Overview
The Malaysian Government offers scholarships for international students through several programmes, most notably the Malaysian International Scholarship (MIS) — administered by the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia — and the Malaysian Commonwealth Scholarship, offered under Malaysia’s obligations as a Commonwealth member. Together, these programmes enable talented international students to pursue postgraduate studies at Malaysian public universities.
The Malaysian International Scholarship (MIS) is the flagship government scholarship aimed at attracting outstanding international students to Malaysia. It supports full-time master’s and doctoral studies, and is open to citizens of eligible countries, particularly those within the Commonwealth of Nations and developing countries that have bilateral relations with Malaysia.
What’s Included?
The Malaysian International Scholarship (MIS) is a comprehensive scholarship that includes:
- Monthly Stipend: A monthly living allowance to cover daily expenses during the scholarship period.
- Tuition Fees: Full coverage of tuition fees at the host Malaysian public university.
- Accommodation Allowance: A housing allowance or arrangements through the university.
- Research/Thesis Allowance: A contribution towards research costs for postgraduate research students.
- Medical Benefits: Health insurance or access to university health facilities.
- Round-Trip Airfare: Economy class international return airfare is typically included for MIS scholars.
- Book Allowance: An annual allowance for books and academic materials.
Eligibility
Eligibility criteria for the Malaysian International Scholarship (MIS) are as follows:
- Must be a citizen of an eligible country (priority given to Commonwealth and ASEAN nations, and countries with bilateral agreements with Malaysia — check the official MIS call).
- Must not hold Malaysian citizenship or permanent residency.
- Must hold a recognised bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) with a minimum CGPA of 3.5 out of 4.0 for master’s applicants; or a master’s degree for doctoral applicants.
- Must be under 40 years of age for master’s applicants; under 45 years of age for doctoral applicants (confirm exact age limits in the current year’s call).
- Must demonstrate English proficiency (minimum IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 600 / iBT 100, or equivalent — confirm requirements in the official call).
- Must be accepted or applying to a full-time postgraduate programme at a Malaysian public university.
How to Apply
Applications for the Malaysian International Scholarship (MIS) are submitted online through the official MIS portal managed by the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia. The process involves:
- Step 1 – Check the call: Monitor the official MIS portal (biasiswa.mohe.gov.my) and the Ministry of Higher Education website (mohe.gov.my) for the annual call announcement and opening date.
- Step 2 – Choose your university and programme: Select a full-time postgraduate programme at one of the approved Malaysian public universities.
- Step 3 – Register and apply online: Create an account and complete the MIS application form on the official portal.
- Step 4 – Prepare and upload documents: Attach all required supporting documents including academic transcripts, English language test results, a research proposal (for research degrees), CV, and passport copy.
- Step 5 – Submit before deadline: Submit the complete application before the published deadline (dates vary by year — confirm on the official portal).
- Step 6 – Selection and notification: Applications are reviewed and shortlisted candidates may be called for an interview. Successful applicants are notified through the portal or by email.
Key Dates
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Opens | Varies (check official portal annually) |
| Application Deadline | Varies by intake (multiple intakes possible) |
| Selection and Notification | After deadline (timing varies) |
| Studies Begin | Per Malaysian university academic calendar |
Contact Information
For the latest programme details, eligibility requirements, and application instructions, visit the official Malaysian International Scholarship portal at biasiswa.mohe.gov.my or the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia website at mohe.gov.my.
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