The Universiti Sains Malaysia Graduate Scholarship 2027 supports new full-time research students by funding their tuition fees during the first and second semesters at Universiti Sains Malaysia. International applicants can apply only for research-mode PhD study, while Malaysian applicants may apply for either research-mode master’s or PhD programmes. Unlike scholarships that provide a monthly stipend or accept applications before university admission, this award is available only to candidates who have already received a full USM admission offer but have not yet registered, and funding for the second semester depends on satisfactory research progress and publication activity. In this article, we have explained everything you need to know about the Universiti Sains Malaysia Graduate Scholarship, including its benefits, eligibility criteria, required documents, and a step-by-step application process to help you apply successfully.
This scholarship is most suitable for applicants who already have a strong academic record, a confirmed USM research supervisor, and relevant publication experience. PhD applicants must have at least one publication in a journal indexed by Web of Science, Scopus, or ERA, while publication experience is preferred rather than compulsory for research master’s applicants.
Related Scholarships in Malaysia
- Universiti Malaya Bright Scholarship
- UPM International Graduate Student Scholarship
- Malaysia Government Scholarship
- Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Scholarship
Universiti Sains Malaysia Graduate Scholarship Summary
- Level of Study: Master’s / PhD
- Institution: Universiti Sains Malaysia
- Study Destination: Malaysia
- Courses Offered: Eligible research programmes offered by USM schools, centres and research institutes
- Program Period: Tuition-fee support for the first and second semesters, subject to semester-based approval and renewal
Application Deadline
Applications for the current Universiti Sains Malaysia Graduate Scholarship round are open until September 1, 2026.
Applicants must receive a full USM admission offer before submitting the scholarship application. However, they must not register as full-time students before applying for the award. Applications from students who have already registered or who intend to study part-time will not be considered.
The university may revise its scholarship dates and conditions, so applicants should check the official USM financial assistance page before submitting their application.
Universiti Sains Malaysia Graduate Scholarship Coverage
The Universiti Sains Malaysia Graduate Scholarship provides:
- Tuition-fee funding for the first semester
- The possibility of tuition-fee funding for the second semester
- Access to full-time research study at Universiti Sains Malaysia
- Opportunity to work with a USM supervisor and established research group
The scholarship is awarded on a semester-by-semester basis. Before the second semester begins, the recipient must apply for an extension and demonstrate satisfactory research progress. Renewal requires the submission of at least one manuscript to a Q1 or Q2 journal indexed by Web of Science. The scholarship recipient must be the first student author, and the main supervisor must be included as an author.
Eligibility Criteria for Universiti Sains Malaysia Graduate Scholarship
To qualify for the Universiti Sains Malaysia Graduate Scholarship, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Eligible Countries: Malaysian and international applicants may apply, subject to the degree-level restrictions below.
- Study Mode: The scholarship is available only for full-time research-mode programmes.
- Applicants must have received a full admission offer from Universiti Sains Malaysia.
- Applicants must not have registered as full-time USM students when submitting the scholarship application.
- Part-time, coursework and mixed-mode students are not eligible.
- Applicants must not be receiving another scholarship or form of financial assistance.
- Applicants must have a confirmed main supervisor at Universiti Sains Malaysia.
Eligibility for International Applicants
International applicants may apply for:
- PhD by research
- Fast-track PhD, where permitted by the university
International applicants are not eligible for the Graduate Scholarship at the master’s level under the current guidelines.
Eligibility for Malaysian Applicants
Malaysian applicants may apply for:
- Master’s degree by research
- PhD by research
- Fast-track PhD, where applicable
Academic Requirements for Master’s Applicants
Research master’s applicants must:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree with a minimum CGPA of 3.33 out of 4.00 or an equivalent qualification recognised by the Malaysian Government
- Have received admission to a full-time research-mode master’s programme
- Preferably have submitted a manuscript to a journal indexed by Web of Science, Scopus, or ERA
Publication experience strengthens a master’s application, but the current scholarship guidelines describe it as a preference rather than an absolute requirement.
Academic Requirements for PhD Applicants
PhD applicants must meet one of the following academic conditions:
- Hold a master’s degree by coursework or mixed mode with a minimum CGPA of 3.33 out of 4.00 or an equivalent qualification; or
- Have passed a recognised master’s degree completed through research mode
PhD applicants must also have at least one manuscript published in a journal indexed by Web of Science, Scopus, or ERA. Fast-track PhD candidates may be exempted from the publication requirement, subject to USM’s assessment.
Supervisor Requirements
The applicant’s main supervisor must meet at least one of the following requirements:
- Hold at least one active and sufficient research grant as principal investigator, with at least one year remaining from the date of application, to support the student’s research throughout the candidature; or
- Have at least two publications as corresponding author in journals indexed by Web of Science, Scopus, or ERA during the previous year
For the current application round, the official form refers to the supervisor’s corresponding-author publications from 2025. Applicants should discuss this requirement with their intended supervisor before submitting the scholarship form.
English Language Requirements
Applicants must first meet the English-language requirements of their selected USM postgraduate programme. The general postgraduate admission requirements currently list options including:
- IELTS with a minimum Band 5
- TOEFL iBT with a minimum score of 40
- TOEFL Essentials with a minimum Band 7.5
- PTE Academic with a minimum score of 47
- MUET with a minimum Band 3.5
- Accepted Cambridge English qualifications
- An approved English-language programme
Individual schools and programmes may require higher scores. An exemption may also be considered when English is the applicant’s national language or when the previous bachelor’s or master’s degree was taught in English and acceptable proof is provided. Review the official programme requirements and our guide to scholarships without IELTS before applying.
