Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS) 2026

The Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS) 2026 is a prestigious fully funded opportunity offered by the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) to attract talented graduates from around the world to pursue postgraduate studies in Malaysia. This scholarship aims to support outstanding international students who wish to pursue full-time Master's or PhD degrees at Malaysian public universities and selected private higher education institutions. The MIS program reflects Malaysia's commitment to international educational cooperation and developing global human capital through academic excellence.

The scholarship is open to citizens from a wide range of recipient countries, including ASEAN member states, Commonwealth nations, and numerous other countries across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.

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Quick Overview

• Host Country: Malaysia

• Ministry: Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE)

• Study Levels: Master's and PhD (Full-time only)

• Scholarship Type: Fully Funded

• Eligible Nationalities: Citizens of selected countries (including Pakistan)

• Financial Coverage: Tuition fees + Monthly living allowance (RM 1,500)

• Application: Online through official portal

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Who Can Apply

Graduates from the recipient countries of MIS 2026 who meet specific criteria are eligible to apply for this competitive scholarship.

• Applicants must be citizens from the recipient countries listed in the official guidelines

• Must intend to pursue full-time postgraduate studies (Master's or PhD) in Malaysia

• Alternatively, candidates who are currently pursuing full-time postgraduate studies in Malaysian public universities and selected private higher education institutions may also apply if they have a minimum of two semesters remaining before the end of their study period

This flexibility allows both prospective and current students to benefit from the scholarship, supporting them at different stages of their academic journey.

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Recipient Countries of MIS 2026

High potential and excellent graduates from numerous countries across multiple regions are welcome to apply for the Malaysia International Scholarship.

ASEAN Countries

• Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam

Commonwealth Countries

All CPA regions including Africa, Asia, Australia, British Islands & Mediterranean, Canada, The Caribbean, Americas & The Atlantic, India, and the Pacific

Additional Eligible Countries

• Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Brazil, Chile, China, Egypt, Georgia, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iran, Iraq, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Libya, Morocco, Palestine, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, South Korea, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Timor-Leste, Tunisia, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Yemen

Pakistani students are eligible to apply as Pakistan is included in the Commonwealth and listed among eligible nations.

Level of Study

The Malaysia International Scholarship supports full-time postgraduate studies at two levels:

• Master's degree programs – for qualified applicants who wish to pursue advanced coursework and research

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree programs – for candidates seeking to conduct doctoral research in their chosen fields

Only full-time study is accepted under this scholarship, ensuring that scholars dedicate themselves fully to their academic pursuits and complete their degrees within the stipulated timeframe.

Participating Universities

A comprehensive list of Malaysian universities and institutions are supported under the MIS program, providing scholars with diverse options for their studies.

Public Universities

• Universiti Malaya (UM)

• Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)

• Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)

• Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)

• Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)

• And many others across all states of Malaysia

Private Universities

• Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP)

• Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN)

• Multimedia University (MMU)

• INCEIF University (INCEIF)

These institutions offer world-class education and research facilities across various disciplines, allowing scholars to choose programs that best match their academic interests and career goals.

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Areas of Study

Applicants are welcome to apply for any accredited courses at participating universities, with priorities given to specific areas of study that align with national development goals.

Priority Areas Include

• 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)

This broad range of fields ensures that scholars from diverse academic backgrounds can find suitable programs and contribute their expertise to Malaysia's educational landscape.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must fulfil the following criteria for their applications to be considered further.

Age Requirements

• Master's applicants: Not more than 40 years old at the time of application

• PhD applicants: Not more than 45 years old at the time of application

Academic Qualifications

• Master's applicants: CGPA of 3.00 or Second Class Upper (Honours) or higher at the bachelor's degree level

• PhD applicants: CGPA of 3.00 or excellent results at the Master's level in courses related to their intended PhD study program

English Proficiency Requirements

• IELTS band 6.0 or higher

• OR TOEFL paper-based test (PBT) score of 550 or higher (or equivalent in other TOEFL tests)

• OR applicants who have obtained previous degree(s) with English used as the medium of instruction may submit an official declaration by their university

Research Proposal

• Applicants for Master's by Research and PhD programs must submit a written research proposal with a minimum of 1,000 words that is relevant to their intended field of studies

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Benefits of MIS

The Malaysia International Scholarship provides comprehensive financial support to selected scholars throughout their study period.

• Tuition Fees – Full coverage for the entire sponsorship period, paid directly to the university upon invoice issuance

• Monthly Living Allowance – RM 1,500.00 per month, paid every four months upon submission of progress reports to MOHE

This financial package allows scholars to focus entirely on their studies and research without worrying about financial constraints, enabling them to make the most of their educational experience in Malaysia.

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Required Documents

Applicants must prepare several compulsory documents for upload with their application. All documents are required to be in English; if they are in any language other than English, applicants must provide certified translated copies.

