Post Study Work Permit In Malaysia
Dear Anna, What are the main eligibility criteria and procedure to apply for a Post Study Work Permit in Malaysia?
Are you struggling to find the best job opportunity in Malaysia? Are you looking for a good job that guarantees your livelihood after graduation? If your answer is yes, then the only option left for you is the post study work permit in Malaysia. Now, you might be thinking that there are many opportunities waiting for you if you look for an internship or co-op. But this will not guarantee your livelihood after graduation. The post study work permits in Malaysia are specifically meant for students who have graduated from foreign countries with a bachelor’s degree and want to stay on to pursue higher education until gaining employment in Malaysia.
Malaysia requires you to show that you can support yourself financially before coming here. However, once you have your degree, you will be granted a Post Study Work Permit or a PSWP or popularly known as the Employment Pass. A Post Study Work Permit is a work permit for graduates with a Malaysian Qualification from any country who wishes to work in Malaysia for at least 12 months after graduation. If you are around the same age as me and graduating next year, this article is for you.
Post Study Work Permit In Malaysia
The Malaysian government had announced that courses offered by top universities will qualify for the post-study work permit. If you are pursuing a course of study in Malaysia, you can apply for the post-study work permit and stay on to look for a job. The duration of the post-study work permit varies from one to two years and will be valid from the date the student gets their graduation certificate from their respective educational endowment or accreditation board in Malaysia.
Malaysia is a multi-ethnic and multi-religious country in Southeast Asia. The nation is known for its capital city of Kuala Lumpur, a financial powerhouse and business hub in Southeast Asia.
The nation showcases a rich culture with a mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian and European influences.
Malaysia is relatively peaceful and has a stable economy with a good infrastructure such as a world-class airport, an extensive road network and sound financial institutions. The country has successfully diversified its economy from agriculture and commodity-based to solid manufacturing and service sectors.
Although English is not the main language, it is widely spoken especially in urban and city centres. This would greatly help foreign nationals settle in their new environment. The latest data shows that the country hosts around 2.1 million documented foreign workers.
International students graduating from a Malaysian higher institution can only stay and live in the country if they can find an employer willing to sponsor their work permit so they can legally work in the country. This means that the student visa will not be automatically extended and foreign students will need to leave Malaysia after graduation unless they land a job offer.
To protect the local workforce, there are policies in place that mandate Malaysian citizens be given first priority in job vacancies. However, all hope is not lost as certain jobs and sectors are open for international graduates especially in international companies.
You can see a list of industries foreign nationals are not permitted to participate in on the Malaysia Business Advisory website.
Malaysia is just one of many countries offering post-study options for international students. If Malaysia is not for you, you can check our other blog posts to see more options for you after completing your studies in the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, or other countries in Asia!
Now, let’s explore your work permit and visa options after you graduate from a Malaysian higher institution!
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- Post Study Work Options: How to Get a Work Visa in Denmark After Your Studies
- Post Study Work Options: How to Get a Work Visa for Malta After Your Studies
Work Permits
As a foreign student, you will also have to make sure your passport is valid for at least 18 months in order to be eligible for a work visa. Your Malaysian work permit will vary depending on the role, salary, and job contract.
The three types of Malaysian work permits are:
- Employment Pass (EP)
- Visitor’s Pass (Temporary Employment Pass)
- Professional Visit Pass
Read on to see which one you might be able to qualify for.
Employment Pass (EP)
This is the most common pass for those who have been offered an extended job contract of over 2 years with a Malaysian company, with a monthly salary of RM 5,000. Depending on the category, you may be able to bring your immediate family with you.
The Employment Pass is typically offered for skilled workers, professionals and those in management roles. The Expatriate Committee (EC) will have to confirm that a foreign national from another country can take the role over someone from Malaysia.
To be eligible for the permit, you need to meet the following conditions:
- Degree and above, with at least 3 years experience in the relevant field
- Diploma, with at least 5 years experience in the relevant field
- Technical Certificate or equivalent, with at least 7 years experience in the relevant field
