√Best Universities in Malaysia Offering Scholarships

Malaysia has quickly emerged as one of Asia’s leading destinations for international education. With its affordable tuition, diverse culture, and globally recognized universities, Malaysia continues to attract students from all over the world.

But what makes studying in Malaysia even more appealing is the wide range of scholarships offered by top universities — many of which are partially or fully funded for international students.

In this updated 2025 guide, we’ll explore the best universities in Malaysia offering scholarships, the types of funding available, eligibility requirements, and how you can apply successfully.

1. Why Study in Malaysia?

Before diving into the list of top scholarship universities, let’s understand why Malaysia is such a popular study destination:

• World-class education: Universities like Universiti Malaya and Universiti Putra Malaysia consistently rank among the top in Asia.

• Affordable cost of living: Living expenses are much lower compared to countries like Australia, Singapore, or the UK.

• English-friendly environment: Most programs are taught in English, making it easy for international students to adapt.

• Cultural diversity: Malaysia’s mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and international cultures creates a truly global experience.

• Strategic location: Malaysia offers easy travel access to other Southeast Asian countries — ideal for exploration during study breaks.

When combined with generous scholarship opportunities, Malaysia becomes one of the most cost-effective study destinations in Asia.

2. Top Universities in Malaysia Offering Scholarships (2025 Update)

Here are some of the leading universities in Malaysia that provide scholarships for international students at the Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD levels.

1. Universiti Malaya (UM)

Overview:
Universiti Malaya (UM) is Malaysia’s oldest and highest-ranked public university, consistently appearing in the QS World University Rankings Top 100. It offers a variety of scholarships for both Malaysian and international students.

Scholarship Opportunities:

• UM International Student Scholarship – Available for Master’s and PhD students based on academic merit and research potential.

• UM Postgraduate Research Fund (PGRF) – Financial assistance for students engaged in research-based programs.

Coverage:

• Full or partial tuition fees

• Monthly living allowance

• Research and thesis support

Popular Programs:
Engineering, Medicine, Business Administration, Environmental Science, and Social Sciences.

Website: https://www.um.edu.my

2. Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)

Overview:
UPM is known for its excellence in agriculture, biotechnology, and environmental studies. It is one of the leading research universities in Malaysia.

Scholarship Opportunities:

• Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA) – Provides monthly stipends and tuition fee waivers for postgraduate students involved in research projects.

• Putra Alumni Scholarship Scheme – For outstanding alumni and international students pursuing postgraduate degrees.

Coverage:

• Full tuition fees

• Monthly stipend

• Research grant support

Website: https://www.upm.edu.my

3. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)

Overview:
UTM is Malaysia’s top technological university, specializing in engineering, computer science, and innovation studies. It is highly ranked for research and industry collaboration.

Scholarship Opportunities:

• UTM International Doctoral Fellowship (IDF) – For international PhD candidates with strong research potential.

• UTM Zamalah Scholarship – Offered to postgraduate students demonstrating academic excellence.

Coverage:

• Tuition fees

• Living allowance

• Research funding

Popular Fields:
Engineering, Computer Science, Architecture, and Urban Planning.

Website: https://www.utm.my

4. Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)

Overview:
USM, known as the “Apex University” of Malaysia, is recognized for its focus on sustainability and multidisciplinary research.

Scholarship Opportunities:

• USM Graduate Assistantship Scheme – For postgraduate students who assist in teaching or research activities.

• Vice-Chancellor Award for Excellence – Based on academic performance and leadership qualities.

Coverage:

• Partial or full tuition

• Monthly living stipend

Website: https://www.usm.my

5. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)

Overview:
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), also known as The National University of Malaysia, offers top-tier programs in health sciences, engineering, and education.

Scholarship Opportunities:

• UKM Vice-Chancellor’s Gold Scholarship – A fully funded scholarship for outstanding international students pursuing Master’s and PhD degrees.

• UKM Postgraduate Scholarship – For research-based postgraduate programs.

Coverage:

• 100% tuition fee waiver

• Monthly allowance

• Accommodation and research support

Website: https://www.ukm.my

6. Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP)

Overview:
UTP is a private university founded by Malaysia’s oil and gas giant, PETRONAS. It is known for engineering, ICT, and energy-related programs and offers scholarships for both local and international students.

Scholarship Opportunities:

• UTP International Postgraduate Award (UTP-IPA) – For international Master’s and PhD students.

• PETRONAS Education Sponsorship Programme (PESP) – Full scholarships for selected high-achieving students.

Coverage:

• Full tuition

• Monthly allowance

• Research and travel funding

Website: https://www.utp.edu.my

7. Taylor’s University

Overview:
As one of Malaysia’s top private universities, Taylor’s University is highly ranked for its business, hospitality, and design programs.

Scholarship Opportunities:

• Taylor’s World Class Scholarship (TWCS) – For academically excellent international students.

• Merit Scholarship & Community Scholarship – Partial funding based on leadership or volunteer achievements.

Coverage:

• Up to 100% tuition fee waiver

• Accommodation allowance

Website: https://university.taylors.edu.my

8. Sunway University

Overview:
Sunway University is a globally recognized private institution that partners with Lancaster University (UK) for dual-degree programs.

Scholarship Opportunities:

• Jeffrey Cheah Foundation Scholarship – Full or partial scholarships for top-performing students.

• Sunway Talent Scholarship – For students excelling in arts, leadership, or innovation.

Coverage:

• Full or partial tuition

• Additional grants for extracurricular excellence

Website: https://university.sunway.edu.my

9. Monash University Malaysia

Overview:
Monash Malaysia is the Malaysian campus of Monash University (Australia). It offers globally recognized programs in business, engineering, and medicine.

Scholarship Opportunities:

• Monash High Achiever Award – Merit-based scholarship for Bachelor’s students.

• Monash Graduate Research Merit Scholarship – For research-based Master’s and PhD programs.

Coverage:

• Tuition fee discount (partial/full)

• Monthly stipend for research students

Website: https://www.monash.edu.my

3. How to Apply for University Scholarships in Malaysia

The process may vary between universities, but here’s a general guide:

1. Choose your university and program.
   Visit the university’s website to explore available scholarships and application deadlines.

2. Prepare your documents.
   Common requirements include academic transcripts, English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL), a statement of purpose, and recommendation letters.

3. Apply for admission first.
   Most universities require you to receive an offer letter before applying for scholarships.

4. Submit your scholarship application.
   Apply online through the university portal. Some scholarships are automatic upon admission.

5. Attend interviews (if required).
   Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview or online assessment.

4. Tips to Increase Your Chances

• Maintain an excellent academic record (GPA 3.5 or higher).
• Submit a strong motivation letter explaining your goals.
• Highlight your extracurricular activities and leadership skills.
• Apply early — many scholarships have limited slots.
• Keep your documents well-organized and verified.

5. Conclusion

Malaysia offers a wealth of opportunities for international students through prestigious universities and generous scholarship programs. Whether you’re pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate studies, institutions like UM, UPM, UTM, and Taylor’s University provide the financial support you need to achieve your academic goals.

By combining academic excellence, affordability, and cultural richness, Malaysia remains one of the best destinations for global learners in 2025.

So, if you dream of studying in Asia without financial stress — Malaysia might just be the perfect choice.