Malaysian Government Scholarships

Overview

The Malaysian Government Scholarships, primarily offered through the Malaysian International Scholarship (MIS) program, are prestigious awards designed to attract exceptional international students to pursue postgraduate studies at Malaysian universities. Administered by the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia, these scholarships aim to promote Malaysia as a center of academic excellence, foster international understanding, and strengthen educational cooperation with countries worldwide. Malaysia offers a high-quality education system with internationally recognized qualifications at a fraction of the cost compared to Western countries, making it an increasingly popular destination for international students.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Age:
    • For master's programs: Preferably under 40 years of age
    • For doctoral programs: Preferably under 45 years of age
  • Academic Background:
    • For master's programs: Bachelor's degree with a minimum CGPA of 3.5 out of 4.0 or equivalent
    • For doctoral programs: Master's degree with a minimum CGPA of 3.5 out of 4.0 or equivalent
    • Excellent academic record in relevant fields
  • Nationality: Open to citizens of all countries except Malaysia.
  • Language Proficiency:
    • For programs taught in English: IELTS score of at least 6.5 or TOEFL score of at least 580 (paper-based) or 92 (internet-based)
    • Applicants from countries where English is the native language or where English is the medium of instruction for academic studies may be exempted from this requirement
  • Health: Applicants must be in good health, both physically and mentally.
  • Other Requirements:
    • Must not be currently studying in Malaysia
    • Must have received an offer letter from a Malaysian university for a full-time postgraduate program
    • Must return to home country after completing the program
    • Must not be receiving any other scholarships from Malaysian government or any other organizations

Types of Malaysian Government Scholarships

1. Malaysian International Scholarship (MIS)

The flagship scholarship program offered by the Malaysian government for international students pursuing postgraduate studies (Master's and PhD) at Malaysian universities.

2. Malaysia Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP)

Offers short-term courses and long-term academic programs to participants from developing countries, focusing on areas where Malaysia has expertise.

3. Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP)

Offered to students from Commonwealth countries to pursue postgraduate studies in Malaysia.

4. ASEAN Scholarships

Specifically for students from ASEAN member countries to study in Malaysia.

5. University-Specific Government Scholarships

Many Malaysian public universities offer government-funded scholarships for international students, such as the UKM Global Fellowship, USM Fellowship, and UPM Graduate Research Fellowship.

Application Process

The application process for Malaysian Government Scholarships, particularly the MIS, involves the following steps:

  1. Apply for admission to a Malaysian university and obtain an offer letter for a full-time postgraduate program.
  2. Visit the official MIS website at https://biasiswa.mohe.gov.my/INTER/index.php.
  3. Create an account and complete the online application form.
  4. Upload the required documents:
    • Copy of passport (all pages, including blank pages)
    • Recent passport-sized photographs
    • Academic certificates and transcripts (Bachelor's and Master's for PhD applicants)
    • Language proficiency certificates (IELTS/TOEFL)
    • Curriculum vitae/resume
    • Research proposal (for research-based programs)
    • Two academic reference letters
    • Offer letter from a Malaysian university
    • Medical examination report
    • Published articles or academic achievements (if any)
  5. Submit the application before the deadline.
  6. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview (in-person or virtual).
  7. Wait for the final selection results.
  8. If selected, prepare for travel to Malaysia and complete any additional requirements.

Deadlines

The application period for Malaysian Government Scholarships typically follows this schedule:

  • Malaysian International Scholarship (MIS):
    • Application Opening: Usually in January-February
    • Application Deadline: Usually in March-April
    • Selection Process: May-July
    • Results Announcement: August-September
    • Program Commencement: September-October
  • Other Malaysian Government Scholarships: Deadlines vary by program and university. Check the specific scholarship website for the most current information.

Note: It is recommended to start preparing your application at least 3-6 months before the deadline, as you will need to secure university admission first.

Benefits

The Malaysian Government Scholarships, particularly the MIS, provide comprehensive support to international students, including:

  • Tuition Fees: Full coverage of university tuition fees.
  • Monthly Stipend:
    • Master's students: RM 1,500 per month
    • PhD students: RM 2,000 per month
  • Installation and Thesis Allowance: One-time payment of RM 2,000 for settling in and RM 1,500 for thesis preparation.
  • Annual Grant for Books: RM 500 per year.
  • Medical Insurance: Coverage for medical and health insurance.
  • Air Tickets: Return air tickets from home country to Malaysia at the beginning and end of the scholarship period.
  • Visa Support: Assistance with student visa application.

Note: Benefits may vary depending on the specific scholarship program and university.

Top Malaysian Universities

Malaysian Government Scholarships are accepted at numerous prestigious Malaysian universities, including:

  • Universiti Malaya (UM)
  • Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)
  • Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)
  • Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)
  • Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)
  • Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia (UIAM/IIUM)
  • Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM)
  • Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM)
  • Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS)
  • Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS)

Popular Fields of Study

Malaysian Government Scholarships cover a wide range of academic disciplines, with particular emphasis on:

  • Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
  • Information and Communication Technology
  • Biotechnology
  • Medicine and Health Sciences
  • Agriculture and Food Science
  • Economics and Finance
  • Islamic Banking and Finance
  • Environmental Sciences
  • Renewable Energy
  • Education
  • Social Sciences and Humanities
  • Business Administration

Contact Information

For more information about Malaysian Government Scholarships, you can contact:

Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia
International Cooperation and Recognition Division
Level 9, No. 2, Tower 2, Jalan P5/6, Precinct 5
62200 Putrajaya, Malaysia
Email: mis@mohe.gov.my
Website: https://biasiswa.mohe.gov.my/INTER/index.php

You can also contact the Malaysian embassy or consulate in your country for more information about studying in Malaysia and available scholarships.

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