Application Procedure

Step 1: Submit Application Form

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International students are recommended to submit their application forms at least 3 months before the actual starting date of any courses/programmes.

Download Application Form

Send your completed forms to the following address:

Attach the following documents with your application form:

• Photocopy of passport with validity of at least 12 months (Two sets of clear copy of the whole passport including ALL the blank pages)
• 8 (Eight) passport-sized photographs with light blue background (3.5 cm x 5 cm)
• 2 (Two) Certified true copies of all academic qualifications (in English Translation)
• 2 (Two) Certified true copies of English Language Proficiency (if applicable)
  1. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
  2. International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
• Release Letter and Attendance Record from your current institution (Only applicable for transferred Institute Students)

Step 2: Apply for Student Visa Approval Letter

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If your application is successful, we will issue to you the offer letter and invoice of fees payable. If you accept the offer, you are to sign your acceptance on the offer letter and make the neccesary payment as stated in the invoice. Signed offer letter and evidence of payment must be faxed or emailed to us. Having received these documents, we will submit your application for Student Visa Approval Letter to the Immigration Department on your behalf.

Step 3: Apply for Single Entry Visa

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After Student Visa Approval Letter (VAL) is issued by Immigration Department, we will courier it to you. You will bring it together with your passport to the nearest Malaysian Embassy/Consulate to obtain a Single Entry Visa Permit before entering Malaysia. At this stage, you can also start making your travel arrangements.

List of Coutries that require entry visa:

• Countries with Malaysia representative office
• Countries without Malaysia representative office

Step 4: Inform ISM before Arrival

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Inform us at least 5 days before your arrival date to Tawau for Airport Pickup and Hostel Accomodation (if applicable) arrangement.

Make sure you bring along the following documents:

• Original Passport with validity at least 12 months.
• Original High school certificates and transcripts.
• Original Visa Approval Letter (VAL) and Single Entry Visa (SEV) for nationals who require a visa to enter Malaysia.

Step 5: Arrive at Airport

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Please fill up the Disembarkation Card (Arrival Card), which will be provided by the airline or obtainable at the airport’s arrival hall. Upon arrival at Tawau Airport, you are required to proceed to the Immigration Office Student Waiting Area.

You are required to wait for an ISM representative to escort you through the Immigration checkout point for visa clearance. Please be reminded that Immigration will not release a student without the presence of an ISM representative.

Our ISM Representative will normally wear an ISM T-shirt and carry an ISM identification card.

Step 6: Check In to Accommodation

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If you have booked a hostel room, we will alight you at the hostel. An ISM staff will assist you with the check-in. If you are not staying in the hostel, please advise your desired drop-off point.

Step 7: Submit Passport to International Student Office

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You must report to ISM International Office upon arrival or the next working day during office hours (Mon - Fri, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm). You are to surrender your passport at the office for submission to the Immigration Department for conversion into a Student Pass. We will contact you to collect your passport once the Student Pass is approved.