Complete Guide for International Students
The Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS) 2026-27 is now open! Fully funded postgraduate scholarship covering tuition fees and monthly living allowance. Learn about eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and step-by-step application process.
Your Gateway to Studying in Malaysia
Malaysia has rapidly emerged as one of Asia’s premier education hubs, offering world-class universities, a multicultural environment, and affordable living costs. For international students seeking to pursue postgraduate studies, the Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS) 2026-27 presents an exceptional opportunity to turn academic dreams into reality.
Sponsored by the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education, this prestigious scholarship program aims to attract talented individuals from around the globe to pursue Master’s and PhD degrees at leading Malaysian universities . Whether you’re an aspiring researcher or a professional seeking advanced qualifications, the MIS scholarship could be your ticket to academic excellence in Southeast Asia.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the MIS 2026-27 scholarship—from benefits and eligibility to application procedures and deadlines.
What is the Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS)?
The Malaysia International Scholarship is a government-funded initiative designed to support outstanding international students in pursuing full-time postgraduate studies in Malaysia . Launched as part of Malaysia’s vision to become a global center of academic excellence, the scholarship program attracts, motivates, and retains talented human capital from abroad .
The scholarship is open to citizens from a wide range of countries, including ASEAN nations, Commonwealth countries, and other partner nations worldwide . Successful applicants gain access to Malaysia’s top public and private universities, world-class research facilities, and a truly international learning experience.
List of Universities under MIS Scholarship:
- Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)
- Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)
- Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)
- Universiti Malaya (UM)
- Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM)
- Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia (UIAM/IIUM)
- Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM)
- Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)
- Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM)
- Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM)
- Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM)
- Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI)
- Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT)
- Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS)
- Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP)
- Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS)
- Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP)
- Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA)
- Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM)
- Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK)
- Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP)
- Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN)
- Multimedia University (MMU)
- INCEIF University (INCEIF)
Scholarship Benefits: What Does MIS Cover?
The Malaysia International Scholarship offers comprehensive financial support to ensure recipients can focus entirely on their studies without financial stress .
1. Full Tuition Fee Coverage
The scholarship covers 100% of tuition fees for the entire duration of the study program. The Malaysian government pays the fees directly to the university, eliminating the need for students to worry about educational costs .
2. Monthly Living Allowance
Recipients receive a monthly living allowance of RM 1,500 (approximately USD $350 / IDR 6.3 million) . This allowance is disbursed every four months upon submission of a progress report to the Ministry of Higher Education.
3. Duration of Support
- Master’s programs: Up to 2 years
- PhD programs: 3 to 4 years
Note: Travel expenses (airfare) and other personal costs are not covered by the scholarship. Students may need to arrange additional funding or sponsorship for these expenses .
Eligibility Criteria: Are You Qualified?
Before applying for the MIS 2026-27 scholarship, carefully review the eligibility requirements. Meeting these criteria is essential for your application to be considered .
Nationality Requirements
- You must be a citizen of a country eligible for the MIS program
- Eligible countries include:
- ASEAN nations: Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, Brunei, Singapore
- Commonwealth countries: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and others
- Other partner nations: China, Japan, South Korea, Russia, Turkey, Brazil, Egypt, and many more
Age Limits
- Master’s applicants: Not more than 40 years old at the time of application
- PhD applicants: Not more than 45 years old at the time of application
Academic Requirements
- Master’s applicants: Minimum CGPA of 3.00 / 4.00 or Second Class Upper (Honours) at Bachelor’s degree level
- PhD applicants: Minimum CGPA of 3.00 / 4.00 or excellent results at Master’s level in a field related to the intended PhD program
English Language Proficiency
Applicants must demonstrate strong English proficiency through one of the following:
- IELTS score of 6.0 or higher
- TOEFL PBT score of 550 or higher
- Previous degree earned with English as the medium of instruction (official letter from the university required)
Additional Requirements
- Must intend to pursue full-time postgraduate studies (Master’s or PhD) in Malaysia
- For research-based programs (Master’s by Research and PhD): Must submit a research proposal of at least 1,000 words
- Applicants currently studying in Malaysia must have at least two semesters remaining in their program
Priority Fields of Study
While the MIS scholarship accepts applications across all accredited fields, priority is given to candidates pursuing studies in the following areas :
| Field Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Education | Educational leadership, curriculum development, TESOL |
| Arts and Humanities | Languages, history, philosophy, cultural studies |
| Social Sciences, Journalism, and Information | Sociology, psychology, media studies, library science |
| Business, Administration, and Law | MBA, finance, accounting, international business, commercial law |
| Natural Sciences, Mathematics, and Statistics | Biology, chemistry, physics, applied mathematics |
| Information and Communication Technologies | Computer science, data science, AI, software engineering |
| Engineering, Manufacturing, and Construction | Civil, mechanical, electrical, chemical engineering |
| Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, and Veterinary | Agribusiness, sustainable agriculture, animal science |
| Health and Welfare | Public health, nutrition, healthcare management (excluding medicine, nursing, and pharmacy) |
Application Timeline 2026
The MIS 2026-27 application period is officially open with the following important dates:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Opens | March 5, 2026 |
| Application Deadline | April 3, 2026 |
| Selection Process | April – May 2026 |
| Results Announcement | To be confirmed |
| Intake Commencement | September 2026 (expected) |
Critical Reminder: The deadline is firm—late applications will not be accepted. Start preparing your documents immediately to avoid missing this opportunity.
