5. Before making your travel arrangements, please verify whether your nationality requires a Single Entry Visa (SEV) or is eligible for Visa on Arrival (VOA) by referring to the official Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) guideline:https://visa.educationmalaysia.gov.my/guidelines/sev-required-countries

    7. If your nationality requires a Single Entry Visa (SEV), you may obtain it through the following channels:

    9. Submit your application online via the Malaysia eVISA Portal: https://malaysiavisa.imi.gov.my/evisa/evisa.jsp

    11. If your nationality is not listed as requiring an SEV, you may be eligible to enter Malaysia using a Visa on Arrival (VOA), subject to the prevailing immigration requirements. Please ensure that you carry sufficient cash to pay the applicable VOA fee upon your arrival at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), if required. Manual submissions, including Visa on Arrival (VOA) and applications at Malaysian missions overseas, are only permitted under exceptional circumstances, such as technical limitations or restricted internet access.

    13. Travelling to Malaysia without a valid Single Entry Visa (SEV), where required, may result in delays or complications during your student pass endorsement process. To avoid any inconvenience, we strongly recommend confirming your entry visa requirements with the Malaysian Embassy or High Commission in your home country, or the nearest Malaysian diplomatic mission, before finalising your travel plans.

    15. When planning your journey, please note that new international students are permitted to enter Malaysia no earlier than two (2) weeks before the official Orientation Week. We encourage you to arrange your travel within this permitted period to ensure a smooth arrival and registration experience at Universiti Malaya.

  • Arrival at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA)

  • a) Before Arrival – Complete MDAC Submission

    1. All international students are required to complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) prior to entering Malaysia. The MDAC can be submitted as early as 3 days before your arrival

    3. Complete it online here: https://imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/mdac/main. Please ensure all details are accurate, as this form is mandatory for immigration clearance.



  • b) Upon Arrival at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA)

    1. After landing, please follow the designated procedures step by step:

      1. 1. Report to the EMGS International Student Arrival Counter (ISAC) for student pass coordination and verification

      3. 2. Proceed to the Visa on Arrival (VOA) Counter (if applicable and eligible based on your nationality)

      5. 3. Proceed to Immigration Counters 57 - 60 (KLIA Terminal 1) for entry clearance and endorsement processing

    3. At Malaysian Immigration, you are required to present your Visa Approval Letter (eVAL), your Single Entry Visa (SEV) or eVisa (if applicable), and your Universiti Malaya programme Offer Letter at the immigration counter for verification. These documents are essential to ensure a smooth entry and proper processing of your student status upon arrival.

    5. Before leaving the immigration counter, please ensure that a Special Pass is properly stamped in your passport (30 days validity), as this is a crucial endorsement for your student pass processing in Malaysia. We encourage you to double-check your passport before exiting the counter to avoid any complications with your immigration record.



  • c) KLIA Terminal Guidance

    1. 1. KLIA Terminal 1 (KLIA1)

      1. The arrival hall is located in the main terminal building at Level 3, before the immigration clearance area

    3. 2. KLIA Terminal 2 (KLIA2)

      1. Proceed to Level 3A after exiting via the Skybridge. Students arriving at Level 2 are required to use the passenger lifts to reach Level 3A

      3. Do NOT use the automated e-gate (auto-gate) system

      5. When approaching immigration, inform the officer that you are entering Malaysia with an eVAL (Electronic Visa Approval Letter) for student purposes. We encourage you to follow these instructions carefully to ensure a smooth and stress-free arrival process.

  • You may use Grab, Malaysia’s most widely used ride-hailing service, for a convenient, safe, and hassle-free transfer from KLIA or KLIA2 directly to Universiti Malaya upon your arrival, ensuring a smooth journey to campus as you begin your studies.
  • The recommended drop-off point during office hours (8:00 AM - 5:30 PM) is the One-Stop-Centre, Perdanasiswa Complex, Universiti Malaya, where assistance will be available to support your arrival process.
  • To ensure seamless booking and communication with your driver, please make sure you have active mobile internet access upon arrival, either through international roaming or by purchasing a local Malaysian SIM card at the airport.
  • You may download and access the Grab app here: https://www.grab.com/my/transport. In addition, please be informed that an Airport Pickup Service may be arranged by the Student Affairs Department for selected arrival dates and time slots; however, this service is not available daily and is subject to specific scheduled arrangements only, which are updated from time to time. You are advised to regularly check the official updates and availability through https://hep.um.edu.my/umwow

  • In accordance with EMGS requirements, all new international students must undergo a mandatory post-arrival medical screening at any EMGS registered clinic within seven (7) days of arriving in Malaysia as part of the student pass endorsement process . You may refer to the official list of approved panel clinics through the same EMGS medical screening link https://visa.educationmalaysia.gov.my/guidelines/medical-screening.html.
  • After completing your medical examination, kindly allow approximately 3–4 working days for the results to be updated in the EMGS system, as this update is required before further processing of your student pass can continue.

  • Once your medical results have been updated (80% EMGS Progress), please submit your passport to the UM Visa Office at the One-Stop-Centre, Perdanasiswa Complex, Universiti Malaya for student pass endorsement. Universiti Malaya will coordinate the subsequent endorsement process with EMGS.
  • This process is also required for the issuance of your Multiple Entry Visa (MEV), which allows you to travel in and out of Malaysia during the validity period of your student pass.
  • You are also strongly advised not to make any travel arrangements during the endorsement process until your passport has been returned to you, as it is required for immigration processing and official verification during this period.

