Scholarship for Indian Students to Study Abroad Guide

Introduction

Studying abroad is something that can change your life completely. However, two big problems for students in India have been that they don't have enough money and that they are not sure if they can get any funding. If you are thinking of going abroad from India, you will find that Malaysia is becoming really popular in the list of top countries to go to for study. The reasons include: cheap education, a mix of different cultures, high quality education standards and a number of scholarship schemes for the international students, including those from India. It is a better opportunity to available scholarship for Indian students to study abroad.

Malaysian scholarships with general eligibility checklist

Requirement	Typical Expectation
Academic Score	Strong GPA (75%+ for many programs)
English Proficiency	IELTS/TOEFL score or proof of English-medium education
Admission Offer	Required before applying for most scholarships
Age Limits	Varies depending on the scholarship program
Research Proposal	Required for research-based programs

Scholarship application timeline

Scholarship Name	Application Window	Award Duration
Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS)	June to July	Academic year 2026–27
MTCP Scholarship	Around June	Next intake cycle
University Scholarships	Varies by institution	Depends on semester

Reasons for studying in Malaysia

When it comes to scholarship for Indian students to study abroad, Malaysia is the preferred destination. Here are the reasons why: 

Affordable cost of tuition

The tuition fee and living in Malaysia is comparatively far lower than in the US, UK, Australia, or Canada. Malaysian universities offer competitive fees in the range of MYR 25,000 approximately to MYR 73,000 approximately per year. It all depends on the level and program. Hence, when it comes to international scholarships for Indian students Malaysia is a better option. 

Internationally recognized degrees 

Degrees awarded by Malaysian institutions, particularly public universities such as Universiti Malaya (UM), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), and Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), are recognized worldwide. It opens the door for further study or employment around the globe. Henceforth, when it comes to scholarships for Indian students to study abroad in  Malaysia it is a golden opportunity. 

English-medium education

English is predominantly used in international programs in Malaysian universities. Hence, this is advantageous to Indians, who already know English. For this reason, foreign scholarships for Indian students in Malaysia stand out.

Government-based scholarships 

There is no doubt that Malaysia offers multiple scholarships. Government initiatives and university-based offers that easily reduce the financial stress. This allows Indian students to choose a scholarship for Indian students to study abroad in Malaysia. 

Government-sponsored scholarships

Mentioned below are some government-sponsored scholarships. They are examples of scholarship for Indian students to study abroad. 

Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS)

One of the most coveted scholarships for Indian students pursuing overseas education in Malaysia is that of the Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS). Malaysia’s Ministry of Higher Education sponsors it and is open to talented international students seeking to pursue postgraduate and research studies. It is one of the best examples of scholarship for Indian students to study abroad. 

Key points: 

• 100% tuition fee coverage for postgraduation. 
• Living allowance around RM 1500.
• Indian students can partially access international eligibility. 
• Support for master’s studies in the best universities. 

Eligibility criteria: 

• Excellent academic record (usually a CGPA of 3.0 or higher for Master’s and Ph. D. programs).
• Excellent English language skills, IELTS/TOEFL or equivalent certification, although sometimes flexible according to university regulations. 
• A conditional offer/acceptance or admission offer from a Malaysian organization may be necessary before accreditation applications are submitted.
• Age restrictions may apply (usually under 40 for Master’s and 45 for PhD). 

Fields covered 

Business, Management, Engineering, Agriculture, Social Science, and Others. 

Why MIS is important: It is a flagship scholarship scheme for the government. Moreover, it significantly reduces tuition and living costs, making it one of the most competitive foreign scholarships for Indian students visiting Malaysia.

Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP)

The Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP) Scholarship is another highly effective international scholarship program offered by the Malaysian government to Indian students. This is intended for students from developing countries, including India. This is a perfect example of scholarship for Indian students to study abroad. 

Key points: 

• 100% tuition fee coverage for postgraduation. 
• Living allowance around RM 3500.
• Airfare return from Malaysia. 

Eligibility criteria: 

• Applicants with a bachelor’s degree (3.00 GPA).  
• IELTS or TOEFL is required, as the program is in English.
• Applicable for the master’s program. 

Why MTCP is important: A generous monthly stipend is the primary reason the scholarship for Indian students to study abroad in Malaysia stands out. Moreover, travel support is another option. It is one of the most suitable options for postgraduate candidates. 

What are the university-level scholarships?

Certainly, government scholarships offer better opportunities and support. On the other hand, many universities provide international scholarships for Indian students. Here are the options.

Monash University Malaysia Scholarships

Monash University Malaysia has merit scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate Indian students to the extent of full or partial tuition fees. This scholarship for Indian students to study abroad has a pivotal value in Malaysia. 

University-Specific Merit Awards

Certain private and public institutions, for instance, Asia Pacific University (APU), UCSI University, Taylor’s University, and Nilai University, offer fee waivers or tuition rate discounts.  It is a part of the scholarship for Indian students to study abroad in Malaysia. 

Albukhary Foundation Scholarship

There are some private foundations, such as the Albukhary Foundation, which support international scholars. Hence, the scholarship for Indian students to study abroad in Malaysia is applicable for this. 

Commonwealth and Research Scholarships

Some Malaysian universities are also part of other Commonwealth scholarship programs, which international students can apply for. However, the full scholarship for Indian students to study abroad is subject to the annual quota.

