Post-Study Work Visa Options for International Students in Malaysia (2025 Update)

Can international students work in Malaysia after graduation?

Yes, you can! Malaysia now offers post-study work visa options like the Graduate Pass, giving international graduates the chance to stay up to 12 months to work, intern, or explore job opportunities after completing their studies. 

With over 130,000 international students choosing to study in Malaysia, this move under Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) reflects the country’s growing focus on talent retention and employability.

If you’re wondering how to stay and work in Malaysia after graduation, this guide breaks down everything, from Graduate Pass eligibility to work visa requirements — to help you plan your next step.

What is the Graduate Pass for international students in Malaysia?

If you’re wondering about graduate pass in Malaysia, here’s the low-down in simple terms.

The Graduate Pass (officially the Social Visit Pass – Graduate) lets international degree-holders from Malaysian universities stay in Malaysia for up to 12 months after graduation.

During those 12 months you can use it to job-search, intern, volunteer or even continue studies. It’s part of the post-study work visa Malaysia ecosystem.

It’s issued by Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) together with the Immigration Department of Malaysia — all under Malaysia’s broader move to boost international talent and offer a practical post-study work visa in Malaysia. 

Who can apply for the Graduate Pass in Malaysia?

If you’ve just finished your studies and want to stay back to explore job opportunities, the Graduate Pass is your go-to post-study visa option in Malaysia. 

Here’s everything you need to know; explained simply and clearly.

Graduate Pass Eligibility Requirements (2025)

To apply for the Graduate Pass, international students must meet the following requirements:

• You must have completed a Bachelor’s degree or higher (Master’s or PhD) in Malaysia.
• The qualification must be from a public or private university approved by EMGS (Education Malaysia Global Services).
• Your passport must be valid for at least 18 months at the time of application.
• You must hold a valid Student Pass when applying.
• A letter of completion from your university confirming your graduation is required.
• You must maintain an active health insurance policy for the full duration of the Graduate Pass.
• You need a Malaysian citizen sponsor with a minimum salary of RM 1,500 per month, who will provide a personal bond.
• Applicants must not have any legal convictions in Malaysia.

Eligible Nationalities for the Graduate Pass Malaysia (2025) 

How to Apply for the Graduate Pass 

Here’s a simple, step‑by‑step guide to apply for the Graduate Pass in Malaysia (also called the post‑study work visa Malaysia) via Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS). 
Use this to avoid confusion and ensure you cover all requirements.

Step‑by‑Step Process

1. Visit the official portal: Head to visa.educationmalaysia.gov.my/graduate‑pass and log in or create your account.

2. Prepare your documents: You’ll need the following:

→ Passport bio‑data page (must be valid for at least 18 months).

→ Valid Student Pass.

→ Proof of graduation (degree completion letter or institution release letter).

→ Health insurance covering the full 12‑month Graduate Pass period.

→ Recent passport‑size photo (white background).

→ Personal bond and sponsor documents:

• A Malaysian citizen sponsor with monthly income of at least RM 1,500.
• Sponsor’s payslips, NRIC copy, sponsor declaration letter, stamp by authorised official.

3. Pay the processing fee: Submit required fee (typically around RM 300–400, but check latest) to EMGS for your Graduate Pass application.

4. Submit your application and wait: After submission, EMGS processes your documentation. Once approved by the Immigration Department of Malaysia, you will receive a notification.

5. Receive your Graduate Pass: Once approved, you’ll collect your Graduate Pass that allows you to stay in Malaysia for up to 12 months.

Can I work in Malaysia with the Graduate Pass?

The answer is yes, but with some conditions. The Graduate Pass is designed as a post-study work visa Malaysia that helps international graduates transition smoothly from studies to work after completing their programs at universities in Malaysia.

✅ What You Can Do With the Graduate Pass

• Internships & Volunteering: You can join internships or volunteer programs to gain experience while job hunting.
• Short-Term Work: You are allowed to work in certain roles, often entry-level or temporary positions.
• Travel & Further Study: You can also travel within Malaysia or continue studies during the Graduate Pass period.

⚠️ Important Notes

• For long-term employment, most employers require you to convert your Graduate Pass to an Employment Pass (EP) once you secure a full-time job.
• The Graduate Pass is valid for up to 12 months, giving you a window to find suitable work.

This means the Graduate Pass work rights in Malaysia give flexibility, but planning early is key for a smooth transition to full-time employment.

How to stay in Malaysia after the Graduate Pass expires?

If you’ve used your Graduate Pass and want to continue working or living in Malaysia, here are the main visa options and what you need to know. This is part of the Malaysia post‑graduate employment visa pathway for international graduates.

✅ Main Work Visa Options

1. Employment Pass (EP): For skilled professionals who secure full‑time employment in Malaysia. It allows you to stay and work long‑term (up to 5 years).

2. Professional Visit Pass (PVP): Suitable for short‑term work, training or assignments (often up to 12 months) rather than full employment.