Required Documents
Prepare the following documents in PDF format before starting your online application. All documents must be in English or accompanied by certified translations .
- Completed Online Application Form (filled via the official portal)
- Certified Copy of Passport – Must be valid for at least 6 months from the application date
- Certified Academic Transcripts – Include all courses taken during previous studies. If transcripts don’t show CGPA, include an official grading system explanation
- English Proficiency Certificate – IELTS (6.0+), TOEFL PBT (550+), or official letter confirming English-medium instruction
- Two Letters of Recommendation – From academic referees (supervisors, professors, or academic advisors)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) – Highlighting academic achievements, research experience, and relevant skills
- Research Proposal – Minimum 1,000 words for Master’s by Research and PhD applicants
- Admission Letter (if available) – If you already hold an offer from a Malaysian university, include it. However, admission is not mandatory before applying
Step-by-Step Application Process
Follow these steps to submit a successful MIS application:
Step 1: Review Eligibility
Carefully verify that you meet all nationality, age, academic, and language requirements.
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
Gather and certify all required documents. For research programs, invest time in crafting a compelling research proposal aligned with Malaysia’s development priorities.
Step 3: Create an Account
Visit the official application portal: https://biasiswa.mohe.gov.my/INTER/index.php
Click “Sign Up” and register using your passport number .
Step 4: Complete the Online Application
Log in with your credentials and fill out the application form carefully. Double-check all information for accuracy.
Step 5: Upload Documents
Upload all required documents in PDF format. Ensure each file is clearly named and legible.
Step 6: Submit Before Deadline
Submit your application by April 3, 2026. After submission, you will receive a confirmation.
Step 7: Await Selection Results
The selection committee will review applications based on academic merit, research proposal quality, and overall potential. Shortlisted candidates may be called for an online interview .
Tips for a Successful Application
1. Start Early
Begin preparing your documents at least 2-3 months before the deadline. Rushed applications often contain errors.
2. Craft a Strong Research Proposal
For research-based programs, your proposal should:
- Be original and well-structured
- Demonstrate clear research objectives
- Show feasibility within the program duration
- Highlight relevance to Malaysia’s development or regional priorities
3. Secure Strong Recommendations
Choose referees who know you well academically. Provide them with your CV and research proposal to help them write detailed, personalized letters.
4. Double-Check Everything
Verify that all documents are certified, translated if needed, and uploaded correctly. Incomplete applications are automatically rejected.
5. Consider Contacting Potential Supervisors
While not mandatory, reaching out to potential supervisors at Malaysian universities can strengthen your application, especially for PhD programs .
6. Apply Even Without Admission Letter
You can apply for MIS without already holding an admission offer. However, securing admission before the interview stage is advantageous .
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Based on past application cycles, avoid these common pitfalls :
- ❌ Missing the deadline – The portal closes sharply on April 3, 2026
- ❌ Submitting incomplete documents – Use the checklist to ensure nothing is missing
- ❌ Writing a generic personal statement – Tailor your application to MIS requirements
- ❌ Ignoring eligibility criteria – Verify country eligibility, age limits, and field restrictions
- ❌ Poor research proposal quality – Invest time in developing a well-structured proposal
- ❌ Submitting uncertified translations – All non-English documents must have certified translations
Your Journey Starts Here
The Malaysia International Scholarship 2026-27 represents a transformative opportunity for international students to pursue world-class postgraduate education in one of Asia’s most dynamic countries. With full tuition coverage and a generous monthly allowance, MIS removes financial barriers and opens doors to academic excellence at Malaysia’s top universities.
The deadline of April 3, 2026 is fast approaching. Begin your application preparation today—review the eligibility criteria, gather your documents, and craft a compelling research proposal if required. This prestigious scholarship could be the first step toward an extraordinary academic journey in Malaysia.
Good luck with your application!
