Malaysia University Scholarships: A Complete Guide for International and Sri Lankan Students (2025)
I. Introduction
Higher education is a necessary step toward building a successful career in today’s competitive world. However, rising tuition fees often make it difficult for many to pursue their academic dreams. As students worldwide seek affordable yet high-quality education, Malaysia has emerged as a top destination due to its world-class universities, affordable tuition fees, and diverse scholarship opportunities. What’s even more remarkable about Malaysia is that it offers diverse scholarship programs ranging from merit-based and need-based to fully funded programs, covering tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs, and is designed to support international students, including those from Sri Lanka. However, navigating the Malaysia University Scholarships application process can be overwhelming for some students, especially given hectic schedules and responsibilities. Agape Education simplifies it by providing expert guidance on Malaysia University Scholarships for International Students. From identifying the fitting scholarship to submitting applications and securing student visas, Agape Education ensures a smooth and stress-free experience for students aiming to study in Malaysia. Furthermore, Agape Education has one of the most exciting opportunities for students applying to Malaysian universities in 2025: up to 50% scholarships for top universities, making studying in Malaysia even more accessible and affordable for international students. Work with Agape Education today and secure Malaysia University Scholarships for 2025 before time runs out.
II. Why Choose Malaysia for University Scholarships?
As we already know, Malaysia is a top destination for higher education, attracting thousands of international students yearly because of quality education, globally recognized degrees, and affordable tuition. Here’s why studying in Malaysia with a scholarship is a great choice:
● Affordable Education:
One of the biggest advantages of studying in Malaysia is the lower tuition fees compared to most Western countries. Scholarships can reduce these expenses even more for international and Sri Lankan students, making higher education accessible and budget-friendly. Also, the cost of living in Malaysia is relatively low, allowing students to manage their expenses efficiently.
● Globally Recognized Degrees:
Malaysian universities are consistently ranked among the top institutions in Asia and the world, often at the top in QS Asian University Rankings. Also, most of the top Malaysian universities are approved by the Ministry of Higher Education and Malaysian Qualifying Agency (MQA—National Accreditation Board). Graduates from Malaysian universities find excellent career opportunities in their home countries and globally, as Malaysian university degrees are widely accepted and respected internationally. A few countries that recognize degrees obtained from a Malaysian university are the UK, Australia, the USA, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Turkey, the UAE, and Indonesia.
● Diverse Scholarships:
Malaysia offers an extensive range of scholarships that guarantee students from different academic and financial backgrounds can find suitable funding options. These scholarships include merit-based scholarships for students with outstanding academic achievements, need-based scholarships designed especially for students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds, fully funded scholarships that cover tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs, and postgraduate scholarships available especially for Master’s and PhD students focused on research programs.
● Support for International Students:
Malaysia’s multiculturalism makes it easy for students from different backgrounds, including Sri Lanka and other countries, to feel at home. Furthermore, Malaysian universities’ inclusive and student-friendly policies provide all its international or Sri Lankan students with facilities such as on-campus accommodation, student societies, Student counseling and career guidance, and more.
III. Types of Malaysia University Scholarships Available
As we already know, Malaysia is one of the top destinations for students, offering various scholarships to support students from different academic backgrounds and financial situations. These scholarships provide partial or full funding, making it convenient and more manageable for international students, including those from Sri Lanka, to study in Malaysia. Below are the main types of Malaysia University Scholarships for 2025 offered to international students:
1. Merit-Based Scholarships
Merit-based scholarships in Malaysia are offered to academically high-achieving students. These scholarships are very beneficial for international students, as they cover 25%–75% of the tuition. With such a huge percentage of the tuition reduced, the students will have to pay a significantly small amount of tuition. The University of Malaya (UM), Asia Pacific University (APU), and Monash University Malaysia are some of the universities that offer merit-based scholarships to students.
2. Need-Based Scholarships
For students from low-income backgrounds who are seeking scholarships in Malaysia, need-based scholarships are the solution. These scholarships ensure that students with limited financial resources can pursue higher education without excessive financial strain. To be eligible for need-based scholarships, the candidates have to have a strong academic record, even if not at the highest merit level; for example, having a minimum of Second Class Upper (Honours) or a CGPA of 3.5/4.0 at Bachelor’s Degree Level for Master’s Degree applicants. The applicant should also be able to provide supporting documents, such as income statements, to prove their financial need. Furthermore, the candidate should possess excellent communication, writing, and reading skills in English language, for example, some Malaysian universities expect students with an IELTS Academic Test with a score of at least 6.5. Also, the applicant must be in excellent health and certified by a certified doctor or medical professional.
