Can You Work Part-time While Studying in Malaysia?

02 July 2024

For many international students, the prospect of working part-time while studying abroad is both appealing and necessary. One of the most frequently asked questions we receive is, "Can I work part-time while studying in Malaysia?" The good news is, "Yes!"—you can legally work part-time in Malaysia. However, it is crucial to understand the specific regulations and procedures involved to ensure compliance and avoid any potential issues.

Firstly, students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week to ensure that the work does not affect their study commitments.

Next, international students are permitted to work in various sectors including restaurants, petrol kiosks, mini marts and hotels but are prohibited from working as a cashier, singer, masseur, musician, Guest Relations Officer or being involved in any activity deemed to be immoral.

International students are also required to seek approval from Malaysia's Immigration Department before they can begin their part-time work. Working without approval can result in fines, detention, or even visa cancellation.

To apply, you must first obtain an Offer Letter from the prospective employer stating the salary, working hours and position. Next, approach your school to seek their endorsement and liaise with them to submit the application. Thereafter, you can expect to be interviewed by the Immigration Department before receiving the results of your application.

Currently, part-time wages in major cities generally range from 12 to 15 Malaysian Ringgit per hour. Nevertheless, there are also higher-paying part-time opportunities available, such as private tutoring, photography, or freelance work.

While this income is not expected to be able to cover your tuition fees or accommodation expenses entirely, it can still serve as a supplement to support your daily living expenses in a foreign land. Engaging in part-time work is also a great opportunity to gain valuable work experience, forge new friendships and better integrate into the new environment.

Students can either seek opportunities independently or approach the student unions at their respective schools for assistance. In addition, you can find part-time job opportunities on websites such as Indeed, Jobstreet and GrabJobs.

With a wide network of school partners, Flying Chalks is always willing to lend a hand in helping students study in Malaysia. From securing a spot for you at your desired school to settling your Student VISA and accommodation, our education experts will help you from start to finish, free-of-charge, without needing you to worry! We also have a multilingual team to assist our students should they encounter any problems.