Scholarships in Malaysia for international students

Tuition fees in Malaysia depend on your choice between public and private institutions. Public universities generally offer lower rates, while private universities and foreign branch campuses set their own prices. You will find that some programs list fees per semester, while others show the cost for the full degree. Check the specific 1,343 program listings on our platform to see the exact MYR figures for your chosen course.

Your monthly budget will focus on four main areas: rent, food, transport, and mobile data. A single student typically needs between MYR 1,500 and MYR 2,500 per month to live comfortably. Off-campus rooms often cost between MYR 500 and MYR 1,000. Local meals are affordable, with a basic lunch costing around MYR 10 to MYR 15. Public transport users can buy a monthly pass for MYR 50 if they have a student card. Compare these monthly totals to your current budget to see how much you can save.

Working while you study

The Malaysian government allows international students to work part-time for up to 20 hours per week. You can only work during semester breaks or holidays longer than seven days. You must have a valid Student Pass to apply for work permission through your university. Common jobs include working in restaurants, petrol stations, mini markets, and hotels. Typical hourly wages for these roles range from MYR 5 to MYR 10. Do not rely on these earnings to pay your tuition, as the income is intended for pocket money.

Funding and Scholarships

• Malaysian International Scholarship (MIS): This government initiative targets high-achieving postgraduate students.
• University Scholarships: Many private universities offer merit-based tuition waivers ranging from 10% to 100%.
• Partner Scholarships: Global Admissions works with specific partner universities to offer exclusive fee reductions for applicants.

Malaysia is an affordable alternative to the US, UK, or Australia. You can earn a degree from a UK or Australian branch campus in Malaysia for about one-third of the cost of studying in the home country. The lower cost of living means your total spend will be significantly less than in Western destinations. Start by filtering the 1,343 available programs by fee amount to find a match for your budget.

Malaysia offers several funding paths for international students. You can find support through government programs, private foundations, and university-specific grants. Most awards target postgraduate researchers, but high-achieving undergraduates also have options.

• Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS): Provided by the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), this program targets high-achieving graduates for Master's and PhD studies. You receive a full tuition waiver and a monthly living allowance of MYR 1,500. You must be under 40 (Master's) or 45 (PhD) years old and hold a CGPA of at least 3.0. Official Application Portal
• Khazanah Global Scholarship: This prestigious award from Yayasan Khazanah supports postgraduate studies at leading Malaysian universities. It covers full tuition fees, monthly stipends, and medical insurance. You must have a consistent record of academic excellence and strong leadership skills. Official Scholarship Page

Individual universities provide merit-based aid to attract top talent. These awards often reduce your tuition costs significantly based on your entry grades.

• Asia School of Business (ASB) Merit Scholarship: ASB offers generous financial aid for its MBA programs. These awards can cover up to 100% of your tuition fees. The school base selections on your professional background, academic scores, and interview performance. ASB Financial Aid
• University of Malaya (UM) Financial Assistance: UM provides the Student Financial Aid for international postgraduates. It offers a partial tuition fee waiver for those in research-based programs. You must maintain a high CGPA to remain eligible each semester. UM Scholarship Portal
• MAHSA University Merit Scholarship: This scholarship supports international students across various faculties. Depending on your previous academic results, you can receive a tuition discount ranging from MYR 5,000 to a full waiver. MAHSA Official Site

• Kuok Foundation Berhad: This private foundation offers study grants and loans for students at public universities. While many awards are for Malaysians, certain categories open to international students from ASEAN countries. Values vary but often cover significant portions of living costs. Kuok Foundation Site
• CIMB ASEAN Scholarship: This award is for citizens of ASEAN countries, including international students already studying in Malaysia. It covers full tuition, living expenses, and laptop allowances. It includes a career mentorship program. CIMB Careers Page

Our partner institutions often provide exclusive financial pathways for international applicants. Quest International University (QIU) and AIMST University offer specific international bursaries. These typically range from MYR 2,000 to MYR 10,000 off your first-year tuition. You should check with your admissions counselor for the most current partner-specific waivers.

Most scholarship deadlines fall between March and June for the September intake. Start your search at least one year before you plan to study. You will need certified copies of your academic transcripts, a valid passport, and an offer letter from your chosen university. If your previous degree was not taught in English, you must provide IELTS or TOEFL scores.

To strengthen your application, focus on your research proposal for postgraduate roles. Make sure it aligns with Malaysia's current development goals. For undergraduate awards, highlight your leadership roles in clubs or volunteer work. Always double-check that your documents are notarized, as many Malaysian institutions require official certification for international paperwork.