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Scholarship Essay: Tips & Template That Actually Work

February 24, 2022

Let’s be honest: Higher education doesn’t come cheap.

As much as students desire to study their dream programme in the best university in Malaysia or the world, only a small percentage actually manage to do so. Others would have to opt for a more affordable choice instead.

This is why you need a scholarship !

Government and private corporations award scholarships to students with outstanding performance, be it academic or co-curricular achievements.

What are the types of scholarships in Malaysia?

Academic achievement scholarship

The academic achievement scholarship naturally comes with plenty of competitions. It is exclusively for students with an outstanding academic performance (straight As etc). Recipients are required to maintain high grades to continue receiving the incentive . JPA Scholarship is one of the most famous and competitive scholarships in Malaysia.

Extra-curricular scholarship

You still stand a chance for a scholarship even without straight As! This scholarship is awarded to students with exceptional achievements outside the classroom , such as sports, the arts, and music. Corporations that offer this scholarship include government agencies, sports/arts associations, and higher education institutions.

Need-based scholarship

Everyone deserves a chance at higher education. This scholarship serves as a financial aid for underprivileged students . It is usually awarded by the government, NGOs, charity associations, universities, and more.

Institution-based scholarship

To be eligible for this scholarship, students must be alumni of a school, association, or group . The award varies from partial to full scholarships.

How to write an impressive scholarship essay?

Student researching scholarship essay materials in library.

Writing an essay as part of the scholarship application requirement doesn’t have to be daunting.

The most important thing is that you do not plagiarise from the internet. While it is tempting to present the perfect essay to wow the evaluator, they can spot a reused/copied piece right away, and you can wave your scholarship goodbye.

Instead, we have compiled some tips to help you write an original essay , as well as a template to guide you through. Keep reading to find out more.

1. Understand the essay question/topic first.

If you have trouble understanding the question, you can always have someone go through it with you before you begin writing. Besides, it is always better to seek clarification from the institution than going off-topic. You only have so little chance!

2. Research thoroughly

Take note of your achievements and strengths that differentiate you from others. Don’t just stop at “I have strong leadership skills.” Were you a captain of any sports team? What did you do to solve a crisis as a leader? Elaborate and give real-life examples.

3. Highlight your genuine interest

Why choose the university, programme, and industry? You should sincerely explain the reason behind your choice and address your passion here. After all, no one wants to award a student who is only half-interested.

4. Brainstorm the essay flow

Try to present your points in the best ways possible. These common questions that may appear in the essay:

How will the scholarship help your future endeavours?
How can you help your community by studying in this programme?
Why do you want to join this university?

Even if they are not your essay questions, you can use them as a guideline to detail your intentions in a short paragraph.

5. Start writing

Carefully write your first draft and show it to people whom you trust will give genuine feedback, be it good or bad. If it doesn’t impress them, chances are, the markers won’t either.

6. Edit your draft

Proofread it multiple times. You want your essay to be free of grammatical errors and silly mistakes!

7. Lastly, submit your essay on time

No matter how good your essay is, late submissions will not be tolerated. Find out the deadline and be punctual!

You should also be careful NOT to make these mistakes while writing your essay, or you will risk losing a scholarship! Remember that you shouldn’t :

Use the same essay for every scholarship application.
Include jargon and difficult words that are unfamiliar to you.
Mention too many achievements. It will make you seem arrogant.
Overuse quotes. The key is to stay original.

Is there an available template?

Below you will find the basic outline and format to help you write a killer essay.

1. Introduction

Kick-off your essay by introducing yourself with your full name and the name of the scholarship .

2. Objectives

State your programme and the reason why you chose it . It is best to elaborate how your major can help you contribute to the betterment of your community or society.

3. Background

Share details about your character that show how well you fit into the programme and industry. It is worth mentioning any activities you were a part of, such as volunteer work.

4. Explain why you need this scholarship

How will the scholarship help you during and after your studies? You must be detailed and concise in this section.

5. Conclusion

Highlight certain parts of your essay again, such as your desire to join the university and how you will appreciate and make full use of the scholarship if you were to receive it.

Essay format

According to College Essay , your essay should typically follow this format, unless the institution specifies otherwise.

