1. Introduction
Studying abroad can be expensive, but scholarships can make quality education much more affordable. Malaysia has become one of the most popular study destinations, hosting more than 100,000 international students annually according to Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS). If you’re wondering how to get a scholarship in Malaysia, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from eligibility requirements to application strategies and the best scholarships available.
2. Can International Students Get Scholarships in Malaysia?
Yes, international students can get scholarships in Malaysia. In fact, many Malaysian universities actively encourage international applications and provide financial assistance to attract talented students from around the world.
The Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education, local corporate foundations, and Malaysian universities offer scholarships to international students. Whether you are aiming for a full ride that covers your flights and food, or a partial tuition waiver to ease the burden on your family, options exist at every tier.
3. Why Study in Malaysia on a Scholarship?
A scholarship gives you a significant advantage by reducing financial pressure and helping you focus on your studies. A scholarship can reduce financial stress and allow you to focus more on your studies and future goals.
- Lower Education Costs: Low living expenses combined with scholarship funding make studying in Malaysia highly affordable.
- Internationally Recognized Degrees: Earn degrees from globally ranked institutions such as University of Malaya and UTM, recognized by the QS World University Rankings or graduate with dual Western degrees via UK/Australian twin-degree programs at a fraction of the cost.
- Better Career Opportunities: The scholarship distinction strengthens your professional profile, signaling discipline, motivation, and excellence to top global employers.
4. Types of Scholarships Available in Malaysia
Understanding the different scholarship categories is an important step when learning how to get a scholarship in Malaysia. Each type serves a different purpose and targets different student groups.
| Scholarship Type | Eligibility Criteria | Coverage & Benefits | Key Requirements | Application Tips |
| Government Scholarships (MIS & MTCP) | High academic achievers, postgraduate focus. | Full/partial tuition, monthly stipend, insurance, travel (sometimes) | Strong academic transcripts, English proficiency, research proposal (for PG) | Apply early, align your study field with Malaysia’s priority sectors, prepare a strong SOP |
| University Scholarships | Varies by university; based on academic merit, leadership, or research potential | Partial to full tuition waivers, research grants, fee discounts | Admission offer required, academic excellence, extracurriculars | Check university websites regularly, apply alongside admission, highlight achievements |
| Merit-Based Scholarships | High academic scores, all study levels | Tuition fee reduction, renewable annually | Maintain minimum GPA during studies | Focus on grades, submit strong academic records, apply automatically where eligible |
| Need-Based Scholarships | Students with financial constraints, moderate academic performance. | Partial tuition, stipends, accommodation support | Proof of income, financial documents, personal statement | Be transparent about finances, provide complete documentation, combine with merit options |
4.1 Government Scholarship
As of 2026, there are two major Malaysian government scholarships available to international students pursuing postgraduate studies: Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS) and the MTCP Scholarship.
Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS)
The Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education administers the Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS), one of the country’s most prestigious scholarship programs. It is designed to attract outstanding international students to pursue Master’s and PhD programs at selected Malaysian universities.
Key Features of MIS:
- Available for Master’s and PhD programs
- Open to international students from eligible countries
- Offered at selected public and private universities
- Focuses on academic excellence and research potential
- Highly competitive with limited awards available each year
What the MIS Scholarship Covers
The scholarship typically includes:
- Full tuition fee coverage
- Monthly living allowance of 1,500 per month
- Research-related support for eligible postgraduate students
- Other approved academic expenses depending on the program and institution
Who Should Apply?
MIS is ideal for students with:
- Strong academic results
- Research interests
- Leadership experience
- Active participation in extracurricular activities
For many international students, MIS represents the closest option to a fully funded scholarship in Malaysia offered directly by the government.
MTCP Scholarship
The Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP) Scholarship is funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Malaysia. It is specifically designed for students from developing countries who wish to pursue a Master’s degree in Malaysia.
Unlike MIS, which focuses heavily on academic and research excellence, MTCP places significant emphasis on developing future professionals and leaders who can contribute to the growth of their home countries after graduation.
Key Features of MTCP:
- Available for Master’s degree programs only
- Duration of 24 to 36 months
- Open to applicants from eligible MTCP recipient countries
- Available at selected Malaysian universities
- Supported directly by the Malaysian Government
What the MTCP Scholarship Covers
The MTCP Scholarship is widely considered a fully funded scholarship and typically includes:
- Full tuition fee coverage
- Monthly living allowance
- Return economy-class airfare
- Various academic and support allowances approved by the program
2026 Eligibility Requirements
The eligibility criteria for MTCP includes:
- Be citizens of eligible MTCP countries
- Be under 45 years old at the time of application
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum CGPA of 3.00 or equivalent
- Demonstrate English proficiency through IELTS, TOEFL, or previous education conducted in English
4.2 University Scholarship
University scholarships are financial awards offered directly by Malaysian universities to attract high-performing international students. These scholarships can reduce tuition fees by 10% to 100%, depending on academic results, leadership achievements, research potential, and other selection criteria.
