Malaysia is no stranger to international students. Unesco has reported the country has played host to over 120,000 international students, with the majority coming from Bangladesh, China, Nigeria, and Indonesia.
Malaysian students, on the other hand, have gone to the UK, Australia, the US and Egypt to pursue higher education.
But the Covid-19 pandemic affected pretty much every sector worldwide and scuppered the dreams of many to study abroad.
Travel bans were issued and most countries closed their borders, including Malaysia. Classes were postponed indefinitely in Malaysia from March.
But on June 19, the Malaysian government had some good news for foreign students studying in Malaysia.
Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced that international students currently enrolled in public and private institutions of higher learning and international schools could return to the country, provided they observed the SOPs.
But what does this mean for new foreign students planning to study in Malaysia? Can they still apply? What is the procedure? And what about their health and safety if they wish to study here?
Can new foreign students still apply to study in Malaysia?
Most public and private universities are accepting students, so those interested in studying here should go ahead and apply.
What about the visa application?
Before entry into Malaysia, a Visa Approval Letter (VAL) is required. New applications for a VAL or an Electronic Visa Approval Letter (eVAL) are processed via Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS).
However, getting the VAL approved takes time and the Immigration Department of Malaysia has stopped the approval process until further directions from the government.
I was offered a place and have enrolled for the semester to attend online classes. Is a visa still required?
Online classes or not, a visa application must be made. It is a mandatory requirement for all international students to obtain a student pass (visa) before enrolling in any education institution in Malaysia.
Obviously, the situation at the moment bars international students from entering the country, but the institution must ensure an application has been submitted and processed up to the point that it is ready for submission to the Immigration Department for eVAL approval.
Without a visa, a student would not fulfil the entry requirements to pursue the intended course.
If the approval process takes too long and the enrollment date is missed, what happens?
Under these circumstances, most educational institutions would be understanding. They might allow enrolment in the next intake due to unavoidable circumstances.
What can be expected once physically attending classes is possible in Malaysia?
Just follow the SOPs. Students coming in from countries categorised as green zones need not be quarantined while those from red zone countries (as determined by the federal government) must undergo a 14-day quarantine process.
Green zone countries include Singapore, Brunei, New Zealand and Australia.
Keep in mind that SOPs may change from time to time, so always keep up to date.
What about safety and health? What can the Malaysian government guarantee?
Malaysia has a good reputation for its continual investment in healthcare, resulting in medical technology and services being one of its best exports. This has placed the country at the forefront of medical tourism.
EMGS insurance/takaful providers (AXA, AIA and Hong Leong MSIG Takaful) are also extending their coverage of foreign students to cover treatments and hospital admissions related to confirmed Covid-19 cases in Malaysia.
The current situation is ambiguous, but there is no harm in wishing to pursue the dream to study.
Studying abroad provides an opportunity to experience different cultures, learn different languages and make connections that can last a lifetime. Malaysia, especially, is a wonderful country to pursue higher education.
Afterschool.my provides information on higher education including courses, institutions, scholarships, careers as well as other higher education related topics in Malaysia.