Benefits Of Malaysia International Scholarship: Tuition, Living Allowance & More

Overview

Malaysia has become recognised as one of the preferred destinations for Asian education hubs, welcoming students from around the world. The Malaysia international scholarship is identified as the primary factor attracting students to the country. The universities there are recognised worldwide, the cost of living is quite affordable, and exposure to different cultures creates the perfect environment for students to benefit from the Scholarship.

The Malaysia international scholarship not only helps reduce costs but also catalyzes academic excellence and global collaboration. When it comes to acquiring quality education without burning a hole in one’s pockets, scholarship programs for international students in Malaysia are hard to surpass.

What is the Malaysia International Scholarship?

It is a scholarship program established and funded by the government through the Malaysia Ministry of Higher Education. The main aim of taking up a Malaysia international scholarship is to entice outstanding international brains to pursue postgraduate studies in Malaysia.

In contrast to many other funding options, the Malaysia international scholarship provides support to build future leaders, academics, and professionals by providing full financial assistance. This particular scholarship is one of the most competitive available in Malaysia for international students, and its target group includes Master's and PhD students.

Scholarship types

The various scholarships in Malaysia for international students have become an attractive point. Two types of scholarships are available: 

Fully funded scholarships 

Fully funded scholarships become the most extensive source of financial assistance available to international students. It covers all major costs associated with international studies in Malaysia. The Malaysia international scholarship is one such example of a fully funded scholarship. It covers full tuition waiver, monthly living coverage and medical coverage. 

Partially funded scholarships 

Partially funded scholarships cover only a portion of the study and related expenses and do not fully cover the costs. Many Malaysia university scholarship programs fall into this category and are available from public universities, private institutions, and external funding bodies. It covers partial tuition fee, semester-based giants, and accommodation discounts.
Besides the international scholarship, there are several Malaysia university scholarship opportunities offered by universities and even some private and international bodies. The coming together of all these opportunities ensures that studying in Malaysia is very affordable.

Tuition fee coverage

One of the greatest advantages of the Malaysia international scholarship is that tuition fees are fully waived. The scholarship will cover the full tuition fee to the university, so students are not preoccupied with that worry either. The tuition fee coverage is applicable for: 

Master’s degree program 

Under the Malaysia international scholarship program, tuition fee waivers are provided for eligible Master’s Degree courses conducted by top universities. This means that international students studying coursework-based Master’s degrees in mixed-mode or research programs at Malaysian institutions will pay no tuition fees for the entire duration.

PhD programs 

For those pursuing higher research, the Malaysia international scholarship provides full tuition fee support for Doctoral Programs (PhD). This is especially timely, given that PhD studies are longer, spanning three to five years.

Selected research-based courses 

In addition to the standard Master's or PhD, the Malaysia international scholarship also offers funding for tuition fees in selected research programs. They align with the nation’s development needs. Such programs are primarily concentrated on innovation, science, technology, sustainability, health sciences, and strategic social research.

The Malaysia international scholarship allows students to get admission in the top universities. It is a plus point, as there is no need to worry about tuition fees.

Monthly living allowance

Another significant aspect of the Malaysia international scholarship is the monthly living allowance provided with the award. Indeed, the scholarship scheme is unmatched as far as the allowance is concerned, as it provides its winners with ‘enough stipend to cover’ living expenses comfortably.

The cost of living in Malaysia is remarkably lower than in Western countries, thereby making the scholarship even more special. When combined with the benefits of cheap accommodation and public transportation in Malaysia, the scholarship for international students makes campus life stress-free.
 

Additional financial benefits

There is no doubt that the Malaysia international scholarship brings you additional financial benefits. It includes: 

One-time travel allowance 

The main objective of the one-time travel allowance provided through the Malaysia international scholarship is to ease the initial costs for international students moving to Malaysia. This allowance usually covers a portion or the entire cost of an air ticket from the student's home country to Malaysia at the start of the study program.

Research and book grants

The book and research grants under the Malaysia international scholarship are awarded for academic excellence and independent learning. In fact, the grant is to assist students in buying relevant textbooks, academic journals, software, laboratory materials, and other study-related resources. They are required for coursework or research.

Thesis and dissertation support

Support for thesis and dissertation work under the Malaysia international scholarship is essential for helping postgraduate students finish their degree programs successfully. Preparation and submission of a thesis or dissertation entail various costs, including data analysis, laboratory work, editing, printing, and submission.

Conference and Publication assistance 

The conference and publication support for the Malaysia international scholarship encourage students to engage with the international academic community actively. This could involve support for registration, travel, and/or accommodation and/or speaking at approved academic conferences.

