Malaysia is a premier destination for international students, offering quality education and numerous scholarships. Here, we will explore the diverse scholarship options available at leading public and private universities, providing pathways for students to achieve their educational dreams. Below, we focus on famos scholarships and also scholarships of APU, Sunway, Taylor’s, UCSI, and MAHSA universities.
A) Government Scholarships
The Malaysian government plays a significant role in providing financial assistance to international students. Following are some key governmental scholarship programs:
Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS)
Offered by: The Ministry of Education
Eligibility: Open to international students pursuing postgraduate degrees (Master’s or PhD) in various fields, including Science, Engineering, and Information Technology.
Benefits: Full tuition fee waiver, monthly living allowance, and other perks like travel expenses.
Application process: Applicants need to submit an online application with academic transcripts, a research proposal, and recommendation letters. Deadlines typically fall in April each year.
JPA Scholarship (Public Service Department Scholarship)
Offered by: Malaysian Government
Eligibility: Malaysian citizens with excellent academic performance. While this scholarship primarily supports domestic students, it’s an important program that many Malaysian universities consider when allocating additional funds for other international students.
Benefits: Tuition fees, living expenses, and a monthly stipend for the entire duration of study.
Application process: Available through the official JPA website, requiring high academic achievement and active involvement in extracurricular activities
B) University Scholarships
Malaysia’s top-ranked universities also offer their own scholarships for both domestic and international students, with many targeted specifically at high-performing applicants.
1) Public University Scholarships
University of Malaya Excellence Award
Eligibility: This scholarship is open to both undergraduate and postgraduate students with outstanding academic records. International students are also encouraged to apply.
Benefits: Full or partial tuition fee coverage, living stipends, and research grants for postgraduate students.
Application process: Applications are submitted through the university’s online portal, typically alongside the program application. Applicants need a solid academic background, as well as recommendations from their previous institution.
UKM Vice Chancellor’s Scholarship
Eligibility: Available to both local and international students pursuing Master’s or PhD programs. Applicants must demonstrate excellent academic performance and research potential.
Benefits: Full tuition fee waiver, accommodation, monthly living allowances, and research grants.
Application process: The scholarship is merit-based, requiring high academic scores, a detailed research proposal (for postgraduates), and letters of recommendation. The submission window is usually between February and May.
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)
USM Global Fellowship
Eligibility: Open to postgraduate students, including international applicants, who have a strong research proposal in fields like Science and Technology, Engineering, and Medicine.
Benefits: Tuition fee waiver, monthly living allowances, and research support.
Application process: Students must apply online, providing academic records and a strong research proposal. It is a highly competitive program.
2) Private University Scholarships
Many private universities in Malaysia also offer generous scholarship programs to attract international talent.
APU Scholarships
APU offers scholarships to students with strong academic backgrounds and extracurricular achievements:
Merit-Based Scholarships
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate students with outstanding academic records and participation in extracurricular activities.
Benefits: Covers up to 100% of tuition fees, with mentorship programs and career support included.
Application Process: Requires submission of transcripts, a personal statement, and evidence of extracurricular activities. Deadlines vary, typically aligned with academic intakes (March, June, September, and November).
Technology Scholarships
Eligibility: Open to students pursuing technology-related programs who demonstrate strong innovation and tech skills.
Benefits: Partial or full tuition fee waiver, access to exclusive tech workshops, and industry mentorship.
Application Process: Submission of academic records, a statement on tech-related achievements, and any relevant project work. Application deadlines match APU’s main intake periods.
Sunway University Scholarships
Sunway University is known for its comprehensive scholarship programs, making education accessible for diverse talents:
Jeffrey Cheah Foundation Scholarships
Eligibility: Open to students demonstrating academic excellence or requiring financial assistance.
Benefits: Offers up to a full tuition waiver and access to career development workshops.
Application Process: Requires academic transcripts, financial need documentation (if applicable), and a personal statement. Deadlines are aligned with major intakes (January, April, and August).
Sports Scholarships
Eligibility: Awarded to athletes who have demonstrated national or regional achievements in their sports.
Benefits: Partial tuition coverage, with additional benefits like access to sports facilities and training support.
Application Process: Requires academic records, a personal statement, and proof of sports achievements. Deadlines align with Sunway’s academic intakes.
Taylor’s University Scholarships
Taylor’s University supports students with academic merit and community involvement through tailored scholarship programs:
Excellence Award
Eligibility: Available to both undergraduate and postgraduate students with high academic scores.
Benefits: Up to 100% tuition fee waiver, access to mentorship programs, and professional workshops.
Application Process: Submission of academic records, personal essay, and recommendation letters. Deadlines follow Taylor’s intake schedules (March, July, and October).
Community Scholarships
Eligibility: Open to students actively involved in community service and leadership roles.
Benefits: Partial tuition coverage, with opportunities to participate in community projects supported by the university.
Application Process: Applicants need to submit transcripts, a statement of community involvement, and references. Application deadlines coincide with Taylor’s intake periods.
UCSI University Scholarships
UCSI offers diverse scholarships aimed at academically inclined students and those with financial need:
UCSI Trust Scholarship
Eligibility: Open to students showing academic excellence, leadership skills, and financial need.
Benefits: Full or partial tuition waiver, plus access to leadership development programs.
Application Process: Requires academic records, a personal statement, and evidence of financial need. Deadlines align with UCSI’s intake periods (January, May, and September).
Financial Hardship Scholarships
Eligibility: Available to students facing financial challenges who meet academic requirements.
Benefits: Partial tuition fee waiver, along with support from the university’s financial aid programs.
Application Process: Applicants submit academic records, a financial hardship statement, and supporting documents. Deadlines match UCSI’s academic intakes.
MAHSA University Scholarships
MAHSA provides scholarships focused on healthcare education, offering specific options for students in medical fields:
MAHSA Foundation Scholarship
Eligibility: Open to students entering foundation courses with high academic potential.
Benefits: Covers a portion of tuition fees, with progression options into degree programs.
Application Process: Requires academic transcripts and a statement of purpose. Deadlines align with MAHSA’s foundation program intakes.
Healthcare Scholarships
Eligibility: For students enrolled in medical or health sciences programs with strong academic merit.
Benefits: Up to 100% tuition waiver and access to clinical training and health sector development programs.
Application Process: Submission of transcripts, a personal statement focused on healthcare career aspirations, and recommendations. Deadlines vary based on MAHSA’s academic schedule (March, July, October).
