Top 10 Scholarships in Malaysia for International Students 2025-2026 – Fully Funded

Introduction

Top 10 Scholarships in Malaysia for International Students; Malaysia has become one of the most attractive study destinations for international students due to its affordable tuition fees, high-quality education, and diverse culture. Several fully funded and partially funded scholarships are available to help students pursue undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D. programs in Malaysia.

This guide provides detailed information on how to study in Malaysia for free, the best scholarship opportunities, and the application process for scholarships in Malaysian universities.

Why Study in Malaysia?

• Affordable tuition & living costs compared to the USA, UK, or Australia.
• Top universities like the University of Malaya, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), and Taylor’s University.
• English-taught programmes in various disciplines.
• Multicultural environment with international students from over 150 countries.
• No IELTS requirement for some programs and universities.

How to Get a Scholarship in Malaysia?

Steps to Apply for Scholarships in Malaysia:

1. Research universities offering programs relevant to your field.
2. Check scholarship opportunities that cover tuition fees and living expenses.
3. Prepare application documents, including transcripts, a CV, and a motivation letter.
4. Apply early to secure a place and scholarship funding.
5. Consider alternative funding like study loans, part-time jobs, and grants.

List of 10 Best Scholarships in Malaysia (Fully & Partially Funded)

1. Malaysia Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships

• Funded by: Malaysian Government
• Degree Level: Master’s & Ph.D.
• Eligibility: Open to students from Commonwealth countries.
• Benefits:
  • Full tuition fee waiver
  • Monthly maintenance allowance
  • Airfare
  • Medical insurance
  • Thesis allowance (for Ph.D. students)
• IELTS/TOEFL Requirements: IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 92
• GPA Requirement: 3.5/4.0
  Apply Here

2. Malaysian International Scholarship (MIS) Program

• Funded by: Malaysian Government
• Degree Level: Master’s & Ph.D.
• Eligibility: Open to international students worldwide.
• Benefits:
  • Full tuition fees covered
  • Monthly allowance
  • Airfare
  • Medical insurance
  • Thesis allowance & research grants
• IELTS/TOEFL Requirements: IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 92
• GPA Requirement: 3.5/4.0
  Apply Here

3. University of Nottingham Scholarships in Malaysia

• Funded by: University of Nottingham, Malaysia
• Degree Level: Undergraduate & Master’s
• Benefits:
  • 25% tuition fee waiver for the entire program
• IELTS Requirement: 6.5 minimum
• GPA Requirement: 3.4/4.0 or equivalent
  Apply Here

4. Malaysia International Bursaries at International Medical University (IMU)

• Funded by: International Medical University (IMU), Malaysia
• Degree Level: Master’s & Ph.D.
• Benefits:
  • Partial tuition fee waiver
  • Financial aid ranging from RM 5,000 to RM 8,400
• GPA Requirement: No minimum GPA required
  Apply Here

5. Taylor’s College Scholarship Program

• Funded by: Taylor’s University, Malaysia
• Degree Level: Undergraduate & Graduate
• Benefits:
  • 100% tuition fee waiver
• Eligibility:
  • High academic achievers
  • Strong leadership & extracurricular activities
    Apply Here

6. Graduate Research Scholarship Programme, University of Putra Malaysia (UPM)

• Funded by: University of Putra Malaysia (UPM)
• Degree Level: Undergraduate & Graduate
• Benefits:
  • Tuition fee grants of RM 1,125 – RM 1,500
• Eligibility:
  • Strong academic background
  • Active participation in extracurricular activities
    Apply Here

7. APU Merit Scholarship Program

• Funded by: Asia Pacific University (APU), Malaysia
• Degree Level: Bachelor’s & Master’s
• Benefits:
  • 100% tuition fee waiver (for students with a GPA of 3.7+)
• Eligibility:
  • High academic performance
  • Admission letter from APU required
    Apply Here

8. University Trust Graduate Scholarship Program—UCSI University

• Funded by: UCSI University, Malaysia
• Degree Level: Master’s & Ph.D.
• Benefits:
  • Full or partial tuition fee waiver
• Eligibility:
  • Age below 45 years
    Apply Here

9. Malaysia Foundation High Achievers Scholarship

• Funded by: Heriot-Watt University, Malaysia
• Degree Level: PhD.
• Benefits:
  • 25-35% tuition fee waiver
• Eligibility:
  • Academic record: 75% and above
  • Strong extracurricular involvement
    Apply Here

10. UKM Vice-Chancellor Scholarships

• Funded by: Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)
• Degree Level: Postgraduate & Ph.D.
• Benefits:
  • Full tuition coverage
  • Registration & thesis fees waived
• Application Deadline: July 1 – July 14, 2025
  Apply Here

Apply also:

• University of Maryland (UMD) Scholarships 2025: Fully Funded
• University of Milan Scholarship 2025-2026 in Italy – Fully Funded
• Einstein Fellowship in Germany 2026: Fully Funded Research Opportunity

How to Apply for Scholarships in Malaysia?

Step 1: Research and Choose a Scholarship

• Visit the official website of Malaysian universities.
• Look for scholarships that fit your academic profile.

Step 2: Prepare Application Documents

• Academic Transcripts (Bachelor’s for Master’s, Master’s for Ph.D.)
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Letters of Recommendation
• English Proficiency Test Scores (if required)
• Research Proposal (for Ph.D. applicants)

Step 3: Submit the Application

• Apply online through university portals.
• Attach all required documents.
• Submit before the deadline.

Step 4: Wait for Response & Interview (If Required)

• Shortlisted candidates may be called for an interview.
• Successful applicants will receive a scholarship offer letter.

Conclusion

Malaysia offers a wide range of fully funded and partially funded scholarships for international students in 2025-2026. Whether you are pursuing an undergraduate, master’s, or Ph.D. program, you can find a scholarship that suits your needs.

• Apply early to maximise your chances!
• Check university websites for updates and deadlines.

Start your application today and secure your spot in Malaysia’s top universities!