Triangle
Note: All Student Pass (visa) applications are processed by both the Immigration Department of Malaysia and Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS).

 

New students applying through EMGS

All international students must obtain a Student Pass (Visa) to study in Malaysia. Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) is a Company Limited by Guarantee (CLBG) under the purview of the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia (MoHE). EMGS acts as a one-stop centre mandated by MoHE to manage and facilitate all student pass applications.

The Immigration Department of Malaysia is the sole authority that approves, rejects, and issues Student Passes. Please note that the University of Nottingham Malaysia (UNM) does not have the authority to approve or reject visa applications. New international students have two options for applying for their Visa Approval Letter (VAL):

Option A: Applying via the UNM Visa Office   Option B: Applying directly to EMGS

While Option A is the preferred and more streamlined method, students who choose Option B may still contact the UNM Visa Office for assistance if needed.

Duration of Student Pass

All new student passes will be issued for the full duration of the student’s course, subject to the sole discretion of the Immigration Department of Malaysia. If your passport validity is insufficient, your student pass will only be issued for 12 months. 

Your passport must be valid for at least 18 months from your date of registration. However, it is highly recommended that your passport remains valid throughout the entire duration of your studies.

Medical Requirements Before VAL Application

All international students are exempted from a pre-arrival medical examination, as per the latest circular from the Ministry of Higher Education. However, students are required to complete and sign the ‘HEALTH DECLARATION FORM’ and submit it to the Visa Office as part of the eVAL application process.

Shortening/Cancellation of Student Pass (Visa)

All international students who:

  • Defer their studies
  • Withdraw from the University
  • Are terminated by the institution
  • Or have completed their course

…are required to shorten or cancel their Student Pass before leaving Malaysia.

Students must consult the Visa Office for guidance on the proper procedures. This requirement is in strict compliance with Malaysian Immigration Department guidelines, which prohibit students from leaving the country without completing the visa cancellation process.

The University will not be held responsible if a student fails to submit their passport for cancellation. If the Visa Office reports this to the Immigration Department, your passport may be blacklisted, resulting in future re-entry bans or visa denials. The University has no authority to reverse or influence this decision.

 


Getting started with your VAL application

All new international students must secure a Visa Approval Letter (VAL) before arriving in Malaysia. The application process can take up to three months so you are advised to submit your student pass application as early as possible to avoid any delays.

Information on visa document submission deadlines

Visa documents submission deadlines 2024 Submission Deadlines

February 2024 intake: 25 December 2023

  • All postgraguate taught programmes in the School of Politics, History and International Relations and part-time postgraduate taught programmes in the Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering and School of Media, Languages and Cultures.
  • Part-time MBA programmes in Nottingham University Business School.
  • Postgraduate taught programme in the Division of Organisational and Applied Psychology.
  • All postgraduate research programme (excluding the postgraduate research programme in the School of Economics).

April 2024 intake: 25 March 2024

  • All three-semester foundation programmes.
  • All postgraduate research programmes (excluding postgraduate research programmes in the School of Economics, School of English and Nottingham University Business School and Master of Research in the School of Psychology).

June 2024 intake: 13 May 2024

  • Part-time MBA programmes in Nottingham University Business School.

June 2024 intake: 29 April 2024

  • All postgraduate research programmes (excluding the postgraduate research programmes in the School of Economics, School of English and Nottingham University Business School and Master of Research in the School of Psychology). 

 September 2024 intake: 22 July 2024

  • All two-semester and three-semester foundation programmes.

September 2024 intake: 12 August 2024

  • All undergraduate programmes.
  • All postgraduate taught programmes in the School of Education.
  • MBA programme in Nottingham University Business School.
  • Postgraduate taught programmes in the Division of Organisational and Applied Psychology.
  • All postgraguate taught programmes (excluding postgraduate taught programmes in the School of Education, Division of Organisational and Applied Psychology and MBA programmes in Nottingham University Business School).
  • All postgraduate research programmes.

 September 2024 intake: 4 June 2024

  • Postgraduate research programme in the School of Economics (UK Starters).

