Scholarships in Malaysia for Bangladeshi Students: 2027 Guide
Malaysia is becoming an increasingly attractive study destination for Bangladeshi students looking for affordable international education, recognised universities, and scholarship opportunities. Depending on the university, programme, academic level, and scholarship scheme, students may be eligible for tuition fee waivers, partial tuition discounts, research funding, living allowances, or other forms of financial support.
For students planning to study in Malaysia in 2027, it is important to understand that scholarships are not all the same. Some are government-funded and mainly focused on postgraduate study, while others are offered directly by universities and may be available for undergraduate, Master's, or PhD programmes.
This guide explains the main scholarship opportunities in Malaysia for Bangladeshi students, eligibility requirements, documents, application steps, and practical tips for preparing a strong scholarship application.
What Types of Scholarships Are Available in Malaysia?
Scholarships for international students in Malaysia generally fall into four categories:
Malaysian government scholarships
University-specific scholarships
Merit-based tuition fee scholarships
Research and postgraduate funding
The eligibility criteria, funding amount, study level, and application deadlines vary significantly between programmes. Students should always check the latest scholarship announcement from the university or official scholarship provider before applying.
Government Scholarships in Malaysia for Bangladeshi Students
Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS)
The Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS) is a Malaysian Government scholarship designed to attract talented international graduates to pursue postgraduate studies in Malaysia.
MIS is primarily intended for Master's and PhD study, rather than undergraduate programmes. The 2026 guidelines, for example, required applicants to be citizens of eligible recipient countries and to intend to pursue full-time postgraduate study in Malaysia. The official MIS portal should be checked for the recipient-country list and requirements applicable to the relevant intake.
For Bangladeshi students considering MIS for a future intake, important areas to check include:
Academic qualifications
Eligible field of study
English language requirements
Age requirements
Participating universities
Scholarship benefits
Application opening and closing dates
Because government scholarship requirements can change each year, students targeting the 2027 intake should rely on the official MIS announcement when applications open.
Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP) Scholarship
The Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP) Scholarship is another important Malaysian Government-funded opportunity for eligible international students from developing countries.
The current MTCP scholarship is focused on postgraduate study, particularly Master's programmes. The official 2026 information states that the award can cover tuition fees and other allowances, together with a return economy-class airline ticket. The published eligibility criteria include a maximum age of 45 and a minimum Second Class Upper Honours or equivalent CGPA 3.00 at undergraduate level.
English language requirements may be satisfied through recognised IELTS or TOEFL scores or, in some cases, a previous degree taught in English, subject to the programme's official rules.
Bangladeshi students should check the official MTCP list of eligible countries before preparing an application for a future intake.
University Scholarships in Malaysia
Many Malaysian universities offer scholarships or tuition fee reductions directly to international students. These awards may be based on academic performance, programme, research potential, leadership, or other university-specific criteria.
Unlike government scholarships, university scholarships can have different rules from one institution to another. Some may be automatically considered during admission, while others require a separate scholarship application.
Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Scholarships
UPM offers several financial assistance and scholarship schemes for international postgraduate students.
For example, the International Graduate Student Scholarship (IGSS) at UPM has been offered to eligible international PhD students from regions including South Asia. The 2026/27 scheme provided a tuition fee waiver of between 30% and 50%, subject to the published conditions and available funding.
UPM also provides other research-related funding opportunities for eligible international postgraduate students.
This makes UPM particularly relevant for students considering research-based Master's or PhD programmes, although eligibility differs by scheme.
University Merit Scholarships
Many Malaysian universities provide merit-based tuition discounts to international students with strong academic records.
Depending on the university and programme, these may be based on:
Previous academic results
CGPA or equivalent grades
English language performance
Academic achievements
Leadership and extracurricular activities
Programme-specific requirements
The scholarship amount can range from a partial tuition reduction to a much larger award. Students should not assume that every university offers a fully funded scholarship.
Scholarships for Undergraduate Students in Malaysia
Undergraduate scholarship opportunities are generally more dependent on individual university policies.
Some universities may offer international students:
Merit-based tuition discounts
Academic excellence awards
Early application scholarships
Programme-specific scholarships
International student awards
Partial tuition fee waivers
For Bangladeshi students applying for Bachelor's degrees, the most practical approach is to shortlist universities first and then check the scholarship options available for the specific course.
For example, a scholarship may be available for an undergraduate programme at one university but not for another programme at the same institution.
