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Scholarships in Malaysia for International Students 2025
May 14, 2025
Anis
Over the past few years, Malaysia has become a top choice for international students because of its quality education and affordable costs. Compared to countries like the UK, US, or Australia, Malaysia offers a much more budget-friendly option, with tuition fees ranging from USD 3,000 to USD 10,000 per year. — and that’s before scholarships.
But here’s the part most students ask about: Are there fully-funded scholarships? The honest answer is, not really!
Malaysian universities offer full or partial tuition fee waivers, covering 20% to 100% of your tuition fees. Some universities also provide special fee promotions for international students. That means, you'll still need to cover your own living costs, accommodation, visa, and other expenses.
So, if you’ve got good grades or a strong extracurricular background, there’s a good chance you can study in Malaysia with a scholarship.
In this guide, we’ll cover the best Malaysia scholarships 2025, who’s eligible, and and the smartest way to apply!
Types of Scholarships Available in Malaysia for International Students
When searching online for scholarships to study in Malaysia, you’ll often come across a lot of information about government-funded options like the Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS) or the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP). These scholarships are only available for postgraduate studies and don’t cover undergraduate programs.
This can lead to some confusion, especially if you’re an international student looking to pursue an undergraduate degree in Malaysia. But don’t worry, there are still options for you!
Here’s what’s typically available at the undergraduate level:
1. Full or Partial Tuition Fee Waivers
Universities offer tuition fee waivers based on your academic performance. Some cover just the first year, while others are renewable each semester if you maintain your grades.
2. Merit-Based Scholarships
Awarded to students with strong results in qualifications like IGCSE, O-Level, A-Level, IB, or equivalent. The higher your grades, the higher the discount.
3. Entrance Scholarships & Promo Discounts
Many universities offer automatic entrance scholarships or limited-time fee promotions for international students.
4. Sports & Talent Scholarships
Available for students with national-level sports achievements or outstanding talent in leadership, arts, or community service.
So, if you’re aiming to study in Malaysia with a scholarship at the undergraduate level, your best bet is to explore university-specific scholarships and tuition waivers. Let’s dive into it!
Malaysian University Scholarships and Promotions for 2025
1. Asia Pacific University (APU)
APU Undergraduate Scholarships
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility | Benefit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| APU Merit-Based Scholarship | All new international students Based on IGCSE/O-Level, A-Level, or IB results |
10% – 30% tuition fee waiver Renewable annually (CGPA ≥ 2.50) |
Tuition fees only Not applicable for transfer/partner programmes |
APU Postgraduate Scholarships
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility | Benefit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| APU Master’s Degree Scholarship | Open to all international applicants Based on Bachelor's CGPA |
10% – 30% tuition fee waiver | Limited slots First-come, first-served Tuition fees only |
APU Study Promotion 2025
| Scholarship Name | Eligible Students | Level | Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| APU Special Tuition Fee Discount | Yemeni nationality only | Undergraduate & Postgraduate | 30% tuition fee discount |
2. Sunway University
Sunway Jeffrey Cheah Entrance Scholarships (Pre-U & Diploma)
| Programme | Eligibility (O-Level or Equivalent) | Award |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation, AUSMAT, CIMP, ACCA FiA, CFAB | Minimum 3As (including A-) or IB MYP 42 points | Up to 100% tuition fee waiver |
| Diploma (Sunway University/College) | Minimum 3As | Up to RM15,000 tuition fee waiver |
| American Degree Transfer Programme (ADTP) | Minimum 3As (including A-) | Up to 100% for first 30 credit hours |
Notes
- Scholarships apply to first-time subjects only and require completion of the full programme.
- Awards for Diploma and ADTP are applied from the 2nd semester based on academic performance.
Sunway Jeffrey Cheah Entrance Scholarships (Degree Programmes)
| Programme | Eligibility | Award |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time Degree (Entrance Scholarship) | Based on A-Level, ATAR, IB, Foundation, or Diploma results | Up to RM33,000 tuition fee waiver |
| Progression to Degree (ACE Scholarship) | From Sunway Pre-U, Foundation, Diploma, or ADTP (Min: CGPA 3.5 / 80%) | Up to RM13,000/year (RM39,000 total) |
Notes
- Entrance Scholarship is applied in the 3rd semester and renewable annually.
- ACE Scholarship is for internal progression students only.
