Challenges, Survival Tips and Solutions for Working Students in Malaysia

Malaysia stands as the third-best destination for university studies in Asia (Source:MIDA), offering incredible opportunities for personal growth and cultural exposure. However, this enriching experience comes with a price tag, making part-time work while studying a practical option for many students.

Working while studying demands a strong balancing act, which can be challenging. Yet, with effective strategies, you can achieve work-life balance and thrive. Here, we explore the challenges you may face when working and studying simultaneously, alongside solutions and tips from real students for each challenge.

Are International Students Allowed To Work In Malaysia?

If you are an international student in Malaysia, you can work part-time for up to 20 hours each week, but only during your semester breaks.

To work, you need to follow these steps:

1. First, obtain your Student Pass.
2. Next, apply for a Work Permit. Your university must provide a recommendation letter confirming their approval of your employment.
3. Be mindful of the job you choose.

You cannot work in the following roles:

• Cashier (the person who takes money in a shop)
• Guest Relations Officer (someone who helps guests, often in hotels)
• Singer
• Masseur (someone who gives massages)
• Musician

These jobs are not allowed for international students. Make sure your job complies with Malaysian government labour and immigration laws.

1. First, send your application to your university.
2. Then, you need to visit the Malaysian Immigration Department Headquarters. Someone from your university should accompany you.
3. Obtain a recommendation letter from your university confirming their support for your employment in Malaysia and stating the dates of your semester breaks.

Note: The head of the Immigration Department in Malaysia has the final say. They can approve or reject your application to work. This is their right according to Malaysian law. Once you have obtained your work permit, you can start looking for part-time jobs during your semester breaks.

Make the best of your work experience by meeting challenges head-on!

Six Challenges Working Students Face in Malaysia

1.   Time Management

Working while studying in Malaysia can leave you feeling disoriented, distracted, and pressed for time. One way to combat this is by using time management techniques and productivity hacks.

Clockify reports that nearly 82% of people lack a time management system. Furthermore, 75.5% of students struggle with procrastination.

Use the time management techniques and productivity hacks below. These techniques can help you effectively balance your work and study.

Top Three Productivity Hacks for Working Students

Pomodoro Technique:

Invented by Francesco Cirillo, this technique uses a timer to break work into intervals, traditionally 25 minutes in length, separated by short breaks. Each 25-minute work interval is called a “Pomodoro,” named after the tomato-shaped kitchen timer Cirillo used as a university student. After four “Pomodoros,” a longer break is taken.

Sources: Verywellmind, pomodorotechnique

Eisenhower Matrix (Urgent-Important Matrix)

Created by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, this tool helps prioritise tasks by dividing them into four quadrants:

• Urgent and Important (Do first).
• Important but Not Urgent (Schedule).
• Urgent but Not Important (Delegate).
• Neither Urgent nor Important (Eliminate). 

It is designed to minimise time spent on tasks that have little to no value. Nearly 50% of surveyed people report increased productivity using this method.

Sources: Asana , Product Plan

Eat The Frog:

A time management technique that focuses on tackling the most challenging or important task (“the frog”) first thing in the morning. The idea is to get the most challenging task out of the way early, so the rest of the day feels easier. It helps to overcome procrastination and build momentum.

Sources: Forbes , Brian Tracy International – Eat That Frog!

2.   Student Stress and Depression

The second most common challenge working students face is stress and depression.
Here are some suggestions that can help you reduce stress:

1. Take care of yourself, eat well, and ensure you have a structured routine for your physical health.
2. Get in touch with your university support group and talk about your struggles.

LSBF College Malaysia understands the stress students face and has taken steps to help reduce it. The ‘cat house’ on LSBF College campus is dedicated to helping alleviate student stress and depression.

“The campus facilities that really attracted me the most are the cat house, where we have two very cute cats. Students can relieve their stress there,” said Teo Xin Yi, LSBF student, Diploma in Psychology.

3.   Financial Problems & Expenses

You can manage financial pressure by exploring scholarships and part-time work, and even taking part in competitions with a high cash reward.

• Also, while the average hourly wage for part-time jobs in Malaysia is around RM 12 to 13 per hour, specialised roles can pay significantly more, often reaching up to RM 60 to RM 90 per hour.
• Alternatively, you can explore online work while you study in Malaysia, which often has higher pay scales and no fixed hours of work.
• Also, consider eating home cooked meals daily. Moiz Shah, a student who managed to successfully master life in Malaysia, mentions saving up to RM 50 per day through this practice.
  According to Moiz, groceries should cost you around RM 300 to RM 500 per month (including toiletries and necessities). The average rent is RM 650 (as of 2023).
• Minimize use of apps like Grab. If needed, opt for sharing your Grab booking with friends or travel during early morning to late afternoon. Grab prices increase during the evening after 4–5 PM.
• Get a part-time job that pays you every week.
• Apply for an LRT student card with your university to get discounted trips within the city. (Source: Moiz Shah Vlogs, YouTube)

4.   Homesickness: Staying Motivated and Finding Support

Sometimes staying away from home can cause feelings of isolation and homesickness, which can be discouraging.

