1. Does every international student need a student pass to study in Malaysia?
Yes, this is a mandatory requirement under the laws and regulations of the Government of Malaysia. 

2. What are the entry requirements to study at institutes of higher education in Malaysia?
International students must have at least twelve (12) years of education and have undergone a national/international examination recognized for the purpose of admission to diploma or degree programs.

3. What is the English requirement to enroll as a UMP student? Do I need to pass the IELTS or TOEFL examinations to obtain admission to a Degree Program / Postgraduate Program at Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP)?
Yes, you are required to have IELTS - Band 5.0 or TOEFL - Band 500 (paper – based test)- Band 173 (computer – based test)- Band 61 (Internet – based test) .

4. If I do not possess IELTS or TOEFL, what should I do?
For those students who do not possess either IELTS or TOEFL, you are required to undergo Preparatory Intensive English (PIE) programme. The Preparatory Intensive Program (PIE) is an English language course offered by UMP that provides a foundation course for international students about to embark on their undergraduate study. The student will be given a conditional offer letter for the Program with the condition that he/she needs to undergo PIE and pass the English Placement Test (EPT) with  minimum band of 5.0.

5. How long will the student undergo the PIE Program before being offered to enroll for the Degree / Postgraduate Program?
Do I need to go through a medical examination after arriving in Malaysia?
The maximum duration is six (6) months. However it depends on the students’ competency. There are five (5) levels in PIE program. Each level will be conducted for one (1) month. After each level, there will be a placement test. This test is administered to determine students' next level.. The student must pass the EPT with minimum band of 5.0 in order to secure a place in the Degree Program.

6. Do I need to go through a medical examination after arriving in Malaysia?
Yes, it is mandatory for international for the students to attend and complete the medical examination after arriving in Malaysia. Within seven (7) working days from the date of entry, they shall undergo a Malaysian Medical Screening at UMP Health Centre.

7. If I do not undergo a Malaysian medical examination, what will be the consequences?
If you fail to undergo Malaysian medical examination within the timeline stipulated by UMP, your student pass application will be cancelled and no student pass will be issued.

8. Can I open a bank account?
Yes, once you get your student pass you can open a bank account.

9. If my student pass application is rejected, can I get a refund for the application processing fee?
No, the student pass application processing fee is non-refundable.

10. Can I work while on a student pass?
All international students studying at public or private higher educational institutions are allowed to work part-time for a maximum of twenty (20) hours per week ONLY during semester breaks or holidays of more than seven (7) days at restaurants, petrol kiosks, mini markets and hotels as long as their student passes remain valid and with the prior approval of the Department of Immigration. International students are NOT permitted to work as cashiers. In addition, international students are NOT allowed to work in the hotel sector as singers, masseurs, musicians or guest relations officers (GROs) . International students are not allowed to engage in any job or activity deemed to be immoral. Applications to work part-time must be made through the respective educational institutions at which the international students are enrolled. The international student needs to be present with the representative of the educational institution at the Immigration Department of Malaysia in order to submit an application for part-time work.

11. Can I pursue two degrees at the same time?
No, you are only allowed to study one full-time degree at any one time.

12. Can I study on my social visit/ tourist visa?
No, this is not permitted. International students are only permitted to study full time courses in Malaysia with a valid student pass issued by Immigration.

13. Can I change my mind and transfer to another educational institution?
If you wish to withdraw from your course/program in your present college/university and to transfer to another approved educational institution in Malaysia, a release letter from the current college/university and an offer letter from the new college/university are required to support your application for a new student pass sponsored by the new college/university. Your current college/university will arrange for your existing pass to be cancelled or shortened prior to the issuance of the release letter. The student pass is not transferable.

