Malaysian International Scholarship MIS 2026 in Malaysia (Fully Funded). Apply for fully funded scholarships here. The Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS) is the Malaysian government’s flagship fully funded scholarship for international graduates pursuing postgraduate studies. Offered by the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), it covers full tuition and a monthly living allowance at 24 Malaysian universities. Here’s a complete, up-to-date guide to funding, eligibility, deadlines, and life as an MIS scholar.
Scholarship Overview
MIS supports master’s and PhD studies at Malaysian public and select private universities. It’s aimed at attracting outstanding international graduates with strong academic records and research potential.
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The 2026/2027 application cycle closed on 3 April 2026, and MOHE is currently reviewing shortlisted candidates for interviews. This guide reflects the most recent official cycle and what to expect for the next intake.
MIS has run annually since its launch, consistently following a similar pattern: applications open for roughly one month in early spring, followed by a shortlisting and interview process that stretches into the summer months.
Malaysian International Scholarship MIS 2026 Details:
| Offered by: | Ministry of Education, Malaysia |
| Degree level: | Masters, PhD |
| Scholarship coverage: | Fully Funded |
| Eligible nationality: | All Nationalities |
| Award country: | Malaysia |
| Last date: | 22 July 2026 |
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Financial Benefits
MIS is described by MOHE as “limited to” two core benefits, which keeps the scholarship simple and predictable for scholars planning their budget.
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | Fully covered for the entire sponsorship period, paid directly to the university |
| Monthly Living Allowance | RM 1,500 per month, paid every four months upon progress report submission |
| Application Fee | None; the MIS application itself is free |
| Travel Costs | Not covered; scholars must arrange and fund their own travel to Malaysia |
Because travel isn’t included, it’s worth applying for the scholarship before you apply to a university, since Malaysian universities typically charge their own application fees.
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Available Study Programs
MIS covers any accredited postgraduate course, but MOHE gives priority to a set of national development fields. Here are the areas most scholars pursue.
- ICT & Engineering: Covers computer science, electrical, mechanical, and civil engineering programmes, reflecting Malaysia’s push into technology-driven industries.
- Islamic Finance: A speciality area strongly linked to institutions like INCEIF University, drawing scholars interested in Shariah-compliant financial systems.
- Environmental Science: Focused on sustainability, climate resilience, and natural resource management, aligned with Malaysia’s environmental policy goals.
- Business & Social Sciences: Broad postgraduate options in management, economics, and social research, open to scholars from varied academic backgrounds.
- Natural Sciences & Agriculture: Research-heavy programmes tied to Malaysia’s agricultural innovation and biodiversity research priorities.
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Applicants can still choose any accredited course outside these priority areas, though preference in selection tends to favour projects tied to Malaysia’s national development goals.
Top Universities
MIS scholars can study at any of the 24 participating institutions. These three are consistently the highest-ranked and most popular choices among international applicants.
| University | City | World Ranking (QS 2026) | Postgraduate Tuition Range (RM/program) | MIS Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Universiti Malaya (UM) | Kuala Lumpur | #58 globally, Malaysia’s top-ranked university | Approx. RM 18,000–79,100 | Yes, fully covered under MIS |
| Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) | Penang | Top 200 globally, Malaysia’s only APEX university | Approx. RM 18,000–40,000 | Yes, fully covered under MIS |
| Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) | Bangi, Selangor | Top 150 globally | Approx. RM 20,000–45,000 | Yes, fully covered under MIS |
Since MIS pays tuition directly to whichever university admits you, these fee ranges mainly matter for comparing programme value; the cost itself won’t come out of your pocket.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility for MIS depends on your nationality, academic record, and career stage. Review each condition carefully, since MOHE applies these strictly.
- Be a citizen of an eligible recipient country, including ASEAN nations, Commonwealth countries, and a specific list spanning Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.
- Intend to pursue full-time postgraduate study in Malaysia or already be enrolled with at least two semesters remaining.
- Be no older than 40 for Master’s applicants, or 45 for PhD applicants, at the time of application.
- Hold a CGPA of 3.00 or second class upper (honours) or higher at the bachelor’s level for master’s applicants.
- Hold a CGPA of 3.00 or excellent Master’s-level results in a related field for PhD applicants.
- Demonstrate strong English proficiency, either through IELTS (6.5+) or TOEFL iBT (92+), or proof of a prior English-medium degree.
Selection also weighs the quality of your research proposal, with preference given to projects tied to Malaysia’s development priorities. MOHE has stated it specifically values proposals with real potential to contribute to technology advancement or human well-being, so generic or overly broad topics tend to score lower.
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Required Documents
| Document | Required |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of passport (valid 6+ months) | Yes |
| Certified academic transcripts and degree certificates | Yes |
| Grading system explanation letter (if CGPA isn’t shown on transcript) | Only if applicable |
| English proficiency test result or medium-of-instruction letter | Yes |
| Two letters of recommendation | Yes |
| Curriculum Vitae | Yes |
| Research proposal (minimum 1,000 words) | Master’s by Research and PhD applicants only |
| University admission letter (if already admitted or enrolled) | Only if applicable |
Application Process
Step 1: Confirm your eligibility. Check your nationality against the recipient country list and your academic record against the CGPA and age requirements.
Step 2: Choose your programme and field. Pick a postgraduate course at one of the 24 participating institutions, ideally aligned with an MIS priority area.
Step 3: Draft your research proposal. Master’s by Research and PhD applicants should prepare a proposal of at least 1,000 words tied to a real, executable research question.
