The 2024 Malaysian International Scholarship (MIS) offers a unique opportunity for talented international students to pursue their academic aspirations in Malaysia. Established by the Malaysian Government, the MIS aims to attract exceptional students from around the globe to advance their studies and research at prestigious Malaysian universities. This scholarship program reflects Malaysia’s commitment to fostering global knowledge exchange and building skilled human capital by supporting the education of qualified international students at both the Master’s and PhD levels.
This fully funded scholarship provides a pathway for eligible students to undertake postgraduate studies in Malaysia, with the scholarship covering tuition fees and offering a living allowance. Successful candidates will have the chance to immerse themselves in Malaysia’s vibrant academic landscape and diverse cultural experiences.
Scholarship Overview and Benefits
Host Institutions
The MIS scholarship is available at a range of Malaysia’s top universities, providing an academic environment rich in resources, support, and collaborative research opportunities. Scholarship recipients must gain admission to one of these Malaysian universities, which are known for their strong academic programs and supportive study environments.
Financial Benefits
MIS scholarship recipients will receive:
- Full coverage of tuition fees at the host institution.
- A monthly living allowance of RM 1,500, helping students cover their everyday living costs during their study period in Malaysia.
It is essential to note that travel expenses to and from Malaysia are not covered under this scholarship, so students should plan accordingly for their travel arrangements. MIS scholarship recipients are also advised to research the cost of living in Malaysia to ensure adequate financial planning.
Fields of Study and Participating Universities
MIS scholarship applicants are welcome to apply for a broad range of academic fields. While applications are accepted for any accredited courses, preference is given to programs that align with Malaysia’s priority sectors, including:
- Education
- Arts and Humanities
- Social Sciences, Journalism, and Information
- Business, Administration, and Law
- Natural Sciences, Mathematics, and Statistics
- Information and Communication Technologies
- Engineering, Manufacturing, and Construction
- Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, and Veterinary
- Health and Welfare (excluding medicine, nursing, and pharmacy)
The program is supported by several highly respected Malaysian institutions, including:
- Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)
- Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)
- Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)
- Universiti Malaya (UM)
- Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM)
- And several other prestigious institutions
Eligibility Criteria for the Malaysian International Scholarship
Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Nationality: Applicants should be citizens of one of the MIS-eligible countries. Eligible regions include Southeast Asian nations, Commonwealth countries, and a range of other partner countries in Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia.
- Academic Level: Applicants must be applying for or currently enrolled in full-time postgraduate programs (Master’s or PhD) at a Malaysian university. Those already studying in Malaysia should have a minimum of two semesters left in their program.
- Age Requirement: Candidates must be under 40 years of age for Master’s programs and under 45 for PhD programs.
- Academic Performance: A minimum of CGPA 3.0 or Second Class Upper (Honours) is required for Master’s applicants, while PhD candidates should have excellent results from a Master’s program in a relevant field.
- English Language Proficiency: Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English by submitting either IELTS scores (minimum 6.0) or TOEFL scores (minimum 550 for the paper-based test). Alternatively, candidates may submit an official letter from their previous institution confirming that English was the medium of instruction for their degree.
Required Documentation for the MIS Scholarship Application
Applicants should gather and submit the following documents as part of the application process. All documents should be in PDF format, and non-English documents must include certified translations.
- Completed Application Form
- Copy of Passport (showing at least six months of validity)
- Academic Transcripts: Official transcripts covering all completed courses. Applicants must also include a copy of their degree certificate.
- English Language Proficiency Test Scores
- Recommendation Letters: Two letters from referees such as professors, academic advisors, or supervisors.
- Admission Letter: If the applicant is already admitted to or currently enrolled in a Malaysian institution, they should include a letter of admission.
- Research Proposal: For Master’s by Research and PhD applicants, a research proposal relevant to the intended field of study with a minimum of 1,000 words is required.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): A detailed CV that includes educational background, work experience, skills, and publications if applicable.
How to Apply for the Malaysian International Scholarship
Interested applicants must complete their applications online. After creating an account on the official application platform, candidates should upload the required documents in PDF format and follow the detailed application instructions. The online application system simplifies document submission and allows applicants to track their application status.
For additional support or inquiries, applicants can email the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia at [email protected], providing screenshots and specific details regarding any technical issues encountered.
Additional International Scholarship Opportunities to Explore
Prospective students may also consider the following scholarship programs:
- Schwarzman Scholars Program at Tsinghua University (China)
- Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)
- Special Scholarship Program at Kochi University of Technology (Japan)
These programs offer alternative options for students interested in pursuing higher education and research in other countries and are known for their competitive funding and international networks.
Conclusion
The Malaysian International Scholarship is an exceptional opportunity for ambitious students worldwide to access quality higher education and develop their academic potential in Malaysia. By supporting international talent and promoting knowledge exchange, the MIS plays an essential role in fostering global academic collaboration. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply, meet the eligibility requirements, and prepare the necessary documentation for this prestigious award.
For more information on how to apply, visit the official MIS scholarship application website and begin your journey toward an advanced degree in Malaysia.