Font: Times New Roman Font size: 12 Spacing: Double Margin: 1 inch on all sides of the A4 document

There you have it! All the best in applying for a scholarship!

If you want to apply to study overseas, here are 8 secrets to winning scholarships abroad .

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Thursday, October 19, 2017

How to write an amazing scholarship winning essay, how to write an amazing scholarship essay.

Always Start Early

Know your requirements, consider your audience, brainstorm ideas and pick a topic, start with an outline, proofread, then proofread again, scholarship essay don’ts .

Use a quote at the beginning of an essay
Explain “in this essay, I will….”
Use the exact same essay for every scholarship application
Put a lengthy resume down on paper
Use words new to you or words that you or others may be unfamiliar with
Place too many achievements throughout your essay

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6 Scholarship Essay Examples and What They Got Right (2024)

With rising tuition costs and increasingly competitive admissions, scholarships have become very important for students to fund their education and demonstrate their academic strength relative to other applicants. But to earn competitive scholarships, it’s not enough to just be a strong student or get involved in your community—scholarship essays are a crucial part of the application.

Many students will be eligible to apply for a given scholarship, making selection difficult. What makes an applicant different from others with eligible backgrounds and identical grades or test scores? Scholarship essays provide context on applicants’ character and aspirations, and why they represent the kind of student that scholarships hope to support. In these essays, students must justify why they are the ideal recipient, how they fit the mission of the scholarship and/or organization, and why the scholarship money would be a meaningful investment in their future.

With these high stakes, it’s reasonable to be nervous about how to approach these essays. In this post, we’ll look at 6 essays that worked—and why they were so effective.

Note: For the sake of concision, the in-text essay examples only include the first ~200 words. Links to the full text of each essay can be found at the bottom of the article.

Scholarship: New York University College of Arts and Science Scholarship ( $39,500 )

Prompt: Explain something that made a big impact in your life.

“If you can’t live off of it, it is useless.” My parents were talking about ice skating: my passion. I started skating as a ten-year-old in Spain, admiring how difficulty and grace intertwine to create beautiful programs, but no one imagined I would still be on the ice seven years and one country later. Even more unimaginable was the thought that ice skating might become one of the most useful parts of my life.

I was born in Mexico to two Spanish speakers; thus, Spanish was my first language. We then moved to Spain when I was six, before finally arriving in California around my thirteenth birthday. Each change introduced countless challenges, but the hardest part of moving to America, for me, was learning English. Laminated index cards, color-coded and full of vocabulary, became part of my daily life. As someone who loves to engage in a conversation, it was very hard to feel as if my tongue was cut off. Only at the ice rink could I be myself; the feeling of the cold rink breeze embracing me, the ripping sound of blades touching the ice, even the occasional ice burning my skin as I fell—these were my few constants. I did not need to worry about mispronouncing “axel” as “aksal.” Rather, I just needed to glide and deliver the jump.

Essay strengths

Strong opening and thematic consistency: The essay opens with a striking quote that immediately engages the reader and introduces the theme. This theme of passion vs. practicality is explored in-depth throughout the piece, creating a cohesive narrative.

Vivid sensory details and imagery: The author uses clear, descriptive language to immerse the reader in their experiences. Phrases like "the feeling of the cold rink breeze embracing me" and using pronunciation errors to show the contrast between the author’s skill and youth make the essay more exciting. A boring essay is rarely a successful one!

Reflection and insight: The essay concludes with a nuanced reflection on the value of pursuits that may not be directly profitable but are nonetheless enriching. This shows strong character development and self-insight, and the ability to challenge the discouraging comment that opens the essay.

Scholarship: Fund for Education Abroad Rainbow Scholarship ($7,500)

Prompt: The Fund for Education Abroad is committed to diversifying education abroad by providing funding to students who are typically under-represented in study abroad. Please describe how you and/or your plans for study abroad could be viewed as under-represented.

“Oh well look at that one,” my uncle leans over and says about my brother-in-law in the living room wearing a dress. “I’d always had my suspicions about him,” he jokes with a disapproving sneer and leans back in his chair, a plate of Southern-style Christmas dinner in his hand.

