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Scholarships in Malaysia for Bangladeshi Students
Why Malaysia for Higher Education?
Malaysia has become one of the most attractive study destinations for Bangladeshi students, combining genuinely affordable tuition with internationally recognised universities and a culturally familiar, welcoming environment. With more than 130,000 international students currently studying in the country, Malaysia offers a well-established support ecosystem for students from Bangladesh and across the region.
Annual tuition fees in Malaysia typically range from USD 3,000 to USD 10,000 – significantly lower than Western destinations – making it one of the most cost-effective pathways to a quality international degree. Scholarships reduce this cost even further, and Malaysia’s funding landscape spans government programmes, university awards, and private foundation grants across every level of study. Rico International helps Bangladeshi students identify and apply for the right scholarship opportunities to make their Malaysian education even more affordable.
Why Scholarships Matter for Studying in Malaysia
Already Affordable — Scholarships Make It More So
Malaysia offers some of the most budget-friendly international education available in Asia. Even a modest scholarship can significantly reduce what is already one of the lowest-cost pathways to a globally recognised degree.
Opportunities Across Every Level
Scholarships in Malaysia are available at foundation, diploma, undergraduate, postgraduate, and research levels, across both public and private institutions — giving students genuine options regardless of where they are in their academic journey.
Strong Reward for Academic Excellence
Many Malaysian scholarships are merit-based, meaning that strong academic performers are rewarded generously — often with tuition waivers ranging from partial reductions to full coverage.
Diverse and Inclusive Funding Streams
Malaysia’s scholarship ecosystem caters to a wide range of strengths — including dedicated awards for STEM, business, and health sciences, as well as funding linked to leadership, volunteering, sports achievement, and support specifically for students from developing countries like Bangladesh.
Multiple Forms of Financial Support
Funding can take many forms beyond simple tuition discounts — including full or partial fee waivers, generous monthly stipends, and in some cases entirely free accommodation, depending on the scholarship and institution.
Types of Scholarships Available in Malaysia
1. Government Scholarships
Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS)
- Level: Postgraduate (Master’s and PhD)
- Coverage: Full tuition fees, RM 1,500 monthly allowance, and additional allowances for travel and books
- Eligibility: Minimum CGPA of 3.5 or equivalent; under 40 for Master’s, under 45 for PhD; English proficiency through IELTS or TOEFL
- Participating Universities: More than 20 public universities and 4 select private institutions
- Application Deadline: Typically closes at the end of June each year
Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP) Scholarship
- Level: Postgraduate (Master’s)
- Coverage: Full tuition, RM 3,500 monthly stipend, return airfare, and other benefits
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree with good grades, under 45 years of age, minimum 2 years of relevant work experience, and proof of English proficiency
- Application Cycle: Rolling, with an annual application cycle
Malaysian Commonwealth Scholarship
- For: Postgraduate students from Commonwealth countries, including Bangladesh
- Coverage: Tuition and living expenses
- Eligibility: Demonstrated academic excellence in a relevant discipline
ASEAN and Malaysia-APEC Scholarships
- For: Postgraduate students from ASEAN and APEC member countries
- Coverage: Tuition, living expenses, and airfare
- Eligibility: Master’s and PhD applicants with strong academic profiles
2. University-Specific Scholarships
Asia Pacific University (APU) Scholarships
Available at undergraduate and postgraduate level, offering 10% to 30% tuition fee waivers, renewable annually subject to satisfactory academic progress. Eligibility is assessed on O-Level, A-Level, IB, or Bachelor’s results.
Taylor’s University Scholarships
Available across Pre-University and Bachelor’s/Master’s level. The Merit Scholarship offers up to 100% tuition waiver for high O-Level, A-Level, or UEC scores, while the Excellence Award provides RM 4,000 to RM 15,000 depending on programme and results. Health science and pharmacy programmes offer up to RM 13,000 per year for eligible students.
UCSI University Trust Scholarships and Education Grants
Available across foundation, diploma, degree, A-Level, and AUSMAT programmes, offering partial tuition fee waivers (either first-year or full duration) and RM 2,500 to RM 15,000 for pre-university study, assessed on merit and leadership criteria.
INTI International Education Scholarship and Promotions
- Up to 25% tuition fee waiver in the first year
- Free Foundation programme for undergraduate entry
- Free English language preparatory programme
- 100% MBA tuition waiver at INTI Nilai for international postgraduates who publish two Scopus-indexed journal articles
- Free accommodation for eligible students
SEGi University Scholarships
- Foundation and arts/science degrees: Specific tuition waivers, including RM 14,340 for the Foundation in Science programme plus degree rebates
- Health sciences: 20% waiver on first-year degree fees, requiring minimum CGPA 3.7 in foundation studies
- Sports scholarships: 50% to 100% tuition waiver for state or national-level athletes
- Postgraduate: 15% off Master’s by coursework; 25% PhD or MBA tuition rebate with research publication
- Family/sibling discount: 10% off tuition for related students
Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor’s Academic Excellence Award is open to students from all countries with a minimum CGPA of 3.75, covering Foundation, SPM, O-Level, and degree programmes.