Postgraduate Scholarships
| Type | Eligibility | Programmes | Award |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bursary | Sunway graduates only Meets entry requirements |
Master by Research, PhD | Master: 30% fee waiver PhD: 50% fee waiver |
| Scholarship | CGPA ≥ 3.5 Open to all |
Master by Research, PhD | Master: 60% fee waiver PhD: 100% fee waiver |
| Studentship | CGPA ≥ 3.5 + 1 journal article OR CGPA ≥ 3.75 + research project + methodology course Interview required |
PhD only | 100% fee waiver incl. all fees RM3,000/month stipend for 36 months |
3. Taylor’s University
Pre-University Scholarships at Taylor’s College (2025)
| Scholarship Name | Applicable For | Eligibility Criteria | Award |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taylor’s College Merit Scholarship | A-Level, AUSMAT, Foundation, Diploma | SPM: 45 pts (A+ = 5 pts) IGCSE: 40 pts (A* = 5 pts) UEC: Max 10 pts |
Up to 100% tuition waiver |
| Taylor’s Excellence Award (A-Level, ADP & AUSMAT) | A-Level, ADP, AUSMAT (Full-time) | Based on SPM, IGCSE, O-Level, UEC, Ontario Example (A-Level 3 subjects): - 8A*/9As: RM12,000 - 6As: RM5,000 - UEC ≤ 12 pts: RM12,000 |
RM4,000 – RM15,000 tuition waiver |
Note
- Taylor’s College Merit Scholarship is open to international students from TEG schools.
- Applicants must join Taylor’s Scholar’s Club and apply at least 3 weeks before intake.
Taylor’s Excellence Award for Pharmacy & Health Sciences Students
| Applicable For | Eligibility Criteria | Award |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Pharmacy (Hons) & Health Sciences | STPM: CGPA ≥ 3.50 UEC: Max 12 pts A-Level: AAB Foundation/Diploma: CGPA ≥ 3.70 AUSMAT/MUFY/OSSD: ≥ 80% IB: ≥ 29 pts |
Up to RM13,000/year (max RM52,000) |
4. INTI International University
Undergraduate Scholarships
| Scholarship Name | Level | Eligibility Criteria | Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| INTI International Education Scholarship | All programmes (except English courses) | New international students; must pass all subjects | Up to 45% tuition fee waiver (Year 1 only) |
INTI 2025 Promotions for International Students
| Promotion | Details | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Free Foundation Programme | Full waiver of Foundation fees (cashback during degree years) | Must continue into INTI undergraduate programme EPT score ≥ 71% |
| Free Intensive English Programme | Free IEP course for students enrolling in October 2025 intake | For students needing to meet English language requirements |
| Free Accommodation | Free shared accommodation throughout the study duration | Available to eligible international students |
| Free MBA Programme | 100% tuition fee waiver for MBA at INTI Nilai (misc. fees still payable) | Must publish 2 Scopus-indexed journals Only for international postgraduates |
5. International Medical University IMU Malaysia
Scholarships & Bursaries for Undergraduate
| Scholarship | Programme | Coverage | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foundation in Arts Scholarship | Foundation in Arts | Up to RM20,000 | Based on actual SPM/IGCSE/O-Level results |
| Foundation in Science Scholarship | Foundation in Science | Up to RM15,450 | Based on actual SPM/IGCSE/O-Level results |
| Progression Bursary | From Foundation to Degree | RM8,000 | Auto-applied for students continuing into IMU degree |
| Global Leadership Scholarship | Selected Undergraduate Programmes | 20% – 50% tuition fee waiver | For Business, Communication & Digital Health programmes |
6. UCSI University
Scholarships & Grants for Undergraduate
| Scholarship Name | Eligible Programmes | Award / Coverage | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| UCSI University Trust Scholarship | Foundation, Diploma, Degree | Partial tuition fee waiver (full duration) | Based on academic, leadership & extracurricular merit |
| UCSI Education Grant 2025 | Diploma or Year 1 Degree | Partial tuition waiver (first year only) | Strong academic/co-curricular background; limited slots |
| UCSI Pre-U Scholarship (A-Level) | Cambridge GCE A-Level (3–4 subjects) | RM2,500 – RM15,000 | Based on IGCSE/O-Level; split across 3 semesters |
| UCSI Pre-U Scholarship (AUSMAT) | Australian Matriculation (SACE) | RM2,000 – RM8,000 | Based on IGCSE/O-Level; split over 2 semesters |
7. SEGi University
Undergraduate Scholarships
| Scholarship Name | Programme | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation in Science (FiS) Scholarship | Foundation in Science + Degree | RM14,340 (FiS) + RM4,320 rebate in final degree semester |
| Foundation in Arts (FiA) Scholarship | Foundation in Arts + Degree | RM12,180 (FiA) + RM4,320 rebate in final degree semester |
| Health Science Scholarship (H.S.S) | Degree (after SEGi Foundation) | 20% tuition waiver on 1st year (Min CGPA 3.7 in Foundation) |
| Sports Scholarship | Any degree programme | 50% (State-level) or 100% (National-level) tuition waiver |
Note: Applicable at SEGi University Kota Damansara; most awards require progression into a degree at SEGi.
