10 Best Scholarships in Malaysia for International Students

Malaysia is becoming an increasingly popular study destination for international students because of its affordable education, internationally recognized universities, and wide range of scholarship opportunities. From government-funded awards to university scholarships, students can find financial support for undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD studies. The following list highlights 10 of the best scholarship opportunities in Malaysia, with a focus on international students, tuition support, research funding, and other financial benefits.

1. Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS)

The Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS) is one of the most important Malaysian government scholarships for international students. It is designed to attract high-achieving students from eligible countries to pursue postgraduate studies at Malaysian universities. The 2026 guidelines include Master’s and PhD studies, and Afghanistan is among the listed eligible countries.

Benefits:

• Government-funded scholarship
• Master’s and PhD study opportunities
• Available to eligible international students
• Study at selected Malaysian institutions

Scholarship Registration: MIS Official Application Portal

2. Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP) Scholarship

The MTCP Scholarship is funded by the Government of Malaysia and is aimed at international students from developing countries. It supports postgraduate education in Malaysia, particularly Master’s degree programmes. For the 2026 intake, the scholarship was open to students from 144 MTCP recipient countries and offered study opportunities at selected Malaysian public universities.

Benefits:

• Tuition fee coverage
• Monthly allowances
• Return economy-class air ticket
• Master’s programmes
• Up to 24–36 months of support

Scholarship Registration: MTCP Official Scholarship Portal

3. Universiti Malaya Bright Scholarship

The Universiti Malaya Bright Scholarship is a prestigious full scholarship opportunity offered by Universiti Malaya for outstanding candidates pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy by research. The programme is open to both Malaysian and international candidates and is particularly suitable for students with strong academic and research backgrounds. Applications are available during designated annual cycles.

Benefits:

• Full scholarship opportunity
• Designed for PhD research
• Open to international candidates
• Study at Universiti Malaya

Scholarship Registration: Universiti Malaya Scholarship Information

4. Universiti Putra Malaysia International Graduate Student Scholarship (IGSS)

The International Graduate Student Scholarship (IGSS) at Universiti Putra Malaysia is designed for excellent international PhD students. The 2026/2027 scheme is open to students from regions including Southeast Asia, South Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Selected recipients can receive a tuition fee waiver of between 30% and 50%, subject to the scholarship conditions.

Benefits:

• 30%–50% tuition fee waiver
• PhD research opportunity
• Up to three years of support
• Available to eligible international students

Scholarship Registration: UPM International Graduate Student Scholarship

5. Taylor’s University Research Scholarships

Taylor’s University offers research scholarship opportunities for eligible local and international students pursuing Master’s and PhD programmes in Malaysia. Depending on the scholarship scheme, successful applicants may receive a substantial or full tuition fee waiver, with some research awards also providing a monthly stipend.

Benefits:

• Up to 100% tuition fee waiver
• Master’s and PhD opportunities
• Monthly stipend for selected schemes
• Research-focused funding
• International students can be eligible

Scholarship Registration: Taylor’s University Postgraduate Scholarships

6. University of Nottingham Malaysia Scholarships

The University of Nottingham Malaysia offers a range of scholarships and financial assistance programmes for international students. Available opportunities include undergraduate, postgraduate taught, research, and other scholarship categories. Some awards are based on academic excellence, while others are targeted at specific regions or programmes.

Benefits:

• Undergraduate and postgraduate options
• Merit-based awards
• International student scholarships
• Tuition fee reductions
• Multiple scholarship categories

Scholarship Registration: University of Nottingham Malaysia Scholarship Finder

7. Monash High Achiever Award – Malaysia

The Monash High Achiever Award is available to Malaysian and international students entering eligible undergraduate programmes at Monash University Malaysia. The current award provides a tuition fee waiver of RM10,000 per year, subject to academic progress and the scholarship conditions. Eligible applicants are considered through the university admission process.

Benefits:

• RM10,000 tuition fee waiver per year
• Undergraduate study
• Open to international students
• Automatic consideration with eligible admission
• Multiple programme options

Scholarship Registration: Monash University Malaysia Scholarships

8. UCSI University International Scholarships

UCSI University provides scholarship opportunities for deserving international students. These scholarships are generally competitive and may be based on academic achievement and other selection criteria. Shortlisted applicants may be invited to an interview before the final scholarship decision is made.

Benefits:

• Open to international students
• Merit-based opportunities
• Undergraduate and postgraduate options
• Competitive scholarship selection
• Possible tuition assistance

Scholarship Registration: UCSI University International Scholarships

9. Sunway University International Bursaries

Sunway University offers international bursaries and financial support for eligible international students. Applicants must meet the relevant academic and English-language requirements and submit the scholarship application together with the required documents. For 2026 intakes, the university provides an online application process for eligible students.

Benefits:

• Available to international students
• Tuition fee assistance
• Undergraduate and pre-university opportunities
• Online application
• Different eligibility categories

Scholarship Registration: Sunway University International Bursaries

10. Universiti Malaya PTE Scholarship

The PTE x Universiti Malaya Scholarship is an opportunity for international students to receive financial assistance toward tuition fees at Universiti Malaya. The current 2026 information published by Universiti Malaya lists a scholarship value of £3,000 and an application deadline of December 31, 2026.

Benefits:

• £3,000 tuition support
• International student opportunity
• Study at Universiti Malaya
• Suitable for eligible applicants
• 2026 application available

Scholarship Registration: Universiti Malaya Financial Aid and Scholarships

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