I was hurt. Why would my own uncle say that like it’s such a terrible thing that my brother-in-law is wearing a dress? That it was the worst thing in the world if my brother-in-law were gay or effeminite.

“I think he looks beautiful,” my oldest brother Ethan chimes in. At that moment, I wish I could have hugged Ethan. No, not because he was defending my brother-in-law (who actually isn’t gay, as my uncle was suggesting), but because Ethan was defending me. My uncle has no idea that I recognized earlier this past year that heterosexuality wasn’t meeting all of my needs for intimacy with other people and that I’ve come to define myself as queer. It all started when I took a hard look at how my upbringing in Miami had taught me that the only way that boys are supposed to connect with others is by having sex with “beautiful” girls–that intimacy with other guys or “ugly” girls isn’t as meaningful.

Powerful “hook”: The essay starts with a dialogue-driven scene that immediately pulls the reader into the narrator’s family context and establishes the central conflict.

Unique approach to the prompt: The essay directly addresses how the author's queer and polyamorous identity makes them underrepresented in study abroad programs. Addressing a less common identity spoken about in scholarship or diversity essays, the author uses a compelling approach to the prompt and a creative motivation for studying abroad.

Compelling conclusion with a vision for change: The essay ends with a creative series of "fade-in" scenes, illustrating the writer's goal of promoting tolerance through his experiences abroad. The author broadens the scope of his narrative by showing the relevance of his own experiences to others with similar identities, proving that this opportunity would support his community at large, not just himself.

Scholarship: Questbridge Finalist essay earning $3,000 in application waivers plus $3,000 in local scholarships

Prompt: Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

Recall the most cherished memory with your father figure. For some it may be when he taught you how to ride a bike, for others it may be memories of him taking you out for pizza when mom said the family has to eat healthy, for others it’s the ability to confide in somebody that won’t judge or stop loving you because of the mistakes you have made. When a child is born, he or she is given a birth certificate, which provides information such as name, date and place of birth, but most importantly it provides the names of the parents of the child. On my birth certificate I have the name of my beloved mother Lurvin, but right above her name is an empty space where my father’s name should be.

As a child I would often compare my life to my peers; I would often go through all of these hypothetical scenarios in my mind thinking, “If my dad were around I could be like all of the other boys.” As the years went by I always had a sense of optimism that one day I would meet him and he would tell me “I love you and I’ll never leave your side again.” But when the time came and I met him on January 2014 I learned that a man can reject his only son not once, but twice.

Compelling opening and thematic consistency: The essay begins with a thought-provoking question about memories with father figures, immediately setting up the contrast with the author's own experience. This theme of accepting and moving past his father’s absence, despite wishing things could be different, is explored in greater depth throughout the piece.

Powerful use of numbers and metaphor: The author uses the number of days (5,900) to show the impact his father's absence had on his early life—counting the precise number of days also demonstrates the continued emotional impact his father’s absence had on the author. The Y chromosome metaphor is another creative metaphor for the emotional distance between the author and his biological father.

Specific examples of achievements: The writer provides concrete examples of his accomplishments (Boy's State program, Young Senator's Leadership Program, wrestling) to illustrate the exact ways he’s overcome these challenges and become a confident leader. It’s important not just to state that you’ve grown in essays but to explain how you got there and why it matters.

Prompt: What differentiates you from the hundreds of DACA students who apply to our scholarship? Use one of those opportunities to tell us something else we cannot see just by looking at your grades, test scores, and transcripts.

“I always knew I was different than my friends in some way. Growing up, I struggled to speak English while everyone else had little to no problems. I needed extra help in school while my friends coasted by with ease. My friends would hop on planes and travel all around the world while I had to stay at home. At the age of 13 all of my friends started driving while I still couldn’t.

I built up the courage and asked my mother why I did not have access to the simple liberties everyone else did. My name Is Jesus Adrian Arroyo-Ramirez, and I was illegally brought to this country when I was just six years old. At the time I had no clue that I was breaking any laws, and I did not realize the fact that my life was going to change forever. Growing up with a different citizenship situation than my peers was and still is the biggest challenge I have to face in my life.