Postgraduate Scholarships & Discounts
| Scholarship Name | Programme | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Postgraduate Coursework Discount | Master’s by coursework | 15% off total tuition fee (Not for ODL programmes) |
| Research Programme Rebate | MBA, PhD | 25% tuition fee rebate (with journal publication requirement) |
Note: Discounts and rebates are spread across semesters and subject to terms.
SEGi University Promotions & Discounts for International Students 2025
| Discount Name | Eligibility | Programmes | Benefit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sibling/Family Discount | Siblings or immediate family studying/graduated from SEGi | All programmes | 10% off total tuition fee | Discount split equally across programme duration |
8. Multimedia University Malaysia MMU
MMU Undergraduate Scholarships for International Students (2025)
| Scholarship Name | Who Is Eligible | Fee Waiver | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| International Student Entrance Scholarship | New international students enrolling in MMU Foundation programmes | 20% – 50% | 20% for all students; 50% for those with 4As or more in O-Level or equivalent |
| MMU Merit (International) Scholarship | Self-funded international students in Bachelor’s degree | 25% (CGPA 3.50–3.74), 50% (CGPA 3.75+) | Awarded after the 1st long trimester. Must maintain CGPA to continue receiving scholarship |
| International Student Rebate | International students who don’t meet Merit criteria | 10% | Automatically given if not eligible for Merit. Not valid for re-sits, backdated, or misconduct |
Note: Scholarships apply to tuition fees only and are available for 2025 intakes. Students must complete their programmes within the official duration.
9. HELP University
HELP University Undergraduate Scholarships (2025)
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility | Benefit | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Distinction Award – Foundation | Min. 8As in SPM/O-Levels | Up to 100% tuition fee waiver | Only for Jan, Apr, May, Jul intakes; Sept subject to fund availability |
| Distinction Award – Undergraduate | A-Levels: 12 pts UEC: 4As SAM/AUSMAT: ATAR 85% Foundation/STPM/Diploma: CGPA 3.50 |
Up to 100% tuition fee waiver (Year 1) | Committee approval required; One award per student only |
| Merit Award | CGPA > 3.75 | Up to 50% programme fee waiver | Based on committee decision; Open to all students |
HELP University Study Promotions 2025
| Promotion Name | Eligibility / Programme | Discount |
|---|---|---|
| Diploma Programme | All new Diploma students | 20% off Year 1 fees |
| Diploma to Degree | Degree (except Early Childhood Education & Education) | 20% off Year 2 fees |
| Foundation to Degree | HELP Foundation students progressing to HELP Degree | 20% off Year 1 fees |
HELP University Special Fees 2025
| Programme | Special Fee (for International Students) |
|---|---|
| Foundation in Arts | RM 15,200 |
| Foundation in Science | RM 15,200 |
| Diploma in Early Childhood Education | RM 26,900 (total programme fee) |
| Diploma in Education | RM 16,900 (total programme fee) |
Note: The promotions apply to standard published fees. Specific exclusions apply as stated.
10. City University Malaysia
City University Undergraduate Scholarships (2025)
| Scholarship Name | Coverage | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Outstanding Student Scholarship | Up to 80% tuition fee waiver (Year 1) | Current students with CGPA 3.50, 85% attendance, and community involvement |
| Foundation to Degree Scholarship | 100% tuition fee waiver (Foundation) | Must progress into a degree programme at City University |
| Pro-Chancellor Scholarship | 100% tuition fee waiver (Degree) | AAA in A-Level from City University; full-time enrolment |
| Vice-Chancellor Scholarship | Up to 100% tuition waiver (Year 1) | CGPA 3.75 in City U Foundation; full-time enrolment |
City University Promotions (2025)
| Offer Name | Programmes Covered | Discount | Eligible Regions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Special Promo Fees 2025 | Foundation, Diploma, Bachelor's, Master's, PhD | Up to 50% tuition fee | South & Southeast Asia, Africa Central Asia, Middle East |
Note: Excludes Nigeria, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain
11. Lincoln University College
Study Promotion 2025
| Offer Name | Eligible Programmes | Fee Reduction |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Study Promotion for International Students | Foundation, Diploma, Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD | 15% to over 40% |
- Applicable to over 160 programmes in fields such as Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Business, IT, Engineering, Education, and Hospitality.
- Available for both on-campus and online distance learning (ODL) modes.
- Exact tuition fee discount depends on the selected programme.