14. What are the living expenses for international students?
Cost of living in Malaysia will depend on location and your life style choices. The cost of living in Kuantan, Pahang is relatively moderate which is around USD5,000 – USD 6,000 per year including food an lodging. Below is a model of an average living cost in Malaysia:

1. Do I need an entry visa to Malaysia?
A visa is required to gain entry into Malaysia. All international students who wish to study in Malaysia must apply for the endorsed visa with reference of student pass (VDR) at the nearest Malaysian Embassy/ Mission abroad.

2. How does one get an entry visa into Malaysia?
To get VDR with Reference of the Student Pass, the student must apply the Visa Approval Letter (VAL) at the International Office upon receiving the UMP offer letter. You are required to visit the nearest Malaysian Embassy/Mission in your home country along with your offer letter from the Malaysian educational institution, the Visa Approval Letter issued by the Immigration Department of Malaysia, and all other relevant documents and/forms duly completed and payment as required by the Malaysian Embassy/Mission for the application of an entry visa.

3. How can I apply for the Visa Approval Letter (VAL)
The student must apply for the Visa Approval Letter (VAL) at the International Office upon receiving the UMP offer letter. The application can be made online through the ISIS system at http://io.ump.edu.my/. 

4. How long will it take me to get a Visa Approval Letter (VAL)?
It should take a minimum (of 14) working days up to a maximum (60) days upon receipt of a complete application and payment. UMP will submit your application to the Immigration Department for approval. 19. What are the documents required to apply for a student pass? To process the application completely, you are required to submit all the documents to us:
a) Copy of online form (ISIS)
b) Copy of the offer letter
c) Copy of ALL pages of passport certified in accordance with requirements
d) 2 passport size photograph with white or blue background (3.5cm x 5cm)
e) Original copy of Medical Health Examination Report (must be using UMP standard template form that is attached together with your offer letter)
f) Copy of Processing Fee Payment Proof, e.g payment receipt

5. When and how can I pay for my student pass application and processing fee?
You are required to pay the processing fee upon your online application being made. A processing fee of MYR 100 (USD 30) will be charged for every application submitted. You can make a payment via Telegraphic Transfer / Wire Transfer at any bank nearby by using this detail:
Payment made to:
Bank Name : Malayan Banking Berhad
Bank Acct Name (PAYABLE to) : Bendahari UMP
Bank Add : Cawangan Pekan 96, Jalan Sultan Abdullah 26600 Pekan Pahang Darul Makmur
Tel :09-4228903
Fax:09-4228901
SWIFT Code : MBBEMYKL
Bank Acc No : 5562 3530 1457
Other fee-related visa applications will be collected during your registration day at UMP.

6. What is a student pass?
A student pass is a multiple entry visa and permission to remain in Malaysia for the purposes of study at an approved institution on an approved course.

7. What is the validity of a student pass?
The Department of Immigration normally issues Student Passes for a maximum of 12 months or if the course duration is less than 12 months the Pass will be given based on the duration of the course.

8. What is a Multiple Entry Visa (MEV)?
MEV is issued to allow you to make any number of journeys/entries into Malaysia.

9. Do I need to submit a security bond deposit in order to obtain a student pass?
Yes, you will be required to submit a personal bond. The Personal Bond fee is already included in your Tuition Fee.

10. How long does it take to obtain an entry visa (VDR) from the Malaysian Embassy/Mission?
This depends upon the Malaysian Embassy/Mission in your home country but should typically take not more than three 93) working days.

11. What do I need to pay for my student pass application?
This varies from country to country. Please click here to check.

12. How long does it take to process my student pass application?
It should take a minimum of fourteen (14) working days up to a maximum of sixty (60) days upon receipt of a complete application and payment. UMP will submit your application to the Immigration Department for approval. The duration process varies depending on your country of origin.

13. When do I get a student pass/sticker endorsed on to my passport?

1. What is medical screening?
Medical screening is a health check that comprises a general examination by the examining doctor, blood and urine tests and a chest X-ray examination. All international students who apply for a student pass MUST undergo a medical screening procedure at an authorized clinic/hospital in their hometown. Within seven (7) working days from the date of entry, they shall undergo a Malaysian Medical Screening at UMP Health Centre. If the result of your medical screening indicates that you are not fit to study in Malaysia, you are not allowed to register and are required to go back to your home country. The medical screening can only certify that you are suitable to remain in Malaysia if you go through certain medical treatments; all the treatment fees are at your own cost.