*Students from Bangladesh, India, Nigeria and Pakistan are advised to submit their visa documents one month earlier to avoid delays in obtaining your Single Entry Visa (SEV).

*The above deadlines do not apply to mobility/ exchange students/ students from partner universities. Please refer to your International Office for more information on visa application deadlines or email to International.Support@nottingham.edu.my

 

 

Using the EMGS website

If you choose to apply for your electronic Visa Approval Letter (eVAL) directly through the EMGS website, please follow the steps below carefully:

1. Create an EMGS Account

Visit the EMGS website, and register for a new student account.

2. Create a Student Pass Application

You will be prompted to upload the following required documents:

  • Conditional or unconditional Offer Letter from the University of Nottingham Malaysia (UNM)
  • Passport data page (bio page)
  • Passport-sized photo (must meet EMGS photo specifications)
  • Official academic results (e.g. O-Level, A-Level, transcripts)
  • Completed Health Declaration Form

3. Visa Fee Payment via EMGS

The EMGS portal will automatically calculate your visa processing fees. You must make payment directly into EMGS’s designated bank account. A detailed payment instructions will be provided on the EMGS portal.

4. Application Number & Progress Tracking

After submission, EMGS will assign you an application number. You can track your application progress by logging in to your EMGS account.

5. Respond to Additional Document Requests

EMGS may request additional documents or clarifications. You are advised to promptly follow the instructions provided to avoid delays in your VAL processing.

6. Submit Documents to UNM Visa Office

You must also submit one full set of your documents to the UNM Visa Office, including:

  • Full scanned copy of all passport pages (follow Passport Attachment Guidelines)
  • All other documents submitted to EMGS
  • Visa deposit payment made via MyNottingham portal (RM2,000). The Visa Office will refund the deposit once you have completed your studies and submitted your passport for visa shortening or cancellation before returning home.
  • Completed Student Declaration Form

Important: If the Visa Office does not approve your application, your VAL process via EMGS will be halted and delayed.

Need more information? Refer to our guidelines below.

Find out more

 

 

Visa application checklist

Below is the VAL application checklist. Failure to submit any of these documents may result in an incomplete application that cannot be processed. VAL process can take up to five (5) to seven (7) weeks and at times may be slightly longer.

All documents should be sent via email to apply.visa@nottingham.edu.my.

Additional documents for residents of specific countries

  • Copy of yellow fever vaccination certificate/ card (for students coming from high risk countries).
  • No Objection Certificate (NOC) Only applicable for Sudanese students. The University will apply the NOC from the Sudanese embassy in Malaysia on your behalf.
  • Letter of Eligibility (LoE) Only applicable for Iranian and Omani students. The University will apply LoE on your behalf from these students at thier respective embassies in Kuala Lumpur.
  • With effect from 15th January 2024, Libyan students who wish to study in Private and Public education institutions in Malaysia are required to obtain a Letter of Eligibility (LoE) from the Academic Affairs of the Embassy of Libya-Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur. Student are required to apply directly through their embassy in Kuala Lumpur.
  • Any charges for processing NOC and LoE from the embassy will be borne by the student.
  • Information required in the verification report for academic certificates for students from the People's Republic of China MUST be submitted during the VAL application to EMGS.
  • The online verification report of the academic certificate can be obtained through the China Credentials Verification (CSSD) / Academic Degrees and Graduate Education Development Center (CDGDC) / Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange.



New students who are holding current active (valid) passes in Malaysia (transferring students/ dependant visa holders/ other elite passes) may have to submit additional documents. Please refer to Special Circumstances for further information.

