International Student Intake by Educational Institution

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MOHA) supports the desire and efforts of the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) and Ministry of Education (MOE) in making Malaysia as the regional centre for educational excellence.

About 100,000 foreign students are targeted to study in this country by 2010. As such, MOHA shall always cooperate closely with both the Ministries in realising the aspiration.

The following are the guideline for the intake of international students:
Act and Rules

Rule 13 (5) Immigration Rules1963 outlines that:

a. An educational institution that wishes to recruit international students has to obtain the approval of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

b.Whereas for educational institution in Sabah and Sarawak the approval from the respective State Government is required.

MOHA shall process the application for international students intake based on the following criteria:

i.The registration of the Educational Institution is still valid;

ii.Meet the conditions as stipulated by the agency concerned;

iii.Courses have been certified by the National Accreditation Board (LAN);

iv.Has never contravene the Immigration Act 1959/63 and Immigration Rules 1963; and

v.Capable of providing facilities, teaching infrastructures and best learning process

vi.Based on the certification of the Government agency concerned; or

vii.Random visits by MOHA and Malaysia Immigration Department (JIM)

Decision shall be made known within 14 days after the receipt of the duly completed application by the MOHA.
Approval for international student intake by the Educational Institution can be withdrawn by MOHA at anytime if the Educational Institution is found to contravene the Immigration Act 1959/63 & Immigration Rules 1963 and other terms set. Upon approval by KDN for international students intake, the Educational Institution can apply for the Student Pass from Malaysia Immigration Department.