Universiti Malaya International Postgraduate Research Scholarship
About this scholarship
Universiti Malaya (UM), Malaysia’s oldest and highest-ranked university, offers competitive research scholarships for international postgraduate students. The scholarship covers Master’s by Research and PhD programs across all faculties. Kuala Lumpur offers an affordable, multicultural living environment with excellent public transport and food culture. UM has particularly strong research groups in computer science, engineering, Islamic studies, medicine, and sustainability.
Eligibility
Must be a non-Malaysian citizen. Must hold a relevant Bachelor's degree (for Master's by Research) or Master's degree (for PhD) with strong academic results. Must have a viable research proposal accepted by a UM supervisor. Must meet English language requirements (IELTS 6.0+ or equivalent). Must be applying for a full-time research program.
Benefits & Coverage
- Full tuition fee waiver
- Monthly living allowance of RM1,500 (approximately $320)
- Research support funding
- Access to UM's extensive research facilities and libraries
- Student health services
Required Documents
- UM online graduate application
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Research proposal (2,000-5,000 words)
- CV / Resume with publication list
- Two academic reference letters
- Supervisor acceptance letter
- English language proficiency proof
- Passport copy
- Health declaration
How to Apply
- Be a postgraduate research student (Malaysian or non-Malaysian) holding an offer for and enrolled in (Ready-for-Enrolment or Active status) a full research Master's or PhD programme at Universiti Malaya, within the Graduate-on-Time window, and 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
- First secure your UM postgraduate admission and a GRA appointment, then apply for the Universiti Malaya Scholarship Scheme (UMSS) through the research-management system
- Awardees do research at UM and attend development courses. Provides a monthly stipend (from about RM 1,000) and, subject to eligibility and approval, a tuition-fee waiver
