Malaysia International Scholarship – Malaysian Government Scholarship for International Students

The Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS) is an initiative by the Malaysian Government aimed at attracting the brightest minds from around the world to pursue advanced academic qualifications in Malaysia.

Host Country	Malaysia
Host Institute	20 Public and 4 Private Universities in Malaysia
Level	Masters, PhD
Eligible Nationality	Open to students from selected countries(Given below)
Benefits	Tuition fees + Monthly living allowance
Duration	Study duration
Opening Date	31 May 2024
Closing Date	30 June 2024

This scholarship scheme is part of Malaysia’s effort to establish itself as a global center of academic excellence by drawing in talented students who can contribute to the nation’s research, development, and innovation sectors. The scholarship reflects Malaysia’s commitment to promoting international cooperation in education and fostering long-term relationships with other countries.

Objectives of the Malaysia International Scholarship

The objectives of the Malaysian Government Scholarship for International Students are:

1. Promote International Education: Position Malaysia as a preferred destination for higher education among international students.
2. Strengthen Bilateral Ties: Foster stronger educational and cultural ties between Malaysia and other countries.
3. Enhance Malaysia’s Educational Standards: Elevate the academic and research capabilities of Malaysian higher education institutions by attracting high-caliber international students.
4. Support National Development Goals: Align educational efforts with Malaysia’s national development goals, focusing on critical fields of study that contribute to the nation’s growth.

Eligibility Criteria

General Requirements

1. Nationality: Open to students from selected countries. The list of eligible countries may vary, so applicants should check the latest information on the official scholarship website.
2. Academic Excellence:
   • Applicants for Master’s programs must have a CGPA of 3.00 or a 2nd class bachelor’s degree with honors or better;
   • Applicants for PhD programs must have a CGPA of 3.00 and good Master’s program results in courses relevant to the intended study program.
3. Language Proficiency: Proficiency in English is mandatory. Applicants must provide proof of English proficiency through standardized tests such as IELTS (minimum score of 6.5), TOEFL (minimum score of 580), or equivalent.
4. Age Limit: Generally, applicants should be under 40 years old for master’s programs and under 45 years old for Ph.D. programs.
5. Research Proposal: submitting a written, 1,000-word research proposal* that is pertinent to the planned topic of study

Specific Requirements

1. Offer of Admission: Applicants must have secured an offer of admission from a Malaysian university (public or private) before applying for the scholarship.
2. Field of Study: Priority is given to certain fields critical to Malaysia’s development. These fields typically include:
   • Science and Engineering
   • Agriculture and Fisheries
   • Economics and Islamic Finance
   • Information and Communication Technology
   • Biotechnology
   • Biosecurity and Food Safety
   • Infrastructure and Utility
   • Environmental Studies
   • Health (excluding nursing, medicine, clinical pharmacy)

Eligible Countries

Excellent and high-potential graduates from the following countries are encouraged to apply to MIS:

Afghanistan	Nepal	Albania
Oman	Algeria	Pakistan
Australia	Palestine	Azerbaijan
Qatar	China	Russian Federation
Egypt	Saudi Arabia	Georgia
Senegal	Hong Kong	South Korea
Iran	Syria	Iraq
Tajikistan	Japan	Timor-Leste
Jordan	Tunisia	Kazakhstan
Turkiye	Kuwait	Turkmenistan
Kyrgyzstan	United Arab Emirates	Libya
Uzbekistan	Maldives	Yemen
Morocco

• ASEAN* countries: (Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam)
• Commonwealth countries: CPA** regions of Africa, Asia, Australia, British Islands & Mediterranean, Canada, The Caribbean, Americas & The Atlantic, India, and the Pacific)

Eligible Universities

MIS provides support to all 20 public universities in Malaysia as well as four specially chosen private universities, which are listed below.

Malaysia International Scholarship Coverage

The MIS provides comprehensive financial support, which typically includes:

1. Tuition Fees: Full or partial coverage of tuition fees for the duration of the program.
2. Monthly Living Allowance: A stipend to cover living expenses.
3. Medical and Health Insurance: Coverage for medical and health insurance.
4. Installation and Termination Grant: Financial support for initial setup costs upon arrival in Malaysia and final costs upon completion of studies.
5. Book Allowance: Funds to purchase essential academic books and materials.
6. Thesis Allowance: Support for the preparation and submission of the thesis for Ph.D. candidates.
7. Airfare: A one-time return economy class airfare from the recipient’s home country to Malaysia and back.