• Certified copy of passport – with minimum validity of 6 months

• Certified copies of academic transcripts – including transcripts of undergraduate studies (and master's degree transcript for PhD applicants). Transcripts must reflect the record of all courses taken. If transcript does not include CGPA, marks, or score percentile, submit a certified official document describing the institution's grade system

• English proficiency test result – IELTS/TOEFL certificate OR official letter from previous institution declaring English as medium of instruction

• Letters of Recommendation – from two referees

• Admission letter – to a Malaysian university (if currently undertaking postgraduate studies or have secured admission)

• Curriculum Vitae – outlining academic and professional experience

• Research Proposal – minimum 1,000 words (for Masters by Research and PhD applicants only)

How to Apply

The application process is entirely online through the official MIS portal.

Step-by-Step Application Process

• Step 1: Access the online application system via the link: https://biasiswa.mohe.gov.my/INTER/index.php

• Step 2: Fill up and provide all necessary information in the Application Form

• Step 3: Have the compulsory documents scanned and saved in PDF format

• Step 4: Upload all documents through the online system

• Step 5: Ensure all materials are complete and properly formatted before submission

• Step 6: Submit your application before the deadline

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Selection Criteria

Applications will be considered according to multiple selection criteria designed to identify the most promising candidates.

• Outstanding academic and co-curricular achievement – evaluated through transcripts, grades, and records of extracurricular involvement

• Quality of research proposal – potential contribution towards advancement of technology and human well-being, with preference for Malaysia-related research topics

• Excellent communication, writing, and reading skills in English language

• Overall profile – academic background, research potential, and alignment with MIS objectives

Terms and Conditions

Selected scholars must adhere to the following terms and conditions:

• Enroll into full-time study for postgraduate programs and confirm admission to the university

• Not change study program during the scholarship tenure except with written permission from university and MOHE

• Fulfil requirements of the study program and abide by Malaysian laws and the university's rules, regulations, and codes of conduct

• Any suspension from the university will result in immediate suspension of the scholarship; monthly allowances not payable during suspension

• Successful candidates are responsible for applying and meeting requirements for issuing an appropriate entry visa, including medical examination – offer does not guarantee visa granting

• Maintain satisfactory academic progress and good standing; failure will result in scholarship withdrawal

• Scholarships are tenable in Malaysian universities; research must be carried out in Malaysia

• Not allowed to take paid employment during scholarship tenure unless written approval from host university

Contact Information

For further enquiries regarding MIS, please contact:

Postal Address

• Scholarship Division, Ministry of Higher Education

• Level 2, No 2, Tower 2, Jalan P5/6, Precinct 5, 62200 PUTRAJAYA

Phone Inquiries

• +603-8870 6346

• +603-8870 6375

• Operating hours: 9.00 am – 4.30 pm (Malaysia time), Monday - Friday

Email Inquiries

• General questions: international@mohe.gov.my

• Technical assistance (with screenshot of issue): international@mohe.gov.my

Important Deadlines

• Application period for MIS 2026 will be announced on the official website

• All applications must be submitted through the online system before the specified deadline

• Late submissions will not be accepted

Prospective applicants are strongly advised to prepare their documents well in advance and submit early to avoid any technical issues.

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Why Choose Malaysia for Your Studies

• Quality Education: Malaysian universities offer world-class education with modern facilities

• Cultural Diversity: Experience Malaysia's rich multicultural environment

• Strategic Location: Southeast Asian hub with connections to global markets

• Affordable Living: Reasonable cost of living compared to Western countries

• English-Speaking Environment: English widely used in academic and professional settings

• Warm Hospitality: Malaysian people are known for their friendliness and welcoming nature

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Tips for a Strong Application

• Start Early: Begin preparing documents months before the application opens

• Meet Age Requirements: Ensure you are within the age limits for your program level

• Prepare Strong Research Proposal: For research programs, a well-written proposal is crucial

• Secure Good Recommendations: Ask referees who know your academic potential well

• Check English Requirements: Take IELTS/TOEFL early or obtain medium of instruction letter

• Complete All Documents: Ensure all materials are translated and certified if needed

• Review Before Submitting: Double-check all information for accuracy

• Apply Early: Submit well before the deadline to avoid technical issues

Final Thoughts

The Malaysia International Scholarship 2026 offers a transformative opportunity for talented graduates from eligible countries to pursue postgraduate studies in Malaysia with full financial support. With comprehensive benefits covering tuition fees and a monthly living allowance of RM 1,500, access to world-class Malaysian universities, and a diverse range of academic fields, this scholarship enables scholars to focus entirely on their academic and research goals while experiencing Malaysia's rich cultural environment.

Eligible candidates from Pakistan and other listed countries should begin preparing their applications now, ensuring all required documents are ready and that they meet the strict eligibility criteria before the application deadline. The scholarship supports Master's and PhD programs at prestigious public and private universities across Malaysia.

If you are a talented graduate seeking fully funded postgraduate education in Southeast Asia, the Malaysia International Scholarship could be your pathway to academic excellence and cultural enrichment.

Good luck with your application

Apply Now

For complete and official information and to submit your online application, visit the official MIS online application portal:

Apply for Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS) 2026