Scholarships for Master's Students in Malaysia
Master's students may have access to a wider range of funding opportunities, including government scholarships, university scholarships, research funding, and tuition fee waivers.
Potential options include:
Malaysia International Scholarship
MTCP Scholarship
University postgraduate scholarships
Research assistant opportunities
Faculty-level funding
Tuition fee discounts
Students applying for research-based Master's programmes should also investigate whether their intended university or supervisor offers research funding.
Scholarships for PhD Students in Malaysia
PhD applicants can explore government scholarships as well as university and research-based funding.
Research-focused universities may provide financial assistance through:
PhD scholarships
Tuition fee waivers
Graduate research assistant positions
Faculty research grants
University research funding
For example, UPM's published 2026/27 International Graduate Student Scholarship included PhD applicants from South Asia and offered a 30% to 50% tuition fee waiver subject to its eligibility requirements.
Because research funding depends on available grants and supervisors, prospective PhD students should start contacting suitable departments and supervisors early.
What Does a Malaysian Scholarship Usually Cover?
The amount of financial support depends on the scholarship.
A scholarship may cover one or more of the following:
Tuition Fees
Some scholarships provide a full tuition waiver, while others cover a percentage of tuition fees.
Monthly Allowance
Certain government or postgraduate scholarships may provide a monthly living allowance. The amount and conditions depend on the specific programme.
Travel Support
Some government-funded scholarships may include return airfare or travel-related support. For example, MTCP's published scholarship information includes a return economy-class airline ticket among its benefits.
Research Support
Research-based postgraduate students may receive financial assistance connected to research projects or university funding.
Other Allowances
Depending on the scholarship, additional allowances may be available for items such as study-related expenses or other approved costs.
Important: A scholarship should not be described as "fully funded" unless the official scholarship terms confirm that the relevant major costs are covered.
Eligibility Requirements for Scholarships in Malaysia
Requirements vary between scholarships, but Bangladeshi students should generally be prepared to demonstrate:
Strong Academic Results
A good academic record can significantly strengthen a merit-based scholarship application.
Depending on the scholarship, the requirement may be expressed as:
GPA
CGPA
Class/degree classification
Previous qualification result
English Language Proficiency
Some programmes require IELTS, TOEFL, or another accepted English qualification. Certain scholarships may accept evidence that a previous degree was taught in English, subject to their rules.
For example, the current MTCP requirements allow certain applicants to demonstrate English proficiency through a previous degree where English was the medium of instruction.
Relevant Academic Background
Your previous qualification should normally match the academic requirements of the selected programme.
Leadership and Extracurricular Activities
Competitive scholarships may consider more than academic grades. Leadership experience, volunteering, professional experience, research, competitions, and community involvement can strengthen an application where relevant.
Research Potential
For Master's by Research and PhD applications, universities may assess your research proposal, academic publications, research experience, and potential contribution to the field.
Documents Required for a Malaysia Scholarship Application
The exact document list depends on the scholarship and university, but applicants may need:
Valid passport
Academic certificates
Academic transcripts
Updated CV or resume
English language certificate, where required
Personal statement or motivation letter
Research proposal for research programmes
Recommendation letters
Proof of achievements
Portfolio, where applicable
Admission or offer letter, where required
Passport-size photograph
Other scholarship-specific forms
Make sure names, dates, grades, and passport details are consistent across your documents.
How to Apply for Scholarships in Malaysia from Bangladesh
Step 1: Choose Your Course
First, identify the degree and subject you want to study.
Consider:
University
Course content
Entry requirements
Tuition fees
Scholarship availability
Career opportunities
Location
Step 2: Check Scholarship Eligibility
Do not apply based only on the scholarship name. Read the current eligibility requirements carefully.
Check whether the scholarship is available for:
Bangladeshi citizens
Your academic level
Your intended course
Your university
Your field of study
Step 3: Prepare Your Documents
Collect academic certificates, transcripts, passport documents, CV, personal statement, references, English-language evidence, and other required documents before the application deadline.
Step 4: Apply to the University
Some scholarships require you to receive an admission offer before applying for funding. Others may allow scholarship applications separately.
Always follow the specific instructions provided by the scholarship provider.
Step 5: Submit the Scholarship Application
Complete all required sections carefully and upload documents in the requested format.
Avoid submitting incomplete applications or documents that do not meet the stated requirements.
