Canada student visa requirements for Malaysians

Canada is a top-tier global destination for higher education, offering a blend of world-renowned universities and a quality of life that's hard to match. As a Malaysian student aspiring to move to and study in this sought-after locale, one critical step you cannot overlook is obtaining your study permit and student visa. 

While this visa will be your golden ticket to accessing cutting-edge education and multicultural experiences, navigating the visa application process can feel overwhelming. IDP Malaysia and our team of experienced counsellors are here to guide and support you every step of the way. From visa requirements to necessary documentation, we have all the expert advice to help you seamlessly move to Canada from Malaysia. 

You can visit the Government of Canada website for more information regarding Canada student visa requirements, fees, and processing times. Since you will need to have your documents translated and couriered often, our team can help you through this process and smooth the paperwork involved. 

If you need guidance on how to go about your study permit for Canada, walk into any of our nine offices in Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Melaka, Ipoh, Batu Pahat, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Penang, and Subang Jaya) and chat with us now – all counselling sessions are free! 

To study in Canada, you will first need a Canadian Study Permit. A study permit is NOT a visa. It only permits you to study in Canada and does not serve as a valid entry document to Canada. In addition to your study permit, you will have to apply for and be granted a visa valid for your stay in Canada which, depending on your home country, will be either an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) or a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV).  

Canadian Study Permit – this is not a visa, it is a permit that allows you to study in Canada. If you hold a study permit, you must remain enrolled and make reasonable and timely progress toward completing your course. 

Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) – this is a recent requirement for visa-exempt, non-U.S. foreign nationals. Your eTA is valid for five years or until the passport you used to apply for the eTA expires (whichever is sooner) and can be used to travel to Canada many times. 

Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) – for students who have been accepted into a designated learning institution and are unable to apply for the eTA. TRVs come in single-entry and multiple-entry variants, giving you the flexibility to leave and re-enter Canada. 

Short-Term Visa – this is used for shorter study periods of less than six months. Note that you can't extend this from within Canada, so plan accordingly. 

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) – this permit allows students who want to obtain an open work permit and gain valuable Canadian work experience upon graduation. 

You must make sure you have the correct study permit and visa status for your international studies before you move to Canada from Malaysia. You can ensure you have the right ‘Study Permit’ and student visa by referring to the Canadian immigration authority known as the Immigration, Refugees and Citizen Canada (IRCC). Your IDP counsellor will help you access the latest information and connect you with authorised migration experts. 

To find out if you need an eTA or a visitor visa, and how to apply, visit the Government of Canada website. 

To apply for your study permit, you will need: 

• Proof of Acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada 

• Proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and return transportation (for yourself and/or any family members who come with you to Canada) 

• To prove that you are a law-abiding citizen with no criminal record and will not be a risk to the security of Canada (you may have to provide a police certificate) 

• To prove to or convince an immigration officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your studies 

• To be in good health (you may need to complete a medical exam) 

Do note that Malaysians are not currently eligible for Canada’s Student Direct Stream process, which allows faster processing for students from certain countries. All Malaysian students will have to apply for their student visas through the regular process as detailed below.   

Required documents for Canada study permit  

To prove you can financially support yourself and any accompanying family members when moving to Canada from Malaysia, you may be asked to provide:  

• A valid passport or travel document 

• Letter of acceptance from a DLI 

• Statement of Purpose (SOP) 

• Proof of funds (Bank statements, bank drafts in convertible currency, affidavits, etc.) 

• Passport-size photographs (as per specifications) 

• Immigration Medical Examination (IME) results (if applicable) 

• Police clearance certificate 

 Other documents that may be requested of you include:  

• Documentation of a Canadian bank account in your name, if money has been transferred to Canada 

• Documentation of a student/education loan from a financial institution 

• Proof of payment of tuition and accommodation fees 

• A letter for the person or institution providing your funding 

• Proof of funding paid from within Canada if you have a scholarship or are enrolled in a Canadian-funded educational program.

While applying for a Canada visa in Malaysia, one crucial aspect is proving your English proficiency. Proficiency in English can dramatically improve your academic performance and enrich your student life in Canada. It ensures you can understand your coursework, participate in discussions, and effectively navigate day-to-day activities in Canada.   Here are some widely accepted English proficiency test options recognised by Canadian institutions:  

• IELTS (International English Language Testing System): Minimum score requirements vary by institution but generally range from 6.0 to 7.0. 

• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): A score between 80 and 100 is commonly required. 

• CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language Assessment): A minimum score of 60 is usually considered acceptable. 

• PTE Academic: Score requirements range from 50 to 65, depending on the university or college. 

Unsure which test suits your needs best? Find out when to opt for IELTS over other English tests, and how IDP’s IELTS preparation courses and free online IELTS mock tests can help you prepare with confidence. 

• Obtain your acceptance letter: Secure a letter of acceptance from a DLI in Canada. 

• Prepare resources showing financial sufficiency: Prepare and gather all necessary documents, including financial proofs, academic records, and letters of intent. Consult the official checklist to meet all Canadian visa requirements and ensure you can meet the costs of studying in Canada. 

• Complete the visa application form: Visit the official Canadian government website to begin the application for a Canada student visa (IMM 1294). Apply online or through a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Malaysia. You will also have to pay the required visa fees to complete the application process. 

• Biometrics and interview: After submitting your application, visit your local VAC for biometrics submission. You may also be invited to complete an interview if required. 

• Fee payment and application processing: wait for your application to be processed. Processing times can last between 3 weeks to 4 months, depending on your visa type. 

• Approval: Congratulations! Upon approval of your Canada student visa, you’ll receive a Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction and a temporary resident visa. 

Don't navigate the Canadian visa process alone. IDP's expert counsellors offer personalised support, while our app provides real-time tracking and updates, ensuring a smooth and informed experience. 

These are the standard visa application rates and additional charges, such as processing or biometrics fees, may apply.

Many students moving to Canada from Malaysia consider working while pursuing their studies as an added advantage. Thankfully, Canadian regulations are generally student-friendly in this respect. Under the terms of a study permit and visa, you are allowed to work on or off-campus for up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks.  

• On-Campus vs Off-Campus: On-campus and off-campus work often doesn't require a work permit. You must also maintain satisfactory academic progress to retain your work rights. 

• Co-op and Internships: If your course includes mandatory work placements, you'll need a co-op work permit in addition to your study permit. 

• Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): After graduation, you can apply for a PGWP which allows you to work in Canada for up to three years. 

Find out more about employment prospects in Canada.