Scholarships for Indian Students in Malaysia

Studying abroad is a dream, but finances shouldn’t hold you back. Malaysia, with its affordable yet world-class education, offers a range of scholarships exclusively for Indian students – from government-funded programs to university grants. Whether it’s partial fee waivers or full tuition coverage, these scholarships make global education accessible. At Hamlets Education, we simplify the process by helping you find, apply, and secure the best financial aid while guiding you through visa formalities and university applications. Don’t let finances stop you—explore your options with us today!

Types of scholarships for Indian students in Malaysia

Malaysia’s scholarship ecosystem is diverse, offering tailored financial support to Indian students based on merit, need, and field of study. Check out some of the key categories below:

1. Malaysia Government Scholarships

Funded by the Malaysian government, these prestigious awards cover tuition, living expenses, and airfare for master’s and PhD students.
Over 1,200 international students have secured the Malaysia International Scholarship, with Indian students being among the top beneficiaries.
It requires a strong academic record (minimum CGPA 3.0/4.0) and an admission offer from a Malaysian public university. Some programs mandate work experience.

2. Indian Government Scholarships

India’s government collaborates with Malaysian institutions to sponsor students under cultural exchange programs.
Typically for undergraduate/postgraduate studies, with priority given to arts, science, and technical fields. Applicants often need to clear an interview with ICCR (Indian Council for Cultural Relations).
India’s government collaborates with Malaysian institutions to sponsor students under cultural exchange programs. The ICCR scholarship alone supports 500+ Indian students annually in Malaysia, covering tuition and a monthly stipend.

3. University-Specific Scholarships

Awarded to high-achieving students, these waive 10%–100% of tuition fees based on academic performance (e.g., minimum 80% in Class XII or equivalent).
Top universities offer partial to full fee waivers to attract high-achieving Indian students, with many Indian students securing these annually, especially in STEM and business programs.
Applying early to certain universities can unlock 5%–15% fee reductions, especially for international applicants.

4. Other Scholarships

Private entities and trusts sponsor students in niche fields like engineering or business. PETRONAS, for example, funds 50+ Indian students yearly for energy-related programs, often with post-study employment ties.
The eligibility for this scholarship is usually field-specific, based on leadership potential, and sometimes considers rural background quotas as well.
NGOs may require community-service proof.

Scholarship Eligibility Requirements for Indian Students in Malaysia

To qualify for scholarships in Malaysia, Indian students generally need good academic scores, proof of English proficiency, and an admission offer from a recognized university. Some scholarships may also consider extracurricular achievements, financial need, or field-specific skills. Requirements vary by program, so checking each scholarship’s criteria is important.

Essential Eligibility Factors

1. Academic Performance

Strong performance in 10th and 12th board exams (CBSE/ISC/State Boards) is essential. Most competitive scholarships require a minimum of 75% or equivalent. For postgraduate courses, a first-class or upper-second-class in a relevant bachelor’s degree is typically expected. Research-based programs may weigh thesis work heavily.

2. Standardized Test Scores

Scholarship applications often involve standardized test scores like GRE, GMAT, SAT, or ACT. Stronger performance in these exams can significantly boost your chances of securing financial support.

3. English Proficiency

Since instruction is primarily in English, proof of proficiency is mandatory. IELTS (5.5–6.5), TOEFL (60–80), or PTE (50–58) are the usually accepted tests. Students from English-medium schools (CBSE/ICSE) may be exempt with 75%+ in English (12th grade). Some universities conduct their own English assessments.

4. Leadership & Extracurricular Activities

Malaysian scholarships value well-rounded candidates. Relevant experiences include leadership roles, community service, competitions (national/international Olympiads, hackathons), sports (national and international levels), and cultural achievements.

5. Financial Need

Some scholarships assess financial background. Required documents include family income proofs such as ITR, salary slips, and affidavits or sponsorship letters if applicable.

6. Scholarship Essay (Statement of Purpose)

The SOP must articulate career goals, reasons for choosing Malaysia, and how the scholarship aligns with your aspirations.

7. Letter of Recommendation (LORs)

Preferably from academic referees familiar with your work (e.g., professors, project supervisors).

8. Citizenship & Residency Requirements

Indian nationals must hold a valid passport. Some scholarships (e.g., MIS) cap applicants at 40–45 years for postgraduate programs. Medical fitness certificates may be required for visa and scholarship processing.

9. Application Deadlines & Submission

Malaysian scholarships often have earlier deadlines than university admissions (e.g., MTCP opens in March). Ensure all documents (transcripts, test scores, essays) are attested and translated (if not in English).

Top Scholarships for Indian Students to Study in Malaysia

Malaysia’s scholarship ecosystem presents Indian students with multiple avenues to fund their international education. From prestigious national awards to university-specific financial aid and private-sector sponsorships, these programs make studying in Malaysia an achievable goal. Begin your search today to find the most-suited scholarship that aligns with your academic aspirations!