Information on Visa Fees and Payment

The visa fee for students applying through EMGS varies depending on nationality and preferred insurance package. The EMGS visa fee includes the following:

  • EMGS and Immigration processing fee for the VAL and the Student Pass
  •  i-Kad fee
  • Medical insurance for one year (optional)
  • Post-medical check-up and x-ray
  • SST

The visa fee does not include:

  • UNM Visa Office service fee 

Payment of these fees can be made by:

a) CIMB Bank Berhad

Payee Name: The University of Nottingham in Malaysia Sdn Bhd
Bank account number: 8008306319
Bank Address: No. 17 Jalan Jelok 6, Metro Point, 43000 Kajang
Selangor Darul Ehsan

Swift code: CIBBMYKL

b) Affin Bank Berhad

Payee Name: The University of Nottingham in Malaysia Sdn Bhd
Bank Account number: 100260005567
Bank Address: LTAT Branch, Bangunan LTAT, Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur

Swift code: PHBMMYKL

Refund of visa fees

Visa fees are non-refundable once the VAL application has been submitted by the Visa Office to EMGS. Please contact the Visa Office if you would like to withdraw your VAL application, and you will be advised on your eligibility for a refund.

 

 

VAL application processing

Once you have submitted your documents, the Visa Office will send them to EMGS for processing. Once EMGS has vetted through your documents, your application will be sent to the Immigration department for approval and issuance of the VAL. The entire process can take around 5 to 7 weeks and at times may be slightly longer. You can track the status of your application by using the EMGS Track My Application feature.

EMGS and the University may request additional documents from you in this period, and delays in submitting the requested documents may affect your VAL issuance.

Due to the length of the application processing period, you are not advised to book your flight to Malaysia until your VAL has been approved and sent to you.


 

VAL receipt and SEV application

Once your VAL is approved by Immigration, you should do the following:

  • Wait for your VAL to be sent to you by the Visa Office or you can download thru EMGS website. It is advised not to book your flight to Malaysia prior to receiving your VAL.
  • Refer to the Immigration department's list of countries that require a Single Entry Visa (SEV)
    1. Refer to the Immigration Department's list of Commonwealth countries that DO NOT require a Single Entry Visa (SEV) to enter Malaysia.
    2. Refer to the Immigration Department's list of countries that DO NOT have Malaysian missions are allowed to enter Malaysia without SEV.
    3. Refer to the Immigration Department's list of countries that need Single Entry Visa (SEV) to enter Malaysia
  • Students who require an SEV will be required to visit their nearest Malaysian Embassy to apply for the SEV or apply via eVISA website.
  • Once your SEV is issued, you will be able to enter Malaysia. The SEV has a validity period of 30 days.


Arriving in Malaysia and post-arrival 

Once your VAL is approved by Immigration, you should do the following:

  • Wait for your VAL to be sent to you by the Visa Office or you can download thru EMGS website. It is advised not to book your flight to Malaysia prior to receiving your VAL and SEV.
  • Refer to the Immigration department's lists of countries that require a Single Entry Visa (SEV) to enter Malaysia.
  • Students who require an SEV will be required to visit their nearest Malaysian Embassy to apply for the SEV or apply via eVISA website; here 
  • Once your SEV is issued, you will be able to enter Malaysia. The SEV has a validity period of 30 days.

 

Arriving in Malaysia and post-arrival procedures

Upon arrival in Malaysia, you should do the following:

  • Present your original passport and your VAL/ SEV to the Immigration desk at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport to get your entry stamp (refer to the KLIA SOP for the right stamp received).
  • Report to the International Student Support Office and Visa Office on-campus the following working day after your arrival date.
  • You will receive further instructions on completing your post-medical check-up from our office.
  • After completing your post-medical check-up, you will submit your passport to the Visa Office for receiving the Student Pass endorsement sticker. Please note that you should not make travel plans until your passport has been returned to you. This process would take around 14-21 working days.
  • Once your passport has been endorsed and sent back to the Visa Office, you will be contacted via email to collect your passport.
  • Your i-Kad will be issued around 3-4 weeks after passport is endorsed with student pass.

*Please note that the VAL and SEV are NOT the Student Pass. Students are responsible for completing the post-medical processes in a timely manner. For assistance and enquiries, please contact the Visa Office at Apply.Visa@nottingham.edu.my at +603 8924 8075 or Hotline +603 8924 8088