The Malaysia Government Scholarship is one of the best opportunities available for international students to pursue postgraduate studies in Malaysia. This funded scholarship, also known as MIS, is offered by the Malaysian government to attract outstanding graduates from around the world to study full-time master’s and PhD programs at leading Malaysian universities and higher education institutions. The Malaysia International Scholarship covers tuition fees and provides a monthly living allowance of RM 1,500 for selected scholars. In this article, we have explained everything you need to know about Malaysia International Scholarship 2027, including its benefits, eligibility criteria, required documents, eligible countries, universities, and a detailed step-by-step application process to help you apply successfully.
The Malaysia Government Scholarship, officially known as MIS (Malaysia International Scholarship), is an initiative by the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia. The scholarship aims to attract top international talents to pursue postgraduate studies in Malaysia and support the country’s goal of becoming one of the global centres of academic excellence.
The scholarship is open to outstanding international graduates with strong academic and co-curricular backgrounds. Selected students can pursue postgraduate studies at Malaysian public universities and selected private higher education institutions supported under MIS.
Applicants can apply for master’s and doctoral studies in any accredited course, with priority given to selected fields such as education, arts and humanities, social sciences, business, natural sciences, ICT, engineering, agriculture, and health-related fields excluding medicine, nursing, and pharmacy.
Malaysia Government Scholarship Summary
- Level of Study: Master’s / PhD
- Institutions: Malaysian public universities and selected private higher education institutions
- Study Destination: Malaysia
- Program Period: Depends on course selected
- Areas of Study:
- Education
- Arts and Humanities
- Social Sciences, Journalism and Information
- Business, Administration and Law
- Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Statistics
- Information and Communication Technologies
- Engineering, Manufacturing and Construction
- Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries and Veterinary
- Health and Welfare, excluding medicine, nursing, and pharmacy
Eligible Universities
The following universities and institutions are supported under the Malaysia Government Scholarship 2026.
Public Universities
- Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)
- Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)
- Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)
- Universiti Malaya (UM)
- Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM)
- Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia (UIAM/IIUM)
- Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM)
- Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)
- Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM)
- Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTEM)
- Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM)
- Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI)
- Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT)
- Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS)
- Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP)
- Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS)
- Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UNIMAP)
- Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UNISZA)
- Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM)
- Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK)
Private Universities
- Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP)
- Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN)
- Multimedia University (MMU)
- INCEIF University (INCEIF)
Malaysia Government Scholarship Deadline
The application period for the Malaysia Government Scholarship is generally from June to July. The application deadline for 2026 is July 8th.
Applicants should check the official MIS online application system for the latest opening and closing dates before applying.
Malaysia Government Scholarship Coverage
The Malaysia Government Scholarship is fully funded for the selected scheme. Scholars receive:
- Tuition fees for the entire sponsorship period
- Monthly living allowance of RM 1,500
The tuition fees are paid directly to the university after the Ministry of Higher Education receives an invoice from the university.
The monthly living allowance is paid to scholars every four months after submission of the scholar’s progress report to the Ministry of Higher Education.
Eligibility Criteria for the Malaysia Government Scholarship
To qualify for the Malaysia Government Scholarship, the candidate must fulfill the following requirements:
- Required Language: English
- Eligible Countries: Applicants must be citizens of recipient countries listed under MIS 2026.
- Applicants must intend to pursue full-time postgraduate studies in Malaysia.
- Applicants may apply for master’s or PhD studies.
- Applicants who are already pursuing full-time postgraduate studies in Malaysian public universities or selected private higher education institutions may apply if they have at least two semesters remaining before the end of their study period.
- Master’s applicants must not be more than 40 years old at the time of application.
- PhD applicants must not be more than 45 years old at the time of application.
- Master’s applicants must have obtained a CGPA of 3.00, second class upper honours, or higher at bachelor’s degree level.
- PhD applicants must have obtained a CGPA of 3.00 or excellent results at master’s level in courses related to the intended PhD study program.
- Applicants must show good English language proficiency.
- Applicants applying for master’s by research or PhD must submit a written research proposal with a minimum of 1,000 words.
English Language Requirements
Applicants must meet one of the following English language requirements:
- IELTS band 6.0 or higher
- TOEFL paper-based test score of 550 or higher, or equivalent score in other TOEFL tests
- Previous degree obtained with English as the medium of instruction
Applicants using previous English-medium study as proof must submit an official declaration from the university.
How to Apply for the Malaysia Government Scholarship?
Please follow the instructions below to apply for the Scholarship:
- Visit the official Malaysia International Scholarship online application portal.
- Read the official MIS 2026 guidelines carefully.
- Check whether your country is included in the recipient country list.
- Choose a full-time master’s or PhD program at one of the supported Malaysian universities or higher education institutions.
- Prepare all required documents in PDF format.
- Make sure your passport has at least 6 months validity.
- Prepare certified academic transcripts and degree documents.
- Prepare English language proof, such as IELTS, TOEFL, or an official English-medium instruction letter.
- Prepare two recommendation letters.
- Prepare your CV.
- If applying for a master’s by research or PhD, prepare a research proposal of at least 1,000 words.
- Complete the online MIS application form.
- Upload all required documents through the online application system.
- Review your application carefully before submission.
- Submit your application before the deadline shown on the official MIS portal.
Required Documents for Malaysia Government Scholarship
Applicants must scan and upload the following documents in PDF format:
- Certified copy of passport as evidence of nationality with at least 6 months validity
- Certified copy of academic transcript
- Undergraduate transcript
- Master’s degree transcript for PhD applicants
- Certified official document explaining the grading system, if the transcript does not include CGPA, marks, or score percentile
- Certified copy of English proficiency test result, such as IELTS or TOEFL
- Official letter from previous institution declaring English as the medium of instruction, if applicable
- Two letters of recommendation
- Admission letter to Malaysian university, if the applicant is currently undertaking postgraduate studies or has secured admission
- Curriculum Vitae
- Research proposal for master’s by research and PhD applicants
All documents must be in English. If documents are issued in another language, applicants must provide certified translated copies.
Website
To learn more about the Malaysia Government Scholarship, please visit the official website:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS)?
Malaysia International Scholarship is a scholarship offered by the Malaysian Government through the Ministry of Higher Education to attract outstanding international graduates for postgraduate study in Malaysia.
Is Malaysia International Scholarship fully funded?
The scholarship covers tuition fees and provides a monthly living allowance of RM 1,500. The official guideline does not mention airfare, accommodation, visa fee, or insurance, so it is better to describe it as funded rather than fully funded.
Who can apply for Malaysia International Scholarship 2027?
International students from recipient countries who want to pursue full-time master’s or PhD studies in Malaysia can apply.
What degree levels are supported by MIS?
MIS supports full-time master’s and PhD studies only.
What is the monthly allowance for Malaysia International Scholarship?
Selected scholars receive a monthly living allowance of RM 1,500.
What is the age limit for MIS?
Master’s applicants must not be more than 40 years old, and PhD applicants must not be more than 45 years old at the time of application.
Is IELTS required for Malaysia International Scholarship?
Applicants can submit IELTS 6.0 or higher, TOEFL PBT 550 or equivalent, or proof that their previous degree was taught in English.
How can I apply for Malaysia International Scholarship?
Applicants must apply online through the official MIS application system and upload all required documents in PDF format.