Malaysian Government Scholarships

Scholarship Name	Scholarship Amount	Eligibility Criteria	Additional Details
Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS)	Full tuition, monthly living allowance, airfare, and medical insurance.	- Min. CGPA 3.0/4.0 (or equivalent) - Admission offer from a Malaysian public university - Max age: 45 (PhD), 40 (Master’s)	For postgraduate studies only. Highly competitive, with preference for research-based programs.
MTCP Scholarship (Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme)	Covers tuition, stipend, airfare, and other allowances	- Min. CGPA 3.5/4.0 (or equivalent) - Age below 45 (Master’s) or 50 (PhD) - Must return to home country after studies	Focused on development-related fields (economics, IT, international relations).

Indian Government Offered Scholarships

Scholarship Name	Scholarship Amount	Eligibility Criteria	Additional Details
ICCR Scholarships (Indian Council for Cultural Relations)	Full tuition + monthly stipend (~MYR 1,500–2,500) + airfare.	- Min. 60% in previous degree - Age limit: 22–45 years - Must apply through ICCR portal	Priority for arts, culture, and technical fields. Requires a bond to return to India post-study.
Study in Malaysia Scholarship (SI-MS)	Partial to full tuition coverage.	- Indian nationals with strong academics - Admission in a recognized Malaysian university	Offered in collaboration with Malaysian High Commission in India.

University Offered Scholarships

Scholarship Name	Scholarship Amount	Eligibility Criteria	Additional Details
University of Malaya (UM) Merit Scholarship	10%–100% tuition waiver.	- Min. 80% in Class XII (or equivalent) - Strong academic record in undergrad (for PG)	Early applicants get priority. Competitive, especially for engineering & medicine.
Monash University Malaysia Merit Scholarship	Up to 100% tuition fee waiver.	- Outstanding academic record (min. 85% or equivalent) - Leadership qualities	Available for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
Taylor’s University Excellence Scholarship	30%–100% tuition discount.	- Min. 75% in Class XII (or equivalent) - Active in extracurriculars	Renewable each semester based on academic performance.

Private or NGOs Offered Scholarships

Scholarship Name	Scholarship Amount	Eligibility Criteria	Additional Details
PETRONAS Education Sponsorship Programme	Full tuition + stipend + accommodation.	- Engineering/STEM fields - Min. 80% in Class XII - Leadership potential	Requires a bond to work with PETRONAS post-graduation.
Khazanah Global Scholarship	Full tuition + living expenses + airfare.	- Admission to top Malaysian universities (e.g., UM, UKM) - Strong academic & leadership record	For postgraduate studies; must return to home country after completion.
Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship	Partial to full funding (need-based).	- Financial need - Strong academics - No age limit	Requires repayment through community service post-studies.

Apply for Scholarships to study in Malaysia for Indian students

Malaysia has emerged as a preferred destination for Indian students pursuing quality higher education at competitive costs. Recent data indicates a growing number of Indian beneficiaries securing either full or partial funding for their studies. However, given the increasing competition for these awards, applicants must adopt a strategic approach to enhance their chances of success.

Below are key considerations for prospective candidates:

Scholarship deadlines in Malaysia often precede standard university admission cycles. Many programs require submissions several months in advance of the intended intake. Applicants are advised to maintain a structured schedule, accounting for document preparation, submission windows, and potential interview rounds.

While academic merit remains fundamental, selection committees frequently assess additional qualifications, including:

Demonstrated leadership experience
Participation in relevant extracurricular activities
Research contributions (particularly for postgraduate applicants)

A well-articulated Statement of Purpose should clearly convey the applicant’s academic and professional objectives, reasoning for selecting Malaysia as a study destination, and alignment between the candidate’s goals and the scholarship’s objectives.

Institutions typically value detailed endorsements from academic or professional referees familiar with the applicant’s capabilities. Generic testimonials carry less weight than specific examples of achievement and potential.

Certain scholarships incorporate interview stages to evaluate:

The candidate’s familiarity with Malaysia’s education system
Relevance of their chosen field to current industry trends
Long-term plans and potential contributions to their home country or host institution

Applicants must ensure all supporting materials meet specified standards, including properly attested academic transcripts, certified translations of non-English documents and valid proof of financial status (wherever applicable).

Given the absence of standardized testing requirements for many Malaysian scholarships, candidates should concentrate on presenting a cohesive and compelling application narrative. Early preparation, attention to detail, and direct communication with awarding bodies can significantly improve outcomes.

Conclusion

Securing scholarships requires more than just merit—it demands a strategic approach. Hamlets Education partners with students to build winning applications, offering targeted advice on essay refinement, documentation, and interview preparation to give them a decisive advantage.

Your Gateway to Malaysia – Scholarships That Make Dreams Affordable!