3. Fully-Funded Scholarships
Fully funded scholarships in Malaysia are a boon to international students, covering tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs. With all these main expenses covered, the students have only a little financial burden and can pursue their higher education stress-free. Government initiatives such as the Malaysian International Scholarship (MIS) are great examples of fully funded scholarships in Malaysia. The MIS aims to attract the best brains worldwide to pursue advanced academic studies in Malaysia. This scholarship seeks to support the Malaysian government’s effort to attract, motivate, and retain talented human capital from abroad. With MIS, talented international students with outstanding academic records and co-curricular backgrounds can further their studies in any selected and well-established Malaysian public or private universities. However, MIS Scholarships cover only Master’s and PhD programs.
4. Postgraduate Scholarships in Malaysia
Postgraduate scholarships are offered to Master’s and PhD students, particularly those involved in research-oriented programs. Postgraduate scholarships often include research grants and funding for conference participation. To obtain postgraduate scholarships, PhD candidates must possess a CGPA of 3.5/4.0 or an outstanding result at the Master’s degree level in a similar field of intended PhD study. Selection for a postdoctoral program is usually based on the number of books produced, refereed/non-refereed journals, portfolio, and patent copyright. The postdoctoral candidate must also have an excellent reputation in research and possess knowledge related to the study to be carried out. Malaysian International Scholarship (MIS) is an excellent postgraduate scholarship you should definitely target.
5. Undergraduate Scholarships in Malaysia
Undergraduate scholarships usually cover the students’ first-year tuition fees, and depending on the students’ academic performance, these scholarships are renewable. Obtaining an undergraduate scholarship is beneficial for international and Sri Lankan students, as it reduces the financial burden they might have otherwise shouldered while entering their first year at a university.
IV. Universities in Malaysia Offering Scholarships
Let’s look at a few Malaysian universities offering scholarships for the year 2025 that you can apply to and try your luck at.
1. Monash University Malaysia
Monash Diploma Merit Scholarship is open to Malaysian citizens or international students who want to enter the Diploma of Business course at Monash University Malaysia. The scholarship results in a Tuition fee waiver of up to RM20000, subject to meeting the scholarship maintenance conditions. For undergraduates, Merit Scholarships such as the Monash High Achiever Award (for new students), Monash High Achiever Award (for continuing students), Monash Pharmacy Excellence Scholarship, Female in Engineering Scholarship, and Graduate Research Pathway Scholarship are available where the tuition fee is waivered fully or partially depending on the scholarship.
2. Asia Pacific University (APU)
APU Scholarships and Merit Awards for international students are available to new international students on a first-come, first-served basis. These scholarships and merit awards are applicable to all countries/nationalities, and based on qualifications and results, discounts are provided for the students. Furthermore, Merit Awards are awarded on a yearly basis and are renewable upon meeting a minimum CGPA of 2.50 at the end of each academic year. APU Postgraduate Master’s Degree Scholarships covering tuition fees based on your qualifications are available, too. Furthermore, APU also offers the Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS) scholarship for masters and PhD programs. The MIS covers air tickets from the recipient’s capital city to Malaysia, approved tuition fees, a monthly maintenance allowance, an annual grant for books and internal travel, medical/health insurance, an installation and termination grant, a thesis allowance, a conference travel grant, and a journal publication grant.
3. Curtin University
Curtin Malaysia Merit Scholarship is awarded to full-time new students or Foundation/Diploma students based on their qualifications, and the value of the scholarship is dependent on how the students fulfill the qualifications.
4. UCSI University
UCSI University Trust Scholarship is offered to International students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievements and leadership attributes and participate actively in extracurricular activities and community involvements. The scholarship award provides a partial tuition fee waiver throughout the student’s undergraduate study period at UCSI University or UCSI College. The UCSI University Trust Graduate Scholarship is offered to qualified International candidates enrolled in any Master’s degree or Doctorate programs by coursework or mixed-mode at UCSI University, and the scholarship results in full or partial tuition fee waiver for postgraduate studies at UCSI University.
V. How to Get Malaysia University Scholarships Through Agape Education
Applying for a university scholarship can be a complex and hectic process for most students who juggle their academic burdens and personal commitments. Agape Education simplifies the job for scholarship candidates by providing expert guidance at every step. Whether you seek merit-based, need-based, or fully funded scholarships, Agape Education ensures a smooth and hassle-free application experience. Follow the below five steps to turn your Malaysia University Scholarships for 2025 dream a reality today:
● Step 1:
Contact Agape Education for a free consultation. Start by contacting Agape Education through their website for a free consultation. This consultation will help you understand the universities, programs, and scholarships. You can also have all your questions and doubts cleared up, so discuss your scholarship eligibility and university preferences with them and start applying with a clear mind.
● Step 2:
Choose from top Malaysian universities offering 50% scholarships. Since Agape Education is an experienced education consultancy, it is partnered with over 20 top Malaysian universities. To proceed, select your dream university from the universities offering 50% scholarships, which cover almost half of the tuition fees, based on your preference and their expertise.
● Step 3:
Submit your application with Agape Education’s guidance. Once you’ve chosen a university, Agape Education helps you fill out applications accurately and meet all requirements. Their team ensures your application stands out, increasing your chances of receiving the scholarship you love and want.