Step 4: Gather recommendation letters. Request two letters from referees early, since this step often takes the longest to complete.
Step 5: Prepare certified documents. Scan and certify your passport, transcripts, and English test results as PDFs before the portal opens.
Step 6: Register on the MIS portal. Create an account on the official online application system once the intake window opens.
Step 7: Complete the application form. Fill in your personal, academic, and programme details accurately before uploading documents.
Step 8: Upload all required documents. Double-check file names and clarity, since incomplete uploads are a common reason for rejection.
Step 9: Submit before the deadline. MIS applications for the 2026/2027 cycle closed on 3 April 2026; the next intake typically follows a similar March–April window.
Step 10: Track your application status. Shortlisted candidates are notified through the portal and invited to an interview before final offers go out.
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Student Visa Guide
Once accepted, international students need a Malaysian Student Pass, processed through Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) and the Immigration Department of Malaysia.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Visa Type | Student Pass, processed via EMGS |
| Processing Time | Typically 4–8 weeks after university admission is confirmed |
| Financial Proof | Reduced burden since MIS scholars can show their award letter as funding proof |
| Medical Examination | Mandatory: scholars must complete an approved medical check-up before or after arrival |
| Required Documents | Passport, university offer letter, MIS award letter, passport photos, medical report |
It’s the scholar’s own responsibility to apply for and secure the entry visa, including the medical examination, so start this process as soon as your offer letter arrives.
Health Insurance
Health insurance is mandatory for all international students in Malaysia, though it isn’t included in the MIS funding package itself.
Most universities require students to enrol in an approved medical insurance scheme as part of visa processing, typically costing around RM 600–1,000 per year. Scholars should budget for this separately alongside their RM 1,500 monthly allowance.
Accommodation & Living Costs
Since MIS only covers tuition and a fixed monthly allowance, understanding real living costs in Malaysia helps you plan your budget realistically.
- University Housing: On-campus hostels are the most affordable option, typically ranging from RM 200 to RM 600 per month.
- Private Rentals: Shared apartments near campus usually cost RM 500 to RM 1,500 per month, depending on the city.
- Monthly Living Expenses: Total costs, including food and transport, generally range from RM 1,200 to RM 2,500 per month.
Kuala Lumpur runs noticeably higher than cities like Penang or smaller university towns, so the RM 1,500 living allowance stretches further outside the capital. Scholars studying at USM in Penang or UKM in Bangi often report lower overall costs than those based in KL, simply due to cheaper rent and everyday expenses.
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Post-Study Work Opportunities
Malaysia offers a structured pathway for international graduates who want to stay and work after finishing their degree, though it isn’t automatic.
- Graduate Pass: Eligible graduates from a defined list of nationalities can apply for a 12-month Social Visit Pass to job search after graduation.
- Employment Pass: The main long-term work visa, split into three salary-based categories, requiring an employer to sponsor the application.
- Average Salaries: Fresh graduates typically start between RM 2,500 and RM 5,000 per month, depending on industry and role.
- Major Hiring Industries: IT, finance, engineering, and manufacturing are among the strongest sectors recruiting international graduates.
Student passes cannot be converted directly into work visas; graduates typically need to secure a job offer and go through the formal Employment Pass process instead. Planning this transition during your final semester, rather than after graduation, gives you the best chance of a smooth switch from student to work status.
Frequently Asked Questions (Latest Google FAQs)
Is the Malaysia International Scholarship really fully funded?
It covers full tuition and a monthly living allowance of RM 1,500, but scholars must arrange and pay for their own travel to Malaysia.
Is the MIS 2026/2027 application still open?
No. The 2026/2027 cycle closed on 3 April 2026, and MOHE is currently processing shortlisted candidates for interviews.
When will the next MIS intake open?
MOHE hasn’t announced exact dates yet. Based on past cycles, the next intake is expected to open (Next Intake) – Check Official Website, typically around March of the following year.
Do I need IELTS to apply for MIS?
Not necessarily. Applicants can submit IELTS or TOEFL scores, or a letter confirming their previous degree was taught in English.
Can current students in Malaysia apply for MIS?
Yes, as long as they have at least two semesters remaining before completing their programme.
Is there an age limit for MIS applicants?
Yes. Master’s applicants must be 40 or younger, and PhD applicants must be 45 or younger, at the time of application.
Does MIS cover flights to Malaysia?
No. MOHE explicitly states that travel expenses are the scholar’s own responsibility.
Can MIS scholars work part-time during their studies?
Generally no, unless the scholar receives written approval from their university, since MIS scholars aren’t permitted to take paid employment without permission.
Conclusion
The Malaysia International Scholarship remains one of Asia’s most accessible fully funded postgraduate routes, combining full tuition coverage with a modest but reliable living allowance across 24 recognised universities. With the 2026/2027 cycle already closed, the smart move now is to prepare early for the next round.
Get your transcripts certified, your research proposal drafted, and your recommendation letters lined up well ahead of time, and apply only through MOHE’s official channels listed below.
Official Resources
| Website Type | Official Website | Latest Application Deadline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official Scholarship Page | MOHE MIS Official Portal | 3 April 2026 (2026/2027 cycle, closed) | Expected to Open (Next Intake) – Check Official Website |
| Ministry Website | Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia | N/A | Official |
| University Admissions Example | Universiti Malaya Admissions | Varies by Program | Official |
| Student Visa | Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) | N/A | Official |
| Immigration | Immigration Department of Malaysia | N/A | Official |
Deadlines and funding terms are set by the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia and may change between cycles. Always confirm current details on the official pages above before applying.