Prepare for your arrival in Malaysia

Complete Your Pre-Arrival Checklist

We have a team of dedicated personal advisors who make sure that all your questions are answered and ensure that you have a smooth transition to the university.

Before you start on any of the steps, contact your local personal advisor. Simply select your region of the world below, and send your advisor an email, Skype, WhatsApp, or WeChat message. We look forward to meeting you very soon!

Receive your Electronic Visa Approval Letter (eVAL)

Heriot-Watt University Malaysia will submit documents on your behalf for the student visa. Please check your email regularly after submitting your application to receive your Electronic Visa Approval Letter (eVAL). This document is what you will need to enter Malaysia upon your arrival.

Book your accommodation as soon as possible as spaces can be limited. Find information on the Heriot-Watt University Malaysia website here.

We are looking forward to meeting you in person!

Please submit your arrival information at least five working days before arrival via the following link: https://forms.office.com/r/nfwvsLs8fB.

Pick-up service is provided for free by the university. Heriot-Watt University Malaysia’s Immigration clearance/pick-up team will be on standby on the day of arrival. The team will be in touch with you after we receive your arrival details. Please note that the pick-up service will only cover Putrajaya/Cyberjaya area. Please make your own arrangements for areas beyond Putrajaya/Cyberjaya. Taxis and public transportation are widely available for transport from the airport. You can also find assistance at the help counter near baggage claim.

You must present your completed Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) at entry points for immigration clearance. MDAC can be completed as early as three days before arrival or at the latest upon arrival via the following link: https://imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/mdac/main?register.

For all application and payment deadlines, as well as move-in and program start dates, please visit our Important Dates page. Please note that late arrivals are not allowed for the Advanced Direct Entry Program. Students must arrive by the program start date. We look forward to meeting you in person!

Haven’t booked your travel arrangements yet? Check out our exclusive discounts for student flights and read about city transport options.

Making your payment in full four weeks before you arrive will help avoid delays with enrollment.

Please visit the Heriot-Watt University Malaysia Flywire portal to complete the transfer process. Please note that you cannot use a US credit card or US bank account.

Set up your university account

To activate your student account, you will need to:

• Reset password.
• Set up Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).

a. Reset password

• You should only reset your password after you have paid your tuition fees.
• Upon accepting your offer of admission, you are ready to reset your password.
• Please refer to the Activate Your HWU Student Account Guide to reset your password.
• Next, you may set up your MFA.

b. Set up Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

• To help keep your Heriot-Watt account safe you will need to set up Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).
• Please refer to the Activate Your HWU Student Account Guide and MFA Video Guide to set up your MFA.
• After you have set up your MFA, please proceed to the next step.

Performing your enrolment is the essential step of formally joining the university and becoming a Heriot-Watt student. By performing the enrolment, you agree to abide by the rules of the university and to pay any fees, and we ask you to confirm that we have your correct details.
Enrolling online involves checking and updating your personal details, uploading a photograph for your student card, checking your programme and fees, and agreeing to our terms and conditions.
You may perform your enrolment through Student Self Service.
Please refer to the Enrolment Guide to perform online enrolment.

The Programme Guidance sheet is to provide you information on your courses which you will be taking in each semester. Find these for your specific program here under “Perform enrolment”.

• You may access your class timetable once you have performed your enrolment. The class timetable will be made available two weeks before your Welcome Week.

Please take note of the following:

• For tutorial classes, you will be notified on your tutorial grouping either via email or by your lecturer during the first week of your classes.
• For your first week classes, please attend all courses stated in the Guidance Sheet. For courses which are optional, you may attend your preferred option. After the first week of your classes, if your preferred optional course is not registered in CANVAS (Heriot-Watt’s virtual learning platform), please notify us via HWUM-Welcome@hw.ac.uk.

• Please refer to the Timetable Guide for your beginning semester on the university website under “Access Timetable”.

• You are now ready to move to the next step!

As a new student, it is essential for you to participate in Welcome Week.
Welcome Week is an organised programme of welcome and introductory activities where you will participate in as a new student and will have the opportunity to:

• Meet your lecturers and professional services staff.
• Find out about the programme of your studies.
• Find out about the study resources and support available.
• Meet your peers and seniors.
• Ask any questions to better prepare you for your university and campus life.

Refer to the university website under “Participate in Welcome Week” for your Induction schedule.

Weather:
Malaysia is a tropical country and is situated near the equator. The average temperature ranges between 26°C and 38°C. Humidity is high and on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, the rainy season is towards the middle and end of the year. Light clothing such as t-shirts, slacks, jeans, shorts, singlet, and shirts are ideal and will be most comfortable. In addition, cool clothing materials such as cotton are best suited to the climate.

Electrical Appliances:
Make sure your laptop and other electrical appliances that you bring are compatible. The standard capacity is a 240-volt, 50-cycle system. You may purchase an adaptor with 3-square pins in order to use them. The adaptor is readily available at a reasonable price from convenience shops and supermarkets throughout Malaysia.

Money:
The currency in Malaysia is Ringgit Malaysia (RM). You are advised to not carry a large amount of cash with you. Funds can be brought into Malaysia using traveller cheques. You should have sufficient funds for your expenses for the first six months of your studies. A credit card will be useful.

Culture:
Malaysia’s population is multi-ethnic, mainly made up by Malays, Chinese, and Indians. There are as many languages spoken in the community. Bahasa Malaysia or Malay language is the official language, but English is widely spoken as a second language. You can get to hear other Chinese dialects as well as Tamil.
Islam is the official religion in Malaysia. However, freedom of religion is allowed. Buddhists, Christians, and Hindus are other big religious groups in Malaysia. Different religious holidays are observed across the country, including Hari Raya, Chinese New Year, Deepavali, Christmas, and Thaipusam.

Banking:
You will find opening a bank account in Malaysia is an efficient way to manage your funds. In order to open a bank account, you will need the following:

• A university letter confirming your status as a student in Malaysia.
• Your original passport with a valid student pass.
• A deposit – most banks require a deposit of RM250 for open-ing a new bank account.
• If you are under 18 years old, you will need to complete an indemnity form and get it signed by your parents.

Transportation:
For information about public transportation, visit the below sites:
Rapid KL: https://myrapid.com.my/bus-train/rapid-kl/
KTM Komuter: https://www.ktmb.com.my/
KLIA Transit: https://www.kliaekspres.com/products-fares/klia-transit/