Summary

  • Country: Malaysia

  • Scholarship Type: Merit-based

  • Offered by: Govt of Malaysia

  • Institutions: Number of Host Universities in Malaysia

  • Type: Fully Funded scholarship

  • Degree Program: Postgraduate (Both Master’s and Ph.D. Degree Levels

  • Scholarship Amount: 100% tuition fee plus RM 1,500 per month

  • Deadline: 18th May, 2024

The Malaysian government has invested heavily in their education system, and as a result it has become an educational hub for international students. According to UNESCO data, Malaysia currently ranks 11th among the top study destinations in the world.

There are plenty of good reasons to study in Malaysia, even if you’re not Malaysian.

The cost of living here is quite low, especially if you come from the US, Canada, or Western Europe.

The average budget here for an international student is about $4,000—and that’s for the whole year. that’s enough money for food, accommodations, and travel expenses.

What’s more, the Malaysian government is even offer scholarships for international students.

One of these is the Malaysian Government Scholarship Program for Postgraduate Studies. You can attain your Master’s or Ph.D. without having to pay a lot, while you enjoy yourself in Malaysia.

What Are the Benefits of the Scholarship?

If you do get the Malaysian Government International Scholarship, it means that you won’t have to pay the tuition fees of any of the host universities. Plus, you get a residential allowance of about RM 1,500 per month, which you can use towards your apartment rent.

Keep in mind that your travel expenses won’t be covered. So, you will have to pay the airfare to Malaysia (and then back to your home country) on your own.

You should really do your own research on how much it will cost you to study in Malaysia. It won’t be as expensive as living in NYC, but at least you’ll be ready.

How Can You Apply for This Scholarship?

Here are the steps involved:

  1. Fill out the application form.

  2. Compile all the necessary documents.

  3. Submit both the application form with the required documents.

  4. Take an entrance exam.

  5. Go through an interview.

What are the Required Documents for the Application?

Your application should come with the following documents:

  • A certified copy of your passport (minimum validity of 6 months)

  • A certified copy of your academic transcript

  • A transcript of your undergraduate studies

  • A record of all courses you’ve taken throughout the degree program

  • The official CGPA report issued by the graduating institute. (GPA secured must be mentioned)

  • A certified copy of your English language test scores (either IELTS or TOEFL).

  • Recommendation letter from 2 teachers

  • Endorsement form

  • Study plan

  • Motivation Letter

  • Curriculum vitae

  • Research proposal

Priority Programs for the Scholarship

It’s best if you’re aiming for these programs when you apply for this particular scholarship:

  • Agriculture and fisheries

  • Biosecurity and food safety

  • Biotechnologies

  • Economics

  • Environmental Sciences

  • Health sciences (excluding nursing, clinical pharmacy, and medicine)

  • Information and communication technology

  • Infrastructure and utility

  • Islamic finance

  • Science and Engineering

Keep in mind that if your field if study is not included here on this list, then it’s very unlikely that you’ll get the scholarship.

Are You Eligible?

Keep in mind that this is a merit-based scholarship. It’s best that you have an exceptional academic record so you stand out from the other applicants.

Here are some of the requirements:

Age

  • For the Masters’ degree, you should not be older than 40 years old.

  • For the Ph.D., you should not be older than 45 years old.

GPA

  • For the Master’s degree, you must have a minimum GPA of 3.5 at the Bachelor’s level.

  • For the Ph.D., you must have a minimum GPA of 3.5 at the Master’s level.

English Proficiency

You need this as many degree programs in Malaysian universities are taught exclusively in English. The English language is actually widely spoken here in Malaysia.

If you’ve taken the IELTS, then you need a minimum band score of at least 6.5.

You can take the TOEFL instead of the IELTS. For the TOEFL, you need any of the following:

  • A minimum score of 580 on the paper-based test

  • A minimum score of 230 for the computer-based test

  • A minimum score of 92 on the Internet-based test

Research Proposal

Your research proposal should be at least 1,000 words long, and it should be related to your field of study.

ASEAN Member Country Advantage

You might also have an advantage if you come from another ASEAN country. Aside from Malaysia, the ASEAN member countries are:

  • Brunei

  • Cambodia

  • Indonesia

  • Laos

  • Myanmar

  • the Philippines

  • Singapore

  • Thailand

  • Vietnam

Malaysian Universities without IELTS Requirements

If you’re truly concerned about the IELTS, you can apply for admission to these Malaysian universities that don’t have an IELTS requirement. These include:

  • Asia Pacific University

  • City University Malaysia

  • Curtin University Malaysia campus

  • Help University

  • Inti University

  • Manipal International University

  • Segi University Kota Damansara

  • Swinburne University Malaysia campus

As you can see, the IELTS is not an absolute requirement if you’re determined to study in Malaysia.

Official Website

https://biasiswa.mohe.gov.my/INTER/login.php