Scholarships in Malaysia
Scholarships in Malaysia for Indian Students
Why Scholarships Matter for Study in Malaysia
- Affordability: Malaysia offers some of Asia’s most budget-friendly international education, and scholarships make this pathway even more affordable.
- Range of Opportunities: Scholarships are available for undergraduate, postgraduate, and research levels across public and private institutions.
- Support for Excellence: Many awards are merit-based, meaning high academic achievers are strongly rewarded.
- Diversity and Inclusion: There are scholarships for specific fields (STEM, business, health sciences), leadership/volunteering, sports, and for students from developing countries.
- Multiple Award Types: Funding ranges from full or partial tuition waivers to generous monthly stipends and even free accommodation.
Types of Scholarships in Malaysia
1. Government Scholarships
Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS)
- Degree Level: Postgraduate (Master’s, PhD)
- Coverage: Full tuition fee, RM 1,500 monthly allowance, additional allowances for travel/books.
- Eligibility: Minimum CGPA 3.5 or equivalent, age <40 (Master’s) or <45 (PhD), English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL).
- Participating Universities: 20+ public and 4 select private universities
- Deadline: June 30, 2025
Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP) Scholarship
- Level: Postgraduate (Master’s)
- Coverage: Tuition, RM 3,500/month stipend, return airfare, other benefits.
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree with good grades, under 45 years, 2+ years of work experience, English language proof.
- Deadline: Rolling; annual application cycle
Malaysian Commonwealth Scholarship
- For postgraduate students from Commonwealth countries.
- Coverage: Tuition and living expenses.
- Eligibility: Academic excellence in relevant discipline.
ASEAN and Malaysia-APEC Scholarships
- For postgraduates from ASEAN and APEC countries.
- Coverage: Tuition, living, and airfare.
- Eligibility: Master’s and PhD students with strong academic profiles.
2. University-Specific Scholarships
APU (Asia Pacific University) Scholarships
- Levels: Undergraduate & Postgraduate
- Benefit: 10%–30% tuition fee waiver, renewable annually with satisfactory academic progress.
- Eligibility: Based on O-Level, A-Level, IB, or Bachelor’s results; available to new international students.
Taylor’s University Scholarships
- Pre-University and Bachelor’s/Master’s
- Merit Scholarship: Up to 100% tuition waiver for high O-Level/A-Level/UEC scores.
- Excellence Award: RM4,000–RM15,000 waiver (varies by program and results).
- Pharmacy/Health Science: Up to RM 13,000/year for eligible health science programs.
UCSI University Trust Scholarships & Education Grants
- Eligible Levels: Foundation, diploma, degree, A-Level, AUSMAT.
- Coverage: Partial tuition fee waiver (first year or full duration), RM 2,500–RM 15,000 for Pre-U, merit/leadership basis.
INTI International Education Scholarship & Promotions
- Up to 25% tuition fee waiver (Year 1)
- Free Foundation for UG
- Free English program
- 100% MBA tuition at INTI Nilai for international postgraduates who publish 2 Scopus journals
- Free accommodation for eligible students
SEGi University Scholarships
- Foundation & Arts/Science Degrees: Specific waivers (e.g., RM 14,340 for FIS plus degree rebates).
- Health Sciences: 20% waiver on first-year degree (min. CGPA 3.7 in foundation).
- Sports: 50–100% tuition waiver (state or national-level athletes).
- Postgraduate: 15% off Masters by coursework; 25% PhD/MBA tuition rebate with publication.
- Family/Sibling Discount: 10% off tuition.
Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak
- Deputy Vice-Chancellor’s Academic Excellence Award: Open to all countries, CGPA 3.75, for Foundation, SPM, O-Level, and degree programs.
UCSI University
- Trust Scholarship: Based on academic, co-curricular & leadership merit; partial tuition for whole program.
- Pre-U and Education Grants: Up to RM 15,000 (A-Level), up to RM 8,000 (AUSMAT).
Monash University Malaysia Scholarship
- Full scholarships for outstanding Indian students.
Universiti Malaya (UM), UPM, IIUM
- Undergraduate scholarships: For excellent Indian and other international students.
- Coverage: Tuition, sometimes housing, stipends.
3. Private, Foundation, and Special Scholarships
- Khazanah Global Scholarship: Fully funded for postgraduates focused on merit and leadership.
- Albukhary Foundation Scholarship: Full tuition, housing, and additional privileges for undergraduates from developing countries.
- Shell Malaysia Scholarship: For engineering and business, covers tuition and living.
- MSC, Hope Bursary, Sports, Graduate Research, Family discounts: Offered at various institutions; conditions and benefits vary.
4. Entrance Scholarships, Promotions, and Discounts
- Automatic Award: Some scholarships apply automatically upon strong admission results.
- Free accommodation or English programs: Offered at key intakes or for specific entry years.
- Sibling/family discounts: Up to 10% tuition reduction for eligible related students.
How to Apply for Scholarships in Malaysia
- Shortlist Universities and Programmes: Research which institutions and degrees align with your strengths and interests.
- Check Scholarship Options: Review each university’s scholarship page and government portals for eligibility, deadlines, and coverage.
- Prepare Necessary Documents:
- Academic transcripts
- Passport copy
- English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL as required)
- Recommendation letters
- Statement of purpose/personal statement
- Research proposal (where required for postgrad)
- Portfolio (for creative programs)
- Apply Early: Most scholarship applications coincide with university admission deadlines—typically March to July for September/October intake.
- Meet Conditions: Maintain minimum CGPA, stay enrolled, and adhere to renewal/attendance requirements to keep your award.
Universities
Can Indian students get fully funded scholarships in Malaysia?
Yes—major government awards such as the Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS) and MTCP offer full coverage for tuition and living expenses. Some universities (e.g., Monash Malaysia, Albukhary Foundation) also award fully funded scholarships based on academic and leadership merit.
What level of study is supported?
All levels: Foundation, Diploma, Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD. Most government fully funded options are for postgraduate, but private and university awards span all tiers.
What GPA or scores are needed?
Most competitive awards require 3.5/4.0 (First Class/Upper Second), strong O-Level/A-Level results, or equivalent. Sports and portfolio awards assess talent and extra achievements as well.
Are scholarships renewable?
Renewal depends on maintaining minimum CGPA (usually 2.5–3.5), successful program progression, and sometimes leadership/involvement beyond grades.
How do I improve my chances?
Apply early, prepare all documents, and apply for multiple awards per level and university if possible. Participation in sports, leadership roles, and research/publications increase eligibility for special awards.
Final Tips for Indian Students
- Malaysia offers both fully funded and partial awards for international students—apply to multiple programs and sources.
- Not all scholarships require IELTS—some accept alternative English proofs or offer free language preparatory courses.
- Many awards have limited slots; submitting a strong application early is critical.
- Foundation and pathway programs often have their own entry grants—don’t overlook them as a first step.
Ready to start your Malaysian scholarship journey? Contact PFEC India for expert counseling and maximize your opportunities with personalized support.