Your passport must have minimum validity of 14 (fourteen) months beyond the period of stay when you enter Malaysia.

You must give at least 6 (six) weeks notice for processing applications of Student Pass.

Students are permitted to hold only one pass at a time, i.e. the Student Pass.

The Student Pass is non-transferable and permits you to study only at APIIT. The pass is valid for 1 (one) year and is renewable while you remain as a student at APIIT.

Note that the cost of Student Pass application as charged by The Immigration Department of Malaysia will be borne by the student.

You are advised to check on visa requirements at the Embassy or Consulate of Malaysia's Office nearest to you. You will usually be given a 14-day special pass while waiting for the student pass stamp on your passport.

Nationals from China have to apply for and obtain a visa from the Embassy of Malaysia in Beijing or the Consulate of Malaysia's office in Guangzhou.

It is advisable that you get approval of your Student Pass before leaving your country because in case your social pass expires before your Student Pass is approved, you will have to leave and re-enter Malaysia.

If you hold a Dependent Pass, you need to submit photocopies of your parent's or spouse's passport and work permit to APIIT when applying for your Student Pass.

Note that all students and visitors to Malaysia are subject to the Immigration Act 1959/63

It is the responsibility of the students to submit application for Student Pass extension 1 month before the expiry date. Failing to do so may cause you to be compounded for overstaying in Malaysia by The Immigration Department.

The Immigration Department of Malaysia does not allow International students to work while studying in Malaysia

You may be required to present proof of your financial ability to finance your studies in Malaysia together with a confirmed return ticket to another destination.

When returning to Malaysia from your holiday, please ensure that your Student Pass is still valid for no less than 1 (one) month from the date you re-enter Malaysia. You are advised to inform APIIT of your travel plans and the length of your stay abroad.

You are strongly advised to renew your passport at your country's Embassy, High Commission, Diplomatic, or Consulate Office in Kuala Lumpur in order to facilitate transfer of Student Pass endorsement from your old passport to the new one.

While waiting for your Student Pass approval, you may plan and arrange for your travel. Upon receiving confirmation of your Student Pass, you may make your airline reservation.

You may consult your travel agent or airline on luggage requirements and restrictions. Certain kinds of goods or equipment may not be allowed to be brought into Malaysia.

• Clothing. Only professional attire is allowed within the college. You may want to bring casual clothing for daily wear or casual occasions outside the college.

• Personal stuff such as posters to decorate your room, and photographs of your home and family to make your room feel like home.

• If you need regular medication or if you suffer from any allergy, consider bringing your medical records.

• If you are bringing any electrical equipment with you, remember that the power supply in Malaysia is 220 - 240 volts / 50 cycle AC system.

You must notify APIIT of your arrival date, time and flight number at least 7 (seven) days in advance in order for us to arrange for accommodation and airport pick-up.

At the entry point, you will need to complete the Arrival / Departure Card (Imm. 26) obtainable at any entry point, Malaysian Representative office abroad or travel agency.

A representative from APIIT will meet you upon your arrival at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). If you arrive on a working day, i.e. Monday to Friday, you will be brought to APIIT to meet our Student Services Executives. If you arrive on Saturday or Sunday, you will be taken to your residence.

APIIT will assist in arranging accommodation for International students. Accommodation is usually on a twin-sharing basis. If you have special requests or needs concerning accommodation, please notify the Student Services.

See Accommodation for more information.

Kuala Lumpur, widely known as KL, is the capital city of Malaysia. Petaling Jaya, known as PJ, is the largest neighbouring town to KL. During the first few weeks you will very likely begin to familiarise with the city and its people, local life, customs and culture, transport, places of interest, shopping centres, post offices, banks, etc.

APIIT has appointed ING Insurance to provide students with a comprehensive medical insurance package. Details of the package with enclosed registration form are available from the Student Services.

It is advisable to plan ahead for your expenses while you study and live in Malaysia. In addition to tuition fees, costs may at minimum include food, books and stationery, accommodation, clothing, travel, entertainment, healthcare, insurance, visa renewal, etc.

The local currency is Ringgit Malaysia (RM). It is generally easy to convert currencies at the money changers and banks in Malaysia. Most organisations in Malaysia accept major credit cards and some accept travellers' cheques.

Upon arriving in Malaysia, we advise you to open an account with a local bank. You will need to obtain a letter from our Student Services for this purpose.

You can make phone calls through residential phones, public phone booths, and mobile phones. Communication via email has become quite popular. IDD call cards are available to offer special rates for overseas calls.

Post offices can be found in nearly all towns and neighbourhoods, where you can mail letters, cards, gifts and presents to your home country. Major courier companies such as DHL, FedEx and UPS operate out of Malaysia.

Find out more information about Malaysia, travel, culture and weather from:

• www.virtualmalaysia.com

• www.tourism.gov.my

The International Student Centre at our Student Services will be glad to assist should you have any doubt. It will be our pleasure to make you feel at home here. We look forward to welcoming you and wishing you SELAMAT DATANG KE MALAYSIA!