Study in Malaysia: Are students allowed to work part-time?

Studying abroad is not cheap and handling money things can get really hard, mainly for international students. That’s when part-time jobs in Malaysia come to help and let students earn some money that supports their daily and study expenses. In this article, you will read in simple way about part-time job opportunities in Malaysia, who can do it, what are the eligibility rules, and few more important things you should know.

Studying abroad cost a lot and sometimes it’s hard for you or your family to handle money things. You feel happy to go study in another country but money issues can make it tough. Doing part time jobs in Malaysia help you earn little extra cash to pay for food, rent or travel.

Many international students in Malaysia always think can they work while studying or not. Yes, you can, Malaysia allow students to work part time, but only if you follow the rules and conditions. You should know them before you start any job. Candidates planning to study in Malaysia should know eligibility, working hours, and more.

Also Read: Cost of Living for International Students in Malaysia

Malaysia Opens New Post-Study Visa Option

You can visit Malaysia easier now. From December 1, 2023, they started new visa rules. The plan's called Visa Liberalization Plan and it have several changes.

• If you're from China or India, no visa needed for 30 days now. That's pretty convenient isn't it?
• Multiple Entry Visa lets you going in and out of Malaysia many times. Each visit can be 30 days long.
• Before, visitor visas was valid for three months only. Now they extended it to six months which is way better.
• The Graduate Pass is really important for students who studied there. Some people calls it Social Visit Pass too. When you finish your bachelor's degree or higher at Malaysian universities, you gets to stay one more year after graduating.

During that year? You can do lot of things. Continue studying if you want. Travel around the country. Even work part-time jobs.

But this Graduate Pass isn't for everyone - only students from 23 countries can get it. Countries like Australia, Canada, Germany and United States are included in the list. To apply for this pass you needs few things. Your passport should be valid for 18 months at least. Health insurance is required while your in Malaysia. Also, a local sponsor have to be found.

Why Malaysia doing all this? They wants to attract more international students to their country. By 2025, the goal is bringing 250,000 foreign students there. These new visa rules helps make Malaysia more attractive place for education.

Part-time working conditions for non-Malaysian students

International students are allowed to work part-time if they fulfil the following conditions:

• If you have the will to work, then you must have a valid ‘student pass'.
• International students should file an application for approval of part-time work.
• International students are allowed to work part-time during semester breaks, festive holidays or more than seven days of holiday for a maximum of 20 hours a week.
• International students are also allowed to work in restaurants, petrol kiosks, mini markets and hotels except in the following positions: cashier, singer, masseur, musician, Guest Relations Officer or any activity deemed to be immoral.
• International students looking to work part-time in Malaysia should submit a copy of their passport, address, contact number, and a letter from the prospective employer.

To be eligible for the part-time work, an application for the same must be forwarded by the representative of the Educational Institution, in the presence of the student at the Immigration Department Headquarters Malaysia. The respective university should also provide a supporting letter allowing the non-Malaysian student to work, and it should also include the dates of the semester break.

The Director-General of Immigration Malaysia has the right to approve or reject any Non-Malaysian student's application to work under section 9 (1) (a) Immigration Act 1959 / 1963 Amendment 2002.

After the approval of the application, students will be interviewed. The passport of a student whose application has been approved will be sanctioned accordingly. The extension of the work should only be given to students who maintain a good academic record.

Application Process for Approval from Authorities

International students looking to work part-time in Malaysia should have the following:

• A supporting letter stating a valid reason to work part-time in Malaysia
• A photocopy of their passport with all pages
• Contact address and number
• Offer letter from the employer including salary, working hours and position
• Academic Calander
• A supporting letter from the Dean or Head of School

Post-study work in Malaysia

Once you complete your studies, you do not need to apply for the work permit by yourself. At this stage, your prospective employer will apply on your behalf. You just need to wait for the "landing order" from the Immigration Department of Malaysia which will be forwarded to you by your employer. The actual cost should be less than USD 500 (INR 42 K); student visa Malaysia fee, levy, work permit fee & processing charges, medical screening depending on circumstances, and is paid for by your employer.

These procedures and guidelines go through changes based on various factors. It will be best to ask the relevant questions before you commit to working in Malaysia to avoid any kind of conflicts later.