Working While Studying in Malaysia: Requirement & Conditions

You have to obtain several essentials to be able to study abroad, such as a study visa and proof of your financial resources. This is important in order to make sure you can afford the costs of living and studying in the country. Moreover, you have to afford many costs to study in Malaysia. One of the most important questions asked by foreign students studying in Malaysia is about working while studying in Malaysia.

Can international students work in Malaysia while studying? In our article, we will discuss all the related aspects of working while studying in Malaysia.

Check also our articles about:

How to Get a Student Visa in Malaysia
Costs of Living and Studying in Malaysia

If you intend to be a working student in Malaysia, you have to know the conditions of working while studying in Malaysia.

Table of Contents

Part-Time Working Conditions while studying in Malaysia

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

You have to obtain a valid student pass;
Students should provide a copy of their passport, address, contact number, and a letter from the prospective employer;
You have to file an application for approval of part-time work, before starting to work;
Students can work 20 hours per week in Malaysia during semester breaks, festive holidays, or more than seven days of the holiday;
International students can also work in restaurants, petrol kiosks, mini markets, and hotels. Moreover, they are not allowed to work in the following positions: cashier, singer, masseur, musician, guest relations officer, or in any immoral activity.

Apply for a part-time work permit in Malaysia for international students

To be qualified for part-time work, students have to file an application to the representative of the educational institution.

They also must be present at the Immigration Department of Malaysia for the validation of the application.

Moreover, the respective university should submit a supporting letter allowing the foreign student to work. The letter should also include the dates of the semester.

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

After the approval of the application, an interview will be conducted with the student. The renewal of the job contract will be according to the student’s efficiency in work.

Opportunities and Salaries

The diversity of work opportunities and nature in Malaysia is according to the city you are studying in.

The bigger the city is, the more opportunities you will find. Furthermore, salaries in big cities are different from those in small cities.

Offered salaries are not very high. Normally, salaries reach MYR 150 per week.

This may cover minimal costs.

Students need strong financial support to study and live in Malaysia. They can not depend on the salaries they get from part-time work.

Working After Graduation in Malaysia

After finishing your university degree in Malaysia, you will not need to apply for a work permit by yourself.

Your employer will apply on your behalf. You just need to wait for the Immigration Department of Malaysia to send your permit to your employer.

The actual cost should be less than USD 500, including visa fees, taxes, work permit fees, processing fees, and medical screening. This cost is paid by your employer.