Visa and Immigration
CANCELLATION / SHORTEN OF PASS / CHECK OUT MEMO OF STUDENT PASS
Students are required to cancel their student pass due to the conditions below:
- Completion of Studies: Upon approval for graduation in a Senate Meeting.
- Withdrawal: Voluntary discontinuation of studies.
- Termination or Dismissal: In cases where the university terminates or dismisses a student.
- Change in Study Mode: Switching from full-time to part-time studies.
- Course Change at the Same Level: Transitioning to another course within the same academic level.
- Change to other type of Pass: Dependent/Employment Pass
Procedure for Cancellation:
Students must be physically present in Malaysia to initiate the cancellation process, as it requires submission of original documents to the Malaysia Immigration Department. The necessary documents include:
- Original passport.
- Flight ticket to the home country (recommended departure date at least two weeks after submission but within one month).
- Proof of clearance from relevant university departments (e.g., Finance, Admission, Library, School, etc.).
- Admission offer letter from another institution in Malaysia (if applicable).
- Job offers letters (for postgraduate students changing from full-time to
part-time status).
Additional Considerations:
- Ensure there are no outstanding financial obligations with the university.
- Graduating students must confirm their inclusion in the Senate Meeting for graduation approval.
- It’s advisable to consult with the International Student Office before purchasing flight tickets.
- For graduating students, academic certificates may be withheld pending International Student Office approval.
- Proper cancellation of the Student Pass ensures that the student’s records are cleared from the Malaysian Immigration system. The Malaysia Immigration Department issues a Check Out Memo (COM) upon successful cancellation.
- Failure to cancel the Student Pass before leaving Malaysia can result in being blacklisted, affecting future entries into Malaysia and potential opportunities, such as further studies or employment within the country.
RENEWAL OF VISA
- Submission of passport must be at least 90 DAYS before visa expiry date.
- Submission less than 3 months before visa expiry date will be charged for a penalty of MYR 20 per day.
- For student pass renewal, you will need to provide the following:
- Full copy of passport pages (Detail page in color)
- A copy of Offer Letter
- Proof that the student has achieved a cumulative GPA of at least 2.00 and higher. (for Undergraduate/ Postgraduate (Coursework and Mix-mode)
- An updated Progress Report on your Research Progress (for Masters /PhD candidates only)
- Payment of Renewal Fees and Processing Fees of MYR 1,000 to finance department accounts
- Passport collection will be before students pass expiry date.
- DO NOT CONFIRM ANY TRAVEL ARRANGEMENT prior obtaining your passport from EMGS & Immigration Department Malaysia.
- You are to regularly check for Update of Passport Collection from the International Student Department.
TRANSFER OF ENDORSEMENT TO NEW PASSPORT
- If you renew or change your passport for any reason, please transfer your Student Pass (sticker) from the old passport to the new one immediately as the Student Pass will not be valid in the old passport, once you have obtained a new one.
- To transfer a sticker student pass to a new passport, you need to submit both your old and new passports to the relevant immigration office, where they will physically transfer the student pass sticker from the old passport to the new one
- This process is usually called a “transfer of endorsement” and requires you to present both passports along to the International Student Office.
- Prepare documents:
- Old passport with the current visa/student pass
- New passport (valid for at least 18 months)
- Copy of all pages of both passports
- Payment receipt for sticker transfer fees. (A payment of MYR 100 is applicable and must be made to the respective banks (refer to the Bursary Department at financecollection@must.edu.my).
DEFERMENT OF STUDIES
International students facing medical issues, financial difficulties, or personal challenges may apply for a deferment during their studies. Below are the key guidelines:
- Deferment Eligibility and Process
- Students are allowed to defer their studies for ONE (1) semester at a time.
- Deferment can only be applied twice during the duration of the programme, but not consecutively.
- Before applying, students must seek advice from the HOP or School Administration.
- The Deferment Form must be completed and approved by the School’s Dean.
- Students must clear all outstanding tuition fees before submitting a deferment request
- Required Documents for Deferment
- A confirmed return flight ticket must be attached to the deferment form.
- For medical deferment, a medical report from a certified practitioner is required.
- Upon arrival in the home country, students must provide a scanned copy of their exit stamp page.
- It is compulsory to inform the International Students Office regarding the deferment for International Students Office record-keeping.
- Immigration and Student Pass Regulations
- International students with a valid student pass CANNOT stay in Malaysia during the deferment period, in accordance with Immigration Malaysia laws. (Student Pass – Malaysian Immigration Department)
- Failure to return and register for the following semester will result in the student being classified as Missing in Action (MIA).
TRANSFER PROGRAMME WITHIN MUST
Students studying in Malaysia are permitted to change their course within MUST, provided they meet specific conditions. This process ensures compliance with Malaysian immigration regulations while allowing students to pursue a different academic path.
- Conditions for Changing Courses
- Support Letter from EMGS (if applicable)
- Shortening of the Current Student Pass
- Issuance of a Special Pass
- A program transfer can be requested by students, provided they have registered for their original study program. Students are eligible to apply for a program transfer at the beginning of the semester, but no later than the second week of lecture.
- The new course should ideally be at the same academic level or a progression (e.g., from diploma to degree) to increase the chances of approval.
- Students may apply for credit transfer/exemption for courses relevant to the new program, subject to the Credit Transfer and Exemption Guidelines (Student General Handbook).
- Students are only allowed to change their study program twice throughout their studies at the University, upon the Senate approval.
- If the new program is significantly different from the original course, additional justifications may be required by EMGS and the Immigration Department.
- Students should initiate the process well in advance to avoid visa complications or delays in their studies.
- It is essential to follow the university’s internal academic transfer policies alongside immigration procedures.
Prepare for Your Arrival
As you prepare to join us at MUST, gather all the essential info you’ll need. Check out our helpful checklist for local tips and important contacts. We want your journey to be as smooth as possible!
Essential Contacts
If you need assistance, our International Office is here to help! Below are some important contacts to guide your arrival:
International Office: intloffice@must.edu.my | +601169338876
Accommodation Queries: hostel@must.edu.my | +603 6150 8177
