Fully Funded Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS) | Study in Malaysia

Apply for the Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS). Fully funded postgraduate opportunity to study in Malaysia at top universities. Apply now.

Malaysia Government Scholarship Overview

The Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS) is a prestigious Malaysia Government Scholarship designed to attract talented international students to pursue postgraduate studies in Malaysia. This fully funded opportunity supports outstanding graduates from around the world to study in top Malaysian universities.

The scholarship aligns with Malaysia’s vision to become a global center of academic excellence by attracting high-achieving international students and researchers. Through MIS, students can experience world-class education, modern research facilities, and the vibrant cultural environment of Malaysia.

If you want to pursue a Master’s or PhD in Malaysia, this scholarship provides an excellent pathway to achieve your academic and professional goals.

Application Period:

• Opens: 04 March 2026
• Deadline: 03 April 2026

Don’t miss this opportunity to secure your future and start your journey toward international education.

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Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS) Details

• Scholarship Name: Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS)
• Host Country: Malaysia
• Scholarship Provider: Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia
• Study Level: Master’s Degree, PhD
• Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
• Study Mode: Full-time
• Application Deadline: 03 April 2026
• Eligible Applicants: International students from selected countries

The scholarship is open to both new applicants and international students already studying in Malaysia with at least two semesters remaining.

Also Apply For: KAIST International Graduate Scholarship

Participating Malaysian Universities Under MIS

Students awarded the MIS scholarship can study at the following recognized institutions in Malaysia.

Public Universities

• Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)
• Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)
• Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)
• Universiti Malaya (UM)
• Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM)
• Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia (IIUM)
• Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM)
• Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)
• Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM)
• Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM)
• Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM)
• Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI)
• Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT)
• Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS)
• Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP)
• Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS)
• Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP)
• Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA)
• Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM)
• Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK)

Private Universities

• Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP)
• Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN)
• Multimedia University (MMU)
• INCEIF University

These universities provide high-quality research programs and internationally recognized degrees.

Also Apply For: Taiwan International Graduate Program

Best Malaysian Universities for MIS Scholarship Applicants

Although the MIS scholarship supports multiple institutions, some Malaysian universities are highly ranked globally and preferred by international students.

Top Universities for Research and Academic Reputation

Universiti Malaya (UM)
Malaysia’s top-ranked university known for strong research programs in science, engineering, and social sciences.

Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)
Highly respected for agriculture, environmental science, engineering, and technology programs.

Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)
Known for innovation, sustainability research, and strong STEM programs.

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)
Excellent choice for engineering, architecture, and technology-related research.

Best Universities for Technology and Industry Collaboration

Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP)
Strong focus on engineering, petroleum, and energy research.

Multimedia University (MMU)
Highly recognized for information technology and digital innovation programs.

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Universities Suitable for Social Sciences and Humanities

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)
Excellent programs in public policy, economics, and social sciences.

International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM)
Popular among international students for Islamic studies, law, and humanities.

Choosing the right university can significantly improve your research opportunities and scholarship success rate.

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Eligibility Criteria for Malaysia International Scholarship

Applicants must meet the following requirements to be considered for the MIS scholarship.

• Must be a citizen of eligible recipient countries.
• Must intend to pursue full-time postgraduate studies in Malaysia.
• Must have excellent academic performance.

Age Limits:

• Master’s applicants must be 40 years old or younger.
• PhD applicants must be 45 years old or younger.

Academic Requirements:

• Master’s applicants must have CGPA 3.00 or Second Class Upper Honours in their bachelor’s degree.
• PhD applicants must have excellent results in their Master’s degree related to their research field.

Also Apply For: Government of Singapore Scholarship

English Language Requirement:

IELTS Requirements for MIS Scholarship

If you plan to apply for the Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS), demonstrating English language proficiency is an important requirement. Since the programs are taught in English at Malaysian universities, applicants must prove that they can study and communicate effectively in English.

Minimum IELTS Score Required

Applicants must achieve at least IELTS Band 6.0 to be eligible for the MIS scholarship if they are not from English speaking counties or the mode of education in their last degree was not English.
Details include:

• Minimum Overall Band Score: 6.0

• Academic IELTS is usually preferred for postgraduate programs.

