One of the main advantages of studying in Malaysia is the low cost of living and tuition fees compared to other countries. The average tuition fee for an undergraduate program in Malaysia is between 15,500 to 23,000 MYR per year, while the average cost of living is estimated at 4,508 MYR per month. However, by applying for scholarships to study medicine in Malaysia for international students, they can further reduce their expenses. These scholarships can cover partial or full tuition fees, living allowances, travel costs, and other benefits and are offered by different parties, such as the government, private organizations, and universities.
Malaysia is a diverse and dynamic country that offers international students a wide range of opportunities. With its multicultural society, rich natural resources, and strategic location in Southeast Asia, Malaysia is an attractive destination for higher education. Malaysia has a well-developed higher education system that comprises public and private institutions, offering various academic and professional qualifications. Malaysia is also a popular choice for international students who seek quality education at an affordable cost. In 2022, Malaysia hosted over 130,000 international students from 162 countries, with a target of reaching 250,000 by 2025. International students are attracted by the high standards of teaching and learning, the recognition of Malaysian qualifications, the English-medium instruction, and the cultural diversity of Malaysia. In this article, we will look at some of the best scholarships to study medicine in Malaysia for international students, along with their eligibility and benefits.
Top Scholarships to Study Medicine in Malaysia
Malaysia International Scholarships
The Malaysia International Scholarships (MIS) are an initiative by the Malaysian Government to attract brilliant minds from around the world to pursue postgraduate studies in Malaysia. The MIS was launched in 2007 as part of the Malaysia Education Promotion Plan, which aims to promote Malaysia as a center of excellence for education. The MIS has a high reputation among international students, as they offer a chance to study in leading Malaysian universities and higher education institutions, with the opportunity to enjoy Malaysian hospitality and a world-class higher education experience. The MIS also reflects Malaysia’s aspiration to emerge as one of the global centers of academic excellence by attracting, motivating, and retaining talented human capital from abroad.
Eligibility:
- Not be more than 45 years of age during application.
- Have a minimum of Second Class Upper (Honors) or a CGPA of 3.5/4.0 at the Bachelor’s Degree Level for master’s Degree applicants and Ph.D. candidates must possess a CGPA of 3.5/4.0
- TOEFL (minimum score of 580 for paper-based, 237 for computer-based, or 92 for internet-based); or IELTS (minimum score of 6.5); or MUET (minimum score of Band 6).
- Have written a proposal that is relevant to the field of studies.
- Have applied for and gained admission to postgraduate and postdoctoral studies in Malaysia (conditional letters of offer will be accepted at the time of application or have confirmation of acceptance or affiliation with the universities in Malaysia).
Benefits:
- Air tickets from the recipient’s capital city to Malaysia
- An approved tuition fee Monthly maintenance allowance
Annual grant for books and internal travel - Medical/health insurance
- Installation and termination grant
- Thesis allowance
- Visa
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Malaysia Commonwealth Scholarships
The Malaysia Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP) is a prestigious program that offers postgraduate scholarships and fellowships to students from Commonwealth countries who wish to pursue their studies in Malaysia. The program was established in 2006 as part of Malaysia’s contribution to the Commonwealth and its commitment to international cooperation and development. The CSFP aims to support the academic and professional development of talented and deserving students from various fields and backgrounds and to foster a network of scholars and professionals who can contribute to advancing their respective countries and the Commonwealth as a whole. The program also reflects Malaysia’s recognition of the importance of education and research in addressing global challenges and achieving sustainable development goals.
Eligibility:
- Applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of a Commonwealth country, or a refugee or British-protected person.
- Applicants must have an undergraduate honors degree of at least upper second class (2:1) or equivalent. For PhD applicants, a relevant master’s degree is also required.
- Applicants must be unable to afford to study in Malaysia without a scholarship or fellowship. Applicants must have applied for and gained admission to a full-time postgraduate program at a Malaysian university.
Benefits:
Tuition fees and other compulsory fees
- Monthly living allowance
- Annual book allowance
- Thesis allowance
- Travel expenses for one return trip
- Medical and health insurance
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Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP) Scholarship
The MTCP Scholarship was established in 1980 as part of Malaysia’s commitment to South-South Cooperation, a concept that promotes mutual sharing and exchange of development experiences among countries in the Global South. The MTCP Scholarship aims to provide opportunities for talented and motivated individuals from the developing world to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills that could contribute to the development of their home country and foster stronger bilateral ties with Malaysia. The MTCP Scholarship covers various fields of study, such as engineering, science, social sciences, humanities, education, health, and Islamic studies. The MTCP Scholarship is highly competitive and selective, as only a limited number of scholarships are available each year. The MTCP Scholarship is awarded based on academic excellence, research potential, leadership qualities, and social contributions. The MTCP Scholarship is a valuable opportunity for aspiring scholars from the developing world to pursue their academic goals and aspirations in Malaysia.
Eligibility
The MTCP Scholarship is open to candidates who have completed a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent with a minimum CGPA of 3.0 out of 4.0, and have a good command of English.
Benefits
The MTCP Scholarship covers tuition fees, monthly allowance, book allowance, thesis allowance, medical insurance, and air tickets.
Suggested Reading: Scholarships to Study Medicine in Australia for International Students
Haji Abdullah Academic Excellence Scholarship
The Haji Abdullah Academic Excellence Scholarship is a scholarship offered by MAHSA University to students who are registered with the university. The scholarship aims to support students who have overcome their underprivileged backgrounds and achieved outstanding academic results and involvement in extracurricular activities. The scholarship covers up to 50% of the tuition fees for diploma and degree programs at MAHSA University. To apply for the scholarship, students need to submit an online application form along with their academic transcripts, a personal statement, and evidence of financial constraints and extracurricular activities. The scholarship is renewable every semester, as long as the student maintains a minimum of 70% average mark or equivalent. The Haji Abdullah Academic Excellence Scholarship is a great opportunity for students who want to pursue their studies at one of the leading universities in Malaysia and Asia.
Conclusion
In conclusion, even though there aren’t many scholarships to study medicine in Malaysia for international students, the country still offers some attractive options for pursuing a medical degree. Additionally, Malaysia is an economical and affordable study-abroad destination in Asia, with a diverse and multicultural environment. Therefore, international students who want to study medicine in Malaysia can benefit from the quality education, low cost of living, and rich cultural experience that the country has to offer. However, before making a final decision, international students should also consider the quality of the options available and the already low tuition fees in Malaysia. Therefore, international students should weigh the pros and cons of studying medicine in Malaysia and make a balanced and informed decision based on their academic goals, financial situation, and personal preferences. To know more about the same, contact our admission experts at Gyanberry. Book your free video call appointment now!