Monash University Malaysia Scholarship
Offers full scholarships for outstanding Bangladeshi students based on exceptional academic performance.
Universiti Malaya (UM), UPM, and IIUM
These leading public universities offer undergraduate scholarships for excellent Bangladeshi and other international students, with coverage typically including tuition and, in some cases, housing and stipends.
3. Private, Foundation, and Special Scholarships
- Khazanah Global Scholarship: Fully funded for postgraduate students, assessed on merit and leadership potential
- Albukhary Foundation Scholarship: Full tuition, housing, and additional privileges for undergraduates from developing countries, including Bangladesh
- Shell Malaysia Scholarship: For engineering and business students; covers tuition and living costs
- Other awards: MSC scholarships, hope bursaries, sports scholarships, graduate research funding, and family discounts are offered at various institutions, with conditions and benefits varying by university
4. Entrance Scholarships, Promotions, and Discounts
- Automatic awards — some scholarships are applied automatically upon achieving strong admission results, requiring no separate application
- Free accommodation or English language programmes — offered for specific intakes or entry years at select institutions
- Sibling and family discounts — up to 10% tuition reduction for eligible related students
Scholarships
Major Scholarships in Malaysia for Bangladeshi Students
Explore popular scholarship opportunities in Malaysia, including government-funded awards, university scholarships, and tuition support options for international students.
| Scholarship | Level | Coverage | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS) | Master's, PhD | Full tuition + RM 1,500/month allowance | CGPA 3.5+; age criteria may apply |
| MTCP Scholarship | Master's | Tuition + RM 3,500/month + airfare | Relevant work experience; age requirement applies |
| Khazanah Global Scholarship | Postgraduate | Fully funded support | Strong academic record and leadership potential |
| Albukhary Foundation Scholarship | Undergraduate | Full tuition + accommodation support | Open to students from developing countries |
| Monash University Malaysia Scholarship | Various | Full scholarship opportunities | Outstanding academic achievement |
| Taylor's University Merit Scholarship | Pre-U, UG, PG | Up to 100% tuition waiver | Strong O-Level, A-Level, or UEC results |
| INTI International Scholarship | UG, PG | Up to 25% waiver; selected MBA support | Strong academic performance |
| APU Scholarships | UG, PG | 10–30% tuition waiver | Academic results; renewable conditions apply |
| UCSI Trust Scholarship | Foundation–Degree | Partial tuition waiver | Academic, co-curricular, and leadership merit |
| SEGi University Scholarships | UG, PG | 15–100% tuition support | Varies based on scholarship category |
How to Apply for Scholarships in Malaysia
Step 1: Shortlist Universities and Programmes
Begin by researching which institutions and degree programmes align with your academic strengths, career goals, and budget. Malaysia’s wide range of public and private universities means there is genuine choice across most fields of study.
Step 2: Check Scholarship Options Carefully
Review each university’s scholarship page along with relevant government portals for eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and coverage details. Eligibility and award value can vary significantly even between similar programmes.
Step 3: Prepare Your Documents
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Valid passport copy
- English language proficiency proof — IELTS or TOEFL as required (note that not all programmes require this)
- Letters of recommendation
- Statement of Purpose or personal statement
- Research proposal — required for postgraduate research applications
- Portfolio — required for creative programmes
Step 4: Apply Early
Most scholarship applications align closely with university admission deadlines — typically falling between March and July for the September or October intake. Applying early significantly improves your chances, particularly for awards with limited slots.
Step 5: Meet Renewal Conditions
To retain your scholarship throughout your programme, you will generally need to maintain a minimum CGPA, stay continuously enrolled, and meet any specific attendance or progression requirements set by your awarding institution.
Tips to Strengthen Your Scholarship Application
- Apply for Multiple Scholarship Opportunities
Malaysia offers both fully funded and partial scholarships across different institutions. Applying to multiple programmes and funding sources can increase your chances of receiving financial support. - Check Alternative English Requirements
Not all scholarships require IELTS. Some universities accept alternative proof of English proficiency or provide language preparation options for eligible students. - Submit Your Application Early
Many scholarships have limited seats for each intake. Preparing your documents early and submitting a complete application can improve your chances. - Explore Foundation and Pathway Scholarships
Many universities offer dedicated grants or scholarships for foundation and pathway programmes. These can be a valuable route for students starting their Malaysian education journey. - Highlight Your Achievements Beyond Academics
Sports achievements, leadership experience, community involvement, and research work may help you qualify for special scholarship categories. - Get Personalised Guidance from Rico International
Rico International can help you identify scholarships that match your academic background, goals, and preferred study pathway.
Let Rico International Guide You
Navigating Malaysia’s scholarship landscape can be complex – but you do not have to do it alone. Rico International’s experienced consultants offer personalised, end-to-end support: from identifying the right scholarships for your profile to preparing a strong application and handling your student visa.
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