Guide to Malaysia’s i-Kad for Students: Apply, Renew & Use It Right

Already studying or planning to study in Malaysia? Then the i-Kad is something you’ll definitely need to know about. 

It’s your official student ID and more! 

It shows your student status, helps with campus access, and even ties into your visa. 

Let’s break down everything you need to know about getting, using, and taking care of your i-Kad.

What Is the i‑Kad in Malaysia?

Let's answer some of your common questions about i-Kad and why do you need it in Malaysia!

What does the i‑Kad do for international students?

The i-Kad is a biometric identification card that international students in Malaysia get once their Student Pass is endorsed. It shows important details like your photo, passport number, nationality, the name of your institution, and how long your Student Pass is valid.

Law enforcement agencies in Peninsular Malaysia recognise it as a valid ID. With an i-Kad, you don’t always need to carry your passport around but note, it’s not a travel document. 

Who issues the i‑Kad (Immigration Department or EMGS)?

The i-Kad is closely tied to your Student Pass, and the process involves both EMGS (Education Malaysia Global Services) and the Immigration Department (Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia). EMGS handles the student visa application and includes the i-Kad application when you apply or renew your Student Pass. 

Once your pass is approved and endorsed, the i-Kad is officially issued. The Immigration Department recognises the i-Kad as a legal ID for foreign nationals with valid passes. 

Why is the i‑Kad important for studying in Malaysia?

The i-Kad is more than a student ID — it’s your legal identity document in Malaysia as a foreign student. 

Here’s why it matters:

Legitimacy: It proves you have a valid Student Pass.

Convenience: You can use it instead of carrying your passport around for day-to-day ID checks.

Recognition: It’s accepted by immigration and enforcement agencies. 

Important: Your i-Kad is a valid ID in Malaysia but not a replacement for your passport. You still need your passport if you plan to travel internationally or to East Malaysia (Sabah & Sarawak).

Who Is Eligible for the i-Kad as a Student?

Let’s figure out your eligibility and how i-Kad is linked to your student pass in Malaysia.

Do all international students get an i‑Kad?

Yes — most international students studying full‑time in Malaysia who hold a valid Student Pass are eligible for the i‑Kad. EMGS issues the i‑Kad only after the Student Pass is endorsed on your passport. 

Can local Malaysian students apply for an i‑Kad?

No — the i‑Kad is specifically for foreign students. It’s a biometric residence permit for non‑Malaysian students, not a student ID for Malaysian citizens. 

Is the i‑Kad linked to the Student Pass?

Absolutely. The i‑Kad is directly tied to your Student Pass. Your student pass needs to be endorsed first by Immigration, and only then will the i‑Kad be issued. 

The i‑Kad is valid for the duration of your pass, and you’ll need to renew it (often yearly) when you renew your Student Pass.

How Do You Apply for the i‑Kad in Malaysia?

Here’s a breakdown of how the i‑Kad application works. It’s tied directly to your Student Pass application, so you don’t apply for it separately, it all happens together through EMGS.

How is the i‑Kad issued (automatically through EMGS)?

When you apply (or renew) your Student Pass via EMGS, the i‑Kad application is part of that process. EMGS will include your i‑Kad fee (RM 50) in the overall visa/Student‑Pass processing cost. 

Once your Student Pass is endorsed by Immigration on your passport, your i‑Kad will be officially issued. 

What documents do you need for the i‑Kad?

Since the i‑Kad is bundled in with your Student Pass, you don’t usually submit separate “i‑Kad only” documents — EMGS handles it as part of the visa / pass application. You only need to submit all the standard visa / Student Pass documents.

How long does it take to get an i‑Kad?

The timeline for getting your i‑Kad depends on how long your Student Pass application takes:

Student Pass Approval (eVAL): Once EMGS and Immigration approve your Student Pass, you’ll receive a Visa Approval Letter (VAL). Universities commonly estimate this process to take around 4–8 weeks, depending on EMGS and Immigration.

Endorsement & i‑Kad Issuance: After your VAL and health check, your passport is submitted for pass endorsement. Once that’s done, the i‑Kad will be issued and delivered to you (or via your university).
It is usually couriered to the institution within about 3 weeks after pass endorsement.

What Information Is Included on the i‑Kad?

The i‑Kad isn’t just a photo card — it holds key identity details that tie you to your Student Pass and make it usable as an ID in Malaysia. It includes:

• Photo - your official ID photo
• Full name – as per your passport
• Nationality – your country of citizenship
• Passport number – links the i-Kad to your official travel document
• Educational institution – the university or college you are enrolled in
• i-Kad number – a unique number tied to your Student Pass

Recognised by Malaysian authorities, it serves as a valid ID for daily activities on campus and in Peninsular Malaysia. 

