Studying in Malaysia is not only affordable but also offers the opportunity to earn while you study. Many international students take up part time jobs in malaysia or cash-on-hand jobs to cover living expenses, gain work experience, and enjoy a more independent lifestyle.
This guide will help you understand what jobs are available, how much you can earn, and how to manage your finances while studying in Malaysia.
Part time jobs in Malaysia offer international students more than just extra income. They provide valuable work experience, helping students develop essential skills like communication, time management, and teamwork. Working part time jobs in malaysia also allows students to practice English and interact with people from diverse backgrounds, enhancing their cultural understanding and confidence. Financially, part-time jobs help cover living expenses, transportation, and personal needs, reducing reliance on family support. Moreover, these jobs strengthen a studentâs resume, giving them a competitive edge for future employment opportunities, both locally and internationally.
đ Can International Students Work in Malaysia? Is Part Time Jobs in Malaysia allowed?
Yes! According to the Malaysian Immigration Department, international students enrolled in full-time degree programs can work up to 20 hours per week during semesters and full-time during semester breaks or long holidays.
Requirements:
Valid student visa
Permission from your university and Immigration Department
Work in sectors approved for student employment
Working without authorization or exceeding allowed hours may risk your student visa.
đ° How Much Can Students Earn from Part Time jobs in Malaysia?
Earnings vary depending on the type of job and location. Hereâs a quick overview:
Job Type | Hourly Pay (RM) | Weekly (20h) | Monthly Approx. |
---|---|---|---|
Retail / Shop Assistant | 8â12 | 160â240 | 640â960 |
CafĂ© / Restaurant Crew | 9â14 | 180â280 | 720â1,120 |
Tutoring / Teaching Assistant | 20â40 | 400â800 | 1,600â3,200 |
Delivery Rider | 12â20 | 240â400 | 960â1,600 |
Event Staff / Promoters | 50â150/day | 400â1,200 | 1,600â4,800 |
Freelance / Online Work | 15â40 | Flexible | 1,200+ |
đĄ Tip: Tutoring, freelance work, and event staff jobs often pay more than retail or F&B roles.
đȘ Popular Part Time Jobs in Malaysia
1. Retail Assistant / Shop Helper
Where:Â Malls, supermarkets, small shops
Duties:Â Customer service, stocking shelves, cash handling
Pay:Â RM 8â12/hour
2. Café or Restaurant Crew
Where: Cafés, restaurants, fast-food outlets
Duties:Â Serving customers, food preparation, cleaning
Pay:Â RM 9â14/hour
3. Hotel & Event Staff
Where:Â Hotels, resorts, events, conferences
Duties:Â Guest assistance, setup, housekeeping
Pay:Â RM 10â15/hour or RM 50â150/day
Cash Option:Â Daily payments often available for small events
4. Tutor / Teaching Assistant
Where:Â Schools, tuition centers, private homes
Subjects:Â English, Math, Science, languages
Pay:Â RM 20â40/hour
Cash Option:Â Many parents pay immediately after each session

5. Freelance / Online Jobs
Options:Â Content writing, graphic design, social media management, data entry
Pay:Â RM 15â40/hour
Cash Option:Â Some clients pay via cash or online platforms
6. Delivery Rider
Where:Â GrabFood, FoodPanda, ShopeeFood
Duties:Â Deliver food or parcels
Pay:Â RM 12â20/hour or per delivery
Cash Option:Â Small restaurants often pay cash per delivery
7. Cleaning / Housekeeping
Where:Â Hotels, offices, hostels
Duties:Â Cleaning, laundry, minor maintenance
Pay:Â RM 10â15/hour
Cash Option:Â Daily or weekly payments
đ” Cash on Hand Jobs for Students
Cash-on-hand jobs are part-time jobs where students are paid daily or weekly in cash instead of monthly bank transfers. These are ideal for students who need immediate money for daily expenses.
Common cash-paying jobs include:
Retail assistant or shop helper (daily cash possible in small stores)
Café or restaurant crew (small restaurants often pay daily)
Event staff / promoters (paid immediately after events)
Private tutoring (parents usually pay after each lesson)
Delivery riders (some restaurants pay cash per delivery)
Housekeeping / cleaning jobs (daily or weekly cash)
đĄ Tip: Always confirm payment terms before starting a cash job and make sure the employer is reliable.
đ Best Times to Work Part Time Jobs in Malaysia
Semester Breaks: Full-time work allowed
Weekends / Evenings: Flexible for retail, café, and freelance jobs
Festive Holidays: Higher demand and sometimes higher pay
â ïž Always ensure you do not exceed 20 hours/week during semesters.
â Benefits of Part-Time & Cash Jobs
đŒ Gain work experience in customer service, hospitality, teaching, or digital skills
đ Improve English and communication skills
đ” Reduce financial stress and cover living expenses
đ Boost your resume with local work experience
đ« Build networks and make new friends
You can find jobs from these sites in MalaysiaÂ
1. JobStreet Malaysia
Website: www.jobstreet.com.my
What it offers: Full-time, part-time, and internship listings. Many retail, F&B, and office jobs are listed.
Tip: Use filters for âpart-timeâ and âinternshipâ to find student-friendly jobs.
2. Indeed Malaysia
Website: www.indeed.com
What it offers: Searchable database of jobs including part-time, freelance, tutoring, and delivery roles.
Tip: Use keywords like âpart-time,â âstudent jobs,â or âcash jobs.â
3. FastJobs Malaysia
Website: www.fastjobs.my
What it offers: Focused on part-time and casual jobs, often paid daily or weekly (cash-friendly).
Ideal for: Retail assistants, F&B staff, delivery riders.
4. GrabFood / FoodPanda Careers
Websites: GrabFood MalaysiaÂ
What it offers: Delivery rider jobs for students with flexible hours and cash payment options.
Tip: Ideal for students with motorbikes or bikes.
6. Facebook Groups & Marketplace
Search for:
âStudent jobs Malaysiaâ
âPart-time jobs Kuala Lumpur / Penang / Johorâ
âCash jobs Malaysiaâ
Why itâs useful: Many small cafĂ©s, tuition centers, and event organizers advertise casual and cash-paying jobs.
6. Tutor & Freelance Platforms
Platforms:
What it offers: Tutoring, content writing, graphic design, social media, and online freelance work.
Tip: Many clients pay in cash or online transfer immediately after the task.
8. Job Boards for Events & Hospitality
Websites like Jooble Malaysia and local event websites post short-term, cash-paying jobs for concerts, exhibitions, and hotels.
â Tips to Find Jobs as a Student in Malaysia:
Always confirm legal working hours (max 20 hours/week during semesters).
Start your search 1â2 months before semester breaks for better opportunities.
Look for nearby locations to save on transport costs.
For cash jobs, ask about daily/weekly payment and verify employer reliability.
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