Can I Work While Studying in Malaysia?

Many international students in Malaysia ask: Can I work while studying? Working alongside studying may help cover some expenses and provide work experience, but in reality, it is not easy at all.

Regulations for International Students
The Malaysian government allows international students to work part-time, but under specific conditions.

Allowed Working Hours
Students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week only during long holidays such as summer or semester breaks. During regular study periods, regular work is not permitted.

Permitted Workplaces
Jobs are usually limited to restaurants, retail shops, petrol stations, and hotels. Students are not allowed to work in sensitive or professional careers.

Difficulty of Finding a Job
Even though it is legally allowed, it is very difficult for international students to find a suitable job. Competition is high, opportunities are limited, and the available jobs often do not cover essential expenses like rent and tuition.

Impact on Studies
Even if a student manages to find a job, it is important that work does not affect class attendance or academic performance, as the primary purpose of the visa is study, not work.

Uni Counsel Advice
At Uni Counsel, we recommend treating part-time work only as a very secondary option, not a main source of income. It is better to prepare a budget that covers your expenses before arriving and keep your main focus on your studies. While part-time work in Malaysia can provide some experience, it is difficult to obtain and usually only covers a small portion of costs.

In summary, international students in Malaysia are allowed to work part-time under certain conditions, but it is very difficult to find a suitable job. Therefore, it is best to rely mainly on proper financial planning and treat work as an additional option only.