The University Putra Malaysia (UPM) Scholarships 2025 are now open for international students who wish to pursue postgraduate research and higher studies in Malaysia. UPM offers several scholarship opportunities including the International Graduate Student Scholarship (IGSS), Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA), UPM Alumni Scholarships, and SEARCA Scholarships to help outstanding students reduce tuition costs and focus on world-class research.

Most scholarships provide 30–50% tuition fee waivers, cover study periods up to 3 years, and give priority to applicants from developing countries. Applicants are expected to have strong academic backgrounds, research proposals, and English language proficiency.

Types of University Putra Malaysia Scholarships 2025

To attract top talent from around the world, UPM offers multiple scholarships:

1. International Graduate Student Scholarship (IGSS) 2025

  • Funding: 30–50% tuition fee waiver
  • Duration: Up to 3 years (subject to annual progress review)
  • Eligibility: Open to new or 2nd-semester PhD students with a minimum CGPA of 3.5. Applicants must submit a research proposal and recommendation letter.
  • Priority: Given to students from Southeast Asia, South Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and institutions with MoUs with UPM.

2. Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA) 2025

  • Funding: Covers tuition fees, monthly stipend (amount varies by project), and research expenses.
  • Eligibility: Students admitted to UPM postgraduate programs and actively engaged in research projects under UPM supervisors.
  • Duration: Based on the research project period.
  • Key Benefit: Hands-on research training while being financially supported.

3. UPM Alumni Scholarship

  • Funding: Tuition fee discounts for postgraduate students who are UPM alumni.
  • Eligibility: Must be a UPM graduate applying for a master’s or PhD program.
  • Benefit: Encourages UPM graduates to return for advanced studies.

4. SEARCA Scholarship (for Agriculture & Development Fields)

  • Funding: Covers tuition fees, monthly stipend, travel allowance, and health insurance.
  • Eligibility: Students from Southeast Asian countries applying for postgraduate programs in agriculture, environment, and rural development.
  • Administered by: SEARCA (Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture).

Malaysia International Scholarships 2025.

Key Benefits of UPM Scholarships

  • Tuition fee waivers (up to 50%)
  • Monthly stipends under GRA & SEARCA scholarships
  • Opportunity to work with top professors on international-level research projects
  • Exposure to Malaysia’s multicultural academic environment
  • Priority given to applicants from developing countries
  • Networking with UPM’s global research community

Level of study:

The students can enroll for the PhD level in the university.

You can apply for Swiss government scholarship 2025 for international students.

Eligibility for UPM Scholarships 2025

  • Education status: This scholarship is open to new students and up to second semester students with “Continue” status.
  • Nationality: International students can apply for the scholarship. The scholarships are granted to the citizen of:
    • Southeast Asia,
    • South Asia,
    • Central Asia,
    • the Middle East, and
    • Africa. 
  • Priority is given to applicants from academic staff members of institutions that have MoUs with UPM and intend to conduct research in priority areas relevant to UPM/Malaysia
  • Entry requirement: The candidate has to have met the standards for international students’ general applications;

Degree and academic record:  A Master’s degree with a minimum CGPA of 3.500 is required of the candidate;

  • Other scholarsips: The applicant must not hold any other types of scholarship or financial assistance.
  • Employement: He should not be engaged in any type of employment at the time of application
  • Developing countries: Priority will be given to applicants from developing countries in which UPM holds strategic importance and from academic institutions that have MoU/MoAs with UPM
  • Article: The applicant has published at least one article in an academic journal and/or has received strong recommendations from academic institutions (e.g. Vice Chancellor, Dean, Director)
  • Research proposal: The candidate must have a copy of the research proposal approved by the advisor/supervisor
  • The applicant must have a recommendation letter from an advisor/supervisor
  • The applicant must have a letter from the student’s embassy verifying that the applicant is not a recipient of any financial assistance/scholarship/income from any agencies or government

How to Apply for UPM Scholarships Online

  1. Go to the official website of the scholarship.
  2. Open the student portal.
  3. Complete online application form.
  4. Please ensure your Advisor/Supervisor and Dean/Director of Faculty/School/Institute support your application online before 24 January.
  5. Incomplete or late applications will not be entertained and any appeals will not be considered.

Note; Applicants who do not receive a response within three months from the closing date of the ad are considered unsuccessful.

You can apply for Finland Government Scholarship 2025 for international students

Deadline:

UPM scholarships are offered twice a year depending on the intake:

  • Semester 1 Intake (September session):
     Application opens: 1 August 2025
     Application closes: 30 August 2025
  • Semester 2 Intake (February session):
      Application opens: 1 January 2025
      Application closes: 31 January 2025

FAQs:

1. Who can apply for the University Putra Malaysia (UPM) Scholarship 2025?
 International students from Southeast Asia, South Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East, and Africa can apply, provided they meet UPM’s academic and research requirements.

2. What is the minimum CGPA required for UPM scholarships?
 Applicants must hold a Master’s degree with a minimum CGPA of 3.50 to be eligible.

3. Does UPM scholarship cover full tuition fees?
 No, the International Graduate Student Scholarship (IGSS) offers a 30–50% tuition fee waiver, not full funding.

4. What is the deadline to apply for UPM scholarships 2025?

  • Semester 1 (September intake): Apply from 1–30 August 2025.
  • Semester 2 (February intake): Apply from 1–31 January 2025.

5. Is IELTS required for University Putra Malaysia scholarships?
 Yes, international students are required to submit proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL or equivalent).

6. Can PhD students apply for the UPM scholarship?
 Yes, the UPM scholarship is mainly for PhD-level students conducting high-quality research.

7. How long does the UPM scholarship last?
 The scholarship covers up to 3 years (6 semesters), subject to annual academic review.

8. Can students from developing countries apply?
 Yes, priority is given to students from developing countries and institutions with MoUs with UPM.

9. Do I need a research proposal for UPM scholarships?
 Yes, a research proposal approved by your supervisor/advisor is mandatory.

10. How do I apply for the UPM scholarship online?
 You must apply through the official UPM student portal, complete the online form, and secure approval from your advisor and faculty dean before the deadline.

To successfully complete your PhD degree, read the guide of successful PhD students qualities.

Official website:

To get more information about the scholarship, you can visit the official website of University Putra Malaysia Scholarships.

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Updated by Z on August 22, 2025.