Postgraduate Scholarships in Malaysia for International Students (2026)

Looking for postgraduate scholarships in Malaysia for international students? The reality is simple! 

Funding options exist, but they’re limited and competitive.

Most postgraduate scholarships in Malaysia usually fall into two clear categories: coursework scholarships (mostly partial tuition fee waivers) and research scholarships (which can be fully funded).

If you’re aiming to study in Malaysia with a scholarship, it’s important to set the right expectations early—full funding is typically tied to research-based programmes, while taught master’s degrees usually offer 10%–50% fee reductions. 

Knowing this difference upfront will help you target the right universities and maximise your chances.

Key Things to Know About Postgraduate Scholarships in Malaysia

If you’re looking to study in Malaysia at the postgraduate level, understanding how scholarships work can save you time and money. 

Types of Scholarships

Postgraduate scholarships in Malaysia generally fall into two main categories:

1. Coursework Scholarships

• Typically offered for master’s degrees or professional postgraduate programmes.
• Mostly partial fee waivers, ranging from 10% to 50% of tuition.
• Some universities may also offer small allowances for books or lab fees, depending on the course.

2. Research Scholarships

• Offered for research-based programmes, including MPhil and PhD.
• Often fully funded, covering 100% of tuition fees plus a monthly stipend to support living expenses.
• Some top-tier research scholarships even include conference funding, international research exchanges, or fieldwork grants.

What Universities Look For

To be considered for a postgraduate scholarship in Malaysia, most universities evaluate:

👉 Strong academic record: Typically, a CGPA of 3.4/4.0 or above (or equivalent) is preferred.

👉 Research potential: For research programmes, a well-prepared research proposal is essential.

👉 Publications & achievements: Some highly competitive scholarships require published papers in indexed journals or significant professional experience.

👉 Extra-curricular and leadership skills: Especially for partial tuition scholarships, universities may reward well-rounded candidates.

Malaysia Universities Offering Postgraduate Scholarships 2026

1. Asia Pacific University (APU)

Postgraduate Master’s Degree Scholarships

📌Notes:

• Open to international students from all countries
• Scholarships are limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis
• Based on academic performance (CGPA)
• Cannot be combined with other scholarships or discounts

 Special Fee Discounts 

Applicable Programmes (for Academic Experience discount):

• Master of Education in Learning Design and Technology
• Master of Education (ODL)
• Postgraduate Diploma / Certificate in Education (ODL) 

2. Sunway University 

Postgraduate Scholarships for International Students 2026

📌 Notes:

• Most scholarships require: CGPA ≥ 3.5
• Must have unconditional offer before applying
• Open to full-time students only
• Only one scholarship can be used (highest value applies) 

3. Taylor's University

Research Excellence & Research Programme Scholarships

📌 Minimum Publication Requirements: Most research scholarships require at least 1 Scopus/Clarivate‑indexed journal article (2 articles for top tier).

Taught Postgraduate Scholarships

📌 Note:

• Scholarships are applicable only to studies at Taylor’s University in Malaysia, not to study at overseas partner universities.
• Applicants must hold an offer letter of admission before applying.
• All awards are subject to availability and the Scholarships Committee’s discretion. 

4. Nilai University

Postgraduate (Master’s) Scholarships

📌 Note:

• Students must maintain the required CGPA (3.50 for High Achievers / 3.00 for Merit) and minimum attendance to continue the scholarship
• Applicable to tuition fees only

Financial Aid for Postgraduate Studies

📌 Note:

• Early Bird and e-Application waivers are available for international students (except China)
• Financial aid applies to tuition fees or selected charges only

5. UCSI University

Postgraduate Scholarships

📌 Note:

• Scholarship amount is determined by the University’s Selection Committee
• Available for selected postgraduate programmes only (not all courses are covered)
• Applicants must be full-time students at UCSI University
• Applicable to tuition fees only (other expenses are excluded)

6. Multimedia University (MMU)

Postgraduate Scholarships

📌 Notes:

• Only research-based Master’s and PhD programmes are eligible
• Selection is based on overall performance and interview
• Scholarships cover tuition and certain academic fees only; other costs are excluded
• One scholarship per student at a time; cannot be combined with discounts or other fee waivers

Postgraduate Discounts & Rebates

📌 Notes:

• Discounts are not combinable with scholarships or other fee waivers
• Must start and complete programme within approved duration
• Not applicable for resit/re-take subjects or backdated claims

7. MAHSA University

Postgraduate Scholarships (International Students 2026)

📌 Notes:

• Scholarship duration aligns with programme length; renewal based on academic performance, attendance (≥80%), and participation requirements.
• Recipients must uphold MAHSA’s code of conduct and ethical standards.
• Some scholarships require volunteering, mentorship, or leadership participation (e.g., Blue Ribbon & HABES: 120 hours/year).
• Tuition fee waivers are applied directly to student accounts.
• Scholarships can be revoked for withdrawal, misconduct, failure to meet requirements, or non-fulfillment of terms.