Nuanced description of experiences: While all essays for this scholarship must discuss the applicant’s DACA status, this author emphasizes a unique element—he was unaware of this trait for many years. Discussing how learning about this part of his identity was a struggle in itself adds depth to the essay narrative.

Emphasis on resilience and achievement: The essay demonstrates how the author's challenges became a source of motivation, leading to impressive academic achievements. This shows determination and the ability to overcome adversity; while not directly mentioned in the prompt, diversity-based scholarships always want to see this element in the essay narrative.

Scholarship: NC Parks (Four-year scholarship to NC State University)

Prompt: What do you do to serve your community? Why do you do the service that you do? What impact have you made? What challenges or insights have your service contributions given you?

“What are the boys like in high school?” “Is it easy to get a boyfriend?” Sighing, the other frustrated leaders and I look at each other as we read the questions posed by the younger girls. Every year at Girls’ Night Out (GNO), a program that introduces and prepares eighth-grade girls for high school, the girls question the leaders about relationships and dating ad nauseum, irritating other leaders to the point of ignoring the questions.

Giving each question a careful and deliberate answer is often difficult, but instead of disregarding the issue, I try to offer my most sincere and honest advice. Originally, when I began as a group leader in the program I would give the same response, “You shouldn’t worry about boys. Instead, enjoy your friends, and do things you enjoy.” While that advice is true, it is often not the answer that will satisfy the girls. Through many years in the program, I have learned that advice is not “one size fits all”; it must be individualized to the person’s needs. Now, when faced with a question about dating, I respond with more questions before giving “words of wisdom”.

Strong “hook” and opening anecdote: The essay begins with a dialogue-based scene from Girls' Night Out, showing the narrator’s outgoing personality and ability to mentor others in a “fun” environment. The author maintains this “show, don’t tell” writing style throughout the essay, ensuring that the reader doesn’t lose interest.

Multiple service experiences: The essay discusses two different volunteer roles (Girls' Night Out and the food pantry), which shows a commitment to serving her community through multiple avenues. While Girls’ Night Out is a more informal and lighthearted way of making younger girls feel welcome at school, the food pantry serves the essential needs of those outside her immediate community.

Prompt: Discuss in your essay any challenges or obstacles you have dealt with and overcome in life and how this will help you succeed in college and beyond. Describe how volunteer, community service or extra-curricular activities have shaped who you are today and what it has taught you. May also include future educational plans and career goals.

I have encountered an emotional barrier making it difficult to manage my schoolwork, extracurricular activities and family responsibilities. I have had to deal with being viciously raped by a peer during my sophomore year, resulting in severe depression. I am no longer allowed to be alone for a long period of time, as I’ve attempted to commit suicide twice, but I do not regard those as true attempts to end my life. I just wanted someone to know how I felt and how much I needed help.

My past has only made me more resilient, as I choose to prove to myself and those around me that I am more than the barriers I’ve encountered–but overcome.

It took a 3,000- mile flight for me to gain a different perspective of my world. Landing in Maine was nothing like home. There was no traffic, lots of trees, and absolutely no Spanish to be heard anywhere. I was a 10th grader when I found myself at Coastal Studies for Girls, a marine science and leadership school; I would be there for a whole semester. I was surrounded by strangers who looked different, sounded different, and could recite tide pool specifics in casual conversation.

Powerful opening with vulnerability: The essay begins with a candid disclosure of personal trauma and mental health struggles. This immediately establishes the author's resilience and sets a tone of honesty that engages the reader. Most applicants are hesitant to draw from deeply traumatic experiences; this author takes the risk in order to show a truly impressive recovery and story of success.

Contrast and metaphor: The description of the author's experience in Maine illustrates her journey outside the struggles she faced in earlier years. The large geographic distance serves as a metaphor for gaining an emotional distance and recovery from a harmful environment.

Layered challenges to overcome: While the essay opens with a discussion of trauma, the author later addresses the challenges her first-generation and immigrant status have added to her pursuit of higher education. She takes her essay to the next level by showing how she’s not only overcome these obstacles but also started initiatives to ensure that students with similar backgrounds are supported in their own educational goals.

