Full Tuition & RM 1,500 Monthly Stipend: Malaysian Government Scholarship for International Students
The Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) Malaysia has officially opened the application window for the Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS) as of March 4, 2026. This premier government initiative is designed to attract the world’s most talented postgraduate minds to Malaysia’s top-tier universities.
Known for its world-class infrastructure and “Truly Asia” hospitality, Malaysia offers successful 2026 applicants a full tuition waiver and a consistent RM 1,500 monthly living allowance, ensuring that your focus remains entirely on your Master’s or PhD research without financial stress.
Scholarship Highlights
- Total Value: Full Tuition Fees + RM 1,500 Monthly Stipend.
- Levels: Master’s and PhD (Full-time only).
- Open To: Citizens from MIS recipient countries (ASEAN, Commonwealth, and more).
- Duration: 12–24 months for Master’s; 36 months for PhD.
- Application Deadline: April 3, 2026.
Benefits and Financial Coverage
The MIS package is a “tuition-plus” model designed to cover the core academic and living costs of international students.
| Category | Coverage Detail |
| Tuition Fees | 100% Full Waiver (Paid directly to the university) |
| Living Allowance | RM 1,500 per month (Tax-free) |
| Medical Insurance | Usually included (Check specific 2026 guidelines) |
| Degree Types | Master’s (Coursework/Research) & PhD (Research) |
List of 24 Participating Universities (2026)
To be eligible for Government of Malaysia International Scholarship, you must choose a program from one of the following 24 institutions. These include the top public and government-linked private universities in Malaysia.
| Public Universities (20) | Private & GLU Universities (4) |
| 1. Universiti Malaya (UM) | 21. Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP) |
| 2. Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) | 22. Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN) |
| 3. Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) | 23. Multimedia University (MMU) |
| 4. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) | 24. INCEIF University (INCEIF) |
| 5. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) | |
| 6. Universiti Islam Antarabangsa (UIAM) | |
| 7. Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) | |
| 8. Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) | |
| 9. Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) | |
| 10. Universiti Tun Hussein Onn (UTHM) | |
| 11. Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM) | |
| 12. Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) | |
| 13. Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) | |
| 14. Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) | |
| 15. Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP) | |
| 16. Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) | |
| 17. Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) | |
| 18. Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA) | |
| 19. Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) | |
| 20. Universiti Pertahanan Nasional (UPNM) |
How to Apply: The MIS Online System
Applying for the MIS 2026 is different from other scholarships. You must manage two separate tracks: the Scholarship Portal (Ministry of Higher Education) and your University Admission. Follow these clean steps to ensure your application is valid:
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Go to the MIS Online Application System. You must create an account using your passport number.
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Complete the Scholarship Form, fill in your personal details, academic history, and co-curricular achievements directly on the portal.
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The MIS scholarship does not give you automatic admission to a university. You must separately apply for a Master’s or PhD program at one of the 24 participating Malaysian Universities (e.g., UM, UPM, UTM).
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You can apply for the scholarship first, but you must eventually upload an Admission/Offer Letter from the university to the portal to finalize the award.
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Upload the following certified documents to the MIS portal:
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Certified Academic Transcripts, (Minimum CGPA of 3.0 or 3.5 depending on the level).
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IELTS (min 6.0) or an official letter from your previous university stating your degree was taught in English.
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Two Letters of Recommendation, from professors or employers.
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Research Proposal, a minimum of 1,000 words (mandatory for all PhD and Research-based Master’s).
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Download the Endorsement Form, this is a unique MIS requirement. You must download the form from the portal, have it signed/stamped by your home country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (or relevant embassy), and re-upload it.
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Review everything and hit “Submit” before the April 3, 2026 deadline. There is no application fee.
Why the MIS Scholarship? The “Asian Hub” Edge
The Fully Funded Malaysia International Scholarship stands out because it grants access to 24 of the most prestigious universities in Southeast Asia, including the University of Malaya and UTM. Unlike many European grants, MIS is highly flexible with academic backgrounds, prioritizing the quality of your research proposal and your potential to contribute to global human capital.
Furthermore, Malaysia’s relatively low cost of living means the RM 1,500 stipend provides a comfortable lifestyle, allowing scholars to enjoy a multicultural experience while earning a degree recognized by employers and academic institutions worldwide.
Application Deadlines and Key Dates
The Malaysian International Scholarship follows a very tight schedule. Missing the portal closing time by even a minute will result in an automatic rejection.
- Application Open: March 4, 2026
- Application Deadline: April 3, 2026
- Selection/Interview Period: May – June 2026
- Final Result Announcement: July 2026
Official Scholarship Resource
For further details regarding the MIS eligibility, eligible recipient countries, and the list of participating universities, please visit the official government page:
Official Ministry Source: Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) Malaysia
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I apply for the MIS 2026 if I don’t have a university admission letter yet?
A: Yes. You are allowed to start your Malaysian Government Scholarship application without a firm offer. However, if you are selected, you must secure an admission letter from one of the 24 participating Malaysian universities within 90 days to activate your funding.
Q: Is there a strict age limit for the Malaysia International Scholarship?
A: Yes. To maintain the program’s focus on early to mid-career researchers, Master’s applicants must not be over 40 years old, and PhD candidates must be under 45 years old at the time of application.
Q: Does the RM 1,500 MIS stipend cover my family members?
A: No. The MIS monthly allowance is strictly for the individual scholar. If you plan to bring family, you must prove you have additional personal funds to support their visas and living costs in Malaysia.
Q6: Are there any specific research areas prioritized by the MOHE?
A: Yes. While you can apply for most accredited courses, the 2026 MIS priority areas include Science & Engineering, Agriculture, Economics/Islamic Finance, Information Technology, Biotechnology, and Biosecurity. Projects related to Malaysia-specific topics are often given preference.