  • While you are reporting at the One-Stop-Centre, Perdanasiswa Complex, Universiti Malaya, take full advantage of the opportunity to explore comprehensive information on student accommodation options, including on-campus residential colleges, application procedures, allocation processes, and essential guidance to help ensure a smooth and well-supported transition into life at Universiti Malaya.
  • Kindly be informed that due to limited capacity within residential colleges, on-campus accommodation is subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed for all students, with placements allocated based on demand and housing capacity for each upcoming academic session.
  • For students who may not be offered on-campus accommodation, we strongly encourage you to explore a range of trusted off-campus housing solutions and alternative accommodation support platforms, including HomeFinderPro (https://homefinderpro.ai/um-welcome), QH Corporate (https://www.qhcorp.com.my), and Uniren (https://www.uniren.my), which provide verified listings and student-friendly housing options around the university area.
  • Connect with the Residential Section Office, Strategic and Student Residential Ecosystem Department via jsepp@um.edu.my or hep_penginapan@um.edu.my, or contact the office directly at 03-7967 3385 / 03-7967 3410 during official working hours (Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM) to receive prompt assistance, updated availability information, and official guidance on both on-campus and off-campus accommodation matters.
  • Visit the official accommodation website at https://hep.um.edu.my/accommodation to access the latest updates, housing guidelines, and comprehensive information on student residential services at Universiti Malaya.

DOCUMENT CHECKLIST FOR ARRIVAL IN MALAYSIA


  • To ensure a smooth entry process and successful student pass endorsement, please prepare and carry all required items carefully as follows:

    1. 1. Bring a printed copy of your e-Visa Approval Letter (eVAL) issued by EMGS and ensure it is clearly printed and easily accessible for presentation during immigration clearance upon arrival in Malaysia.

      1. 2. Present your Single Entry Visa (SEV) or eVisa (if applicable based on nationality), together with any relevant application receipts or payment confirmations required for verification by immigration authorities.

        1. 3. Complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) before travelling and keep a digital or printed copy of the confirmation ready for presentation during entry procedures at the airport.

          1. 4. Carry your original passport that reflects similarly on your eVAL approval, ensuring it remains in good condition and contains sufficient blank pages for immigration stamping.

            1. 5. Print your Universiti Malaya offer letter along with the offer acceptance confirmation, as both documents are required for verification during immigration and student pass endorsement processes.

              1. 6. Bring your original academic certificates and transcripts, including High School, Pre-University, Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctorate qualifications, depending on your level of admission to the university.

                1. 7. Prepare recent passport-sized photographs that meet official visa specifications, ensuring they are clear, professional, and suitable for immigration and university registration purposes.

                  1. 8. Photocopy your passport identification page and visa pages and keep multiple copies securely, as these may be required for administrative procedures at different stages of your arrival process.

                    1. 9. Bring any medical-related documents or reports, if available, including pre-arrival screening results or relevant health records that may support your student pass endorsement requirements.

                      1. 10. Keep all proof of payment and official receipts for application fees, visa processing charges, or any related transactions, as these may be requested for verification purposes.

                        1. 11. Carry sufficient cash for initial expenses upon arrival, preferably in Malaysian Ringgit (MYR), while noting that currency exchange facilities are readily available at the airport for your convenience.

                          1. 12. Save a list of important contact numbers, including university representatives and emergency contacts, in both printed and mobile formats to ensure easy access when needed.

                            1. 13. Obtain a Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate if you are arriving from or transiting through a Yellow Fever risk country for more than 12 hours, as this may be required by Malaysian immigration authorities.

                          3. We strongly encourage you to organise all documents in advance and keep them securely in your hand luggage to ensure a smooth, well-prepared, and stress-free arrival experience at Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

ELECTRONIC VISA APPROVAL LETTER (EVAL) APPLICATION SERVICES


  • Universiti Malaya (UM) administers the Electronic Visa Approval Letter (eVAL) Application Services as a mandatory part of the international student visa application process, ensuring a smooth, well-coordinated, and hassle-free journey from application through to arrival in Malaysia.
  • UM students are required to apply for the eVAL through Universiti Malaya (UM), which facilitates the application process in coordination with Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS). It is important to note that the overall visa-related charges consist of two (2) separate components. The first component is the EMGS Visa Processing Fee, which covers essential immigration-related services such as the eVAL issuance, student pass fee, medical screening, health insurance coverage, i-Kad issuance, Multiple Entry Visa (MEV), and applicable taxes. By default, this EMGS visa processing arrangement is based on a one-year validity period, with the option to request a longer duration where applicable, subject to revised charges.
  • The second component is the Universiti Malaya International Student Processing Fees, which is a mandatory institutional fee for all new international students, charged separately by UM for the facilitation and administration of international student application and visa coordination services. This fee is distinct from EMGS charges and is a one-time payment for all new students applicable upon initial admission only, with no recurring charges for subsequent semesters.
  • Please note that while Universiti Malaya provides full assistance in processing your eVAL application through EMGS, all visa approvals remain strictly under the sole discretion of the Malaysian Immigration Department. In addition, both the EMGS visa processing fee and the Universiti Malaya International Student Processing Fee are strictly non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of the application.
  • If you require further clarification regarding the fee structure, payment breakdown, or processing details, please do not hesitate to contact our dedicated support team at eval@um.edu.my, and we will be happy to assist you promptly.
  • For your convenience, you may also access the following resources:
    1. International Student Processing Fees (Click Here)
    2. Steps in Using ePAY@UM (Click Here)
  • We are truly excited to support you through every step of your journey and look forward to warmly welcoming you to Universiti Malaya – Malaysia’s premier university.

eVAL Process Flow


eVAL Process Flow


FAQs


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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