Scholarships in Malaysia
Scholarships
for international
students.
What the Malaysian government offers, the main scholarships at our partner universities and how to give your application its best chance. Facts checked against official pages on 31 October 2026.
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Based in Kuala Lumpur since 2007.
Guidance for international students.
Government scholarship at a glance
- RM1,500
- Monthly living allowance from the Malaysia International Scholarship
- Postgrad
- Master’s and PhD only, studying full time
- 24
- Malaysian universities where it can be used
- IELTS 6.0
- Or TOEFL PBT 550, or a degree taught in English
Source: Ministry of Higher Education, MIS 2026 guidelines. Undergraduate awards come from the universities.
Most undergraduate scholarships come from the university.
Government scholarships in Malaysia are mainly for postgraduate study. For a bachelor’s degree, look at each university’s own awards and their conditions.
Where scholarships come from
Three places
to look.
Each has its own rules, timing and conditions. Start with the one that matches your level of study.
The government
The Malaysia International Scholarship and a few other official schemes, mostly for master’s and PhD study.
Universities
Merit awards that reduce tuition, usually based on your results. The main route for undergraduates.
Your home country
Your own government, employers and foundations may fund study abroad. Ask them about Malaysia.
Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS)
The government’s
main scholarship.
Run by the Ministry of Higher Education for international postgraduate students.
Who can apply
- Full-time master’s and PhD students
- Citizens of ASEAN and Commonwealth countries, and 39 other listed countries, including China, Japan and South Korea
- Up to age 40 for a master’s, or 45 for a PhD
- CGPA of 3.00 or second class upper
- IELTS 6.0, TOEFL PBT 550 or a degree taught in English
- Two referee letters, and a research proposal of at least 1,000 words for research degrees
What it covers
- Tuition fees, paid directly to the university
- RM1,500 a month living allowance, paid every 4 months after a progress report
- Study at 20 public universities, UTP, UNITEN, MMU or INCEIF
- Not for undergraduate study
- Not for the private universities in our network
From the MIS 2026 guidelines and the scholarship portal, checked 31 October 2026. The 2026/2027 round has closed. The next application dates are not yet published. MIS portal · MIS 2026 guidelines (PDF)
Other official schemes
More government
routes to know.
Both are for postgraduate study and open only in set rounds.
- Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP)Offered by the Malaysian government through the Ministry of Higher Education, for nominated Commonwealth students. Master’s for 12 to 24 months or a PhD for 3 years. Details
- MTCP ScholarshipFrom the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for full-time master’s students from developing countries. It covers tuition, a monthly allowance and economy flights. The 2026 round closed on 12 June 2026. 2026 guidelines (PDF)
University scholarships
Main awards at our
partner universities.
All of these reduce tuition. Check the conditions to keep the award after your first year.
| University | Main award | What it gives | Who can apply | Official page |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunway University | Academic Excellence Scholarships | RM6,000 or RM11,000 off tuition a year, for degree study | Malaysian and international students | Details |
| Monash University Malaysia | Monash High Achiever Award | RM10,000 a year (RM5,000 a semester) | Malaysian and international students | Details |
| Taylor’s University | Taylor’s Merit Scholarship | 70% or 50% tuition waiver | International students from Taylor’s Education Group schools only | Details |
| IMU University | Global Leadership Scholarship | Up to 25% off tuition, varying by program | International students | Details |
| INTI International University | International Education Scholarship | Up to 45% off first-year tuition | New international students | Details |
| Nilai University | High Achievers and Merit Scholarships | 50% or 25% tuition waiver. The Merit Scholarship needs a CGPA of 3.00 each semester | International students | Details |
From each university’s own website, checked 31 October 2026. Awards, amounts and eligibility change with each intake, and most are limited in number. Each university decides who receives them. See all our partners in the universities guide.
Make your application count
Six things to do
before you apply.
Small details decide many awards. Prepare them early.
Check the criteria
Compare your results with each award’s minimum grades, and note which qualifications it accepts.
Register for your English test
Many awards and courses ask for IELTS or TOEFL scores. Leave time to retake the test if you need to.
Apply for your course
University awards are usually linked to your program and intake, so start your admission application early.
Read the conditions
Some awards need a minimum CGPA every semester. Others cover the first year only.
Compare the real cost
A 50% waiver on a higher fee can cost more than a smaller award elsewhere. Compare what you will actually pay.
Ask the university
Education Malaysia advises contacting universities directly about eligibility and timelines.
Clear expectations
What we help with.
What others decide.
You will know what is included
before you agree to anything.
We help you
- Find scholarships that match your level, results and course
- Understand each award’s conditions and deadlines
- Prepare your admission application and documents
- Compare your real cost after any award
Good to know
- FPM Education does not award or decide scholarships
- No one can guarantee you a scholarship
- Never pay anyone who promises to secure one
- Awards change every intake, so we check the current terms
Scholarship questions
What students ask
about scholarships.
Your first consultation is free.
Any paid support is agreed separately.
Are there scholarships in Malaysia for international students?
Yes. The Malaysian government offers the Malaysia International Scholarship for master’s and PhD study, and many universities offer their own merit awards that reduce tuition for international undergraduates.
Is there a government scholarship for undergraduate study?
The Malaysia International Scholarship covers master’s and PhD study only. For a bachelor’s degree, look at university scholarships and at sponsors in your home country.
What does the Malaysia International Scholarship cover?
According to the 2026 guidelines, it pays tuition fees directly to the university and a living allowance of RM1,500 a month. It can be used at 20 public universities and four other listed institutions.
When can I apply for the Malaysia International Scholarship?
Applications open once a year through the Ministry of Higher Education’s scholarship portal. The 2026/2027 round has closed, and the next dates are not yet published, so check the portal regularly.
What English score do I need for a scholarship?
The Malaysia International Scholarship asks for IELTS 6.0, TOEFL PBT 550 or a previous degree taught in English. University awards and courses set their own English requirements.
Can FPM Education get me a scholarship?
No one can promise a scholarship. Each sponsor or university decides. We help you find suitable awards, understand the conditions and prepare a strong application.
Is the initial consultation free?
Yes. The initial education consultation is free. It helps us understand your goals, explain suitable options and identify whether our services fit your needs.
Official sources
- MIS 2026 guidelines (Ministry of Higher Education)
- MIS scholarship portal
- Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan
- MTCP Scholarship 2026
- Education Malaysia FAQ
- Sunway University
- Monash University Malaysia
- Taylor’s University
- IMU University
- INTI International University
- Nilai University
Last checked 31 October 2026. FPM Education is not a scholarship provider and does not decide any award.
Start with a free initial consultation
Plan your studies
and your budget.
Tell us your results, course and intake. We’ll help you find awards worth applying for and work out what you will really pay.
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