Required Documents

Scan, save, and upload the following mandatory documents to the online application system in PDF format:

1. A certified copy of the passport, which must have at least six months left on it, as proof of citizenship;
2. A certified copy of the transcript(s) of the study:
   • Undergraduate transcripts (together with the master’s degree transcript for PhD candidates);
   • Take into consideration the transcript of all the classes completed during the preceding study program(s); and
   • If the applicant’s transcript lacks information on CGPA, marks, or score percentile, it must be presented alongside a certified official document from the applicant’s alma mater outlining the institution’s grading method.
3. A certified copy of the results of the English Proficiency Test (TOEFL or IELTS) or an official letter from the preceding school stating that English was the language of instruction used to get the degree(s);
4. Two (2) referees’ letters of recommendation; 
5. An admission letter from a Malaysian university (if the applicant is enrolled in postgraduate studies now or has been accepted); 
6. A curriculum vitae; and vii. a research proposal (available only to candidates for PhDs and Masters by Research programs).

Application Process

The online application mechanism for the Malaysia International Scholarship is available at https://biasiswa.mohe.gov.my/INTER/index.php.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Research and Prepare:
   • Review the scholarship guidelines and ensure you meet all eligibility criteria.
   • Identify your field of study and research potential universities in Malaysia.
   • Prepare necessary documents, including academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency, research proposals (for Ph.D. applicants), letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.
2. Secure Admission:
   • Apply to Malaysian universities and secure an offer of admission.
   • Admission must be in one of the priority fields of study.
3. Submit Application:
   • Complete the scholarship application form online through the Ministry of Education Malaysia’s official website. Sign up thereby creating an account. Log in to proceed.
   • Attach all required documents and ensure the application is submitted before the deadline.
4. Await Selection:
   • The selection process involves a thorough review of all applications by a panel of experts.
   • Shortlisted candidates may be required to attend an interview.
5. Notification of Results:
   • Successful candidates will be notified via email and are expected to confirm their acceptance within a specified period.

Application Period

The timeline to apply for the Malaysia International Scholarship is 31 May 2024 – 30 June 2024.

Selection Criteria

The selection of candidates is based on several key factors:

1. Academic Excellence: The primary criterion is the academic performance of the candidate. High CGPA scores and academic achievements are essential.
2. Quality of Research Proposal: For Ph.D. applicants, the research proposal’s relevance, feasibility, and potential contribution to Malaysia’s development are critically evaluated.
3. Language Proficiency: Proficiency in English is crucial, and candidates must demonstrate their ability to undertake studies in English.
4. Interview Performance: If applicable, the candidate’s performance during the interview will be assessed to determine their suitability for the scholarship.
5. Potential Contribution: The candidate’s potential to contribute to the development of their home country and Malaysia is also considered.

Benefits of the Malaysia International Scholarship

1. Academic and Professional Growth:
   • Access to high-quality education and research opportunities.
   • Networking with international scholars and professionals.
   • Exposure to Malaysia’s diverse culture and academic environment.
2. Financial Support:
   • Comprehensive financial coverage allows students to focus on their studies without financial stress.
   • Additional allowances for books, thesis preparation, and travel ease the burden on students.
3. Cultural Exchange:
   • Opportunity to experience Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage and multicultural society.
   • Build lasting relationships with peers from around the world.
4. Career Advancement:
   • Enhances employability and opens up career opportunities in Malaysia and globally.
   • Develops skills and knowledge in priority fields crucial to Malaysia’s and global development.

Tips for a Successful Application

1. Start Early:
   • Begin the application process well in advance to ensure you have sufficient time to prepare all required documents and secure an offer of admission.
2. Strong Research Proposal:
   • If applying for a Ph.D., ensure your research proposal is robust, well-structured, and aligned with Malaysia’s development goals.
   • Highlight the novelty, feasibility, and potential impact of your research.
3. Highlight Achievements:
   • Clearly showcase your academic and extracurricular achievements, as well as any professional experience.
   • Include any publications, awards, or relevant work experience.
4. Prepare for Interviews:
   • Be ready to articulate your motivation for studying in Malaysia, your future plans, and how your education will benefit both your home country and Malaysia.
   • Practice common interview questions and seek feedback from mentors or peers.
5. Proofread Your Application:
   • Ensure your application is free from errors and all documents are complete and correctly formatted.
   • Seek feedback from advisors or mentors to improve the quality of your application.

Conclusion

The Malaysia International Scholarship is an excellent opportunity for international students to pursue advanced studies in Malaysia, offering comprehensive financial support and access to high-quality education. By attracting talented individuals from around the world, the MIS not only enhances the academic and research capabilities of Malaysian institutions but also fosters international cooperation and cultural exchange.

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