Full Text of Essays

One other option—Lumiere Research Scholar Program

If you are interested in doing university-level research, then you could consider applying to the Lumiere Research Scholar Program , a selective online high school program for students that I founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.

Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation , a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students.

Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a Ph.D. student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.

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How To Apply For A Scholarship

by StudyMalaysia.com on March 1, 2019 | Top Stories

Have you ever thought about applying for a scholarship? If you have but need help on how to start, read on. If you haven’t, read on anyway because there are more scholarships out there than you think—there could be one waiting for you!

Applying for scholarships is similar to applying to a college or university; there will be forms to fill where you’ll need to provide information about yourself. The only difference is that you’ll have to work a little harder at presenting yourself in a way that makes you look good. You’d certainly want to make a good impression and show why you are deserving of the scholarship—don’t forget there are likely to be hundreds (or even thousands of other applicants) vying for the award!

Types of scholarship

A common misconception is that scholarships are available only for the smartest students who have the top results for a given examination. That is not entirely true of course, although it is safe to say that most scholarships are awarded based on a combination of need and merit.

In Malaysia, scholarships are offered mainly by government agencies, private higher education institutions, and various organisations. For the latter category, this could include corporations and companies from diverse fields, as well as non-profit foundations. In addition, there are also scholarships offered by organisations not in Malaysia.

While many scholarships require good grades from a candidate, it is by no means the only merit considered. There are also sports scholarships, community scholarships (to provide opportunities to those in disadvantaged communities) and creative scholarships (to promote talent in art, dance, music, etc.).

Applying for a scholarship

There isn't one set way of applying for a scholarship. Every scholarship application has its own processes and requirements, which is why the following tips will be extremely useful for you.

Typical documents required for a scholarship application (hint: get them ready early)

Transcript of exam results, e.g. SPM, STPM, O levels, IGCSE, etc.
Certificates and testimonials of your participation in extra-curricular activities
Parents' financial information, e.g. tax return forms, salary slips, etc.
Personal statement and/or essay
One or more letters of recommendation
Proof of eligibility for the scholarship (e.g., for sports scholarship, proof of participation at state or national level)

Note: Many institutions require certified true copies of the certificates (which can be done by your previous school). Some may request to view the original certificates if you’re called for an interview. When applying for scholarships abroad, your transcripts which are in BM may need to be transcribed into another language (usually English).

Start researching as early as possible

Many scholarships are repeated annually. Try to find out beforehand when a particular scholarship is typically announced or advertised. Ask your teachers, or seniors who may have had experience applying for the same scholarship. When you know when to expect it, you’ll be better prepared in submitting your application, particularly for scholarships with a shorter application period than others.

Doing some homework on the types of scholarships available also helps you to prioritise which scholarships to apply for (first). Finding out the full range of scholarships available also means that you won’t miss out on anything. If there’s a time to be kiasu, this is one of them!

Respect deadlines

When doing your research, it would be smart to make a note of the applications deadline. Mark it on your calendar, or better yet, set an alert on your phone to remind you to get going with submitting your application. Most organisations receive numerous applications and would be strict about disregarding late applications.

Do you qualify?

Yes, we said be kiasu and apply for all scholarships available, but it also means making sure that you are eligible for it. There’s little point in applying for a scholarship for which you don’t qualify. That said, if you’re unsure if you’re eligible, do take the trouble to contact the sponsor to clarify before scratching the scholarship off your list.

Good organisation is key

Being organised is always useful in any undertaking. In this case, here are some pointers that will help your application process a smoother one.

Keep a file of each scholarship you plan to apply for: you can index them, sort them by application due dates, and make a note of which you have sent out.
If it’s possible to track your submission, do so. For example, send your application by courier instead of normal mail.
Keep copies of your scholarship application. Besides reminding you of which scholarships you’ve applied for, a copy of your application is valuable for when you get called for an interview. The interviewer would want to know more about what you wrote in your application—how do you think you would fare preparing for those questions if you don’t remember what you wrote?

Before you submit your application…

Make sure your application is complete. Have you filled out all the required information? Have you attached all required documents in support of your application?