Core International University Scholarship Portfolios
1. Asia Pacific University (APU)
- Programs Covered: Foundation, Diploma, Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs.
- Discount Amount: Partial tuition fee discounts ranging from 10% to 30%.
- Key 2026 Conditions:
- For Bachelor’s Students: To get the highest 30% discount, you need AAA in A-Levels, 9 A’s in IGCSE/O-Levels, or 37 points in the International Baccalaureate (IB).
- For Master’s/PhD Students: A 30% tuition discount requires a previous university grade of CGPA above 3.70 out of 4.00
- To Keep It: The discount renews automatically each year as long as you maintain a minimum CGPA of 2.50.
- How to Apply: There is no separate form. It is given on a first-come, first-served basis when you apply for admission.
2. Taylor’s University
- Programs Covered: Undergraduate (Bachelor’s degrees, ADTP) and specialized postgraduate pathways.
- Discount Amount: Tiered awards offering 50% or 100% full tuition waivers.
- Key 2026 Conditions:
- For a 100% Full Waiver: Requires an absolute minimum of AAA in A-Levels, 33 points in IB, or a previous university CGPA above 3.80
- 50% Partial Waiver Threshold: Capped at AAB/ABB in A-Levels, 29 points in IB, or a matriculation CGPA above 3.60.
- How to Apply: You must submit a separate scholarship application at the exact time you enroll. Deadlines are strict (e.g., late March for the February intake; mid-September for the September intake) and include a mandatory interview.
3. Sunway University
- Programs Covered: Bachelor’s degrees (including dual degrees with UK/USA universities) and postgraduate programs.
- Discount Amount: The Excellence Scholarship (100% free tuition) and regular Postgraduate Scholarships (60% to 100% free tuition).
- Key 2026 Conditions:
- For Bachelor’s Students: The 100% scholarship requires AAA in A-Levels, 37 points in IB, or a cumulative high school GPA above 3.95
- For Master’s/PhD Students: A 100% full tuition waiver requires a previous university above 3.50. A 60% partial waiver applies if you meet basic entry rules.
- How to Apply: Students must submit separate application forms before intake deadlines (e.g., early April or late August). Shortlisted students must pass an interview panel.
4. International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM)
- Degrees Covered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs.
- Discount Amount: Fully or partially covered tuition fees through the ALSAFA Fund or campus Zakat (charity) trust assistance.
- Key 2026 Conditions:
- Target Group: These highly competitive scholarships prioritize academically strong students from low-income families or developing regions.
- To Keep It: You must maintain a steady semester grade CGPA above 3.50. Campus dorm rooms are highly subsidized but billed separately.
5. UCSI University
- Programs Covered: All levels from Foundation up to PhD tracks.
- Discount Amount: Partial to 100% tuition coverage under the UCSI University Trust framework.
- Key Conditions: They look for a mix of top grades and active school leadership roles (like being a student council member or sports captain). You must maintain a high GPA each semester to keep the scholarship.
Important Tip for Applicants
Universities have a limited budget for international scholarships each year. Even if you have perfect grades, you will miss out if you apply late. Always get your university acceptance letter early, pay the processing fees, and lock in your campus discount before the scholarship quota runs out.
4.3 Merit-Based Scholarships
Merit-based scholarships are awarded to students with strong academic results. Most Malaysian universities offer these scholarships to attract high-achieving international students. Scholarship amounts usually range from 10% to 100% of tuition fees, depending on your grades.
Undergraduate and Postgraduate Results
Students applying with previous university qualifications may also qualify for merit scholarships.
Undergraduate Transfer Students
- Many universities offer scholarships to students transferring from diploma or foundation programs with excellent results.
Master’s and PhD Applicants
- Full tuition scholarships generally require a CGPA of 3.50 to 4.00.
- Partial scholarships are commonly awarded to students with a CGPA between 3.00 and 3.49.
- Research-focused universities may also provide Graduate Assistantships and Research Assistantships.
Scholarship Renewal Requirements
Most merit scholarships are renewable throughout your studies, but only if you maintain the required academic performance.
Common renewal conditions include:
- Maintaining a minimum CGPA, usually between 3.00 and 3.50.
- Meeting attendance requirements, often between 80% and 90%.
- Remaining enrolled as a full-time student.
- Avoiding academic probation or disciplinary issues.
