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Student Visa / Pass Application Policy & Procedure

1. Under requirement of Section 8(3)(b), the Immigration Act 1959/63 (Amended 2002); foreign students are required to undergo a medical check-up at own country before entering the State of Sarawak. The medical check-up must be done at Government General Hospital or Specialist Institution recognised by the Government.

2. Upon arrival in Sarawak, students are required to undergo another medical check-up. A student can only remain in Malaysia subject to 'medical clearance' from an approved local medical practitioner.

3. International students from other institutions of higher learning within Malaysia are allowed to transfer directly from one institution to another. Students do not have to leave Malaysia provided that their current pass is still valid. Before applying for new student pas through the new college/university where they intend to study, they need to curtail the current pass and obtain a "Letter of Release". However, these students are later required to pay RM500.00 for a 'Journey Performed' (JP) visa and visa fee before the new student Pass is endorsed.

4. Students from Indonesia, Philippines, Korea & Thailand are permitted to enter Malaysia under 'Social Pass' prior to Student Pass approval. However, these students are later required to pay RM500 for a 'Journey Performed' (JP) Visa before the Student Pass is endorsed.

5. Students from following countries do not require visa for their initial entry into Malaysia but need to apply for Student Pass PRIOR to their departure:

- Liechtenstein, Netherlands, Switzerland, St. Marino, Singapore, Brunei

- All Commonwealth countries (EXCEPT India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nigeria)

6. All other nationalities (apart from above-mentioned) MUST apply by submitting the Approval Letter from Sarawak State Immigration Department to Malaysian High Commission / Embassy in their country of origin or the nearest Malaysian Embassy for 'Single Entry Visa' prior to entering Malaysia as a student. Those entering Malaysia under 'Social Pass' or 'Social Visit Visa' will NOT be permitted to switch to Student Pass while in Malaysia.

7. Under the Immigration Act & Curtin's Policy, students wishing to study in Sarawak MUST follow the following procedures in order to obtain 'Student Pass':

- Submit Application for Admission to Curtin, providing all relevant supporting documents.

- Upon approval, a Letter of Offer & Student Pass application forms are issued to the prospective student. The student then proceeds to have a medical examination in his/her country of origin.

- The medical clearance (medical report should be in English) together with completed Student Pass application forms and Acceptance of Offer is then sent to Curtin. Curtin commences Student Pass application only when tuition & other fees (as indicated in Letter of Offer) are fully paid.

- Sarawak State Immigration Department will approve or reject Student Pass applications usually within ONE month (Curtin will be notified of the outcome of the applications).

- Upon approval, a letter from the Sarawak State Immigration Department (addressed to Malaysian High Commission / Embassy) will be forwarded to the prospective student.

- The prospective student then submit the letter and his/her passport to the Malaysian High Commission / Embassy in his/her country of origin for 'Single Entry Visa' endorsement.

- Upon endorsement, the prospective student can then enter Malaysia as a student under a 'Special Pass' which normally permits him/her to stay for a period of 2 to 4 weeks. During this time, the student must proceed to get another medical clearance from an approved medical practitioner in Malaysia.

- Once the student is determined to be clear of any contagious / communicable / dreaded diseases, the medical practitioner will provide a supporting medical report to recommend the student to remain in Malaysia as a student.

- Curtin will submit the medical report and the students passport to the Sarawak State Immigration Department for immediate endorsement of Student Pass with a 'Multiple Entry Visa'.

8. All international students are not allowed to work while they are currently holding Curtin University of Technology's Student Pass.