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

Studying abroad can definitely make a dent in your pocket and can be a financial challenge for the whole family. While you are excited to study aboard and do new things, financial constraints can puncture all the fun. Working while studying could be a big help, provided you know all the rule.

If you are planning to work in Malaysia while you are studying, then you must know and understand the working conditions and the general eligibility criteria specific to Malaysia.

Till a certain time period, the Malaysian Government does not allow international students to work. So it will be best if you do not make this as your sole financial source. The money you earn from working part-time can at best be a supplement income.

Also Read: Cost of Living for International Students in Malaysia

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, 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

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 US$500; visa 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.