Are you dreaming of studying abroad but worried about the costs? Look no further than Malaysia! The Malaysian government is offering fully-funded scholarships for international students to pursue Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD degrees in the country for the 2025-2026 academic year.
This is an incredible opportunity to study at top Malaysian universities while experiencing the country’s vibrant culture and stunning natural beauty. Keep reading to learn more about this exciting scholarship program and how to apply.
Why Study in Malaysia?
Malaysia is a fantastic destination for international students.
Some key reasons to consider studying in Malaysia include:
- World-class universities: Malaysia is home to many top-ranked universities, such as University of Malaya, Universiti Putra Malaysia, and Universiti Sains Malaysia. These schools offer high-quality education across a wide range of fields.
- Affordable cost of living: Compared to many other study abroad destinations, the cost of living in Malaysia is quite affordable. This makes it easier to manage expenses as a student.
- Diverse culture: Malaysia is a melting pot of cultures, with influences from Malay, Chinese, Indian and indigenous Bornean ethnic groups. Studying here provides the chance to experience this rich cultural diversity firsthand.
- Beautiful natural scenery: From tropical islands to lush rainforests, Malaysia boasts incredible natural beauty to explore during your studies.
- Strategic location: Malaysia’s central location in Southeast Asia makes it an ideal base for traveling to nearby countries like Thailand, Singapore, and Indonesia.
Clearly, Malaysia has a lot to offer international students. And with the Malaysian government scholarship, you can experience all of this while studying for free!
Scholarship Details
The Malaysian government scholarship, also known as the Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS), is a fully-funded scholarship open to international students.
It covers nearly all expenses, including:
- Tuition fees
- Monthly living allowance
- Accommodation
- Airfare
- Medical insurance
- Research allowance (for postgraduate students)
The scholarship is tenable at any of the 20 public universities in Malaysia.
Available fields of study span a wide range of disciplines, including:
- Sciences
- Engineering
- Medicine
- Social Sciences
- Arts and Humanities
- Business
- Computer Science & IT
Both undergraduate and postgraduate studies are supported by the MIS scholarship. At the undergraduate level, the scholarship funds Bachelor’s degrees, which are typically 3 to 5 years in duration.
For postgraduate studies, the scholarship covers Master’s degrees (1-2 years) and PhD degrees (3-5 years).
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Malaysian government scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Citizen of a country that has diplomatic relations with Malaysia (excluding Singapore, Brunei, Israel, Serbia and Montenegro)
- Excellent academic record, with a minimum CGPA of 3.5 or its equivalent
- Meet language proficiency requirements (IELTS or TOEFL)
- Be in good health
- Maximum age of 25 for Bachelor’s, 35 for Master’s, and 40 for PhD
- Not currently studying in Malaysia
- Not a recipient of another scholarship or award
Additionally, different courses may have their own specific entry requirements.
Be sure to check the requirements for your desired program when applying.
How to Apply
Applications for the 2025-2026 Malaysian government scholarship will open in Fall 2024. The exact application deadline has not yet been announced, but in previous years, the deadline has been in December.
To apply for the scholarship, you’ll need to complete an online application via the official MIS scholarship portal.
As part of the application, you’ll need to provide:
- A completed application form
- Proof of citizenship (e.g. copy of your passport)
- Academic certificates and transcripts
- English proficiency test results
- Two letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
- Research proposal (for PhD applicants)
It’s important to submit a strong, compelling application that highlights your academic achievements, research experience (for postgraduate applicants), and motivation for studying in Malaysia.
After the deadline passes, applications will be reviewed and shortlisted candidates will be called for an interview. The final list of scholarship recipients is typically announced in the spring.
Click here to apply for the Malaysian Government Scholarship 2025-2026
Conclusion
The Malaysian government scholarship provides an amazing opportunity for international students to study for free in Malaysia. With its world-class universities, diverse culture, and beautiful scenery, Malaysia is an excellent study destination.
If you meet the eligibility criteria, be sure to apply for this fully-funded scholarship when applications open in fall 2024. It could be your ticket to an incredible, immersive study abroad experience!
For more information about the scholarship, visit the official MIS scholarship website.
Best of luck!
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