Securing a scholarship for Indian students

To secure a scholarship for Indian students to study abroad, these points cannot be overlooked. In other words, you can also refer to them as a blueprint: 

Early research

Search for scholarships not just in Malaysia but also worldwide. Although this article focuses on Malaysian students, Indians can also take advantage of international scholarships worldwide. It includes Irish Government Scholarships or Scholarships in Europe. These are also the best examples of scholarship for Indian students to study abroad.  

Strong academic profile 

Maintaining a strong academic profile is essential when applying for scholarship for Indian students to study abroad. A better GPA, test scores, and necessary coursework increase your chance of securing a scholarship. 

Obtain strong recommendations

Obtain letters of recommendation from teachers or mentors who are aware of your qualifications and abilities. It easily helps you to secure scholarship for Indian students to study abroad. 

Fulfill English language requirements

In general, Malaysian universities request applicants to demonstrate their English language proficiency (e. g. , IELTS, TOEFL). Start getting ready for it well in advance. It is a plus point to secure a scholarship for Indian students to study abroad. 

Deadlines and strict instructions 

Late application or lack of required documents are some of the reasons why students may not get admission. One can use a checklist to ensure they have all they need. It is mandatory to avail of scholarship for Indian students to study abroad. 

Better references 

A few teachers can recognize your potential and academic capabilities. Hence, you can secure a letter of recommendation from them. It makes the scholarship for Indian students to study abroad easier. 

Options for multiple scholarships 

Remember that there are multiple scholarship options; you cannot stick to a single one. University awards and government programs are notable examples. Government scholarship for Indian students to study abroad are the most appropriate options. 

Fields covered under the Malaysian scholarships

When it comes to foreign scholarship for Indian students in Malaysia, these are the fields covered. 

Engineering and Technology 

Engineering & Technology is one of the disciplines most heavily funded for scholarships for Indian students to pursue education in Malaysia. The country has developed into an engineering hub in the region across infrastructure development, manufacturing, renewable energy, and Industry 4.0. In this field, it is easier to secure a scholarship for Indian students to study abroad. 

Computer Science and AI 

Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence are among the sectors registering the most rapid advancements and are included in the global scholarships for Indian students in Malaysia. This is because the Malaysian digital economy is experiencing very rapid growth. Hence, the Malaysian government and institutions of higher learning are heavily investing in information technology education.

Finance and Business Administration 

Many business-related programs are extremely popular among Indian students. Malaysian scholarships for Indian students to pursue higher education in Malaysia are available for such courses. The country is a regional business hub with extensive connections in the ASEAN market. This makes it an excellent destination to study international business and finance. The demand for scholarship for Indian students to study abroad in this field is at an all-time high.

Hospitality Management 

Hospitality and Tourism Management is one of Malaysia's hallmark fields and among the least competitive for Indian students seeking scholarships abroad. As a tourist destination, Malaysia spends heavily on hospitality education. The scholarship for Indian students to study abroad relies on hotel, tourism and event management. Moreover, it relies on culinary arts. 

Life Science and Biotechnology 

Biotechnology and Life Sciences receive strong support through foreign scholarships for Indian students in Malaysia, particularly at the postgraduate and research levels. Malaysia’s interest in healthcare innovation, agricultural biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals is creating opportunities for foreign scholarship in these areas.

Social Science 

Social Sciences and Education are major disciplines included in Malaysian scholarships, as these fields of study are integral to maintaining and developing the nation. Such programs of study see great importance in government international scholarships available to Indians.

Mistakes students need to avoid while applying for a scholarship in Malaysia

Many students from India, despite their strong academic profiles, make avoidable mistakes that deny them scholarships to study abroad. Understanding these errors is critical, especially when applying for international scholarships for Indian students in competitive destinations like Malaysia.

Overlooking application deadlines

Missing deadlines is one of the biggest mistakes, on average, Indian students tend to make in applying for scholarships in foreign countries. Since Indian admissions allow extensions, deadlines for scholarships in foreign countries cannot be considered flexible. Hence, you cannot overlook application deadlines while applying for a scholarship for Indian students to study abroad. 

Generic statement of purposes 

One of the quickest ways for an Indian student studying abroad to have their scholarship application rejected is to use a generic or copied SOP. Scholarship committees will have no trouble whatsoever recognizing reused SOPs across multiple applications, without a hint of customization. Henceforth, while applying for a scholarship for Indian students to study abroad, it is better to issue the real SOP. 

Overlooking eligibility criteria 

Without prioritizing eligibility criteria, it is not easy to apply scholarship for Indian students to study abroad. In this case, there is a chance of automatic rejection. The criteria are related to age limits, course level, academic scores, and other factors. Certainly, a few scholarships are for postgraduate students. On the other hand, majority of them eliminate certain disciplines. 

Applying without securing admission 

Among other grave errors, applying for a scholarship before having an offer of admission to a reputable university is profound. Most scholarships available in Malaysia require an offer of admission, among other requirements. This mistake cannot be made while applying for scholarship for Indian students to study abroad. 

Depending upon unverified agents 

One of the most risky mistakes Indian students make is relying on unverified or unlicensed education agents. These promise "guaranteed scholarships" or "fully funded admission" — claims that are usually false. It is a common mistake while applying for a scholarship for Indian students to study abroad. Therefore, when it comes to scholarship for Indian students to study abroad, Malaysia is a preferred destination. Visit Malaysia and convert your dreams into reality. It gives you a better scope for higher studies and raises your value in the international market. This is an opportunity that comes once in a lifetime. You cannot miss it. Just grab the opportunity now!