• The score must be from a recognized IELTS test center.

Most Malaysian universities accept an IELTS score of 6.0–6.5 for Master’s programs and 6.5 or higher for PhD programs, depending on the institution and field of study.

Alternative English Proficiency Tests

If you do not have IELTS, you can still apply with other accepted tests.

Accepted alternatives include:

• TOEFL (Paper-Based Test): Minimum score 550

• Other TOEFL formats may also be accepted if equivalent scores are provided.

• Some universities may accept PTE Academic or equivalent tests, depending on institutional policies.

Applicants should check specific university requirements because some programs may require higher English scores.

Study in English (IELTS Waiver Option)

Applicants may not need IELTS if they meet this condition:

• Their previous degree was taught entirely in English.

In this case, the applicant must submit:

• An official letter from the university confirming that the medium of instruction was English.

This document must be signed and issued by the university administration. This option is commonly used by students from countries where English is the primary language of instruction at universities.

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English Requirement for Research Programs

For Master’s by Research and PhD programs, English proficiency becomes even more important because students must:

• Write research proposals

• Publish academic papers

• Communicate with supervisors

• Present research findings

Therefore, universities may prefer candidates with strong writing and communication skills in English.

Tips to Meet the IELTS Requirement

To improve your chances of securing the scholarship:

• Aim for IELTS 6.5 or higher if possible.

• Prepare strong academic writing skills for research programs.

• Take the IELTS exam early so your result is ready before applying.

• Ensure your test result is valid (usually within 2 years).

A higher IELTS score can strengthen your application and make you more competitive.

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Important Note for MIS Applicants

Meeting the minimum IELTS requirement does not guarantee admission because:

• Each university sets its own English requirements.

• Some programs, especially in engineering, business, or social sciences, may require higher scores.

Therefore, applicants should always check the specific English requirement of their chosen university and program.

Study in Malaysia Without IELTS

Many Malaysian universities allow international students to study without IELTS if they provide a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate from their previous institution. Some universities also accept alternative English proficiency tests or conduct their own internal language assessments.

Many international universities also offer scholarships without IELTS for students who cannot provide an IELTS score. In several countries, universities may accept a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter, proof that your previous education was conducted in English, or alternative English tests instead of IELTS.

Popular study destinations such as Germany, Turkey, China, Hungary, and some European universities frequently offer scholarship opportunities where students can study without IELTS, depending on the university’s admission policies. Students should always check the specific language requirements of each program before applying.

Financial Benefits of Malaysia International Scholarship

The MIS program is considered a fully funded opportunity for international postgraduate students.

Benefits include:

• Full tuition fees paid directly to the university
• Monthly living allowance of RM 1,500
• Access to research facilities in top Malaysian universities
• International academic exposure
• Opportunity to experience Malaysian culture and education system

This scholarship allows students to focus entirely on their academic research without financial stress.

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Malaysia Government Scholarship Duration

The duration of the scholarship depends on the selected study program.

• Master’s Degree: Typically 1 to 2 years
• PhD Degree: Typically 3 to 4 years

Students must maintain good academic progress throughout the study period to continue receiving the scholarship.

Available Study Fields Under MIS

The Malaysia International Scholarship prioritizes the following academic disciplines.

• Education
• Arts and Humanities
• Social Sciences, Journalism and Information
• Business, Administration and Law
• Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Statistics
• Information and Communication Technologies
• Engineering, Manufacturing and Construction
• Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries and Veterinary
• Health and Welfare (excluding medicine, nursing, pharmacy)

These fields align with Malaysia’s strategic academic and research priorities.

Low-Competition Study Fields to Increase Your Chances

Some fields receive fewer applications compared to highly competitive programs like business or computer science. Applying in these fields may increase your chances of receiving the scholarship.

Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

These areas are important for sustainable development but attract fewer international applicants.

Examples:

• Sustainable agriculture

• Environmental management

• Forestry and fisheries

Education and Educational Technology

Malaysia encourages research in education innovation and policy development.

Examples:

• Educational leadership

• Curriculum development

• Digital learning technologies

Social Sciences and Public Policy

Research focusing on governance, development, and social impact is highly valued.

