International Student Services
International Student Services Department (603-2094 2000 ext. 2501)
International students make up 25% of the students at the HELP University / HELP Academy, so there is no reason to feel isolated or lonely. The International Student Services Department (ISD) is set up to enhance the welfare of all international students studying at HELP University. ISD provides assistance in terms of admission, application and renewal of student visa, among others.
Special activities are organised to foster closer relationship among local students, international students and staff members. These include city tours, excursions, barbecue gatherings, festive get-togethers, and Sports Carnival. The highlight of the year is the International Students' Day, which is normally held during the month of August / September. These activities are meant to expose international students to the Malaysian and Asian culture.
RULES & REGULATIONS TO FOREIGN STUDENTS AT HELP UNIVERSITY
- Foreign students who have already obtained a social visit pass from their own countries or those who are holding other passes (eg. Dependant Pass, Work Permit, Student Pass from other Colleges) are still required to apply for a student pass through HELP University.
- Students who need to renew their student pass have to apply to the International Student Services Department (ISD) two months in advance before the expiry date. It is the students' responsibility to ensure that the Student Pass is valid and to submit all the required documents on time to renew the Student Pass.
- Foreign students must attend classes regularly. Absence from class for more then 3 days must be substantiated with a medical certificate. Students must enrol for a minimum 2 subjects every semester and have 80% attendance for all subjects enrolled.
- Foreign students who leave the state or country for holidays or for any other purpose must inform the International Student Services Department of their contact address or telephone number where they can be reached in case of emergency.
- Foreign students, who have a valid student pass and have completed their course or wish to withdraw from HELP University, will have to inform the ISD to cancel their student pass before they leave the country. If they do not so, the Security Deposit will be withheld.
- Foreign students must inform the university of any change in permanent and current address, contact no, passport no., etc.
- Foreign students are not allowed to seek employment while studying in HELP University (except those with a valid Work Permit). The Malaysia Migration Department will deport students who flout this rule.
- Foreign students will have to abide by all general rules and regulation of HELP University.
- Student Pass may be withdrawn or cancelled if the student fails in his/her studies or contravenes the regulation of HELP University or the Malaysian government.
- All students must have medical insurance coverage throughout the stay in Malaysia.
Pre-departure Checklist
Tuition Fees
Please be aware of the cost of studying and living in Malaysia and organize adequate financial resources before leaving your home country. International students living overseas must pay their first semester fees well before departure so they will have enough time to obtain their Student Pass. Tuition fees vary according to the course you are taking. For fee structure, please refer to your Offer Letter.
Money
Students will need to bring about RM500 - RM600 in cash to cover expenses in Malaysia for the first few weeks. Students should also bring other funds to be drawn in Ringgit either in the forms of a bank draft or via electronic transfer in a bank account in Malaysia. Please take note that bank clearings may take a week for electronic transfers to a month for bank drafts. Please also be advised that it is more convenient to transfer funds electronically when depositing large sums of money into bank accounts. Students will be given more information during the Orientation Program.
- The Ringgit Malaysia (RM) is the basic unit of exchange. Both paper notes and coins are used.
- Notes are different in colours and size. Denominations are RM1 (blue), RM5 (green), RM10 (red), RM50 (blue) and RM100 (purple).
- Coins vary in size according to the value. Denominations are 50 cent (silver), 20 cent (silver), 10 cent(silver) 5 cent (silver) and 1 cent (bronze).
Health History
It is important to know your own health history. Before departure, please ask your doctor's advice on the type of medications you have been taking and the immunizations you have been given in the past. Most importantly, please be aware of the medications that you are allergic to. It is also good practice to have this information in writing in case you become ill while overseas.
Climate and Clothing
Lying between one and seven degrees north of the equator, Malaysia enjoys a tropical climate. The average temperature is 28 degrees Celsius; however, highland temperature can reach the mean of 18 degrees. Annual rainfall is heavy at 2500mm (100 inches). The high humidity level at 80% throughout the year favours light and sweat-absorbent material such as cotton for daily dressing. Generally, Malaysia has two distinct seasons. The dry season occurs during the southwest monsoon from May to September. The northeast monsoon blows from mid-November until March, which brings about the rainy season (monsoon) to the country. The East Coast of the country is best avoided during these times.
Electrical Goods
Electric supply is on a 240-volt 50-cycle system. Please ensure that the electrical goods from your country are compatible to use in Malaysia.
Computer
Computer laboratories are available on campus with a variety of software, printing, e-mail and Internet facilities. Various spots on campus are WiFi enabled allowing students the convenience of getting online with their laptops. Students who wish to use the computer labs are required to register with the Corporate Information Centre (CIC). Students are required to present their student card to be registered. International students can bring their passport as proof. The lab is opened daily and you can check the opening hours from the notice on the lab entrance.
Passport Renewal
Before leaving the country, please check to ensure that your passport is current. Passport renewal may take several months. Please be advised to apply for renewal at least two months before the expiry date to avoid any inconveniences.
Arrival
Students will have to notify us the details of their arrival at least 10 days before their departure date. The information required is:
- Date of arrival
- Time of arrival
- Airline and Flight number
Officials from HELP will receive them at the Airport Immigration clearance point. Please take note that students will not be able to clear Immigration without the presence of officials from HELP. For ease of Immigration Clearance, please produce the approval letter upon arrival.
Upon the clearing by immigration, students will be accompanied to the HELP Residence. Students will be escorted to the University during the first few days upon arrival.