The Malaysian Government offers several scholarship programs to attract talented international students, with the Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS) standing out as the flagship initiative for postgraduate studies. Administered by the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), MIS aims to position Malaysia as a premier global education hub by drawing high-caliber graduates from around the world. It supports outstanding individuals in pursuing full-time Master’s or PhD degrees at leading Malaysian public and selected private universities, fostering knowledge exchange, cultural ties, and contributions to sustainable development in scholars’ home countries.

For the 2026–2027 academic year, MIS emphasizes attracting top talent with strong academic records and co-curricular achievements. The program aligns with Malaysia’s vision of building a knowledge-based economy through world-class higher education, while providing recipients with exposure to a multicultural, innovative environment known for its hospitality and academic excellence.

Albukhary International University Need-Based Scholarship

Scholarship Coverage and Benefits

MIS provides comprehensive financial support to remove barriers for deserving scholars:

• Full tuition fee waiver at the chosen institution.
• Monthly living allowance (typically RM 1,500 or equivalent) to cover accommodation, food, and daily expenses.
• Return economy-class airfare from the home country to Malaysia at the start and end of the program.
• Book and thesis allowances especially for research-based programs.
• Health insurance coverage during the study period.
• Settlement and installation grants in some cases.

The scholarship covers the standard duration of the program (2 years for Master’s coursework, up to 3–4 years for PhD, depending on mode). Recipients must maintain satisfactory academic progress and adhere to university policies to continue receiving benefits. No support is provided for family members or additional personal costs.

Eligible Programs and Institutions

Scholars can pursue:

• Master’s degrees.
• PhD programs.

Fields are open, but often prioritize priority areas like engineering, sciences, technology, economics, social sciences, health, education, and sustainability. Over 20 leading universities participate, including Universiti Malaya, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Universiti Sains Malaysia, and others. English-medium programs dominate, making it accessible for international applicants.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be citizens of eligible countries. Check the guideline HERE
• Hold a relevant prior qualification. Bachelor’s for Master’s entry; Master’s for PhD, with excellent results (minimum Second Class Upper Honours or CGPA 3.5/4.0 for Master’s applicants; similar high standards for PhD).
• Be no older than 45 years at application.
• Demonstrate English proficiency.
• Secure or be pursuing admission/pre-enrollment at an eligible Malaysian institution.
• Show strong motivation, leadership potential, and commitment to contributing to home-country development post-graduation.
• Not hold concurrent scholarships exceeding certain limits.

The program favors candidates with outstanding academics and co-curricular involvement.

Italian Government Scholarships (MAECI Grants) | Fully Funded

Application Process

Applications are submitted online through the MOHE portal; no separate fees are required.

Key dates:

• Application window: Opens March 4, 2026, and closes April 3, 2026.
• Process:
  1. Register and complete the online form at the Official System.
  2. Upload compulsory documents (scanned PDFs): Passport valid for at least 6 months, academic transcripts/diplomas with grade explanation if needed. English proficiency proof, CV, research proposal for research/PhD modes, motivation letter, and recommendation letters.
  3. All non-English documents need certified translations.
  4. MOHE screens applications; shortlisting may involve reviews or interviews.