Step 6: Prepare for an Interview
Some competitive scholarships may involve an interview or additional assessment.
Be prepared to explain:
Why you selected Malaysia
Why you selected your university
Why you selected your course
Your academic achievements
Your career plans
How your study can contribute to your future goals
How to Increase Your Chances of Getting a Scholarship
There is no guaranteed way to receive a scholarship, but you can make your application stronger by preparing early.
Apply Early
Scholarship deadlines may be different from university admission deadlines. Start researching several months before your intended intake.
Maintain Strong Academic Results
Academic performance is one of the most common selection factors for merit-based scholarships.
Write a Strong Personal Statement
Your personal statement should clearly explain your academic background, motivation, career goals, and why the scholarship is relevant to your plans.
Build a Strong CV
Include relevant academic achievements, internships, work experience, research, volunteering, leadership activities, competitions, certifications, and professional achievements.
Choose the Right Scholarship
Do not apply to every scholarship without checking eligibility. Focus on scholarships that match your academic profile, course, university, and study level.
Common Mistakes Bangladeshi Students Should Avoid
Assuming Every Scholarship Is Fully Funded
Some scholarships only reduce tuition fees. Always check what expenses are actually covered.
Applying Without Checking Eligibility
A scholarship may be available to international students but exclude certain countries, programmes, or study levels.
Missing the Deadline
Scholarship deadlines may close before university admission deadlines.
Using Outdated Information
Scholarship values, eligible countries, participating universities, and application dates can change between academic years.
For students planning to study in Malaysia in 2027, always verify the latest scholarship information from the official provider before applying.
Submitting Weak or Generic Statements
A generic personal statement may not demonstrate why you are a suitable candidate. Tailor your application to the scholarship and programme.
Can Bangladeshi Students Get Fully Funded Scholarships in Malaysia?
Yes, fully funded opportunities can exist for eligible international students, particularly at postgraduate level, but availability and eligibility depend on the specific scholarship and academic year.
Government scholarships such as MTCP may provide substantial financial support, while other university scholarships may provide partial tuition reductions or research-related funding.
Students should therefore distinguish between:
Fully funded scholarships
Full tuition scholarships
Partial tuition scholarships
Research funding
Merit-based tuition discounts
The official scholarship terms should always be used to determine exactly what is covered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Bangladeshi students get scholarships in Malaysia?
Yes. Bangladeshi students may be eligible for selected Malaysian government scholarships, university scholarships, tuition discounts, and postgraduate research funding, depending on the scholarship's eligibility criteria.
Which Malaysian scholarships are available for Master's students?
Potential opportunities include the Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS), MTCP Scholarship, and university-specific postgraduate scholarships. Eligibility and availability vary by academic year. MIS is specifically designed for postgraduate study, while MTCP is also focused on postgraduate students.
Are there scholarships for undergraduate students in Malaysia?
Yes, some Malaysian universities offer scholarships or tuition discounts for international undergraduate students. However, the availability and amount depend on the university and programme.
Is IELTS required for a Malaysia scholarship?
Not always. Requirements depend on the scholarship and university. Some scholarships accept alternative evidence of English proficiency, while individual universities may have their own language requirements.
How much does a scholarship in Malaysia cover?
Coverage varies widely. A scholarship may provide a partial tuition discount, full tuition coverage, living allowance, airfare, or a combination of benefits.
Can I apply for more than one scholarship?
You may be able to apply for multiple scholarships, but each provider has its own rules. Some scholarships may not allow applicants to hold another scholarship or financial assistance simultaneously.
When should I apply for a Malaysia scholarship for 2027?
Start researching during 2026 and monitor official scholarship announcements for the 2027 academic year. Deadlines can vary significantly between government scholarships and individual universities.
Can NWC Education help Bangladeshi students apply to Malaysian universities?
Yes. NWC Education can guide Bangladeshi students through university selection, application preparation, document requirements, scholarship research, and the overall study abroad application process.
Study in Malaysia with Scholarship Support from NWC Education
Finding the right scholarship requires more than simply searching for a "fully funded scholarship." Your academic background, study level, selected course, university, budget, and eligibility all need to be considered.
NWC Education helps Bangladeshi students explore suitable Malaysian universities and scholarship opportunities and understand the application requirements before submitting their applications.
If you are planning to study in Malaysia in 2027, start preparing your academic documents and shortlist your preferred courses early.
Ready to explore your study options in Malaysia?
