Official guides / Exchange & study abroad

Student Visa - Exchange Program (Monash Malaysia)

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Monash University Malaysia

Last checked: 25 Oct 2026 UTC

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South African Visas

All students studying in South Africa for a semester or a year must be issued with a study permit, and not a tourist visa. To be eligible to apply for your study permit, you will need to provide your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and two letters of support, which the Monash Abroad team will provide you with. Additionally, you will also need to include a Certificate of Good Conduct (this can take up to a month to obtain) and medical forms.

For more information on the visa application processes, you should contact the South African Consulate or High Commission in your capital city.

Working in South Africa

You can work for up to 20 hours per week during your semester in South Africa.

Extending your stay

If you think there is even the slightest chance that you want to extend your time in South Africa, it is highly recommended that you apply for the year-long visa (called a temporary residence visa). There are no additional costs to this, and will save you a lot of paperwork in the long run.

Cover in South Africa

Under South African Government visa rules, it is obligatory for international students to have hospital and primary health care insurance offered by a South African provider. You are free to choose the provider to your liking, but we do have a few recommendations. Find out more about health insurance.

For more detailed information visit the South African Department of Home Affairs site under their Immigration Services section.

Related questions

What is GPA at Monash?

All campuses

GPA is calculated on a 4.0 scale from your grades rather than your marks: High Distinction 4.0, Distinction 3.0, Credit 2.0, Pass 1.0, Near pass 0.7, Fail and Hurdle fail 0.3, Withdrawn fail 0.0. Some results, such as SFR and NE, are not counted. Your GPA is shown in WES and on your transcript. Malaysia also uses a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) with different values: High Distinction 4.0, Distinction 3.67, Credit 2.85, Pass 2.15, Near pass 1.7, Fail and Hurdle fail 1.15, Withdrawn fail 0.0. It is not on your academic record, so you request a CGPA letter.

How do I withdraw from a unit?

Australia: withdraw through WES while enrolment changes are open. Before the census date there is no fee and no record; after it, you keep the fee liability and the unit shows as a withdrawal. If you are on a student visa you have study load requirements to maintain: Monash's study load page says you can reduce your load only in compassionate or compelling circumstances, unless you are in your final year and will finish within the time on your CoE. Malaysia: after the census date a withdrawn unit shows as WD-LATE or WD-FAIL, and the date you withdraw can affect fee refunds and your academic record. The last day to withdraw without academic penalty is before the WD-LATE date ends; the dates are in Monash Malaysia's Principal Dates. With a Student Pass, going below 24 credit points a semester is an underload: it needs approval, it can never go below 18 credit points, and below 18 you have to apply for intermission.

How many hours can I work on a student visa?

The rules are each country's, not Monash's, and they are different. Australia: work rights for student visa holders are set by the Australian Government, and the cap has changed several times in recent years. Monash's page links to the current Department of Home Affairs conditions - always confirm the number there before relying on it. Malaysia: with a Student Pass you may work only during semester breaks or public holidays of more than seven days, and for no more than 20 hours a week, at restaurants, petrol kiosks, mini markets or hotels; the page lists jobs that are not allowed. Every job has to be approved by the Immigration Department: you apply through the International Student Pass office and must be there in person when the application is submitted.

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