3. Temporary Employment Pass (TEP): Designed for semi‑skilled or restricted sector roles. It’s more limited and less ideal for long‑term stay.

Key Things to Know

The employer must sponsor your new work visa (for EP, PVP, or TEP).

For EP: salary thresholds apply — for example:

• Category I: at least RM 10,000/month for up to 5 years.
• Category II: around RM 5,000–9,999/month for up to 2 years.
• There is also a Category III, but this is very limited.

Your role must meet certain skills, experience or qualification requirements.

Long-Term Career Path: Residence Pass–Talent (RP-T) 

If you’re looking to stay in Malaysia long‑term, the RP‑T (Residence Pass–Talent) is a major option. Here’s what it offers and the eligibility you’ll need.

What is RP‑T?

The RP‑T is a 10‑year renewable visa aimed at highly skilled foreign professionals who want to live and work in Malaysia for the long haul.

Unlike some work visas, it gives you greater stability and flexibility: you can change employers without needing a new pass and your dependents can also benefit.

Key Eligibility Requirements

To apply for RP‑T you’ll need to meet all (or most) of the following:

• You must have worked in Malaysia for at least 3 consecutive years under a valid work pass (such as an Employment Pass).
• You must currently hold (at time of application) a valid Employment Pass with more than 3 months validity.
• Your basic salary must be RM 15,000 or more per month (excluding allowances/bonuses).
• You must have a Malaysian income tax file number and have paid income tax for at least 2 years.
• You must hold at least a Bachelor’s degree, Diploma or recognised professional/competency certificate from a recognised institution. 
• You must have at least 5 years total work experience.

Common Challenges for International Graduates 

While Malaysia offers attractive post-study work visa Malaysia options like the Graduate Pass and Employment Pass, international graduates often face some hurdles. 

Limited Eligible Nationalities

Not all countries are eligible for the Graduate Pass. Applicants from some regions (e.g., India and China) require additional approvals and documents, making the process more selective.

Employer Reluctance to Sponsor

Many companies prefer hiring local talent. Securing an Employment Pass Malaysia requires an employer willing to sponsor your work visa, which can be a barrier for some graduates.

Salary and Experience Requirements

For long-term work visas like the Employment Pass, minimum monthly salaries (RM 5,000–10,000) and relevant work experience are mandatory. Not meeting these thresholds can limit opportunities.

Strict Documentation & Approval Process

Applications involve multiple documents: passport, Student Pass, graduation proof, health insurance, personal bond, sponsor letters, and more. Incomplete or incorrect documents can cause delays or rejection.

How can international graduates find a job in Malaysia?

Landing a job in Malaysia as an international graduate may seem challenging, but with the right strategy, you can find a job in Malaysia after graduation and make the most of your Graduate Pass or post-study work visa Malaysia period.

1. Start Internships Early

Begin internships during your final year. It’s a great way to gain local work experience and make connections with Malaysian employers.

2. Build a Strong LinkedIn Profile

Optimize your profile to target Malaysian companies and recruiters. Highlight your skills, projects, and any internship experience.

3. Network Through Career Fairs and Alumni Groups

Attend university career fairs, EMGS career events, and alumni networking sessions. Many opportunities are shared through these channels before being advertised publicly.

4. Use Job Portals & EMGS Resources

Popular portals like JobStreet, LinkedIn Jobs, and Indeed Malaysia list opportunities for international graduates. EMGS also provides resources and job listings specifically for foreign students in Malaysia.

5. Apply Early for Graduate Pass

Ensure your Graduate Pass application is submitted before your Student Pass expires. Employers are more willing to hire candidates who already have a legal post-study work visa.

Wrap Up

Malaysia offers one of Southeast Asia’s most accessible post-study work pathways for international graduates. With the Graduate Pass Malaysia, you can stay up to 12 months after graduation to explore job opportunities, while benefiting from the country’s growing economy and talent-friendly policies.

If you’re planning your next steps, now is the perfect time to take action. Start your journey today to study and work in Malaysia with confidence!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I apply for a work visa without a job offer in Malaysia?

You can apply for a Graduate Pass Malaysia without a job offer to stay and search for work. However, an Employment Pass Malaysia requires a confirmed job offer from a Malaysian employer.

2. Is the Graduate Pass renewable?

No, the Graduate Pass Malaysia is valid for 12 months only and cannot be renewed. Graduates must switch to an Employment Pass or other work visa for long-term stay.

3. Can diploma graduates apply for the Graduate Pass?

Currently, only degree-level graduates (Bachelor’s and above) are eligible. Diploma holders are not eligible for the Graduate Pass in Malaysia.

4. How long does it take to get the Graduate Pass approved?

Approval usually takes 2–4 weeks, depending on EMGS processing times and completeness of submitted documents.

5. Can I bring my family under the Graduate Pass?

Dependents of the student are also eligible for the Dependent Graduate Pass with the same duration as the student under this post-study work visa Malaysia.