Malaysia is one of the cheapest and easiest places to study in Asia, and it has a lot of scholarships for international students. There are fully funded scholarships, but most opportunities include tuition coverage, monthly stipends, and partial funding, which makes it possible to study for very little money.
For African and international students, Malaysia is special because of its:
- Low cost of living
- Programmes taught in English
- Flexible admission requirements, which may not always include IELTS
- Support from the government and universities
This guide goes into great detail about everything, including fully funded scholarships, university grants, the requirements, and how to apply successfully.
Why go to school in Malaysia
With more than 20 public and 60 private universities offering international programmes, Malaysia is becoming a global education hub.
Some of the main benefits are:
- Living costs are lower than in Europe and North America.
- Universities with international partnerships that are of high quality
- English is widely used in schools
- A wide range of scholarship options
- A safe and diverse place to live
The Malaysian government and universities offer scholarships to attract international students.
Best Scholarships in Malaysia for Students from Other Countries
1. The Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS) is the best choice for the government.
The Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS) is the most well-known and highly regarded scholarship in Malaysia.
The Malaysian government pays for it to bring in the best international students for graduate school.
What MIS Covers?
- All tuition costs
- Monthly money for living
- Health insurance
- Money for research and books
- Airfare (depending on the situation)
This makes it one of the few scholarships in Malaysia that pays for everything.
Level of Study
- Master’s
- Doctorate
Timeline for Applications (2026)
- Starts in March 2026
- Due date: April 2026
Who can apply
- A strong academic background
- A CGPA of at least 3.0
- Age limit:
- Master’s: less than 40
- PhD: less than 45
2. The Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP)
This is another scholarship that the government pays for that is aimed at developing countries.
Pros
- All tuition costs
- Monthly allowance (about RM3,500)
- Ticket for the return flight
Level of Study
- Mostly Master’s programmes
Who is It For
- Students from developing countries (including Africa)
- People who have good grades in school
3. Scholarships from the Malaysian Government (JPA)
The Malaysian Public Service Department pays for these.
Pros
- Full coverage of tuition
- Monthly payment
- Help with airfare
Level of Study
- Undergraduate
- Master’s
- Doctorate
4. The Albukhary International University Scholarship
This is one of the few undergraduate scholarships in Malaysia that pays for everything.
Pros
- Fees for school
- Housing
- Support for living
Who is It For
- Students who come from families with low incomes
- Strong candidates for school
A lot of people know that this scholarship helps international students who are not well off.
5. Scholarships from the Commonwealth in Malaysia
These scholarships are for students from countries that are part of the Commonwealth.
Pros
- All tuition costs
- Money for living
- Costs of travel
Level of Study
- Mostly for people who have already graduated
6. Scholarships for Malaysian Universities
A lot of colleges and universities give scholarships directly to students from other countries.
Well-Known Colleges That Offer Scholarships
- Putra Malaysia University
- University of Asia Pacific
- Malaysia’s University of Nottingham
- Monash University in Malaysia
- Malaysia’s International Islamic University
Funding Types
- Full tuition waiver
- 10% to 100% of the cost of school is covered by partial scholarships.
- Awards based on merit
Some colleges and universities will even pay for all of a student’s tuition.
Different Types of Scholarships
There are three main types of scholarships in Malaysia:
1. Scholarships that pay for everything
These covers:
- School fees
- Costs of living
- Housing
- Go on a trip
For example:
- MIS
- MTCP
2. Scholarships that only cover part of the cost
These covers:
- Only tuition costs (partially or fully)
This is where most university scholarships fit.
3. Merit-based scholarships
Given based on:
- How well you do in school
- Skills for being a leader
- Accomplishments outside of school
Requirements for Eligibility
Even though requirements differ, some common ones are:
Requirements for School
- Good grades in school
- Minimum CGPA, which is usually 3.0 or the same
Requirements for English
- Some programmes require the IELTS or TOEFL.
- Or a letter saying you know English
Some Malaysian universities accept an alternative instead of IELTS.
Other requirements
- Passport that is still good
- Being healthy
- Getting into a Malaysian university
Documents Needed
To get a scholarship in Malaysia, you usually need:
- Certificates for school
- Records
- Copy of your passport
- Statement of purpose
- Letters of recommendation
- Resume or CV
For postgraduates:
- You may need to write a research proposal.
How to Apply Step by Step
Step 1: Pick Your Scholarship
To begin:
- MIS (the best option with full funding)
- MTCP
- Scholarships for college
Step 2: Send in your application to a university
Most scholarships require you:
- Getting into a Malaysian university
Step 3: Get your papers ready
Pay attention to:
- A strong personal statement
- Full academic records
Step 4: Submit a Scholarship
Send in your application:
- Portal for the government
- Portal for college
Step 5: Interview (If Necessary)
Some programs include:
- Interview over the internet
Step 6: Wait for the Results
Results usually come out in a few months.
Can you go to school in Malaysia without taking the IELTS?
Yes, a lot of colleges let students apply without taking the IELTS.
Other options are:
- Letter of English proficiency
- Previous study of English
- English test for staff
This makes Malaysia one of the easiest places for international students to get to.
How much it costs to live in Malaysia
Malaysia is one of the most affordable places to study in the world.
Monthly costs on average:
- Lodging: low to moderate
- Food: cheap
- Cheap transport
Even without a full scholarship, students can manage costs easily.
Advantages of Studying in Malaysia
Studying in Malaysia gives you:
- Degrees that are recognised around the world
- Being exposed to education systems around the world
- Internship opportunities
- A way to study more abroad
Many Malaysian universities have ties to schools in the UK and Australia.
Things You Shouldn’t Do
A lot of students miss out because:
- Putting off applying
- Weak personal statement
- Documents that aren’t complete
- Not applying for
- Not following university rules
Last Words
There are many scholarship options for international students in Malaysia, from government programmes that pay for everything to university-based tuition waivers.
To succeed,
- Concentrate on MIS and MTCP to get all the money you need.
- Send applications to more than one school.
- Get ready for strong academic papers
- Start early and stick with it.
Malaysia has one of the most affordable and easy-to-reach education systems for international students, even if you don’t get a fully funded scholarship.