Scholarships to Study in Malaysia

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.

This Story also Contains

1. Top Universities in Malaysia
2. Scholarships in Malaysia for International Students
3. Malaysian Technical Cooperation Program – ASEAN Masters Scholarship
4. Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP) Scholarships for International Students
5. Malaysian International Scholarship (MIS)

Top Universities in Malaysia

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.

Scholarships in Malaysia for International Students

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.

Top fellowships and scholarships to study in Malaysia are:

Malaysian Technical Cooperation Program – ASEAN Masters Scholarship

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.

MTCP-ASEAN Masters Scholarship Eligibility:

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.

MTCP-ASEAN Masters Scholarship Universities

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)

MTCP-ASEAN Masters Scholarship Value

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

MTCP-ASEAN Masters Scholarship Subjects

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

MTCP-ASEAN Masters Scholarship Selection Process

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

Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP) Scholarships for International Students

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.

MTCP Scholarships Eligibility Criteria

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.

MTCP Scholarships-Value of Scholarships

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

MTCP Scholarships-Study Areas

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.

For more information contact

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

Malaysian International Scholarship (MIS)

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.

Malaysian International Scholarship (MIS)-Eligibility

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.

Malaysian International Scholarship (MIS) - Universities

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

Malaysian International Scholarship (MIS) - Value

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

Malaysian International Scholarship (MIS) - Subject Areas

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:

• Study in Malaysia: Know top universities, courses and admission cycle
• Things to know before studying in Malaysia

Malaysian International Scholarship (MIS) - Selection Criteria

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