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Variation & Progression Pass

Overview

VARIATION means changing to another programme at the same academic level (for example, Master to Master, or PhD to PhD), or transferring to another institution before completing your current programme.
Variation Form UTM (Download Here)

PROGRESSION means upgrading to a higher level of study after completion of your current programme (for example, Degree to Master, or Master to PhD).
Progression Form UTM (Download Here)

All applications for variation or progression must be made through Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS and require a new Visa Approval Letter (VAL) from the Malaysian Immigration Department (MID).

Registration in the new programme is only permitted after VAL approval.

1. Application Process

  • Apply online through the EMGS portal (self-apply for new eVAL).
  • A new VAL is required because the old VAL covers only the original programme.
  • The Immigration Department may request additional documents such as:
    • Latest academic transcript and examination results
    • Record of class attendance
    • Offer letter / Release letter from previous institution
  • Applications may be rejected if academic results are unsatisfactory or requirements are not met.
  • Students must cancel or shorten their current pass before applying for the new VAL.
  • You may be required to exit Malaysia while waiting for Immigration approval.
  • Important: It is an offence to study under a programme not stated on your Student Pass.
    Misuse may result in rejection of your new VAL and other immigration consequences.

2. Checklist – Variation Application (Same Level)

For students changing programme at the same level (e.g., Master to Master, PhD to PhD) without completing the first programme:

  • Copy of all passport pages (colour for data/visa, B/W for empty pages)
  • UTM Offer Letter
  • Change of Programme/Mode/School/Campus letter (from AMD/SRAD/School)
  • Copy of Matric Card (previous programme)
  • Release Letter from previous university (if applicable)
  • Previous Registration Slip
  • Diploma / High School Certificates
  • UTM Medical Check-up slip
  • Two passport-sized photos (45mm x 35mm, white background, dark shirt)
  • Proof of payment to UTM Financial Office (including Stamp Duty)
  • Payment slip for EMGS processing
  • LOE for Iranian students; NOC for Sudanese students

3. Checklist – Progression Application (Higher Level)

For students moving to a higher level of study (e.g., Degree to Master, Master to PhD) after completing the previous programme:

  • Copy of all passport pages (colour for data/visa, B/W for empty pages)
  • UTM Offer Letter (new programme)
  • Copy of Matric Card (previous programme)
  • Latest Registration Slip
  • Academic Transcript & Certificate (or Senate Letter if certificate not yet issued)
  • Release Letter from previous university (if applicable)
  • Attendance Letter from previous university
  • UTM Medical Check-up slip
  • Two passport-sized photos (45mm x 35mm, white background, dark shirt)
  • Proof of payment to UTM Financial Office (including Stamp Duty)
  • Payment slip for EMGS processing
  • LOE for Iranian students; NOC for Sudanese students

4. Eligibility for Variation

An international student is eligible to apply for a variation only if the following conditions are met:

  1. The programme change is made within the first 24 months of study, and applies only to Bachelor’s level and above; and
  2. The student has completed at least one semester in the original programme.

If the above conditions are not fulfilled, the student must:

  • Return to their home country
  • Complete a Check-Out Memo before departure (application via UTM International)
  • Present the exit stamp on their passport
  • Submit a new application (eVAL) from their home country

Reminder: Continuing studies under an old pass or in a different programme is a breach of Immigration regulations.

5. Important Notes

  • All variation requests must be submitted through the EMGS portal, and a new Visa Approval Letter (VAL) must be obtained before registration in the new programme.
  • Studying under a programme not stated on your Student Pass is a violation, which may result in rejection of the new VAL and possible immigration action.
  • If variation is not possible (due to unmet conditions), students must defer studies, exit Malaysia, and reapply correctly through the approved process.
  • You are not allowed to register in a new programme until the new VAL is approved by Immigration.
  • If your application is rejected, you must defer studies and return home to reapply for a Student Pass.
  • Students from English Language Centres must cancel their current pass, leave Malaysia, and apply for a new VAL to enter UTM degree programmes.
  • Students transferring from another institution in Malaysia before applying for a new VAL via EMGS must provide:
    • UTM Offer Letter
    • Release/shorten letter from the previous institution
  • Registration at UTM is only permitted on the official registration date stated in the offer letter.
  • Reminder: Continuing studies under an old pass or in a different programme is a breach of Immigration regulations.

6. Contact Information

Progression & Variation
International Student and Scholar Services (I3S), UTM International, UTM
Email: visa@utm.my
WhatsApp: +60 12-641 0056

7. Download Forms and Letters

8. Further Information