The Malaysia International Scholarship is a fully funded award for postgraduate study in Malaysia. It funds a Master’s or PhD at Malaysian public universities. Some private schools also take part. Many applicants also compare it with other fully funded routes. For example, some look at the Chinese Government Scholarship, another major option in Asia.
Overview
- Host country, Malaysia
- Level of study, Master’s and PhD
- Field of study, All fields, with priority given to specific study areas
- Nationality, Open to citizens of eligible recipient countries
- Funded by, Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia
Benefits of the Malaysia International Scholarship
First, scholars get full tuition. Also, they get a monthly living allowance. Plus, funds go straight to your school. In short, the award covers this.
- Full tuition fees, paid directly to the university for the full study period
- A monthly living allowance of 1,500 Ringgit
- Support for the full length of your Master’s or PhD programme
- Access to well ranked Malaysian public universities
- Payments released each semester, based on your progress reports
Who Should Apply
This award suits students from eligible recipient countries who want strong value in Asia. Meanwhile, students who want a broader nomination based route instead may prefer the Turkiye Burslari Scholarship, which also places students at a matched school.
Eligibility Requirements
Overall, applicants must meet these points.
- Be a citizen of one of the MIS recipient countries
- Plan to pursue, or already be pursuing, full time postgraduate study in Malaysia
- Show strong academic and extracurricular achievement
- Show strong English reading, writing, and speaking skill
- Submit a clear research proposal, ideally linked to Malaysia related topics
A Cycle That Has Closed
Notably, the 2026/2027 cycle has already closed, and results are now being processed. Based on past years, the next cycle should open around March 2027. This yearly opening pattern is close to the setup used for the Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals, where a fixed yearly window also shapes the process.
Required Documents
- Completed application through the official MOHE portal
- Certified copy of your passport
- Certified academic transcripts
- A research proposal
- Proof of English language skill
How to Apply
First, confirm that your country is on the current MIS recipient list. Next, prepare your transcripts, passport copy, and research proposal ahead of time. Then, submit your full application through the official portal once the next cycle opens. This early document preparation step is close to the one used for the Global Korea Scholarship.
Application Deadline
The 2026/2027 cycle is closed. Based on the usual yearly pattern, the next cycle should open around March 2027. So, this window has not opened yet, which gives you real time to prepare a strong application before it begins.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Malaysia International Scholarship gives strong, complete funding for postgraduate study in Malaysia. However, if you want a program that is open right now instead, check other options too. For instance, the Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship has a live deadline in Ireland.
