Explore the variety of international scholarships available for Malaysian students.

Studying abroad can be life-altering, and scholarships offer a way to ease financial burdens and stand out among graduates. 

There’s a common misconception among Malaysian students that applying for and getting scholarships is tough and tedious. Some feel that the odds of getting scholarships to study abroad are exceptionally slim, but in fact, there’s a wide range of scholarships and grants to suit the various needs of international students who wish to study abroad. 

The most popular places Malaysian students choose to study include Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK, and the USA. Scholarships are not exclusive to high academic achievers (merit-based) and can come from various sources that vary from country to country, including partial scholarships, bursaries, and fully funded scholarships that Malaysian students can apply for. 

Whichever scholarship is awarded, they are useful financial boost to anyone’s study abroad dreams and goals, and it goes some way in helping to alleviate study costs & living costs.  

Types of Scholarships Available

There are different eligibility requirements for every scholarship, with each covering different costs across undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate programs. In general, scholarships are categorised into the following: 

Merit-based scholarships 

These are scholarships that are awarded to students who went above and beyond in their academic ability, excellence, and performance in their previous studies. The requirements vary, and many universities will take your skills, such as musical ability, leadership roles, and extracurricular activities, into consideration when awarding these scholarships. 

Moreover, an important thing to keep in mind is that sometimes, in addition to grades, some universities may also consider a student’s extracurricular activities. Besides this, students who do manage to obtain a merit-based scholarship are sometimes required to maintain excellent grades throughout their stay at the university. 

Destination-specific scholarships 

Several governments, public authorities, and overseas universities grant bursaries and scholarships specifically for international students who meet the requirements. 

For instance, the UK government’s Chevening Scholarship is a scholarship program that offers international students from around the world the unique opportunity to study in the UK. These scholarships are awarded to outstanding professionals to pursue a one-year master’s degree in any subject at any UK university.  

Here is more information on the different scholarships offered in various destination countries: 

Program-specific scholarships 

As the name suggests, program-specific scholarships are scholarships that tie in specifically with a bachelor’s or master’s program offered by universities, colleges, and even companies. 

Specific departments in universities offer these scholarships to encourage enrollment in their field of study, such as engineering, social sciences, finance, or even computer science, which is popular with Malaysian students. 

Program-specific scholarships are sometimes offered along with the university admission without the student needing to apply for it.

Need-based scholarships 

Need-based scholarships are the most common scholarships you can find in almost every corner of the world. Rather than focusing solely on academic achievements, need-based scholarships are meant to help students who are not able to afford tuition and other relevant fees. 

Eligible students will have to showcase the need for financial assistance, with aspects like parents’ income (if the student is still supported by parents) as well as tax statements and employment being analyzed by the scholarship provider to determine whether they are truly in need of financial aid and tuition discounts. 

Take note that most need-based scholarships only cover one year of study, but students are allowed to re-apply in succeeding years depending on the university’s guidelines. Also, need-based scholarships are separate from merit-based ones, although a student can be awarded both. 

Athletic scholarships 

For students who are talented in a particular sport or are student athletes, universities can offer full scholarships in exchange for their sporting achievements. Students will have to juggle the rigor of training as well as maintain certain academic standards. 

Sports-based scholarships are awarded to student athletes at the top of their game. Universities will often take a look at your skills, abilities, and talents to determine whether you would be a great addition to their team. 

In addition, student athletes often receive full-ride or partial scholarships. Full-ride scholarships cover tuition expenses for the entire duration of their study, while partial scholarships provide discounts on tuition fees. Some universities may not offer tuition discounts but instead provide athletes with access to state-of-the-art gym facilities and athletic equipment, along with specialized sports-related support services. 

Student specific scholarships 

Student-specific scholarships focus on alleviating the financial burdens of marginalized communities such as women, people with disabilities, and other minorities. 

For instance, there are scholarships offered to women to study in programs that are traditionally male-dominated, such as science, engineering, or IT. Another case in point is students struggling with disabilities. Some universities and private organizations may assist you with obtaining tuition fee discounts as they believe that having a disability should never hinder you from furthering your education. 

Government-funded scholarships 

Government-funded scholarships are a significant source of financial assistance for Malaysian students who wish to pursue higher education abroad. These scholarships, funded by the Malaysian government, are typically awarded based on academic merit and potential. They aim to support high-achieving international students in their quest for academic excellence and to help them gain valuable international experience. 

These scholarships often cover a wide range of expenses, including tuition fees, living costs, and travel expenses, making it easier for students to focus on their studies. By providing these scholarships, the Malaysian government encourages students to pursue higher education at selected leading universities around the world, thereby enhancing their skills and knowledge, which can be beneficial for the country’s development. 

*Terms and Conditions apply.

Scholarship application process and requirements

Applying for scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate studies involves several key steps. Here’s a general outline of the process: 

  1. Research and select scholarships: Start by researching and identifying scholarships that align with your eligibility criteria and academic goals. Look for scholarships that cater to your field of study, level of education, and destination country. 

  2. Prepare and submit application: Once you have identified suitable scholarships, prepare your application. This typically involves filling out an application form and submitting required documents such as academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. 

  3. Participate in interviews or tests: Some scholarships may require you to participate in an interview or take a written test as part of the selection process. Be prepared to showcase your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and future aspirations. 

  4. Await results: After submitting your application, you will need to wait for the scholarship committee to review your application and make a decision. If successful, you will receive a notification of the scholarship award. 

Benefits of studying abroad

There are many benefits of studying abroad for Malaysian students to pursue an education overseas regardless of whether they attain a scholarship or not. 

Gaining a reputable degree gives you an edge in your career 

Studying overseas will allow you to earn a reputable degree that will help you stand out from the crowd when applying for a job. This will allow you to access higher-paying opportunities in companies that you desire and have a great start to your career. 

Gain entry rights to work overseas after graduation 

Many countries allow international students to work and begin a career in the country after graduation. This means accessing job opportunities in countries that pay better could also help accelerate your career growth. 

Explore new cultures & grow beyond your comfort zone 

Not only will you appreciate and learn more about different cultures, but you will also gain more life skills that will help you grow as a person both professionally and as an individual.  

Improve your English language as an international student 

When you study overseas, you will be immersed in environments that will allow you to improve your English language skills. This will help to open up more international opportunities for your career. 

Wondering which scholarships to apply for? We can help! Let us guide you through the entire process, including your course selection and visa application. Speak to our education specialist for free today.Â