√Your Guide to Malaysia Scholarships

Malaysia has become one of the fastest-growing destinations for international students in Asia. With its affordable tuition, high-quality education, and multicultural environment, students worldwide are increasingly choosing Malaysia to pursue Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs.

However, financing international education can be a challenge. Thankfully, Malaysia offers a variety of scholarship programs to make studying more accessible. These scholarships include government-funded, university-specific, and international programs, many of which provide full tuition coverage, living allowances, and research support.

This guide provides everything you need to know about Malaysia scholarships, including types of programs, eligibility requirements, benefits, application procedures, and tips for success.

1. Why Study in Malaysia?

Before exploring scholarships, it’s important to understand why Malaysia is a top choice for global learners:

• High-quality education: Malaysian universities like Universiti Malaya (UM), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) are internationally recognized.

• Affordable tuition and living costs: Malaysia offers significantly lower expenses compared to Western countries.

• English-medium programs: Most courses are taught in English, easing the transition for international students.

• Cultural diversity: Malaysia is home to Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous cultures, creating a welcoming environment.

• Strategic location: Malaysia is a gateway to Southeast Asia, providing opportunities for travel and cultural exploration.

Affordable tuition combined with generous scholarship options makes Malaysia an ideal study destination for students worldwide.

2. Types of Scholarships in Malaysia

Scholarships in Malaysia can be categorized into three main types:

A. Government-Funded Scholarships

These are the most prestigious and competitive scholarships for international students.

1. Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS)

• Target Audience: Master’s and PhD students

• Benefits: Full tuition coverage, monthly stipend (RM 1,500–RM 2,000), research grant, health insurance, travel support

• Eligibility: Non-Malaysian, CGPA 3.0+, English proficiency (IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL 550), university admission required

• Application Process: Apply online via MIS portal after receiving a university offer

• Application Period: March – May annually

2. Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP) Scholarship

• Target Audience: Master’s students from developing countries

• Benefits: Tuition, monthly allowance, airfare, medical insurance, research support

• Eligibility: Citizens of MTCP-recipient countries, under 45, CGPA 3.0+, English proficiency

• Application Process: Apply through the local Malaysian embassy or MTCP portal

• Application Period: February – June annually

3. Other Government Scholarships

• ASEAN Scholarships: For students from ASEAN countries

• Commonwealth Scholarship Malaysia: For students from Commonwealth nations pursuing postgraduate studies

• Bilateral/Development Scholarships: Funded through international cooperation agreements

B. University Scholarships

Many Malaysian universities offer merit-based or research-based scholarships to attract international students.

Top Universities and Their Scholarships

1. Universiti Malaya (UM)

   • UM International Student Scholarship (Master’s & PhD)

   • Postgraduate Research Fund (PGRF)

   • Coverage: Tuition, stipend, research allowance

2. Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)

   • Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA)

   • Alumni Scholarship Scheme

   • Coverage: Tuition, monthly allowance, research funding

3. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)

   • International Doctoral Fellowship (IDF)

   • Zamalah Scholarship

   • Coverage: Tuition, living allowance, research support

4. Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)

   • Graduate Assistantship Scheme

   • Vice-Chancellor Award for Excellence

   • Coverage: Partial or full tuition, monthly stipend

5. Private Universities

   • Taylor’s University: World Class Scholarship, Merit & Community Scholarship

   • Sunway University: Jeffrey Cheah Foundation Scholarship, Sunway Talent Scholarship

   • Monash University Malaysia: High Achiever Award, Graduate Research Merit Scholarship

C. International or External Scholarships

Some global organizations also support study in Malaysia:

• Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Scholarship – For graduate students from member countries

• ASEAN University Network (AUN) Scholarships – For regional cooperation programs

• Other international foundations – Offer partial or full funding for specific fields or research areas

3. Eligibility Requirements

While each scholarship has its own criteria, most scholarships require:

• Non-Malaysian citizenship

• Strong academic record (CGPA 3.0+ or equivalent)

• Admission offer from a Malaysian university

• English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL or prior English-based education)

• Recommendation letters and personal statement

• Research proposal for postgraduate programs

Some scholarships also consider leadership experience, community service, and extracurricular involvement.

4. Application Process

1. Research available scholarships – Government, university, and international programs

2. Choose a university and program – Ensure scholarship eligibility

3. Prepare required documents – Academic transcripts, CV, personal statement, recommendation letters, passport, English test scores

4. Secure admission – Most scholarships require a conditional or full offer first

5. Submit scholarship applications – Online portals or university websites

6. Attend interviews – If shortlisted, some scholarships require interviews or online assessments

7. Accept the scholarship and apply for a student visa – Universities often assist with visa processing

5. Tips for Increasing Scholarship Chances

• Apply early and track deadlines carefully
• Maintain excellent academic performance
• Write a strong personal statement or motivation letter
• Highlight research experience, leadership, and community engagement
• Contact potential supervisors for research programs
• Keep all documents organized and verified

6. Life as a Scholarship Student in Malaysia

Scholarship students enjoy:

• Access to modern academic and research facilities

• Exposure to multicultural student communities

• Affordable campus housing and living expenses

• Opportunities to explore Southeast Asia

• Hands-on experience through research projects, internships, and community programs

Scholarships in Malaysia offer not just financial aid, but also the opportunity to experience academic and cultural growth in a dynamic environment.

7. Scholarship Deadlines (Estimated)

(Always check the official websites for up-to-date deadlines.)

8. Conclusion

Malaysia offers a wide array of scholarships for international students across all academic levels. From government-funded programs like MIS and MTCP to university-based and international scholarships, students can pursue their academic goals with financial support.

With careful planning, excellent academic performance, and strong applications, studying in Malaysia can be both affordable and academically rewarding in 2025.

Scholarships in Malaysia not only ease financial burdens but also provide opportunities to experience a rich cultural environment, gain international exposure, and build lifelong networks.