Here are some tips to manage homesickness:

• Malaysia has introduced a Multiple Entry Visa for its international students. This visa enables you to visit your hometown or your family during semester breaks.
• The MEV is currently available only to students from India or China.Nevertheless, even if the MEV is not available to you, consider participating in student groups and other social circles on campus.
• Use social media to scout for people from your hometown within your university groups.
• Having friends from your hometown on campus or online can significantly reduce your feelings of homesickness.

5.   Lack of Sleep

Due to severe stress from study regimes, university work and job-related pressures, you may find yourself unable to sleep well.

• Check if your magnesium levels are normal by taking a simple medical checkup.
• Eat foods rich in zinc and magnesium. These minerals help you relax and sleep.
• Also, consider using prioritisation techniques to make your life organised. The Eisenhower Matrix is an excellent priority matrix that can help.

6.   Lack Of Right Resources

Limited awareness of Malaysian culture and language barriers can be challenging. Tackle this by actively networking within your college and workplace, and by immersing yourself in local cultural events. This proactive engagement can unlock access to resources, connections, and even business prospects.

Overall, is working while studying good for students?

Here’s a concise list of pros and cons to help you decide:

Pros	Cons
Gain work experience and expertise.	No time to properly concentrate on studies.
Build an impressive resume with newly gained skill sets.	Working while studying can lead to burnout.
Cultural exposure and creating great experiences and memories.	Part-time work while studying may lead to mental stress, fatigue, and health issues.
Earn extra money and lighten the expense load every week.	Working while studying may reduce available time for networking within your university.
Helps you develop a strong social network that can support you in your career within the new country.	Working while studying can create chaos if time is not managed well.

Ultimately, the decision to work while studying depends on your personal choices, goals, and ability to manage time. If the pros outweigh the cons for you, working while studying can be your best bet!

Working while studying in Malaysia can be less challenging when you use proven methods, community support and time management techniques. Use the tools like Eat the Frog, Pomodoro Technique, or the Eisenhower Matrix to make your work-study schedule easier. Above all, ensure you reach out to people when you need help.

If you would like to learn more about studying in Malaysia, feel free to contact us or browse our courses. The London School of Business and Finance (LSBF) Malaysiaoffers practical diplomas and certifications to help you advance your career in high-demand fields.

Click here to learn more about LSBF College.

This article was written by Rebecca Paulraj.

FAQs

Q. What Are The Common Time Management Struggles For Working Students?

 A. Working students often face challenges balancing:

• Demanding class schedules.
• Part-time work hours.
• Meeting deadlines.
• Allocating sufficient study time.
• Finding time for relaxation.

Q. What Financial Aid Options Are Available For Working Students?

A. For working students in Malaysia, many financial aid options may be available.
 These include:

1. PTPTN Loans: The Perbadanan Tabung Pendidikan Tinggi Nasional (PTPTN) offers loans to Malaysian students pursuing higher education.
2. University Bursaries: Malaysian colleges and universities may offer bursaries or financial aid to students with financial needs. Contact your university’s student affairs or financial aid office for more information.
3. Scholarships: Various scholarships are offered by government agencies, private companies, and educational institutions. Look for scholarships related to your field of study.
4. Part-time Jobs: Working part-time, as discussed earlier, can help alleviate financial burdens. Also, ensure that your part-time job is compliant with Malaysian labour laws.
5. EPF Withdrawal (For certain cases): Malaysian citizens may withdraw EPF funds for studies under strict guidelines.

It is important to research and apply for these options early, as deadlines and eligibility criteria may vary.

Q. Do Working Students Have To Pay Taxes?

A. Yes, if your annual income exceeds the taxable threshold in Malaysia, you must pay income tax. This applies to both local and international students. The Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (LHDN) provides guidelines and information on income tax regulations. Always consult the LHDN website or LHDN office or seek professional tax advice.

Q. Does Working While Studying Improve Future Career Prospects?

A. Yes, it significantly enhances your career prospects in Malaysia’s job market. Employers value candidates with practical experience. Working while you study proves that you possess effective time management skills, responsibility, and adaptability.