How to Apply for Universiti Sains Malaysia Graduate Scholarship?
Please follow the instructions below to apply for the Universiti Sains Malaysia Graduate Scholarship:
(1) Search the USM postgraduate programme directory and choose a full-time research-mode master’s or PhD programme that matches your previous education and research interests.
International applicants must choose an eligible PhD or fast-track PhD programme because the current Graduate Scholarship does not support international master’s students.
(2) Find an appropriate academic through the USM potential supervisor directory and discuss your proposed research, academic background, publication record and funding plans.
Your chosen supervisor must satisfy the scholarship’s research-grant or publication requirements. You should confirm this before proceeding because the form requires the supervisor’s name and email address.
When contacting a potential supervisor, prepare a focused academic CV highlighting your education, thesis, research experience, publications, technical skills, awards and relevant projects. Avoid sending the same generic email and CV to multiple academics.
(3) Submit an application for admission through the USM postgraduate admission portal. Complete all programme requirements and wait until you receive a full admission offer from Universiti Sains Malaysia.
You cannot apply for the Graduate Scholarship using a conditional expression of interest or an incomplete admission application. A USM offer letter is required in the scholarship form.
(4) After receiving your offer, prepare the scholarship documents. PhD applicants should confirm that their publication is indexed by Web of Science, Scopus or ERA and prepare the first page of the manuscript and its journal-ranking evidence.
Do not complete registration before submitting the scholarship application, because the scholarship is intended for admitted candidates who have not yet registered as full-time students.
(5) Complete the Universiti Sains Malaysia Graduate Scholarship application form before September 1, 2026.
The form asks for your personal information, academic qualifications, USM programme, supervisor’s details, offer letter, transcripts and publication information.
(6) Review your application carefully and submit it before the deadline. By submitting the form, you declare that you are not receiving another scholarship or financial assistance and that the information provided is complete and accurate.
Scholarship recipients who want their tuition funding to continue into the second semester must later apply for an extension and provide evidence of the required research and manuscript progress.
Documents Required for Universiti Sains Malaysia Graduate Scholarship
Applicants should prepare the following documents:
- Passport or Malaysian identity card
- Full Universiti Sains Malaysia admission offer letter
- Bachelor’s degree certificate
- Bachelor’s degree academic transcripts
- Latest semester results if the bachelor’s degree has not yet been formally completed
- Master’s degree certificate for PhD applicants
- Master’s degree academic transcripts for PhD applicants
- Name and email address of the main USM supervisor
- Details of publications or manuscripts
- First page of the accepted or published manuscript
- First page of the relevant Journal Citation Report or other requested journal-indexing evidence
- Declaration that the applicant is not receiving another scholarship or financial assistance
The current application form generally requests PDF files and applies separate file-size limits to each upload. Applicants should use short and clearly labelled filenames and check that every uploaded file can be opened before submitting the form.
The scholarship form does not currently list an academic CV, statement of purpose or recommendation letters among its direct uploads. However, these documents may still be required during the separate USM admission process, depending on the selected school and research programme. Our guides on preparing an academic CV, writing a statement of purpose and requesting a recommendation letter can help with the admission stage.
Website
To learn more about the Universiti Sains Malaysia Graduate Scholarship and submit your application, please visit the official pages:
- Official USM Financial Assistance Page
- USM Postgraduate Financial Assistance
- Graduate Scholarship Application Form
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Universiti Sains Malaysia Graduate Scholarship fully funded?
No. The scholarship funds tuition fees during the first and potentially the second semester. The official information does not list a monthly stipend, accommodation, airfare, visa expenses, health insurance or other living allowances.
Can international students apply for the USM Graduate Scholarship?
Yes. International applicants can apply for full-time research-mode PhD study. International applicants are not eligible for the master’s-level Graduate Scholarship under the current guidelines.
Can international master’s students apply?
No. The current scholarship is open to Malaysian applicants at the master’s and PhD levels, but international applicants are eligible only for PhD study.
Can I apply before receiving admission to USM?
No. You must first receive a full admission offer from Universiti Sains Malaysia. The scholarship application form requires you to upload your USM offer letter.
Can currently registered USM students apply?
No. The scholarship is intended for candidates who have received an admission offer but have not yet registered as full-time students. Current registered students should check whether they qualify for another USM financial assistance programme.
Is a publication required for the USM Graduate Scholarship?
PhD applicants must have at least one manuscript published in a journal indexed by Web of Science, Scopus or ERA. Publication experience is preferred but not compulsory for research master’s applicants. Fast-track PhD applicants may be exempted, subject to the university’s decision.
Is second-semester funding automatic?
No. Scholarship support is awarded on a semester basis. Recipients must apply for an extension before the second semester and demonstrate satisfactory research progress, including submission of the required Q1 or Q2 Web of Science manuscript.
Does the scholarship require IELTS?
The scholarship itself is available only after admission, so applicants must meet the English-language requirements of their chosen USM programme. USM accepts several tests and may consider exemptions for applicants whose previous degree was taught in English, but individual programmes can impose higher requirements.
