Official guides / International students

International buddy program (Monash Malaysia)

Official source

Monash University Malaysia

Last checked: 25 Oct 2026 UTC

What this page covers

Helping International Students to Adjust Quickly and Easily to University Life
What are the objectives of this program?
Contact for enquiries

Page text

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Helping International Students to Adjust Quickly and Easily to University Life

The initial period when international students first arrive in Malaysia can be both exciting and overwhelming at the same time. Many would be anxious with the many unknowns.

The International Buddy Program is designed to assist new international students with the challenges associated with the early stage of their university experience. We believe that current students can help new international students by sharing experiences, providing insights into university life, as well as responding to questions and concerns. In order to achieve these objectives, current students are matched with incoming new international students.

This program also offers a platform for students to establish friendships. Among the most rewarding experiences that students can have is the opportunity to share and learn various customs, traditions and lifestyles.

Participation in the program is voluntary and the time that needs to be invested is expected to be minimal. This program does not involve academic mentoring. However, you will be able to receive information and tips that are helpful to students

What are the objectives of this program?

If you are a new international student, by participating in this program, you can expect:

help in settling in to your new university life;
advice on the facilities and support services available on campus;
to learn more about Malaysian culture;
opportunity to connect with senior students, as well as opportunity to meet and make new friends; and
opportunity to develop your own social network.

This means that you will have a ready resource for answers to your questions such as:

How to get involved in student activities? How to enroll or add/drop a unit? Where are the best places to eat?

If you are a current student, by participating in this program, you will learn how to provide:

personalised guidance to new friends at the beginning of their university life;
insight to your experience and knowledge as a student of the university;
information and reference about study resources, non-academic activities and the social life at the university; and
introductions to Malaysia and the local community.

How to apply for this program?

Becoming a mentee
Becoming a mentor (current students)

Contact for enquiries

Contact our International Student Adviser for more information.

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.