8. Management & Science University (MSU)

Postgraduate Scholarships & Financial Aid for International Students (2026)

📌 Note:

• SMILE Scholarship covers tuition fees fully; students should plan for accommodation, books, meals, transport, visa fees, medical costs, and fees for any repeat subjects.
• Programme Areas: Includes both research and coursework Master’s and PhD programmes (as listed above).
• Only new international applicants are eligible. 

9. Monash University Malaysia

Monash University Malaysia Postgraduate Scholarships (International Students)

Monash University Bursaries (Coursework Master’s) 

📌 Minimum requirement:

• Research: First Class Honours (H1)
• Tuition waiver: Second Class Honours (H2A)
• Must have unconditional offer before scholarship consideration
• Scholarships are highly competitive and research-based

10. University of Nottingham Malaysia

Postgraduate Taught Scholarships for International Students

How to Apply for Postgraduate Scholarships in Malaysia

Applying for a postgraduate scholarship can feel overwhelming, especially with so many universities, programmes, and eligibility criteria to consider. That’s why getting the right guidance can make all the difference. Here’s a simple roadmap:

1. Choose Your Programme & University

• Decide between research degrees (Master by Research/PhD) and coursework programmes (Master’s).
• Identify universities that offer scholarships in your field of interest.

2. Check Eligibility Criteria

• Most scholarships require a strong CGPA.
• Research-focused awards may need published work, a research proposal, or prior research experience.

3. Prepare Your Documents

• Academic transcripts and degree certificates
• CV/Resume
• Letters of recommendation
• Research proposal (if required)
• Proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL if required)

4. Submit Your Application

• Many scholarships require you to apply for the programme first.
• Complete the scholarship form online or via email as instructed by the university.

5. Follow Up & Interview (if applicable)

• Some scholarships may require an interview or presentation.
• Stay on top of deadlines and university communications.

Bottom Line

Malaysia is steadily positioning itself as a practical and affordable destination for postgraduate studies, especially for international students who want quality education without the high costs of Western countries. 

While scholarship options may not be extensive, the focus on research funding and targeted merit-based awards shows a clear direction.

If you're planning to secure a postgraduate scholarship in Malaysia for international students, the key is to apply early, choose the right programme, and understand which scholarships match your profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are there postgraduate scholarships in Malaysia for international students?

Yes, there are postgraduate scholarships in Malaysia for international students. These include partial tuition fee waivers for coursework programmes and fully funded options for research degrees like Master by Research and PhD. However, scholarships are limited and highly competitive.

2. Can international students get fully funded PhD scholarships in Malaysia?

Yes, international students can get fully funded PhD scholarships in Malaysia, especially for research-based programmes. These typically cover 100% tuition fees and may include a monthly stipend. However, they are competitive and usually require strong academic results, research experience, or publications.

3. What is the minimum CGPA required for postgraduate scholarships in Malaysia?

Most universities in Malaysia require a minimum CGPA of 3.0–3.5 for postgraduate scholarships. For highly competitive or fully funded scholarships, a CGPA of 3.5 or above is usually expected, along with strong academic performance and, for research programmes, a solid proposal or research background.

4. Do Malaysian universities offer scholarships for master’s degrees (coursework)?

Yes, many universities offer master’s scholarships in Malaysia for coursework programmes, but they are usually partial. Most provide 10% to 50% tuition fee waivers based on academic merit. Students still need to manage their accomodation & cost of living. Fully funded scholarships are rare for coursework degrees and are more common for research-based programmes.

5. Which universities in Malaysia offer postgraduate scholarships for international students?

Several top universities in Malaysia offer postgraduate scholarships in Malaysia, including Asia Pacific University, Sunway University, Taylor's University, and Management and Science University (MSU). Each offers different funding options, from partial fee waivers to fully funded PhD scholarships.

6. How can I apply for postgraduate scholarships in Malaysia?

To apply for postgraduate scholarships in Malaysia, you typically need to first apply for your chosen programme and receive an offer. Then, submit a scholarship application with required documents such as transcripts, CV, and research proposal (if applicable). Deadlines and requirements vary by university.