12. Infrastructure University Kuala Lumpur (IUKL)
IUKL Scholarships for International Students (2025)
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| 50% International Student Scholarship | New international students (except China) enrolling in Diploma or Degree programmes | 50% tuition fee waiver |
| Humanitarian Scholarship | Students from war-affected countries (e.g. Yemen, Syria, Palestine, Iraq, Libya) | 20% tuition fee waiver |
| Sports Excellence Scholarship | State or national athletes enrolling in Diploma or Degree programmes | 50% or 100% tuition fee waiver |
IUKL 2025 Promotions
| Offer | Eligibility | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| EasyUni 30% Discount | Diploma & Degree programmes | 30% tuition fee waiver |
Ready to save on your studies? Apply now through EasyUni and get a 30% discount on tuition fee!
13. Nilai University
Nilai University Scholarships for International Students (2025)
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility | Benefit | Retention Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| High Achievers Scholarship | International students with excellent academic records enrolling in Foundation, Diploma, Bachelor’s, or Master’s | 50% tuition fee waiver | Maintain CGPA ≥ 3.50 each semester and 80–90% attendance |
| Merit Scholarship | Students with strong academic performance enrolling in Foundation, Diploma, Bachelor’s, or Master’s | 25% tuition fee waiver (first programme only) | Maintain CGPA ≥ 3.00 each semester and 80–90% attendance (90% for Nursing) |
14. MAHSA University
MAHSA University Scholarships for International Students (2025)
| Scholarship Name | Level | Eligibility Criteria | Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Ribbon Scholarship – Degree | Degree | CGPA ≥ 3.50, full-time MAHSA student, demonstrated financial need | 100% tuition fee waiver |
| Blue Ribbon Scholarship – Foundation | Foundation | Minimum 5As in SPM/IGCSE, full-time MAHSA student, demonstrated financial need | 100% tuition fee waiver |
15. Xiamen University Malaysia
Merit Scholarships for International Students 2025
| Scholarship Name | Level | Eligibility Criteria | Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| XMU Merit Scholarships | Foundation & Bachelor’s | Academic excellence in IGCSE, A-Levels, UEC, national exams, or equivalent | Up to 100% tuition fee waiver |
👉 Learn more about XMUM scholarships, eligibility by country, and how to apply here.
How to Apply for Scholarships in Malaysia?
Malaysia offers a wide range of scholarships for international students across both public and private universities. Understanding the process and preparing the right documents can significantly increase your chances of receiving financial aid.
1. General Eligibility Requirements
To apply for scholarships in Malaysia, most universities and private scholarship providers expect you to meet the following criteria:
- Hold a high school qualification equivalent to O-Levels, A-Levels, or IB
- Meet the minimum academic requirement (often 5 to 9 A’s in IGCSE or equivalent)
- Demonstrate English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or internal tests may apply)
- Some scholarships are based on financial need or targeted at students from specific countries
2. Documents Typically Required
When applying for a Malaysian university scholarship for international students 2025, you’ll typically need to prepare the following:
- Academic transcripts and certificates (e.g., IGCSE, A-Level, UEC)
- Passport copy and passport-sized photo
- English language test results (if required)
- Personal statement or motivation letter
Need Help Applying?
Applying for scholarships can be overwhelming but we are here to help!
Our study advisors are here to guide you through every step of the process, from shortlisting the best universities in Malaysia to helping you apply for scholarships that match your academic background and budget.
Speak to our advisors today and secure your place at a Malaysian university in 2025!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can international students get fully funded scholarships in Malaysia?
Fully funded scholarships for international students in Malaysia are very rare, especially at the undergraduate level. Most universities offer partial or full tuition fee waivers, but they do not cover living costs, flights, or accommodation. If you're aiming to study undergraduate degree in Malaysia with a scholarship, tuition-based awards are your main option.
2. Which university in Malaysia offers the best scholarships for international students?
Several private universities in Malaysia offer generous scholarships for international students, especially at the undergraduate level. Institutions like UCSI University, Asia Pacific University, Taylor’s University, City University, and HELP University provide merit-based tuition fee waivers, sometimes covering up to 100% of tuition fees. The best university for you depends on your academic results, chosen programme, and nationality.
3. How can I apply for a scholarship to study in Malaysia?
To apply for a scholarship in Malaysia, you’ll typically need to submit your academic transcripts, passport copy, and other supporting documents directly to the university or through a trusted education platform. Most scholarships are merit-based tuition waivers, offered by universities. If you’re unsure where to start, speak to our advisors.
4. What are the requirements for international students to get financial aid in Malaysia?
To receive financial aid or scholarships in Malaysia, international students usually need to meet minimum academic requirements, such as strong results in IGCSE, O-Level, A-Level, or equivalent. Some scholarships also consider extracurricular involvement, leadership skills, or sports achievements. You must also meet the university’s entry and English language requirements.
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