How Much Does the i‑Kad Cost?

We know that you’re pretty concerned about the cost of i-Kad or any additional hidden costs that come with i-Kad. Let’s debunk it for you!

Is the i‑Kad fee included in the visa application?

Yes — the RM 50 i‑Kad fee is typically included in your Student Pass / visa application via EMGS. Some universities (when filling in their Student Pass fee forms) explicitly list i‑Kad as a cost. 

Are there extra charges for replacement or renewal?

Yes — if your i‑Kad is lost or damaged, there are separate fees:

Also, to apply for a replacement, you’ll likely need a police report, which is part of EMGS’s policy.

Why are i‑Kad replacement fees so high?

The replacement costs aren’t just to make money! They reflect administrative and production costs. Issuing a new i‑Kad means re-verifying identity, processing with EMGS, and physically producing the card. 

The hike in fees over multiple losses (from RM 150 → RM 300 → RM 500) is likely designed to discourage repeated loss, and to cover the cost of recovery, reissuance, and EMGS operational overhead.

How Long Is the i‑Kad Valid?

Your i‑Kad’s validity is closely linked to your Student Pass, so how long it lasts depends on your pass setup. Here's what you need to know:

Does the i‑Kad expire at the same time as your Student Pass?

Yes — the i‑Kad generally expires when your Student Pass does. For students whose pass is valid for just one year, their i‑Kad usually needs renewal every year. 

When should you renew your i‑Kad?

You should apply for renewal at least 2 to 3 months before your i‑Kad expires (or before your Student Pass expiry), depending on your university’s renewal policy. Most universities require renewal applications to be submitted as early as three months, but no later than four weeks before expiry. 

Does the i‑Kad remain valid if you change course or university?

If you transfer to a different university or change your course, your Student Pass must be updated, and so should your i‑Kad. Since the i‑Kad is linked to the pass details (like institution name), you may need to renew or reissue it.

Can You Use the i‑Kad for Banking and Daily Services in Malaysia?

The i‑Kad can help you in daily life, but it has its limits.

Can you open a bank account with just the i‑Kad?

Not always. Once you have your Student Pass (and therefore your i‑Kad), you can open a bank account. However, banks still require your passport (or valid Pass / visa) when verifying identity for non‑residents. 

Some students report being asked to show a visa sticker on their passport, even if they have an i-Kad. > “they said to process … they need a sticker visa on my passport … since i got i‑kad i can’t receive a sticker…” Reddit.

Common Problems Students Face With the i-Kad

Even though the i‑Kad is useful, students sometimes run into issues. Here are the most common problems:

Why is my i‑Kad delayed?

Delays usually happen because Student Pass endorsement takes longer or documents have errors. Busy intake seasons or public holidays can also slow down EMGS processing.

Why is my name or passport number printed incorrectly?

Errors happen when incorrect details are submitted in the Student Pass application. Always double-check your passport info and name spelling before EMGS submits it.

Why didn’t I receive an i‑Kad after my visa approval?

Your i‑Kad is issued after Student Pass endorsement and is often delivered to your university first. If you haven’t received it, check with both your university and EMGS.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is the i-Kad compulsory in Malaysia?

The i-Kad is not compulsory, but it’s strongly recommended because it acts as your official student identification card in Malaysia. It’s the easiest way to show your Student Pass details without carrying your passport everywhere.

2. Can I travel with my i-Kad only?

No! You cannot travel with just the i-Kad. It is not a travel document and cannot be used for immigration clearance, flights, or travel to Sabah and Sarawak. You must always use your passport for travel.

3. What should I do if the i-Kad never arrives?

First, check your Student Pass endorsement status on the EMGS tracker. Then contact your university’s International Office, as most i-Kad cards are delivered to them first. If it’s still missing, open a ticket with EMGS.

4. Can I track my i-Kad delivery?

Currently, there is no direct tracking system for i-Kad delivery like courier tracking. However, you can monitor your Student Pass progress on EMGS’ website, which helps estimate when your i-Kad will be issued.

5. What happens to my i-Kad if I change my course or university?

If you switch to a new course or transfer to another institution, your Student Pass must be updated. Since the i-Kad is linked to your Student Pass, you may need a new i-Kad issued with updated details.
Always check with EMGS or your International Office to avoid delays.

6. Do students in short-term or foundation programmes get an i-Kad?

Not always. Students in short-term, foundation, or pre-university programmes may or may not receive an i-Kad — it depends on whether a Student Pass is issued and endorsed for that programme.
Always confirm with your university or EMGS so you know your eligibility.