Conversely, make sure that you include only the documents requested by the scholarship sponsor. Sending an additional 30 pages of irrelevant transcripts may make them think that you're incompetent in following instructions.

Proofread your application and get someone to proofread it for you as well. You would want to minimise spelling and grammar mistakes. Make sure your application is neat and legible if hand-written.

It’s common to re-use parts of a cover letter or essay when applying for multiple scholarships. Do make sure that you personalise each one to suit the scholarship you’re applying for, e.g. make sure you get the name of the scholarship or person-in-charge right.

Want to get started on your search for scholarships? Start at StudyMalaysia’s scholarship page.

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Top Universiti Malaya Scholarships In 2025 (Malaysia)

مدخل الجامعة: هيدر مقال منح جامعة مالايا

If you’ve set your sights on studying in Malaysia but are facing financial obstacles, Malaysian scholarships might be the ideal solution. Today, we continue our series on Malaysia’s various scholarships, diving deep into the University of Malaya scholarship opportunities.

Table of Contents

What We Will Cover

The University of Malaya (UM), recognized as the top university in Malaysia and one of the leading institutions in Asia, currently ranks 60th globally, according to the QS Ranking. Known for its high-quality education and pioneering research, UM offers a diverse range of scholarships for Malaysian and international students. The university provides a variety of programs, including medicine , engineering , and social sciences.

In this article, we’ll explore the University of Malaya scholarships and focus on those available for international students in 2025, and guide you on how to apply for these incredible opportunities.

What is the University of Malaya? An Overview

The University of Malaya (UM) is Malaysia’s oldest and most prestigious university. Established in 1905, UM stands as one of the leading educational institutions in Southeast Asia. Located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s vibrant capital, the university ranks among the top 60 universities globally, according to the QS World University Rankings .

With over 3,000 international students from more than 80 countries, the University of Malaya is a popular choice for students worldwide, offering a culturally diverse academic environment . UM boasts state-of-the-art educational and research facilities, including specialized labs, extensive libraries, and internationally accredited research centers, providing a comprehensive educational setting that enhances the overall academic experience for students.

Academic Year Structure and Semester Dates at the University of Malaya

The academic year at the University of Malaya is divided into two main semesters, with an additional optional summer session available for students who wish to progress faster. Here’s how the academic schedule is structured:

Semester I : Typically begins in September and ends in January. This semester marks the start of the academic year and attracts the majority of new students.
Semester II : Begins in February and concludes in June. It welcomes new students and continues for those already enrolled in their programs.

In addition to these two semesters, UM offers an optional summer session for students aiming to accelerate their studies or complete required courses. This flexible system allows international students to effectively manage their time and enroll in available programs that fit their schedules.

Key Academic Programs at the University of Malaya

The University of Malaya offers a diverse range of academic programs across several key fields, including:

Medicine : Known as one of UM’s most prestigious programs, the medicine program provides comprehensive training for students pursuing a medical career in an advanced and supportive environment.
Engineering : This faculty covers civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering , offering internationally accredited programs that equip students with hands-on training and advanced research opportunities.
Law : The law program is recognized as one of the finest in Malaysia and Southeast Asia, producing numerous distinguished legal professionals.
Business Administration : This program offers interactive courses and varied specialties in management, preparing students for the global job market with essential skills and knowledge.
Social Sciences : Encompassing psychology, political science, and sociology, this faculty allows students to explore the impacts of social and political changes.

Each of these programs at UM is designed to provide students with a top-tier education that combines theory, practice, and research, fostering a comprehensive academic experience.

University of Malaya Scholarships for International Students in 2025

The University of Malaya (UM), Malaysia’s oldest and most prestigious institution, offers a variety of scholarship programs for international students eager to pursue their studies at one of Asia’s leading universities. These scholarships aim to support academically talented students from diverse backgrounds and cover undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D. degrees.

Read more: Tips to help you on your scholarship journey

1. Bright Scholarship for Ph.D. Students at the University of Malaya

The Bright Scholarship is one of UM’s most prominent scholarships for international Ph.D. students, targeting individuals who demonstrate academic excellence in fields such as engineering , medicine , technology, and sciences. This scholarship is designed for students conducting impactful, innovative research on a global scale.

