Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP) Scholarship

Overview

The Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP) Scholarship is a Master's award funded by the Malaysian government and managed jointly by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia. It is part of Malaysia's South-South cooperation agenda and targets citizens of developing countries that participate in the MTCP framework.

The scholarship is generous on living costs: it pays RM 3,500 per month, which is more than double the MIS allowance, plus full tuition and a return economy-class flight. That higher monthly figure is designed to cover accommodation, food and personal expenses in Malaysia without needing additional support.

One firm requirement sets MTCP apart from other government scholarships: you must already hold a valid, unconditional offer letter from a Malaysian public university for the September or October 2026 intake before you apply. Conditional offers do not qualify. Nursing, Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy programmes are excluded from this award.

Key Facts at a Glance

Eligibility Criteria

Nationality and Country

• Must be a citizen of an MTCP recipient (developing) country
• Country must have bilateral ties with Malaysia under the MTCP framework
• Check with your country's Malaysian embassy for the current eligible-country list

Academic Requirements

• Minimum Second Class Upper Honours or CGPA 3.0 at undergraduate level
• Must hold a VALID, unconditional offer letter from a Malaysian public university for September or October 2026 intake — conditional offers are not accepted

Age and Health

• Maximum age 45 at the time of application
• Medical certificate required, issued within 6 months of the application date

English Proficiency

• IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, CAE, CPE, or MUET are all accepted
• Check individual university requirements for the minimum score threshold

Excluded Programmes

• Nursing
• Medicine
• Clinical Pharmacy

What the Scholarship Covers

• Full tuition fees at the host Malaysian public university
• Monthly allowance of RM 3,500
• Return economy-class airfare

Not covered: visa application fees, pre-departure medical check-up costs, health insurance premiums. Budget separately for these.

How to Apply

1. Secure your offer letter first — obtain a valid, unconditional offer letter from a Malaysian public university for the September or October intake. You cannot apply without this.
2. Prepare your medical certificate — it must be issued by a recognised medical practitioner within 6 months of your application submission date.
3. Gather your English proficiency result from an accepted test (IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE, CAE, CPE, or MUET).
4. Submit your application through the MTCP portal at mtcp.kln.gov.my during the open window (4 May – 12 June 2026 for the 2026 cycle).
5. Submit a copy of your application to the Malaysian High Commission or Embassy in your home country as instructed on the portal.
6. Track your application status through the portal; successful candidates are notified before the September intake.

Required Documents

• Valid unconditional offer letter from a Malaysian public university
• Certified copies of academic transcripts and degree certificate
• English proficiency test result (IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE, CAE, CPE, or MUET)
• Medical certificate valid within 6 months of application date
• Passport copy (valid for at least 12 months beyond proposed start date)
• Passport-sized photograph
• Proof of citizenship (national ID or birth certificate)
• Curriculum vitae

Key Dates & Deadlines

The 2026 application window ran from 4 May 2026 to 12 June 2026. The programme runs for 24 to 36 months with a September or October start. Watch the MTCP portal and your country's Malaysian embassy notice board for the next cycle opening.

Tips for a Strong Application

What helps

• Apply to Malaysian public universities for your offer letter as early as January or February, well before the MTCP window opens in May
• Choose a programme in a field that aligns with Malaysia's technical cooperation priorities (engineering, agriculture, public administration, environmental science)
• An IELTS score above the minimum requirement demonstrates stronger language readiness

Common mistakes to avoid

• Submitting a conditional offer letter — only unconditional offers are accepted
• Applying to programmes in Nursing, Medicine or Clinical Pharmacy, which are specifically excluded
• Letting your medical certificate expire — it must be dated within 6 months of your submission date
• Not notifying your local Malaysian embassy — the portal instructions require you to submit a copy there as well

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the MTCP Scholarship and the MIS?

The MTCP Scholarship pays RM 3,500 per month versus RM 1,500 for MIS, but you must already have an unconditional university offer before applying to MTCP. MIS handles university placement itself.

Does the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP) Scholarship cover health insurance?

No. Health insurance is not included. You need to arrange and pay for it separately.

Can I apply to a private university under the MTCP Scholarship?

No. The award requires a host institution that is a Malaysian public university.

Is the MTCP Scholarship open to citizens of any developing country?

It is open to citizens of MTCP recipient countries only. Contact the Malaysian embassy in your country to confirm your country is listed.

What if my offer letter is conditional — can I still apply for the MTCP Scholarship?

No. A conditional offer is not accepted. You must have a full, unconditional offer before the MTCP application closes.

How long does the MTCP Scholarship last?

The programme runs 24 to 36 months, aligned with the normal duration of your Master's programme.

Does the MTCP Scholarship cover dependants or family members?

No. The package covers the scholar only.

When should I start preparing my university application to meet the MTCP timeline?

Target January or February to apply to Malaysian public universities so your offer letter is ready before the MTCP window opens in May.