MIS Scholarship 2026 | Fully Funded by Malaysian Government (Cycle Closed)

The Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS) 2026 application cycle has officially closed as of 3rd April 2026. This fully funded scholarship, organized by the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia, was designed for international students seeking to pursue Master’s and PhD degrees at participating Malaysian universities. The next application cycle is expected to open in the second quarter of 2027, with a tentative deadline of 31st May 2027. Prospective applicants should prepare their documents and research proposals ahead of time to apply promptly when the next cycle opens. For the most accurate and up-to-date details, visit the official MIS website.

About the Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS) 2026

The MIS program aimed to attract talented international students to Malaysia’s higher education system by providing full funding for postgraduate studies. It covered tuition fees and provided a monthly living allowance, enabling recipients to focus fully on their academic pursuits. The scholarship supported studies in a wide range of disciplines at 24 participating universities across Malaysia, including 20 public and 4 private institutions.

Financial Coverage of the MIS Scholarship

• Full tuition fee coverage for the entire duration of the Master’s or PhD program
• Monthly living allowance of RM 1,500 to cover accommodation, food, and other expenses

Participating Universities

The scholarship included prestigious Malaysian universities such as:

• Public Universities: Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Universiti Malaya (UM), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), and others.
• Private Universities: Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP), Multimedia University (MMU), INCEIF University, and Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN).

Eligibility and Application Requirements

• Open to international students from eligible countries including ASEAN, Commonwealth, and others.
• Applicants must be applying for full-time Master’s or PhD programs.
• Age limits: Maximum 40 years for Master’s and 45 years for PhD applicants.
• No IELTS required if previous degree was fully taught in English.
• University acceptance letter not required at application stage.
• Required documents included academic transcripts, degree certificates, research proposal, motivation letter, and recommendation letters.

Preparing for the Next MIS Scholarship Cycle (Expected Q2 2027)

To maximize your chances for the upcoming MIS 2027/2028 cycle, start preparing your academic documents and research proposal now. Familiarize yourself with the eligibility criteria and gather recommendation letters early. Monitor the official MIS website for announcements regarding the exact opening date and application deadline, expected around 31st May 2027.

Tuition Fees and Living Costs for International Students in Malaysia

While the MIS scholarship covers tuition fees fully, understanding the typical costs for international students in Malaysia is useful for other funding options or partial scholarships.

Funding Options for International Students in Malaysia

Besides the Malaysia International Scholarship, international students may explore other funding opportunities:

• University Scholarships: Many Malaysian universities offer their own scholarships or assistantships.
• Education Loans: Some banks and financial institutions provide loans tailored for international students.
• Employer Sponsorship: Students already employed may seek sponsorship from their employers.
• External Scholarships: Various international organizations and foundations offer scholarships for study in Malaysia.

Alternatives to MIS Scholarship

If you missed the MIS 2026 cycle, consider applying for other scholarships such as the Malaysian Commonwealth Scholarship, university-specific awards, or international scholarships that support study in Malaysia. Additionally, some universities offer merit-based or needs-based financial aid for international postgraduate students.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is the MIS Scholarship 2026 still open? No, the 2026 cycle closed on 3rd April 2026. The next cycle is expected in Q2 2027.
• Where can I find official updates about the MIS Scholarship? Visit the official MIS website regularly.
• What does the MIS Scholarship cover? Full tuition fees and a monthly living allowance of RM 1,500.
• Do I need an IELTS score to apply? No, if your previous degree was fully taught in English, IELTS is waived.
• Can I apply to the university before getting the scholarship? It is recommended to apply for the MIS scholarship first to avoid paying university application fees unnecessarily.
• What are typical living costs in Malaysia for international students? Approximately RM 1,500 per month, which is covered by the MIS scholarship allowance.