Malaysia is becoming one of the best places in Asia to study, with top universities, low tuition costs, and many scholarships for international students. Every year, hundreds of students from Pakistan, Asia, Africa, and Europe seek scholarships in Malaysia to pursue bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD degrees.
TheUniGrad complete guide will show you how to apply for scholarships in Malaysia, what the prerequisites are, which scholarships are available, and a list of scholarships in Malaysia for students from other countries.
Why Study in Malaysia?
Malaysia has universities known throughout the world and offers degrees recognized worldwide at a far lower cost than in Western countries. There are many good things about studying in Malaysia, such as low tuition and living costs, access to well-known schools worldwide, and many programs taught in English. The country also has a cosmopolitan atmosphere, making it a great place for students from all over the world to study. Malaysia also offers substantial government-funded scholarship programs to help international students.
Many Malaysian universities work with institutions in the UK, Australia, and Europe. This lets students earn degrees recognized worldwide while studying in Malaysia.
Scholarships in Malaysia for International Students
Malaysia offers several government-, university-, and private-funded scholarships for international students.
These scholarships are available for:
- Undergraduate programs
- Master’s degrees
- PhD research programs
- Professional certifications
International students can receive:
- Full scholarships (tuition + living expenses)
- Partial scholarships (tuition fee reduction)
- Research grants
Students from Pakistan can apply to multiple funding opportunities, including fully funded scholarships in Malaysia for Pakistani students.
Types of Scholarships in Malaysia
Understanding the types of scholarships in Malaysia helps students choose the right funding option.
1. Government Scholarships
The Malaysian government funds these scholarships to attract international students.
Examples include:
- Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS)
- Commonwealth Scholarship Malaysia
- MTCP Scholarship
These are usually fully funded scholarships covering tuition, accommodation, and living allowances.
2. University Scholarships
Many Malaysian universities offer merit-based scholarships for international students.
Common examples include:
- University Malaya Scholarships
- Taylor’s University Scholarships
- Monash University Malaysia Scholarships
These scholarships often provide tuition fee discounts ranging from 25% to 100%.
3. Private & Corporate Scholarships
Some organizations and foundations sponsor international students.
Examples include:
- Khazanah Global Scholarship
- Shell Malaysia Scholarship
- Yayasan Bank Rakyat Scholarship
These scholarships may include tuition coverage and internship opportunities.
4. Merit-Based Scholarships
These scholarships are awarded to students with:
- Excellent academic results
- High GPA or grades
- Strong extracurricular achievements
Students with strong academic backgrounds have higher chances of securing these scholarships.
Scholarship in Malaysia for Pakistani Students
Pakistani students have strong opportunities to study in Malaysia due to educational partnerships between Pakistan and Malaysia.
Popular Scholarships for Pakistani Students
Some of the most common scholarships in Malaysia for Pakistani students include:
- Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS)
- Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP)
- University Malaya International Scholarships
- Asia Pacific University Scholarships
- Taylor’s University International Scholarships
Pakistani students usually apply through:
- Malaysian university admission portals
- Government scholarship websites
- Educational consultants and scholarship advisors
Platforms like TheUniGrad help Pakistani students identify the best scholarship opportunities and guide them through the application process.
List of Scholarships in Malaysia
Here is a list of scholarships in Malaysia available for international students:
Scholarship Level Funding Type
- Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS) Master / PhD Fully Funded
- MTCP Scholarship Master’s Fully Funded
- Commonwealth Scholarship Malaysia Master / PhD Fully Funded
- University Malaya Scholarships Undergraduate / Postgraduate Partial / Full
- Taylor’s University Scholarships Undergraduate / Master Merit-Based
- Monash University Malaysia Scholarship Undergraduate / Master’s Partial
- Asia Pacific University Scholarship Undergraduate / Master’s Partial
Students should apply early since many scholarships have limited seats and competitive selection processes.
How to Get a Scholarship in Malaysia (Step-by-Step Guide)
If you want to know how to get a scholarship in Malaysia, follow these important steps:
Step 1: Research Available Scholarships
Start by researching:
- Government scholarships
- University scholarships
- International scholarship programs
Check eligibility criteria, deadlines, and program requirements.
Step 2: Choose the Right University
Select universities that offer scholarships in your chosen program.
Popular universities include:
- University of Malaya
- Universiti Putra Malaysia
- Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
- Taylor’s University
- Monash University Malaysia
Step 3: Prepare Required Documents
Most scholarship applications require:
- Academic transcripts
- Degree certificates
- Passport copy
- English proficiency (IELTS / TOEFL)
- Statement of purpose (SOP)
- Recommendation letters
Preparing these documents early increases your chances of success.
Step 4: Apply for University Admission
Many scholarships require confirmation of admission from a Malaysian university.
Apply to your selected university before submitting your scholarship application.
Step 5: Submit Scholarship Application
Once admitted, apply through the scholarship portal.
Make sure to:
- Complete all sections
- Upload the correct documents
- Submit before the deadline.
Eligibility Requirements for Scholarships in Malaysia
Although requirements vary, most scholarships require:
- Strong academic background
- English language proficiency
- Valid passport
- Completed degree certificates
- Research proposal (for PhD programs)
Students with leadership potential and extracurricular achievements often have higher chances of selection.
Cost of Studying in Malaysia (Without Scholarship)
Even without scholarships, Malaysia remains affordable.
Estimated Costs
Expense Average Cost
Tuition Fees $3,000 – $10,000 per year
Accommodation $150 – $400 per month
Living Expenses $250 – $500 per month
Scholarships can significantly reduce these costs or even make studying fully funded.
Final Thoughts
Malaysia is a great place for overseas students seeking a high-quality education at a low cost. Students can save a lot of money on their studies by applying for a wide range of scholarships from the government, universities, and private organizations.
Students can fund their studies by learning how to apply for scholarships in Malaysia, preparing the necessary documents, and applying early.
TheUniGrad can help you with everything from picking the right universities to applying for the top scholarships in Malaysia if you want to study abroad.
