Malaysia Student Work Rights 2026

International students in Malaysia can work part-time on a valid student visa if they meet the conditions set by immigration. After graduation, they may apply for a post-study work visa to stay and seek employment.

Student life → Cost of living →

Students can work only with permission from the Malaysian immigration department. Part-time work is allowed during semester breaks and holiday periods, and it is typically limited to sectors such as hospitality, retail, and tutoring.

The main condition is that work must not interfere with studies. Students should keep their academic progress in mind before taking on any job while holding a Malaysia Student Visa.

After completing studies, international students may apply for a post-study work visa in Malaysia. This visa allows them to remain in the country to seek employment.

The post-study work rules can change, so eligibility and the application process should be checked with the relevant immigration authorities in Malaysia. This is the route for graduates who want to continue in the country after their course ends.

Universities in Malaysia

QS World #58 #1 in Malaysia Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory, Malaysia

Universiti Malaya

Public University — The University of Malaya is a public research university located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It is the oldest Malaysian institution of higher education, and was the only university in newly i...

MYR 24,000 – MYR 32,500/yrTuition (indicative)

1949Founded

22,000Students

5,000International

Admissions open

#58 QS World University Rankings 2026

#1 in Malaysia

View university → Add to compare

QS World #153 #5 in Malaysia Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

Public University — Universiti Teknologi Malaysia is a public university, established in 1975, located in Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia. It is ranked #153 globally in the QS World University Rankings.

MYR 20,000 – MYR 27,000/yrTuition (indicative)

1975Founded

25,000Students

6,000International

Admissions open

#153 QS World University Rankings 2026

#5 in Malaysia

View university → Add to compare

QS World #126 #2 in Malaysia Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

Public University — The National University of Malaysia is a public research university located in Bandar Baru Bangi, Hulu Langat District, Selangor, Malaysia. Its teaching hospital, Universiti Kebangsaan Malay...

MYR 20,000 – MYR 27,000/yrTuition (indicative)

1970Founded

27,000Students

4,000International

Admissions open

#126 QS World University Rankings 2026

#2 in Malaysia

View university → Add to compare

QS World #148 #4 in Malaysia Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia

Universiti Putra Malaysia

Public University — University of Putra Malaysia, abbreviated as UPM, is a Malaysian public research university located in Serdang, Selangor. It was formerly named Universiti Pertanian Malaysia, focusing on agr...

MYR 20,000 – MYR 27,000/yrTuition (indicative)

1971Founded

30,000Students

5,000International

Admissions open

#148 QS World University Rankings

#4 in Malaysia

View university → Add to compare

QS World #134 #3 in Malaysia Penang, Malaysia

Universiti Sains Malaysia

Public University — Universiti Sains Malaysia is a public research university in Malaysia. Founded on 1 June 1969 as a statutory body with its own constitution, it is the oldest institute of higher learning in...

MYR 20,000 – MYR 27,000/yrTuition (indicative)

1969Founded

30,000Students

4,000International

Admissions open

#134 QS World University Rankings 2026

#3 in Malaysia

View university → Add to compare

QS World #251 #6 in Malaysia Malaysia

Petronas Technology University

Public University — Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) is a private Malaysian Research university established on 10 January 1997. It is wholly owned by Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS), Malaysia's oil and...

—Tuition (indicative)

—Founded

—Students

—International

Admissions open

#251 QS World University Rankings 2026

#6 in Malaysia

View university → Add to compare

All universities in Malaysia →

Questions about working & jobs in Malaysia

Can international students work in Malaysia?

Yes. International students on a valid student visa can work part-time if they get permission from the Malaysian immigration department and meet the listed conditions.

When can students work in Malaysia?

Part-time work is allowed during semester breaks and holiday periods.

What happens after graduation?

International students may apply for a post-study work visa in Malaysia to remain in the country and seek employment.