Studying away from your native country can be challenging, but it’s a decision that can significantly impact your career development journey. If you want to join other international students abroad, various places might be ideal. Malaysia, for one, is quickly becoming one of the best study destinations for international students across the globe.
So, why should you consider Malaysian universities? First, the country’s higher education quality is top-notch and constantly improving to meet current trends. The availability of scholarships is another essential factor that attracts many prospective international students. If that’s your primary motivation, they might find this article helpful.
Read on to learn more about some of the popular scholarships offered to students studying in Malaysia.
Top Scholarships in Malaysia
1. Malaysia International Scholarship
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: Tuition fee sponsorship and RM1,500 monthly allowance
- Eligible Degree/s: Master’s, Ph.D.
Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS), one of the country’s best scholarships, is a program initiated by the Malaysian government to attract talented minds from various parts of the world. Through the same initiative, they can also retain the best and most skilled personnel to help with developments and economic growth in general.
The program covers all the tuition fees of those who qualify to be beneficiaries. In addition, they’re entitled to a monthly allowance of RM1,500 or almost US$350. However, the applicant is supposed to cover any other expenses. For instance, the Malaysian government will not provide any travel expenses.
With that in mind, you can apply for this scholarship program by ensuring that you meet all the requirements. Anyone applying for a master’s or Ph.D. must be below 40 or 45 years, respectively. A GPA of 3.0 in their previous level of study (either bachelor’s or master’s degree) is also required for both postgraduate courses.
Another requirement is your English language tests, a score of 6.0 or higher on IELTS and 550 on TOEFL PBT. Finally, you must submit a 1000-word written proposal relevant to your specialization. During the application process, ensure you attach all the documents mentioned above and any other required information to stand a chance of being part of the annual beneficiaries.
2. Monash International Merit Scholarships
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: Partial tuition fee waiver per year
- Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s
As the name suggests, the Monash International Merit Scholarships are based on one’s academic performance. So, who is eligible, and how can you apply? Whether you’re a commencing or current Monash University in Malaysia as a local or international student, you’re eligible for the merit scholarships as long as you complete the application process. You can apply for the scholarships separately after receiving a course offer from the institution.
Nonetheless, you must go through the requirements because some of them under this program may not need any application process like the Monash High Achiever Award. As a beneficiary, you’ll receive a RM 10,000 tuition fee waiver for the first year of study to cover your expenses, from tuition to accommodation. The student’s eligibility depends on the scholarship they are applying for. The information from the link above can help you learn more about merit scholarships.
3. Heriot-Watt University Scholarships
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: Vary per scholarship program
- Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s, Ph.D.
The Malaysia campus of Heriot-Watt University has grown to become one of the best higher education institutions in recent years. It has six campuses in Europe and Asia, each of which is ranked among the top in the world. The Malaysian campus offers various scholarship programs for international students looking to continue their studies in Malaysia. The most famous include Women in Science and Engineering, Heriot-Watt Chinese Independent School Scholarship, and Higher Achievers Scholarships.
To qualify for any of these scholarships in Malaysia, you must meet the academic and other relevant requirements. Extra-curricular activities and leadership skills can also be helpful in your application process. As a beneficiary of this scholarship, you’ll receive partial financial assistance from the university throughout your studies.
4. International Graduate Student Scholarship – University Putra Malaysia
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: 30% to 50% tuition fee waiver
- Eligible Degree/s: Ph.D.
The University of Putra, Malaysia, is another excellent institution you can opt for as an international student if you want financial assistance. Through the International Graduate Student Scholarship (IGSS) program, the institution offers scholarship awards to international students from Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Priority is given to those candidates who are focused on conducting research exercises in areas that are relevant to the Malaysian community.
As a beneficiary, this Malaysian scholarship will cover about a third to half of your tuition fee for the first six semesters of your academic duration. However, it’s worth noting that this policy is subject to annual reviews. The application process can be done online, and the assessment can be completed within the next three months. Consider going through all the requirements and procedures before submitting your application.
5. MMU Scholarships – Multimedia University
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: 25% to 50% tuition fee discount
- Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s
The Multimedia University’s MMU Scholarships are awarded to international students with high academic potential. This highly competitive financial aid is available in every field except the law department. Grades from the student’s first trimester at MMU will be the basis for selection. The tuition waiver that a scholar may receive varies depending on their grades, and it can range from 25% up to 50% of the complete tuition fee.