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 and to reduce the potential burden on the public health service in Malaysia. The Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) has laid down criteria for the assessment of the health condition of international students which must be complied with. The criteria does allow for students to appeal any negative or abnormal results.

3. What happens at the medical screening?
Blood and urine specimens will be taken from you at the clinic and if the panel clinic has no X-ray facility, you will be directed to proceed to an X-ray centre within the same day for a chest X-ray to be taken. The examining doctor at the panel clinic shall assess and conclude whether or not you are suitable to remain in Malaysia based on the MOHE criteria. If you are conditionally certified as suitable to remain in Malaysia provided you are agreeable to bear your own medical cost for ongoing medical treatment, you will be required to sign a letter of undertaking to be submitted to the International Office of UMP through the examining doctor. Failing to do so may result in your student pass being cancelled as you will need to return to your home country to seek medical treatment.

1. How can I cancel my student pass?
You will need to surrender your original passport to the International Office of UMP which will arrange for your pass cancellation with the Department of Immigration.

2. How long does it take to get my student pass shortened or canceled?
It should take approximately seven (7) to fourteen (14) working days upon receiving complete documents.

3. What must be done if I get a new passport?
You would need to get your student pass transferred to the new passport. Please contact the International Office of UMP to make the necessary arrangements for the transfer of your student pass.

4. What is the procedure for a student pass renewal?
A student pass renewal application must be submitted to the International Office of UMP no later than eight (8) weeks before the current pass expiry date. Kindly take note that you will need to undergo a Malaysian medical screening once in two (2) years within seven (7) working days from the submission of the renewal application.

5. What is the validity period of my student pass?
The validity of a student pass is either twelve (12) months or within the duration of the course/program, whichever is shorter.

6. Can I convert my social pass into a student pass?
The immigration department does not allow the conversion from social pass to student pass for new applications anymore. However, for renewal cases, Immigration will allow the conversion as long as the duration granted in the old student pass expiry date doesn't exceed 3 months.

7. How long does it take to renew my student pass?
It should take a minimum of fourteen (14) working days and up to a maximum (60 ) working days upon receipt of a complete application and payment, provided all the requirements are met within the stipulated timelines, including the Malaysian medical screening requirement. The duration process varies depending on your country of origin.

8. At the end of my degree, can I apply for admission into another educational institution for another degree program?
Yes, you can. However, your current student pass would need to be canceled by the Immigration Department of Malaysia. A release letter from the existing educational institution and an offer letter from the educational institution would have to be submitted to process a new student pass application. You will then have to regard this application as a new application for study in Malaysia and make the appropriate application through the new educational institution. If your new application is within six (6) months of your previous application, you will not need to obtain a fresh Malaysian medical screening report. To avoid confusion, your existing Malaysian medical screening report shall not be dated more than six (6) months from the date of your new application.

1. Can I bring my dependants with me?
For Postgraduate Students, you are allowed to bring your dependants only if you are studying full time in Malaysia on a course/program that is more than twelve (12) months, at the discretion of the Immigration Department of Malaysia. For Undergraduate Students, please contact the International Office of UMP for more details.

2. Who can be my dependants?
Your parents/guardians, spouse, and children can be your dependants.

3. How can I apply for a dependant pass?
Dependant passes shall be applied through the International Office of UMP.

1. How many times a student can change the institution or course?
A student is allowed to change university or course twice. However, if the student applies for a change of university more than twice, the application will be rejected.

2. What is the procedure if a student with an approved Visa Approval Letter (VAL) wants to change institution?
The student needs to obtain a release letter from the previous institution as well as an offer letter from the new institution.