● Step 4:
Scholarship application assistance. As we all know, Scholarship applications require various specific documents, such as academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and personal statements, which you might sometimes miss out on in the haste of preparing all the necessary documents. But with Agape education, document preparation, submission, etc., becomes hassle-free and very convenient. There is no more last-minute rush for documents.
● Step 5:
Visa processing and migration support. After you secure your scholarship, Agape Education provides visa application assistance, helping you navigate the usually stressful immigration process smoothly.
With Agape Education, you can secure up to 50% of scholarships at top Malaysian universities, making your dream of studying abroad affordable and stress-free! So, why wait?
VI. Benefits of Applying Through Agape Education
Agape Education makes securing a university scholarship easier, faster, and more effective. With years of experience guiding students, Agape Education offers exclusive benefits that increase your chances of success.
● Direct Partnerships:
Agape Education works with over 20 Malaysian universities. Some of its university partners include Monash University Malaysia, Taylor’s University, Asia Pacific University (APU), and Lincoln University Malaysia.
● Proven Success Rate:
With a 99% success rate, Agape Education has helped thousands of students achieve their dream of securing scholarships and studying in Malaysia without unnecessary delays or rejections. Their expert advisors ensure that every application meets the university’s requirements, maximizing the chances of approval.
● Hassle-Free Process:
Applying for a scholarship, securing admission, and handling visa procedures can be overwhelming. Agape Education provides a step-by-step, stress-free approach to handling everything from documentation to arrival in Malaysia. Book a free consultation and experience the difference yourself.
● Exclusive offers:
Access scholarships with tuition discounts, grants, and financial aid packages only available through Agape Education. Years of experience in the field do have their perks.
VII. Why Malaysia Scholarships Are Popular for Sri Lankan Students
Malaysia is a top study destination for Sri Lankan students due to its affordable education, globally recognized degrees and strong cultural connections. With numerous scholarship opportunities, Malaysia offers a cost-effective, high-quality education experience. Here’s why Malaysian university scholarships are particularly attractive for Sri Lankan students:
● Proximity to Sri Lanka:
Malaysia is geographically close to Sri Lanka, making travel between the two countries affordable and convenient. With frequent direct flights and low travel costs, Sri Lankan students can easily visit home during holidays. The countries also share familiar cultural elements regarding cuisine and traditions.
● Scholarship Opportunities:
Malaysian universities offer tailored scholarship programs for Sri Lankan students. These merit-based, need-based, and fully funded scholarships help Sri Lankan students reduce tuition fees and living costs.
● Recognition in Sri Lanka:
Degrees from Malaysian universities are recognized and valued in Sri Lanka. So, if they choose to, Sri Lankan students can return home with a globally competitive degree instead of working in Malaysia.
● Supportive Community:
Malaysia has a large community of Sri Lankan students, making it easier for newcomers to adjust and feel at home. Universities also provide student support services, cultural societies, and student networking opportunities.
VIII. FAQs About Malaysia University Scholarships
Students often have several questions about applying for Malaysia University Scholarships, their eligibility criteria, and the application process. Below are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions:
● Q1: Can I get a fully-funded scholarship in Malaysia?
Yes! Fully funded scholarships such as the Malaysian International Scholarship (MIS) are available for international students, especially for postgraduate programs. These scholarships cover travel costs, approved tuition fees, a monthly maintenance allowance, medical/health insurance, an annual grant for books and internal travel, and more.
● Q2: What are the eligibility criteria for merit-based scholarships?
Merit-based scholarships are awarded to students with outstanding academic performance and leadership skills. Universities assess applications based on high academic scores such as GPA or equivalent, participation in extracurricular activities like sports, clubs, or competitions, and demonstrating strong leadership qualities, such as involvement in student councils, social work, etc.
● Q3: How do I apply for a scholarship in Malaysia?
Applying for a scholarship requires careful preparation and submission of the right documents. Agape Education simplifies the process by guiding students through every step, from application to visa approval. So, contact Agape Education the second you consider applying to a Malaysian university.
IX. Conclusion
Malaysia offers many scholarship opportunities to international and Sri Lankan students, making it an ideal destination for affordable and high-quality education. Whether you’re looking for merit-based, need-based, or fully-funded scholarships, Malaysia’s top universities provide financial aid options to help you achieve your academic dreams. By studying in Malaysia, students gain access to world-class education at globally recognized universities, a multicultural and welcoming student environment, and scholarships covering up to 50% of tuition fees or full funding for postgraduate studies. So, without delay, work with Agape Education, get a free consultation, scholarship application support, visa processing, & migration assistance, and fulfill your dream of studying in Malaysia soon.
“Ready to secure your Malaysia University Scholarship for 2025? Contact Agape Education today and let us guide you every step of the way. Your future awaits!”