If your academic performance drops below the required level, the scholarship may be reduced or withdrawn.
Important to Know
Most merit-based scholarships in Malaysia cover tuition fees only. Students are usually responsible for additional expenses such as accommodation, student visa fees, medical insurance, registration fees, travel costs, and daily living expenses.
4.4 Need-Based Scholarships
Need-based scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate financial need. These scholarships help students who may not have the financial resources to afford higher education, regardless of their academic background.
Unlike merit-based scholarships, the primary focus is on a student’s financial circumstances rather than grades alone. However, some universities may still require applicants to meet minimum academic requirements.
Who Can Apply?
Need-based scholarships are typically available to students from low-income families or those facing financial challenges.
Applicants may need to submit:
- Family income statements
- Salary certificates
- Bank statements
- Financial declaration forms
- Documents explaining financial hardship
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
Depending on the university or scholarship provider, support may include:
- Partial tuition fee waivers
- Full tuition fee waivers
- Living allowances
- Accommodation support
- Education grants
5. How to Get a Scholarship in Malaysia: Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this streamlined 9-step roadmap to secure your funding for the 2026 intakes.
1.Choose Your Course and University
Select from leading Malaysian universities that match your academic goals.
2.Research Available Scholarships
Map out government grants (MIS/MTCP) alongside internal campus merit waivers and private foundation options.
3.Check Scholarship Requirements
Verify strict age limits, baseline country filters, and the required grade thresholds CGPA above 3.00.
4.Prepare Required Documents
Compile notarized transcripts, passport copies, and your English proficiency or Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificates.
5.Write a Strong Personal Statement
Draft a unique essay detailing your career goals, academic vision, and why you chose Malaysia.
6.Secure Recommendation Letters
Obtain two professional references on official letterhead from teachers or employers who know your strengths.
7.Submit Scholarship Applications
Upload clean, high-resolution PDFs directly into the official university or MOHE portals before tight deadlines close.
8.Attend Interviews if Required
Prepare for online video panels by reviewing your study proposal and practicing common academic questions.
9.Accept the Scholarship Offer
Review the renewal terms (such as the mandatory maintenance GPA), sign the agreement, and begin your student visa process.
6. Scholarship Requirements in Malaysia
To secure a Malaysian scholarship for the 2026 academic intakes, international applicants must meet theserequirements:
- Academic Results: For undergraduate merit tiers, private universities require high school board scores of 85% to 90%. For postgraduate programs like the government-funded MIS, a minimum CGPA of 3.00 out of 4.00 is the mandatory baseline threshold.
- English Language Requirements: The standard benchmark is an IELTS score of 6.0 or a TOEFL iBT score of 60.
2026 Waiver Rule: Most providers, including the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), completely waive the IELTS requirement if you submit an official Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter proving your prior degree was taught entirely in English. - Identity & Financial Documents: You must provide a clean, color PDF scan of your passport with a minimum of 6 months validity. For need-based aid, certified parent salary slips or official tax forms are required.
- Supporting Certificates: Portals evaluate extra-curricular certificates (leadership, sports, community service) to break ties between applicants with identical grades.
7. Documents Needed for Scholarship Applications
Before applying for scholarships in Malaysia, gather the following documents. Every file must be scanned at high resolution, saved as an individual PDF, and officially translated if the original language is not English.
Core Digital Document Checklist
| Document Type | 2026 Submission Protocol & Specifications |
| Academic Transcripts | Must show every individual course grade across all semesters. Crucial Rule: If your university uses a percentage or classification scale rather than a standard 4.00 CGPA, you must attach an official grading guide issued by your university registrar. |
| Graduation Certificates | Certified true copies of your high school diploma, Bachelor’s degree, or Master’s certificate confirming full completion. |
| Passport Copy | High-resolution color scan of your information page. The passport must have at least 6 months of remaining validity from your expected entry date according to EMGS student pass requirements. |
| Personal Statement | A highly targeted essay outlining your research goals, why you selected Malaysia, and how the degree maps to your career. Keep it template-free. |
| Recommendation Letters | Two formal reference letters completed on official institutional letterhead by academic professors or professional supervisors. They must include verifiable contact details. |
| English Test Results | Valid IELTS (6.0+), TOEFL (iBT 60+), or an official Medium of Instruction (MOI) Certificate from your prior university confirming your past degree program was conducted completely in English. |
| Curriculum Vitae (CV) | A concise, chronological summary of your academic background, publications, work history, and extracurricular leadership achievements. |
| Research Proposal | A detailed proposal of at least 1,000 words highlighting the methodology, timeline, and domestic or global value of your project. (Mandatory for Master’s by Research and PhD applicants only). |
8. Can You Get a Scholarship with Average Grades?
Yes. Many scholarships in Malaysia consider more than just academic results. While top government scholarships usually require excellent grades, students with average results can still qualify for financial support through partial scholarships, need-based financial aid, sports scholarships, talent awards, and leadership-based funding. Master’s and PhD students may also receive support through Research Assistant (RA) or Graduate Assistant (GA) positions, which often provide a monthly allowance. The key is to apply for multiple funding opportunities and build a well-rounded profile beyond academics.