Eligibility Criteria for the Bright Scholarship

A master’s degree or equivalent from a recognized university.
A strong research proposal aligned with UM’s research areas.
Proficiency in English, with valid IELTS or TOEFL scores.
An outstanding academic record, with publications in reputable journals .

Benefits of the Bright Scholarship

Full tuition coverage for the program duration.
A monthly stipend for living expenses, up to 3,500 MYR.
Additional financial support for research expenses, including international conferences.
Access to advanced research facilities at UM, such as the UM Eye Research Centre (UMERC).

Conditions to Maintain the Bright Scholarship

Completion of the program within 42 months.
Publication of at least three research articles in high-ranking journals (Q1/Q2).
Submit progress reports every six months showing the progress of ongoing research and projects.
Achieve outstanding academic progress to ensure continued financial support.

How to Apply for the Bright Scholarship

Visit UM’s Official Website : Go to the international students’ scholarships section.
Prepare the Necessary Documents : Ensure all documents are ready, such as academic transcripts, research proposal, and English proficiency test scores.
Register on the Portal : Create an account, complete the online application form, and upload required documents.
Track Your Application : Keep track of your application status through the portal, submitting additional information if requested.

2. Undergraduate Scholarships at the University of Malaya

UM offers financial assistance to undergraduate students through scholarships, loans, and other aid programs in collaboration with government bodies and private institutions, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder students’ academic progress.

1. Yayasan Sime Darby Scholarship

Aimed primarily at high-achieving Malaysian students demonstrating strong academic performance, leadership skills, and community involvement. In some cases, international students may be eligible based on their academic and leadership qualities.

Deadline : October 25, 2024.
Benefits : Full tuition coverage, monthly living allowance, and book assistance.

Note: Limited availability for international students.

2. Yayasan Bank Rakyat (YBR) Scholarship

Offers financial support through a convertible education loan for Malaysian undergraduates. The loan can be converted to a scholarship based on academic performance.

Deadline : October 30, 2024.
Benefits : Tuition coverage with potential additional financial aid for books and living expenses.

3. ECOWORLD Scholarship Program

For academically distinguished students demonstrating strong leadership qualities, providing partial tuition assistance and a monthly living allowance.

Deadline : October 31, 2024.
Benefits : Partial coverage of tuition fees, plus a monthly living allowance.

4. PTExUM Scholarship

An exclusive opportunity for international students to win up to 3,000 GBP for tuition fees through a competition requiring students to share their academic dreams and insights on PTE tests.

Deadline : December 31, 2024.
Benefits : Offers up to £3,000 towards tuition fees.

5. PTPTN Education Loan

A loan program for Malaysian students pursuing higher education in Malaysia. It covers tuition and living expenses throughout the study period.

Application Period : August – September 2024.
Benefits : Allows funding of all or part of tuition and living expenses.

6. Pinjaman Pengajian Tinggi Negeri Perak Scholarship

Provided by the Perak State Government for local students, especially those from Perak, pursuing their studies locally or internationally.

Deadline: October 31, 2024.
Offered to local students, the scholarship covers a range of academic categories, including diploma, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral students.

3. Partial Scholarships at the University of Malaya for Master’s and Ph.D. Students

The University of Malaya (UM) offers a range of partial scholarships to support international students pursuing master’s or doctoral studies. These scholarships aim to ease the financial burden for academically talented students with outstanding research projects. Below, we outline the available partial scholarships for international postgraduate students at UM, with helpful tips on securing a scholarship.

UM provides various partial scholarships for graduate students in both master’s and Ph.D. programs. These scholarships may include partial tuition waivers or additional financial support. International students, particularly those working as research assistants at UM, can benefit from these opportunities.

1. Universiti Malaya Excellence Ph.D. Scholarship

Benefits : Covers full tuition fees and provides a monthly stipend of up to 2,500 MYR. Applicants are required to publish three academic papers during their study period.
Eligibility Criteria : Open to both international and Malaysian students enrolled as full-time Ph.D. candidates at UM. Applicants should hold a master’s degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.7.
Duration : Lasts for up to six semesters. Applications are accepted from September 1 to October 29 annually.

