Guide · Mont Royale International College
Student Pass for a diploma in Malaysia: the steps
How an international student gets a Malaysian Student Pass for a diploma: EMGS, the documents, the English test, the personal bond and the medical check.
An international student needs a Student Pass to study a diploma in Malaysia. Applications go through Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS), and EMGS says an online application can be submitted only after the college's offer letter arrives. It asks for a passport valid 18 months or more, the offer letter, a health declaration, academic records and an English test certificate, then a medical screening in Malaysia within 7 working days of arrival.
Key takeaways
- Student Pass applications in Malaysia go through Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS), a company limited by guarantee under the purview of the Ministry of Higher Education.
- EMGS says you can submit an online application only after you receive an offer letter from your college, and that your institution may ask you for the documents if it applies for you.
- The documents include a passport valid for 18 months or more, an offer letter, a health declaration form, academic records and an accepted English language certificate.
- Some nationalities also need a Single Entry Visa before entering Malaysia, and new international students must have a medical screening at a panel clinic within 7 working days of arrival.
- At Mont Royale, international applications are "subject to EMGS, the Malaysian Immigration Department and prevailing institutional approvals."
On this page9
Who handles a Student Pass application?
Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) handles Student Pass applications for international students. It describes itself as a company limited by guarantee under the purview of the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia. EMGS says that your institution may request the documents from you if you are applying through it, and that you only upload them yourself if you choose to make an online application.
EMGS adds that an online application can only be submitted once you have received a letter of acceptance or offer from your university or college. So the first step is always the college's offer.
What documents do you need?
EMGS lists these documents for a new Student Pass application:
| Document | What EMGS asks for |
|---|---|
| Photograph | 1 passport-size photograph with a white background (35 mm x 45 mm) |
| Passport copy | The bio-data page, all pages with visa information and the observation page; validity of 18 months and above |
| Offer letter | A copy of the offer letter from your college |
| Health Declaration Form | A completed copy of EMGS's form |
| Academic records | Copies of all academic records, certificates or transcripts of previous studies |
| English language certificate | A certificate from one of the tests EMGS accepts |
| Personal bond | Lodged with the institution, which signs a bond on your behalf for the Immigration Department |
EMGS also lists extra documents for some nationalities. Students from Libya, Iran, Iraq, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen must provide a copy of all passport pages; students from Sudan need a No-Objection Certificate and students from Iran a Letter of Eligibility, both applied for by the institution.
Which English tests does EMGS accept?
EMGS says that when you apply for a Visa Approval Letter (VAL), you must show an acceptable level of English and upload the certificate. The tests it lists include MUET, IELTS, TOEFL iBT, TOEFL Essentials, PTE Academic, the Cambridge English B1 Preliminary, B2 First, C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency, Linguaskill, the Occupational English Test, and the ELS Certified Intensive English Programme level. EMGS warns that without the certificate, processing may be delayed and you will not be eligible for a Student Pass for the full duration of your course.
What is the personal bond?
EMGS explains that the Immigration Department requires every education institution in Malaysia to sign a personal bond on behalf of the student, so the institution asks you to lodge a specified amount. EMGS says the money is returned when you complete or withdraw from your studies, on condition that no provision of Malaysia's immigration laws has been violated. The amount depends on your country; EMGS publishes it by country, so ask your college for the figure that applies to you.
Do you need a visa to enter Malaysia?
That depends on your nationality. EMGS keeps a list of countries whose citizens need a Single Entry Visa (SEV) before entering Malaysia, and says the list may change without notice based on the Immigration Department's requirements. Check the current list on EMGS's site before you book travel.
If you come from a country at high risk of yellow fever, EMGS says you must have the vaccinations before coming and may be asked for your yellow fever vaccination card before you clear Immigration.
What happens after you arrive?
EMGS says new international students must attend a medical screening at a panel clinic in Malaysia within 7 working days of arriving. It warns that it cannot start the Student Pass endorsement if you miss the screening. The personal bond form can also be submitted after you arrive, for the Student Pass endorsement.
How does international admission work at Mont Royale?
Mont Royale International College sets out five steps for international applicants, in its own words:
- Programme Selection: "Select your preferred programme and submit your academic background."
- Preliminary Assessment: "Provide relevant academic qualifications and documentation."
- Application Requirements: "Receive information on documentation, fees and applicable procedures."
- Student Pass Processing: "Where applicable, international student applications are subject to EMGS, the Malaysian Immigration Department and prevailing institutional approvals."
- Registration and Arrival: "Applicants who receive the relevant approvals can proceed with the appropriate enrolment and arrival arrangements."
International admissions enquiries go to international@montroyale.edu.my. The college's programmes are on the courses page, and the admission steps are on admissions.
Frequently asked questions
Who issues the Student Pass for international students in Malaysia?
Applications go through Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS), which works under the purview of the Ministry of Higher Education. EMGS says the Immigration Department sets requirements such as the personal bond and the Single Entry Visa list.
Can I apply for a Student Pass before I have an offer letter?
No. EMGS says you can fill out and submit an online application only after you receive a letter of acceptance or offer from your university or college.
How long must my passport be valid?
EMGS says passport validity must be 18 months and above. For a one-off Student Pass application, it recommends validity 12 months longer than the course.
Do I need an English test for a Student Pass?
Yes. EMGS says you must show an acceptable level of English when you apply for a Visa Approval Letter, with a certificate from a test it accepts, such as MUET, IELTS, TOEFL iBT or PTE Academic.
Do I need a medical check?
Yes. EMGS says new international students must attend a medical screening at a panel clinic in Malaysia within 7 working days of arriving.
Sources
- Education Malaysia Global Services, Required Documents.
- Education Malaysia Global Services, Medical Screening.
- Education Malaysia Global Services, SEV Required Countries.
- Mont Royale International College, international admissions (web content, October 2026).
Related reading
Every programme is on Programmes; the eight diplomas side by side on Compare Our Diplomas.