9. Why Scholarship Applications Get Rejected
Many scholarship applications are rejected because of avoidable mistakes. The most common mistakes include:
- Applying too late: Many scholarship deadlines close months before university intake dates.
- Missing documents: Incomplete applications are often rejected automatically.
- Ignoring eligibility requirements: Always check if you meet the scholarship criteria before applying.
- Using a generic personal statement: Clearly explain your goals, achievements, and reasons for applying.
10. Scholarship Deadlines and Intakes in Malaysia
Malaysian universities run on a multi-intake system. To secure funding, international students must submit applications 3 to 4 months before classes start to allow time for both scholarship processing and Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) student visa approval.
2026 Intake Timelines & Deadlines
| Intake Cycle | University Application Window | Core Scholarship Deadlines (2026) |
| February 2026 | Opens: August – October 2025 | Closes: Late November to Mid-December 2025 (Varies slightly by private campus) |
| July 2026 | Opens: January – March 2026 | Closes: April 30, 2026 (Direct international university slots) |
| September 2026 (Main Intake) | Opens: February – May 2026 | Closes: July 31, 2026 (Private university merit tiers) |
Crucial 2026 Government Scholarship Deadlines
If you are aiming for prestigious, fully funded government programs, their submission portals operate on highly rigid timelines independent of generic university intakes:
- Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS): The official portal for the 2026/2027 academic session strictly opens on March 4, 2026, and closes on April 3, 2026.
Refer to the official MIS portal for the latest application dates
- Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP): Follows a similar early-year timeline, with selection processes wrapping up by mid-May 2026 for the upcoming academic cycles.
Action Rule: Always complete your document attestation and secure your initial university conditional offer letter before these specific portal windows open. Late submissions are automatically rejected by system algorithms.
11. Tips to Increase Your Chances of Getting a Scholarship
Strong preparation can significantly improve your scholarship success rate.
- Maintain High Grades: Academic excellence remains the foundational benchmark for most committees.
- Demonstrate Leadership: Active roles in student councils, clubs, or community programs show initiative.
- Diversify Extracurriculars: Showcase a well-rounded profile through sports, debates, or social projects.
- Apply Early: Securing early submissions accesses larger funding pools and allows for document correction.
- Multiply Opportunities: Apply for multiple scholarships across different funding sources to improve your chances of success.
- Utilize Expert Guidance: Professional consulting optimizes university matching, refines application strategies, and eliminates critical errors.
12. How Study Comet Helps Students Secure Scholarships in Malaysia
Many students lose scholarship opportunities because they miss deadlines, apply for the wrong scholarships, or submit incomplete applications. Study Comet has helped hundreds of international students navigate admissions, scholarships, student visas, and university enrollment in Malaysia.
The team provides personalized support with scholarship matching and helping students explore Malaysian universities that fit their goals, application reviews, document preparation, admissions, and student visa processing. As an official partner of leading Malaysian universities, including IIUM, APU and University of Cyberjaya, Study Comet provides access to the latest scholarship opportunities and admission requirements.
Students who need personalized support can contact Study Comet for guidance. Students can focus on their academic goals while Study Comet assists with admissions, scholarships, visas, and university applications.
13. Frequently Asked Questions
13.1 Can international students get scholarships in Malaysia?
Yes. Many Malaysian universities, government agencies, and private organizations offer scholarships specifically for international students.
13.2 Are there fully funded scholarships in Malaysia?
Yes. Programs such as the Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS) and selected university scholarships may cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other study-related costs.
13.3 What GPA is required to get a scholarship in Malaysia?
Requirements vary by scholarship. Competitive scholarships often require a GPA equivalent of 3.0 to 3.5 or higher, although some programs consider additional achievements.
13.4 Can I get a scholarship after receiving admission?
Yes. Some universities allow students to apply for scholarships after receiving an admission offer or after completing their first semester.
13.5 Can International Students Get Government Scholarships in Malaysia?
Yes. International students can apply for Malaysian government scholarships through programs such as the Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS) and the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP). These scholarships primarily support postgraduate studies and can cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other educational costs.
13.6 When should I apply for scholarships?
Ideally, begin researching scholarships 8 to 12 months before your intended university intake.