2. Universiti Malaya Scholarship Scheme (UMSS)

Benefits : Offers partial tuition fee waivers and a monthly stipend for students who work as Graduate Research Assistants (GRAs). The stipend amount depends on project funding.
Eligibility : Candidates must have admission as master’s or Ph.D. students at UM and participate in university-supported research projects for at least four months each semester. Open to both international and Malaysian students.

3. PTExUM Scholarship Program

Benefits : A competition-based scholarship offering up to 3,000 GBP for tuition fees, awarded to students based on an essay detailing their academic aspirations and the significance of the PTE test in their academic journey.

4. PTPTN Education Loan

Benefits : Provides educational loans for Malaysian students to cover tuition fees and living expenses, with the option to convert the loan to a scholarship based on academic performance.
Eligibility : Only applicable to Malaysian students. Application period is from August to September each year.

5. Tawaran Pinjaman Pengajian Tinggi Negeri Perak Loan

Benefits : A financial loan for students from Perak to support tuition fees and living expenses.
Eligibility : Applicants must be Malaysian citizens from Perak, with either the applicant or a parent born in Perak, and must have resided in the state for at least 10 years.

For further guidance, explore our blog for additional scholarship tips on securing a scholarship that aligns with your academic and financial needs.

Frequently Asked Questions About the University of Malaya

In this section, we answer some of the most common questions prospective students may have about studying at the University of Malaya (UM), whether for a bachelor’s, master’s, or Ph.D. program.

What Are the Admission Requirements at the University of Malaya?

The University of Malaya offers diverse academic programs for international students, with specific requirements for each level of study. Let’s look at these in detail:

Bachelor’s Degree Requirements

Academic Requirements: Completion of high school or an equivalent (such as A-levels) with a minimum score of 80% or its equivalent. For diploma holders, a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher is required. Some fields, such as engineering and medicine, may require additional interviews or exams.

Language Requirements : Minimum IELTS score of 6.0 or TOEFL score of 550. Some fields, especially specialized programs like medicine or law, may require higher English proficiency.

Master’s Degree Requirements

Academic Requirement s: A bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 from a recognized university . Certain research-based or professional programs may prefer applicants with relevant work experience or previous publications .
Language Requirements : Minimum IELTS score of 6.0 or TOEFL score of 550. Some research programs, especially in humanities or medical fields, may require higher scores.

Ph.D. Requirements

Academic Requirements : A master’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Applicants must also submit a strong research proposal that reflects innovation and relevance to UM’s research priorities. Some fields may require an interview with faculty members to assess research capability.
Language Requirements : Minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or TOEFL score of 580 or higher.
Additional Tips : Applying early through UM’s online portal is highly recommended. Applications are accepted twice a year for each intake. Make sure to have all required documents ready, including academic transcripts, certificates, recommendation letters , and research proposals if you’re applying for graduate studies.

Does the University of Malaya Offer Scholarships for International Students?

Yes, UM offers a range of scholarships for international students through the university itself or the Malaysian government. Scholarships are available for some undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D. programs and are awarded based on academic merit and financial need. Students must first secure admission to apply for these scholarships.

What Are the Living Costs Around the University of Malaya?

Being located in Kuala Lumpur, living expenses around UM are about 20% higher than in other Malaysian cities. However, students can reduce costs by opting for on-campus housing, which also provides a multicultural experience. For more information, please read our comprehensive guide on living costs in Malaysia .

Are There Transportation Options Near the University of Malaya?

Yes, UM is conveniently located near the LRT University station, along with taxi and bus stations nearby, making commuting around campus and Kuala Lumpur easy for students.

Does the University Assist in Finding Off-Campus Accommodation?

Yes, UM offers assistance to international students in finding off-campus accommodation, especially for students who have received university acceptance and a student visa .

The University of Malaya offers an exceptional academic environment that combines educational excellence with numerous opportunities for international students. The university provides a variety of programs and comprehensive scholarships for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. With quality housing options and extensive student services, UM offers a comfortable and enriching environment where students can focus on their studies in a culturally diverse community. We hope this article has answered all your questions.

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