Every year, thousands of dreams and big ambitions remain unfulfilled due to one barrier: finances. Malaysia is breaking that barrier. Through the Malaysia International Scholarships (MIS), the country extends a life-changing opportunity to bright minds worldwide: the chance to study, research, and grow in one of Asia’s fastest-rising education hubs, fully funded.

Unlike many scholarships that only focus on academics, MIS aims to attract, motivate, and retain talented individuals who can contribute not only to Malaysia’s growth but also to the advancement of global knowledge. It is more than a scholarship; it is an invitation to be part of Malaysia’s vision of becoming an international education hub.

From Science and Engineering to Islamic Finance and Environmental Studies, MIS connects your passion to purpose. Whether you’re aiming for a Master’s, PhD, or Postdoctoral research, this scholarship is designed to empower future leaders, innovators, and changemakers.

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What is the Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS)?

The Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS) is a fully funded initiative by the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia (MOHE). It is offered annually to outstanding international students who wish to pursue postgraduate or postdoctoral studies in Malaysia’s top public universities.

The scholarship contributes towards Malaysia’s long-term vision of sustainable development, innovation, and global partnerships.

Benefits of the MIS Scholarship

The MIS is widely recognized for its generous benefits, designed to eliminate financial worries so you can focus on achieving academic excellence.

Key benefits include:

  • Round-trip airfare from your capital city to Malaysia.
  • Full tuition fees at selected public universities.
  • Monthly living allowance to cover accommodation and personal expenses.
  • Annual book and internal travel grant.
  • Medical/Health insurance during your stay in Malaysia.
  • Installation and termination grant (to help with settling in and returning home).
  • Thesis allowance (for PhD and Postdoctoral researchers).
  • Conference travel and journal publication grants ( PhD and Postdoctoral only).

Why it matters: With these comprehensive benefits, you can pursue higher studies without worrying about financial burdens. Instead, you can devote your time to research, innovation, and building a brighter career.

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Fields of Study Covered

The MIS scholarship is available in diverse fields that align with Malaysia’s national priorities. Applicants can apply for research or coursework programs in:

  • Science and Engineering
  • Agriculture and Fisheries
  • Economics and Islamic Finance
  • Information and Communication Technology
  • Biotechnology
  • Biosecurity and Food Safety
  • Infrastructure and Utility
  • Environmental Studies
  • Health (excluding nursing, medicine, and clinical pharmacy)

This wide range ensures students from various academic backgrounds can find a program that suits their ambitions.

Eligibility Criteria

To ensure fairness and quality, the MIS has strict eligibility requirements.

General Requirements:

  • Applicants must not be more than 45 years old at the time of application.
  • Must be in excellent health, certified by a doctor.
  • Must have applied for admission (or hold a conditional offer) at a recognized Malaysian university.
  • Must not engage in employment during studies unless approved.

Academic Requirements:

  • For Master’s applicants: Minimum CGPA of 3.5/4.0 or Second Class Upper Honours.
  • For PhD applicants: Minimum CGPA of 3.5/4.0 or a strong Master’s result in a related field.
  • For Postdoctoral applicants: Evaluated on research publications, portfolio, patents, and reputation in research.

English Language Proficiency Requirement:

Since programs are taught in English, applicants must provide valid proof of proficiency (not older than two years):

  • IELTS Academic: Minimum 6.5
  • TOEFL Paper-based: 580
  • TOEFL Computer-based: 230
  • TOEFL Internet-based: 92

Applicants who studied entirely in English may be exempt.

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Application Procedure for MIS

Applying for the Malaysia International Scholarship is straightforward.

Step-by-step process:

  • Register on the MIS Application portal using your passport number and email.
  • Fill in the online application form carefully.
  • Print a copy of the completed form.
  • Prepare required documents (listed below).
  • Submit documents to your country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs for endorsement.
  • Upload scanned documents as PDFs on the MIS portal.
  • Submit your application online.


Required Documents

To avoid delays, prepare the following in advance:

  • Application form with all the details
  • Passport (usually the image of the first page of the passport)
  • Academic university transcript
  • Diploma/ degree for the high school education
  • Medical certificate
  • Curriculum vitae CV/ resume
  • Motivation letter (it must be 1 to 3 pages; get the tips and tricks for writing a motivation letter
  • Recommendation letter (almost 2 to 4 recommendation letters are required)
  • English proficiency test results (TOEFL/IELTS)
  • Statement of Purpose (SOP)
  • Certificate of research activities
  • Graduation thesis or additional publications (if available)
  • Admission/acceptance letter from a Malaysian university
  • Endorsement form from relevant authorities
  • Research project summary. (it must be of 3 pages maximum; don’t exceed 1000 characters including spaces)

Note: submit all the documents in PDF form.

Selection Criteria

The MIS selection committee evaluates applications on

  • Strong academic record
  • The quality of the research proposal
  • The potential contribution of the research proposal towards advancement of technology and human well-being.
  • Strong English Language proficiency

Deadline

The MIS 2025 application window is:
24 October – 7 November 2024

Applicants are encouraged to prepare their documents early and apply before the deadline.

FAQs

Q: Which country hosts the MIS?
A: Malaysia hosts the MIS.

Q: Is it an annual scholarship?
A: Yes, it is offered every year.

Q: Is IELTS required?
A: Yes, unless your previous studies were fully in English.

Q: Is GRE mandatory?
A:  No, GRE is not required.

Q: Do I need to send hard copies?
A: No, only online submission is accepted.

Q: Can I apply if I am already studying in Malaysia?
A: Yes, students who are currently enrolled in Malaysian universities can apply, provided they meet all eligibility requirements.

Q: Can I apply for more than one program or university under MIS?
A: Yes, you may apply to multiple universities, but you must choose one program and university if awarded the scholarship.

Q: Does the MIS cover family/dependents?
A: No, the scholarship benefits apply only to the recipient. Family or dependent costs are not covered.

Q: Is part-time study allowed under MIS?
A: No, the scholarship is strictly for full-time study programs.

Q: Do I need to secure admission before applying for MIS?

A: You must apply to a recognized Malaysian university first. Having a conditional or full admission offer is mandatory before your MIS application can be processed.

You can also apply for the National University of Singapore Scholarships 2025 for international students.

Official website:

To get more information about Malaysia International Scholarships (MIS) for International Students, you can visit the official website of the scholarship.

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Updated by Z on Sep 22, 2025.