The National University of Malaysia (UKM) is one of three research-intensive universities prioritized and supported by the Malaysian government (the others are the University of Malaya and Universiti Sains Malaysia). Founded in May 1957, it is the third public university in Malaysia. In 2011, the Malaysian Parliament approved its name change to the National University of Malaysia. It ranks 138th in the 2025 QS World University Rankings. In this era of globalization, the mission of a national university is to be internationally oriented.
Currently, the university comprises 13 faculties and 14 research centers. The student population is approximately 27,000, including over 19,000 undergraduates. Over 8,500 graduate and doctoral students make up approximately 30% of the total student population. Currently, over 1,000 international students from around the world are pursuing master's and doctoral programs in various disciplines.
I. University Scholarships
(I) Entrance Scholarships
Malaysian universities offer a generous scholarship that can be applied for upon admission—the Entrance Scholarship. This scholarship is available only to new students, regardless of nationality or level of study.
This scholarship is primarily evaluated based on students' language test scores. Therefore, if you're interested in applying for this scholarship, be sure to prepare for the IELTS.
The higher your IELTS score, the greater your chances of receiving the scholarship and the larger the amount.
The minimum language score requirement is an IELTS score of 6.0, which grants you RM1,000. For every additional 0.5 points, you can receive an additional RM500.
(II) Academic Scholarships
Academic scholarships are one of the most widely offered scholarships in Malaysia. Both public and private universities offer scholarships annually to outstanding students.
Scholarships are awarded based on academic performance; the better your grades, the higher the scholarship amount.
Universities use an ABCD scale to assess academic performance. Students who receive an A in each subject are eligible to apply for this scholarship, which generally ranges from RM1,500 to RM3,000. These scholarships are relatively high, and there are many available.
(III) Thesis Scholarships
After completing a period of study, students are required to summarize their learning and write a thesis. This essay not only impacts your final academic achievement but can also be used to apply for scholarships.
As long as your overall ranking is within the top 15th percentile, you will receive a RM500 award.
II. Government Scholarships
(I) Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP) Scholarship
Sponsored by the Malaysian government, this scholarship aims to help international students from developing countries pursue postgraduate studies in Malaysia while acquiring the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute to their country's development. Master's degree programs are awarded for a duration of 12 to 24 months.
The scholarship covers tuition fees, a monthly stipend of RM3,500, and a one-time economy-class airfare from the nearest international airport to Malaysia and back to your home country.
Application Requirements
Applicants must be 45 years of age or younger at the time of application.
For master's degree programs, applicants must have obtained at least an upper second-class honors degree or an overall GPA of at least 3.0.
Proof of English Language Proficiency:
Scanned copy of original proof of English language proficiency, such as IELTS (minimum overall score of 6.0);
TOEFL paper-based score of 500 or internet-based score of 60;
Applicants with degrees obtained in English as the medium of instruction are also accepted (certification required).
A doctor's certificate of good health. The cost of the medical examination is fully borne by the applicant.
(II) Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS)
The Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS) is an initiative launched by the Malaysian government to attract outstanding talent from around the world to pursue graduate studies in Malaysia. This scholarship aligns with Malaysia's aspiration to become a global center of academic excellence by attracting, motivating, and retaining talented human capital from abroad.
The Malaysian government welcomes applications from interested international graduates with outstanding academic and extracurricular backgrounds to pursue further studies at leading universities and higher education institutions in Malaysia.
➊ MIS Scholarship Benefits
Airfare from the scholarship recipient's capital city to Malaysia
Approved tuition fees
Monthly allowance
Annual books and internal travel grant
Medical/health insurance
Dissertation allowance (to be paid at the start of research (after application defense), balance payable only upon submission of the dissertation) – PhD candidates only
Conference travel grant and journal publication grant (PhD candidates only)
➋Application Requirements
Age must not exceed 45 years at the time of application;
Master's degree candidates must have a minimum upper second class honours (honours) or a CGPA of 3.5/4.0, while PhD candidates must have a CGPA of 3.5/4.0 or very good master's-level study in a field similar to their intended PhD;
An English proficiency test must have been taken within the past two years of the date of application and met the minimum score requirement.
III. Application Notes
(I) Notes
1. Please note that some scholarships can be applied for in Malaysia, while others require application after arrival at the Malaysian institution.
2. The Malaysia Study Abroad Scholarship Foundation may have age restrictions for applicants.
3. When applying, be aware of the application deadlines for each scholarship. The application requirements, number of scholarships, process, and deadlines vary slightly across Malaysian universities. Some funds also only offer short-term funding or grants for a specific timeframe.
4. Ensure your application is detailed, preferably including a letter of recommendation from a teacher.
5. It's best to apply for Malaysian scholarships early to avoid applications closing when the quota is reached.
