Malaysia departure checklist — EMGS eVAL to i-Kad

1. 1

   Get your unconditional offer letter

   Apply directly to the institution — public universities (Universiti Malaya, UPM, UKM, USM, UTM), respected private universities (Taylor's, Sunway, UCSI, APU, Multimedia University, HELP, INTI) or a branch campus (Monash Malaysia, Nottingham Malaysia, Heriot-Watt Malaysia, Xiamen Malaysia, Curtin Sarawak, Swinburne Sarawak) — and secure an unconditional offer before anything else can move forward.

2. 2

   Pay any required deposit and submit documents for the eVAL

   Your institution's international office submits your application to EMGS, which requires your passport, academic transcripts and certificates, passport photos, and a completed health declaration form.

3. 3

   Push for the eVAL application to be filed the same week you accept

   Because EMGS processing for Bangladeshi nationals runs 4–8 weeks and includes security screening, any delay in submission directly delays your visa and travel date.

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  Get academic certificates and transcripts attested

  This typically means attestation from your Education Board and then the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dhaka — confirm the exact chain your specific institution and EMGS require, since requirements can vary by case.

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  Use a licensed, university-appointed representative only

  Work only through a representative or agent formally appointed by your chosen institution — never an unofficial 'consultant' promising a shortcut through EMGS screening.

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  Keep both originals and certified copies

  You'll need originals for the visa endorsement in Dhaka and certified copies for enrolment and later i-Kad processing in Malaysia.

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  Start attestation the same week you accept your offer

  This process can take several weeks in Dhaka and should run alongside your institution's eVAL submission, not after it.

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  Show funds covering first-year tuition plus a realistic year of living costs

  Budget roughly RM 2,000–2,800/month for Kuala Lumpur or RM 1,500–2,200/month for Penang, Johor Bahru, Cyberjaya or Kuching, and verify the exact figure your institution and EMGS expect.

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  Avoid sudden large deposits shortly before applying

  EMGS and the High Commission both scrutinise funds that appear abruptly with no clear source — build a clean, explainable balance over time.

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  Document the source of sponsor funds

  If a parent or guardian is funding you, carry their income proof, business records, or property documents that explain how the money was earned.

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  Arrange the insurance EMGS coordinates or requires

  EMGS typically arranges or mandates a group medical insurance scheme for international students as part of the eVAL process — confirm whether this is bundled into your EMGS fee or purchased separately.

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  Passport with the single-entry visa endorsement

  Check the visa's validity window covers your planned arrival date.

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  Printed EMGS Visa Approval Letter (eVAL)

  Immigration officers at KLIA commonly ask to see the physical document, not just a digital copy.

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  Admission letter and proof of funds

  Originals plus copies, in case questioned at the border or during later i-Kad processing.

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  Attested academic certificates and transcripts

  Originals for enrolment verification at your institution.

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  Multiple passport photos

  Needed repeatedly for the i-Kad, university ID and other administrative steps — bring at least 6–8.

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  Light, tropical-weather clothing

  Malaysia's climate is hot and humid year-round, so skip heavy layers and use the baggage weight for other essentials.

Within 7 days of arriving in Malaysia, you must complete a post-arrival medical screening at an EMGS-approved clinic or hospital. This is separate from any pre-departure medical you may have done in Dhaka and is a mandatory step before your Student Pass sticker is issued. Your institution's international office will usually direct you to the approved clinic and help schedule the appointment — confirm this with them before you even land, so you're not scrambling to find a clinic in your first week.

1. 1

   Student Pass sticker endorsement

   After your medical screening clears, the Immigration Department endorses the Student Pass sticker in your passport, formally converting your entry visa into your study authorisation.

2. 2

   i-Kad issuance

   The i-Kad is your international student identification card, issued alongside or shortly after the Student Pass — carry it at all times in Malaysia, as it functions similarly to a local ID for students.

3. 3

   Register your address with the university

   Your institution's international office typically handles or guides this step, tied to your hostel or rental address.

4. 4

   Open a Malaysian bank account

   Use Maybank, CIMB or Bank Islam with your Student Pass, i-Kad and a university confirmation letter.

5. 5

   Get a Touch 'n Go card and a local SIM

   Register a prepaid SIM (Hotlink, CelcomDigi, U Mobile or Yes) with your passport, as legally required, and set up Touch 'n Go for transport and payments.

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  Complete the EMGS medical within 7 days of landing

  Non-negotiable and time-boxed — don't delay even if you're still settling in.

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  Collect your Student Pass sticker and i-Kad

  Carry the i-Kad at all times; it's frequently checked in Malaysia.

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  Open a bank account

  Maybank, CIMB or Bank Islam, using your Student Pass, i-Kad and university letter.

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  Register a local SIM under your own passport

  This is a legal requirement in Malaysia, not just a convenience.

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  Set up Touch 'n Go for transport and everyday payments

  Widely used across Malaysia for tolls, transit and retail.

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  Confirm your accommodation and address registration with the university

  Keep this documentation, since it may be requested later for banking or visa renewal purposes.