Universiti Malaya International Postgraduate Research Scholarship
About this scholarship
The Universiti Malaya Scholarship Scheme (UMSS) is offered by Universiti Malaya (UM), Malaysia’s top-ranked university, through its research-management office to support postgraduate research students. It funds talented master’s and doctoral researchers who are appointed as Graduate Research Assistants on UM research grants, in a strong research environment.
The award is fully funded, covering a full tuition fee waiver and a monthly living allowance (from around 1,500 ringgit), along with research support funding, access to UM’s research facilities and libraries, and student health services, for the research programme within the Graduate-on-Time period (up to about five semesters for a master’s, seven for a PhD).
Eligibility is for postgraduate research students (Malaysian or non-Malaysian) holding an offer for and enrolled in a full research master’s or PhD at UM, within the Graduate-on-Time window, who are appointed as a Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) on a UM research grant for at least four months, with no familial bond with the Principal Investigator. You first secure your UM postgraduate admission and a GRA appointment, then apply for UMSS through the research-management system; subject to eligibility and approval, the award provides a monthly stipend and a tuition-fee waiver. For research postgraduates aiming at Malaysia, it is a well-supported, fully funded route.
Eligibility
- Non-Malaysian citizen (the scheme is also open to Malaysians) holding an offer for a full research master's or PhD at UM.
- A relevant bachelor's (for research master's) or master's (for PhD) with strong academic results.
- A viable research proposal accepted by a UM supervisor.
- Appointed as a Graduate Research Assistant on a UM research grant for at least four months, with no familial bond with the Principal Investigator.
- English language requirements (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent).
Benefits & Coverage
- Full tuition fee waiver.
- Monthly living allowance of around RM 1,500.
- Research support funding.
- Access to UM's research facilities and libraries.
- Student health services.
Required Documents
- UM online graduate application.
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates.
- Research proposal (2,000 to 5,000 words).
- Curriculum vitae with publication list.
- Two academic reference letters.
- Supervisor acceptance letter.
- English language proficiency proof.
- Passport copy and health declaration.
How to Apply
- Confirm you hold an offer for a full research master's or PhD at UM, within the Graduate-on-Time window, with a viable research proposal accepted by a UM supervisor.
- First secure your UM postgraduate admission and a Graduate Research Assistant appointment on a UM research grant, then apply for the Universiti Malaya Scholarship Scheme (UMSS) through the research-management system.
- Subject to eligibility and approval, the award provides a monthly stipend and a tuition-fee waiver (confirm the current date).
Frequently asked questions
Is this scholarship fully funded? +
This scholarship is listed as fully funded. The listed award is: Full tuition fee waiver; Monthly stipend of around RM 1,500.. Coverage can change between cycles, so confirm the details on the official page.
What degree levels does this scholarship cover? +
This scholarship is listed for: Master's & PhD.
When is the application deadline? +
The application deadline listed here is September 15, 2026. That date has passed for this cycle; most providers reopen on a similar schedule each year. Deadlines move, so always verify the date on the official page before planning your application.
Who can apply? +
Key eligibility points from this listing: Non-Malaysian citizen (the scheme is also open to Malaysians) holding an offer for a full research master's or PhD at UM; A relevant bachelor's (for research master's) or master's (for PhD) with strong academic results; A viable research proposal accepted by a UM supervisor; Appโฆ See the Eligibility section above for the full requirements.
How do I apply? +
Apply directly through the official portal linked on this page. Legitimate scholarships never charge an application fee, so treat any request for payment as a scam and use official channels only.
Answers are based on this scholarship's listed details. Always confirm on the official page.