A student must have a CGPA of at least 3.50 to receive the MMU Merit Scholarship. It is not available to students who have received another financial aid from this university or sibling institutions, as each student can only be granted one scholarship. If a student applies for this particular one and is qualified for more than one, they will receive the one with the best financial help.
6. Endowment Scholarship – Universiti Teknologi MARA
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: Tuition fee coverage, annual allowance of up to RM 42,000
- Eligible Degree/s: Master’s, Ph.D.
The Universiti Teknologi MARA Endowment Scholarship is the first of its type at this institution. It is offered to outstanding Malaysian and international students who wish to pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees. The UiTM scholarship will cover academic tuition fees and provide a generous monthly stipend to help students with living expenses.
Over 30 scholarships will be given out only to full-time students who have achieved high grades. There is one deadline each year, and interested students must submit their application forms online to be considered. An interview with the selection committee is also part of the application process. For applicants at the Ph.D. level, publication in at least two journals is also required.
This scholarship is a very good opportunity for local and international students because it supports all the programs available at the university and is highly focused on helping students achieve the best education possible in this beautiful country. The attached link provides extra information regarding the application process and requirements for this scholarship in Malaysia.
7. Excellence Ph.D. Scholarship – University of Malaya
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: Partial to full tuition fee coverage, monthly stipend of up to RM 3,000
- Eligible Degree/s: Ph.D.
The University of Malaya is considered the oldest and highest-ranking Malaysian higher education institution. It is located in the majestic city of Kuala Lumpur. The school is home to many international students who seek new experiences. Ph.D. applicants with excellent academic records are welcome to apply to its Excellence Ph.D. Scholarship.
It is rewarded only to the best applicants who offer promising talents and skills. Students must be registered full-time and have at least two research supervisors in order to be considered. Additional requirements include previous academic records, proof of bachelor’s and master’s GPA, and evidence of English proficiency. An aptitude test and interview will also be part of the application process.
This financial aid is one of the university’s most generous scholarships, covering total tuition fees and providing a monthly stipend. After receiving admission, applications must be submitted online. There are two deadlines every year, one for each semester.
8. Presidents Scholarship – Management and Science University
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: Vary per degree program
- Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D.
The Management and Science University is a prestigious private institution for local and international students in Shah Alam, Selangor. It was established in 2001 as the University College of Technology and Management Malaysia before formally becoming a full-fledged university in October 2007.
The MSU President’s Scholarship is a program that has helped many students over the years. This prize is given to students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and come from disadvantaged backgrounds. The scholarship has limited information available to the public because it is given directly by the university.
Interested applicants are invited to contact the university staff to get more information and see what possible rewards they may acquire. Additional information regarding the value of the scholarship and the documents that may be required can be found in the attached scholarship link.
9. Sunway University Jeffrey Cheah Entrance Scholarship
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: Partial tuition fee coverage
- Eligible Degree/s: Diploma, Bachelor’s
Sunway University, located in the capital city of Kuala Lumpur, is one of the most well-known universities offering various scholarships that make quality education affordable for local and international students. The Jeffrey Cheah Entrance Scholarship is among the best available for new students aspiring to start their higher education here. It is given to those with outstanding academic records before enrollment.
The application process is separate from the main university application. Aside from an application form, a few documents must be submitted before a specific deadline. The primary documents include passports and identification cards. You must also provide previous education records proving your strong academic performance.
Only full-time students are eligible to apply. The value of the scholarship is decided based on many factors, but international students studying degree programs can get up to RM 11,000 per year. Selected scholars will need to maintain specific CGPAs to continue the scholarship. More information regarding the eligibility criteria and scholarship value can be found on the official university page linked in the scholarship link.
Although studying abroad isn’t without difficulties, it’s a choice that can profoundly shape your life’s course. Numerous international students are drawn to Malaysian top universities due to their top-notch higher education quality and abundant available scholarships. So, if you want to pursue a degree in this country, you can look at some of the financial aids above and learn more about them through the links provided.
We hope this article on best scholarships in Malaysia for international students was helpful. If you’re interested in studying abroad, make sure to check out the Malaysia Page and some of the Available Programs for International Students!