Examples:

• Public administration

• Development studies

• International relations

Mathematics and Statistics

Many students avoid these programs, but they offer excellent research opportunities and scholarship chances.

Interdisciplinary Research

Programs combining multiple disciplines often have fewer applicants.

Examples:

• Data science in healthcare

• AI in agriculture

• Climate change and policy research

Selecting a strategic research field aligned with Malaysia’s priorities can significantly improve your chances of winning the MIS scholarship.

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Malaysia Government Scholarship Tracks

Master’s Degree Programs

International students can apply for full-time master’s programs in accredited Malaysian universities.

PhD Degree Programs

The scholarship supports doctoral research programs across multiple disciplines in Malaysian institutions.

Required Documents for MIS Application

Applicants must prepare and upload the following documents in PDF format.

• Valid passport copy (minimum 6 months validity)
• Academic transcripts of previous studies
• English proficiency certificate (IELTS or TOEFL)
• Official letter confirming English as medium of instruction (if applicable)
• Two letters of recommendation
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Admission letter from a Malaysian university (if available)
• Research proposal (minimum 1,000 words for research programs)

All documents must be submitted in English or accompanied by certified translations.

Is a Supervisor Required for MIS Scholarship?

A supervisor is not mandatory during the initial scholarship application stage. However:

• For research-based master’s and PhD programs, a research proposal is required.
• Some universities may request applicants to contact potential supervisors during admission.

Therefore, securing a supervisor early can strengthen your application.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Follow these steps to apply for the Malaysia International Scholarship.

Step 1: Prepare Required Documents

• Collect all necessary documents including transcripts, passport, CV, and research proposal.

Step 2: Secure Admission (Optional but Recommended)

• Apply to a participating Malaysian university for your chosen program.

Step 3: Submit Online Application

• Complete the scholarship application through the official MIS online portal.

Step 4: Upload Documents

• Upload all required documents in PDF format through the application system.

Step 5: Application Review

• Applications will be evaluated based on academic performance, research proposal quality, and English proficiency.

Shortlisted candidates may be contacted for further evaluation. Apply now and take advantage of this fully funded opportunity to study in Malaysia.

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List of Countries Eligible for Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS)

The Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS) is open to talented students from a wide range of countries across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas. The program prioritizes applicants from ASEAN countries, Commonwealth nations, and other strategic partner countries.

Step-by-Step Strategy to Win the MIS Scholarship

Winning the Malaysia International Scholarship requires more than just meeting eligibility requirements. Applicants should focus on creating a strong and competitive application.

1. Choose the Right University and Program

Select a university that offers strong research opportunities in your chosen field. Applying to programs aligned with Malaysia’s research priorities increases your chances.

2. Prepare a Strong Research Proposal

For Master’s by Research and PhD programs, the research proposal is one of the most important selection factors. It should:

• Address a real global or regional problem

• Show innovation and research potential

• Align with Malaysia’s academic priorities

3. Maintain a High Academic CGPA

Competitive applicants typically have:

• CGPA above 3.3 for Master’s

• Strong research publications for PhD applicants

4. Secure Strong Recommendation Letters

Recommendation letters should be written by professors or academic supervisors who can highlight your:

• Academic achievements

• Research potential

• Leadership and co-curricular involvement

5. Demonstrate English Proficiency

A higher IELTS score (6.5 or above) can significantly strengthen your application.

6. Apply Early

Submitting the application early helps avoid technical issues and increases the chances of proper evaluation.

7. Align Research With Malaysia

Applications that contribute to technology development, innovation, or societal improvement often receive priority.

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Apply for the Malaysia International Scholarship

The Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS) is one of the best opportunities for international students seeking postgraduate education in Asia. With fully funded support, top universities, and globally recognized degrees, Malaysia offers a strong academic environment and excellent research opportunities.

If you have strong academic credentials and want to advance your career internationally, this scholarship could be the perfect opportunity. Apply now, don’t miss this opportunity, and start your journey toward a brighter future in Malaysia.

Secure your future with a world-class postgraduate degree today.