For these benefits, the Malaysia international scholarship stands out.

Medical coverage and health insurance

Health and well-being are important for good academic performance. Malaysia international scholarship is committed to students' welfare through medical and health insurance coverage. International students on the scholarship are entitled to top-notch healthcare facilities across different parts of Malaysia.

The coverage greatly lowers the amount that students have to pay personally for medical treatment. Thus, it makes the overall scholarships in Malaysia for international students even more worthwhile.

Academic opportunities

Malaysia has several international-standard universities that offer world-class research centres. The Malaysia international scholarship permits students to work under the supervision of experienced researchers and engage in high-quality research projects.

Via international scholarship, students are exposed to international conferences, publications, and industries. The Malaysia university scholarship is complemented with additional academic benefits.

Opportunities for Malaysia university scholarships

A few universities offer the Malaysia university scholarship. These scholarships are based on need, research and merit. 

University of Malaya (UM) 

The University of Malaya, the country's longest-established and most well-known university, has a high reputation for being one of the best research-focused universities. While scholarship and funding opportunities for international undergraduate students are very limited for postgraduate students. UM offers a range of scholarship and funding opportunities.

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) or National University of Malaysia is a respected public university renowned for its commitment to research and excellence. The university provides various financial aid opportunities. Among all of them the special emphasis is on providing funds to international postgraduate students in the form of scholarship awards.

Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)

Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) is renowned for its academic strengths in agriculture, science, and engineering. Apart from that, the university also offers a variety of scholarship and research assistantship schemes to encourage international students to pursue postgraduate studies.

Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) 

Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) solely relies on research. Moreover, it relies on interdisciplinary studies, and the scholarship is based on international postgraduate students. The university provides a fellowship program solely for eligible postgraduates. It will cover tuition fees. 

To provide easy access to quality education, these programs collaborate with the Malaysia International Scholarship.

Eligibility criteria

There are eligibility criteria for the Malaysia International Scholarship. The scholarship requires: 

Excellent academic performance

Without excellent academic performance, scholarships in Malaysia for international students are never awarded. It plays a very crucial role in proving eligibility. The sole objective of this scholarship is to attract top-notch global talent. Hence, the applicants must have a better academic record. A higher CGPA is a boon for the Master’s applicants. 

Better research proposal

A strong research proposal is an essential and critical requirement, especially for PhD applicants of the Malaysia international scholarship. It reflects the applicant's research capability and originality, as well as its relevance to Malaysia's academic and national development priorities.

Age limits 

The Malaysia international scholarship has its own specific age range limits based on the level of education. These limits are intended to ensure that students receive the award at an appropriate stage of their development. 

English language proficiency 

As most programs offered in the Malaysia international scholarship are conducted in English, English language proficiency is a major consideration in the screening criteria. This is the requirement for many scholarships. 

These criteria are sufficient to secure the Malaysia international scholarship. They are also required for securing other scholarships.

Step-by-step application process of the scholarship

A few steps are involved while applying for the Malaysia international scholarship. The application typically involves: 

Submitting application online 

Applicants have the responsibility of filling the scholarship application form and submitting the form online. This is the stage where the individual will fill the required information in the form.

Uploading academic documents

They have to upload the scanned copies of the prerequisite documents such as transcripts, degrees, and other academic records. They play an important role in determining the qualifications of the individual applying.

Provision of a research proposal

For research-based programs, particularly PhD applications, applicants must submit a research proposal. The proposal would explain the proposed objectives, methodology, and outcomes of their proposed study as a criterion for evaluation.

Recommendation letter submission

The applicant should submit letters of recommendation from academic or professional references. The letters of recommendation are important as they endorse the applicant’s credentials through his/her intellectual ability and research skills. 

When it comes to adopting a better application framework, the Malaysia international scholarship never steps back. With ample funding options, students can apply.

How to increase the selection chances?

To ensure a better chance for winning the Malaysia international scholarship, it is always advisable to excel in your studies, as this is a significant criterion for winning the scholarship. Having a proper plan for research in line with Malaysia’s developmental aims can help your application quite a lot for the scholarship.

Moreover, having excellent recommendation letters along with any work or research experience that you may have can certainly increase your chances of being awarded scholarships.

How do international students enjoy their life in Malaysia?

Students supported by the Malaysia international scholarship enjoy a culturally enriching lifestyle. Malaysia is a safe place, has a variety of foods, and has kind neighbours.

In addition, international students receiving assistance through the Malaysia international scholarship can work part-time. It helps them notch up their global experience and professional skills even more.