Study in Ireland
Want to study in Ireland? Explore Universities & Courses
Scholarships in Malaysia - Malaysia, with its number of foreign universities have been coming up in the education. Several universities from the UK and Australia have established campuses in Malaysia making it one of the most sought-after affordable countries to study in South East Asia. Aspirants interested in pursuing their study in Malaysia find several opportunities that not only enhance their knowledge, these opportunities also offer courses with scholarships to make their education affordable. These scholarships in Malaysia are provided by the government, universities, etc. The Malaysian universities have improved majorly in the world rankings with University Malaya improving 27 positions in the QS world rankings 2019. The university which earlier ranked at 114, now ranks among the top 100 universities of the world at 87th rank. The university ranks in the top 50 in the world in various fields of Engineering and Technology, Library and Information management, Development studies and social sciences and management. Malaysian scholarships for higher education are some of the most sought-after by students from across the world.
Name of university in Malaysia | QS ranking 2024 |
Universiti Malaya (UM) | 65 |
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) | 137 |
Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) | 158 |
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) | 159 |
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia | 188 |
Taylor's University | 284 |
Universiti Malaya(UM) and Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) feature among the top 100 universities in the world in Arts and humanities. Subject ranking of a few universities are mentioned below.
A number of scholarship programmes are available to international students to study in Malaysia. Some scholarships are also available to international students from SAARC and ASEAN countries. These scholarships are of various types. Universities also offer scholarships to students aspiring to study in Malaysia. Malaysian scholarships are also intended to attract intellect and talent to benefit research in Malaysia.
Malaysian Technical Cooperation Program – ASEAN Masters Scholarship |
Malaysian Technical Cooperation Program – Scholarships For International Students |
Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan |
Malaysian International Scholarship (MIS) |
Asia Pacific University International Students Scholarships |
SEARCA Full Masters and PhD Scholarships |
Started by the Malaysian government in 2015 as a part of Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship, The Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP) –Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Masters Scholarship aims to understand and improve the human capital to support the ASEAN community vision 2025. The Malaysian scholarships are focussed around developing high quality projects which intend to improve the quality of human life.
The scholarship is available to citizens of ASEAN member states. Scholarship aspirants who aspire to study in Malaysia should have good academic and co-curricular background. This scholarship is available to aspirants for Postgraduate Masters Studies Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme.
The eligibility criteria to apply for the MTCP – ASEAN Masters Scholarships is
a) The candidate should be less than 45 years of age.
b) The candidate should have secured a minimum of Second Class Upper (Honours) or a CGPA of 3.5/4.0
c) English Language proficiency requirements:
IELTS Academic Test: 6.5, or
TOEFL PBT: 580
TOEFL CBT: 230
TOEFL iBT: 92
d) The candidate should be health and certified by a Certified Medical Professional. The health certification cost is to be borne by the candidate.
e) The proposal to the research-based programme should be relevant to the field of studies as well as relevant to the needs and interests of Malaysia
f) The candidate should have applied for and should have received admission to postgraduate studies in Malaysia. The candidates are required to send confirmation of acceptance or provide the conditional letters of offer with the Universities in Malaysia at the time of application for the scholarship.
Malaysian scholarships to pursue research and higher education is supported by all the government universities and a few private universities as well to study in Malaysia. The scholarship is offered at the following Malaysian universities.
University of Malaya (UM)
National University of Malaysia (UKM)
University of Science, Malaysia (USM)
Putra University, Malaysia (UPM)
International Islamic University of Malaysia
University of Malaysia, Sabah (UMS)
University of Technology Petronas (UTP)
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)
Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS)
Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM)
Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI)
Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM)
Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM)
Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UNIMAP)
Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT)
Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP)
Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM)
Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA)
Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK)
Want to study in Ireland? Explore Universities & Courses
The value of the scholarship includes
Air tickets from recipient’s capital city to Malaysia
An approved tuition fees
Monthly maintenance allowance
Annual grant for books and internal travel
Medical / Health Insurance
Installation and Termination grant
Thesis allowance
Visa
This Malaysian scholarship is available in select academic streams. The areas in which the MTCP-ASEAN Masters Scholarships are awarded are listed below.
Economics
Project Management
Governance
International Relations
Public Policy
Agriculture and Fisheries
Islamic Studies
Engineering
The selection process for the Malaysian scholarship is quite competitive. The candidates are selected on a number of criteria including
High-level academic profile
Research proposal quality and its potential contribution towards advancement of technology and improvement of quality of life
Excellent English communication skills including writing and reading skills
The Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP) scholarships provides international students opportunities to pursue post graduate programs in Malaysia. The awardees of Malaysian scholarships do not have any bond by Malaysian government and are given on a government to government basis. These are for those high calibre students who intend to contribute to their parent
intended for promising candidates who are expected to return and make significant contributions to their parent countries once they complete their programs. The scholarship duration is 3 years for PhD and between 1 to 2 years for Masters Programme.
The MTCP Malaysian scholarships are awarded to those candidates interested to study in Malaysia and who fulfill the following criteria.
The candidate should be below 45 years of age.
Minimum Bachelors or Masters CGPA of 3.5/4.0
For PhD aspirants the candidates would be considered on the publications (books, refereed/non refereed journals, portfolio and patent copyright etc)
The post doctoral aspirants should have excellent research experience and knowledge
The candidates are required to take any of the prescribed English proficiency test like IELTS or TOEFL.
