Looking to pursue a fully funded PhD in a beautiful, diverse, and affordable country? Malaysia might just be your ideal destination. With world-class universities, generous scholarships, and a welcoming atmosphere for international students, Malaysia is quickly becoming a popular choice for doctoral studies.
In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 universities in Malaysia that offer fully funded PhD scholarships, plus how you can apply.
1. University of Malaya (UM)
Location: Kuala Lumpur
UM is Malaysia’s oldest and most prestigious university, ranked among the top 100 in the world. It’s a research powerhouse and home to many international students.
Scholarship Options:
UM Postgraduate Scholarships – Full tuition, research support, and a monthly stipend.
ASEAN Scholarships – For students from ASEAN countries, covering tuition, housing, and living costs.
How to Apply:
Apply via UM’s [official postgraduate portal], upload your documents and indicate your interest in scholarships during the process.
2. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)
Location: Bangi, Selangor
UKM is known for strong research programs and a beautiful, green campus. It’s one of the top-ranked universities in Malaysia.
Scholarship Options:
UKM Vice Chancellor’s Gold & Silver Awards – Includes full tuition fee coverage, monthly stipend up to RM 3,200, and research expenses.
UKM-YSD Scholarship – Sponsored by Yayasan Sime Darby, available for high-achieving PhD students.
How to Apply:
Apply at [UKM’s official site]and upload your research proposal, academic transcripts, and recommendation letters.
3.Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)
Location: Johor Bahru & Kuala Lumpur
UTM is a leader in engineering and tech research, offering modern labs and strong industrial partnerships.
Scholarship Options:
UTM Zamalah Research Scholarship – Covers tuition, monthly living allowance, and research funding.
How to Apply:
Submit your application via [UTM’s graduate portal] and select “Zamalah” during the scholarship section.
4. Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)
Location: Penang
Known as an APEX university, USM focuses on research in science, tech, and health.
Scholarship Options:
USM Fellowship Scheme – Provides tuition, monthly stipends, and sometimes research travel grants.
How to Apply:
Apply directly through [USM’s online portal]. Be sure to also explore the scholarship section for available fellowships.
5. Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP)
Location: Perak
Owned by Malaysia’s national oil and gas company PETRONAS, UTP is a top-notch private university for engineering and energy studies.
Scholarship Options:
PETRONAS Research Scholarships – Often available to students involved in energy, sustainability, or tech research.
How to Apply:
Apply via [UTP’s postgraduate portal]and get in touch with potential supervisors for funding guidance.
6. International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM)
Location: Gombak, Selangor
With students from over 100 countries, IIUM offers a culturally rich experience with an Islamic-centered curriculum.
Scholarship Options:
Government-funded PhD scholarships
Internal IIUM postgraduate awards
How to Apply:
Visit [IIUM’s admissions page]and follow the application steps. Scholarships are offered during admission or via separate applications.
Location: Bandar Sunway, Selangor
A branch of Australia’s Monash University, it offers world-class education and research support.
Scholarship Options:
GEMS PhD Scholarship – Covers full tuition, relocation support, and a monthly stipend of RM 2,800.
Faculty Research Assistantships – May include tuition waivers and living allowances.
How to Apply:
Check [Monash Malaysia’s graduate research site] for open scholarships and application details.
8. Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
Location: Putrajaya
Another UK-based campus in Malaysia, Heriot-Watt is especially strong in engineering and business.
Scholarship Options:
James Watt PhD Scholarship – Covers tuition and a generous living stipend.
Foundation and Merit Scholarships – Based on academic performance.
How to Apply:
Visit [Heriot-Watt Malaysia’s scholarship page] and apply before deadlines, typically around August–September.
9.Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)
Location: Serdang, Selangor
UPM is highly respected in agriculture, food science, and biotechnology, offering excellent research opportunities.
Scholarship Options:
UPM Graduate Research Fellowship (GRF) – Monthly stipend and tuition support for full-time PhD students.
How to Apply:
Go to [UPM’s graduate school portal] and complete your application. Research supervisors may also help secure funding.
10. University of Nottingham Malaysia (UNM)
Location: Semenyih, Selangor
This is the Malaysian campus of the University of Nottingham, UK. Known for business, engineering, and environmental studies.
Scholarship Options:
International PhD Excellence Awards – Offers tuition waivers and merit-based support.
Bonus: Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS)
The Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS) is a national, fully funded opportunity for international PhD students from selected countries.
What It Covers:
Full tuition fees
Monthly living allowance (RM 1,500)
Airfare and visa support
Research and thesis costs
Who Can Apply:
Age under 45
CGPA ≥ 3.0
Strong research proposal
IELTS ≥ 6.5 or TOEFL ≥ 92
Apply Here:
[Malaysia International Scholarship – MIS]
Deadline: Usually around August each year.
Application Checklist
✅ Academic transcripts
✅ Research proposal
✅ Letters of recommendation
✅ CV / Resume
✅ Proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
✅ Statement of purpose
✅ Contact a potential supervisor (highly recommended)
Final Thoughts
Choosing to pursue a PhD in Malaysia is not only a financially smart decision — it’s also an incredible academic and cultural adventure. Whether you’re in engineering, health, business, or social sciences, these universities offer strong research environments and generous funding.
Pro Tip: Always reach out to a potential supervisor before applying. A supportive mentor can improve your scholarship chances significantly.
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