The minimum scores in the tests are
IELTS Academic Test score -- 6.5; or
TOEFL paper-based test score -- 580 or
TOEFL computer-based test score -- 230 or
TOEFL internet-based test score -- 92
The candidate should also be certified to be in good health by a Certified Doctor/Medical Professional.
The candidate has to write a proposal in the relevant field of higher education.
The aspirant of this Malaysian scholarship should have also applied to the program and should have received a confirmation for admission. Candidates may attach their conditional offer letter with their scholarship application.
Each of the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP) Scholarships for International Students consists of the following.
Air tickets from recipient’s capital city to Malaysia
An approved tuition fees
Monthly maintenance allowance
Annual grant for books and internal travel
Medical / Health Insurance
Installation and Termination grant
Thesis allowance
Visa
The Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP) Scholarships for International Students are provided for certain priority areas to study in Malaysia. This Malaysian scholarship is focused on conducting quality research in subjects related to Science, Engineering as well as Agriculture and biosciences.
Science and Engineering
Agriculture and Fisheries
Economics and Islamic Finance
Information and Communication Technology
Biotechnology
Bio-security and Food Safety
Infrastructure and Utility
Environmental Studies
Health not including nursing, medicine, clinical pharmacy.
Interested applicants can apply for scholarships in any related program within the core areas mentioned above.
MTCP Scholarships-Selection Criteria
The selection criteria for the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP) Scholarships for International Students is quite competitive. Students from all over the world apply for the scholarship making it tougher. The core selection criteria for the Malaysian scholarship are:
High performing academics
Good quality of the research proposal and its possible contribution towards the advancement of technology and human quality of life and living
Excellent English communication skills including writing and reading skills.
1) MTCP Secretariat, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia
MTCP Secretariat
International Cooperation and Development Division
Department of Multilateral Affairs
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Malaysia
Wisma Putra, No 1,
Jalan Wisma Putra
Precint 2
62602 Putrajaya
Malaysia
OR
2) International Scholarship Division,
Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia
Scholarship Division
Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia
Level 2, No 2, Tower 2
Jalan P5/6, Precinct 5
62200 Putrajaya
An initiative by the Malaysian Government to bring and retain talent from around the world, the Malaysian International Scholarship (MIS) intends to aid international students to pursue advanced academic courses (Masters and PhD) to study in Malaysia.
Two kinds of MIS Malaysian Scholarship are offered; Postgraduate and Post-doctoral Studies.
The Malaysian International Scholarship has the following eligibility criteria.
The candidate should not be more than 40 years for Postgraduate courses and 45 years for Post-doctoral programmes
The candidate should have a minimum of Second Class Upper (Honours) or a CGPA of 3.5/4.0 at Bachelor Degree Level for Masters courses
PhD aspirants should have a CGPA 3.5/4.0 or equivalent for Masters degree level in a related field.
The post doctoral aspirants for study in Malaysia will be evaluated on their publications (books, refereed/non refereed journals, portfolio and patent copyright). They should also have good reputation in research and related subjects.
The candidates aspiring for this Malaysian scholarship should have the required English Language Proficiency Test score which should have been taken within the two years prior to the application. The required tests and their minimum scores are:
IELTS Academic Test score -- 6.5 or
TOEFL paper-based test score -- 580
TOEFL computer-based test score-- 230 or
TOEFL internet-based test score-- 92
The candidate should have excellent health certified by a Doctor/Medical Professional.
The candidate is required to submit a research proposal relevant to the field of study in which the scholarship is offered.
The list of universities accepting the Malaysian International Scholarships
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)
Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)
Universiti Malaya (UM)
Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM)
Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia (UIAM/IIUM)
Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM)
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)
Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM)
Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTEM)
Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM)
Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI)
Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT)
Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS)
Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP)
Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS)
Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UNIMAP)
Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UNISZA)
Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM)
Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK)
Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP)
Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN)
Multimedia University (MMU)
International Centre For Education In Islamic Finance (INCEIF)
Explore the study abroad destinations
The Malaysian International Scholarships offers aspirants the following:
Air tickets from recipient’s capital city to study in Malaysia
An approved tuition fees
Monthly maintenance allowance
Annual grant for books and internal travel
Medical / Health Insurance
Installation and Termination grant
Thesis allowance
Visa
The Malaysian International Scholarships are offered in a variety of science and agriculture areas. Aspirants may also apply for this Malaysian scholarship in the subjects related to the mentioned areas.
Field of studies is in the following priority areas:
Science and Engineering
Agriculture and Fisheries
Economics and Islamic Finance
Information and Communication Technology
Biotechnology
Biosecurity and Food Safety
Infrastructure and Utility
Environmental Studies
Health not including nursing, medicine, clinical pharmacy.
Related Resources:
Malaysian International Scholarships are sought-after by international students. The selection criteria of this Malaysian scholarship is thus quite competitive. The selection committee expects the following from the applicants:
The aspirant should be a high-level academic
The research proposal should be of high quality and should also have a focus on the potential contribution towards the advancement of technology and human well-being.
The candidate should also have excellent English communication, writing and reading skills
B.Sc (Hons) Admissions 2025 Now Open | Ranked Among the Top 100 Universities in the World by QS World University Rankings 2025 | Application Closing Soon!
Unlock GMAT Success Timeline & Expert Videos | Select test center appointment | Scores valid for 5 Years | Multiple Attempts
Accepted by 13,000 universities worldwide | Offered in 200+ countries | 40 million people have taken TOEFL Test
Explore Universities, Courses & Subjects | Work while study
Apply for upcoming intake & plan your journey
Universities inviting applications | Get expert guidance