Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS)

Malaysia has developed as an attractive location for Pakistani students looking for a high-quality, internationally recognized education at a reasonable price. Among the different options offered, the Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS) is a distinguished and much sought-after initiative launched by the Malaysian government. This fellowship is intended to encourage bright overseas students, especially those from Pakistan, to pursue advanced academic studies in Malaysia and contribute to global knowledge advancement.

It aims at international graduates who want to study for their Master’s or PhD at certain public and private universities in Malaysia. This scholarship shows Malaysia's goal to be a global center for education and research by drawing in talented people from around the world.

Programs Offered

The MIS funds Master's, PhD, and Post-doctoral programs in various fields. They focus on areas that support Malaysia's growth and address global issues. Here are the main categories:

• STEM: This includes Science, Engineering, Biotechnology, ICT, Biosecurity, Food Safety, Infrastructure, Utilities, and Environmental Studies.
• Business & Social Sciences: This covers Economics, Islamic Finance, Business, Administration, Social Sciences, Arts, Humanities, Journalism, Law, and Statistics.
• Other fields: Agriculture, Fisheries, Health (not including clinical medicine, nursing, or pharmacy), Forestry, Construction, and Manufacturing.

Applicants can choose any related course in these areas at approved public and some private universities in Malaysia. Each application period has official guidelines that list which universities are eligible.

Benefits

The MIS provides substantial financial and non-financial benefits to its recipients, making it an appealing option for Pakistani students.

• Full Tuition Fee Coverage: The scholarship covers all tuition fees for the duration of the study program.
• Monthly Living Allowance: Scholars are given a significant monthly living allowance, usually around RM 1,500.00, to support their everyday expenditures.
• Medical/Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical and health insurance coverage is provided for the term of the scholarship, enabling access to healthcare at no additional expense.
• Annual Grant for Books and Internal Travel: Additional funds may be made available for academic materials such as books and internal travel within Malaysia.
• Thesis and publishing Allowances (for PhD and postdoctoral students): Scholars pursuing research-based programs may be eligible for thesis preparation and publishing funding.
• Conference Travel Grants (for PhD and post-doctoral students): Funding may be available for visiting important academic conferences.
• No Application charge: There is usually no application charge for the MIS itself.
• No Bond: Scholars are typically not contractually obligated to work in Malaysia or for the Malaysian government after finishing their education. They are urged, however, to apply their newly gained knowledge and abilities to the benefit of their home country and Malaysian projects.

Eligibility Criteria

• Nationality: Must be a Pakistani citizen.
• Age: Max 40 years for a Master’s, max 45 years for a PhD.
• Education:
  • Master’s: Need a Bachelor’s degree with at least a Second Class Upper or a CGPA of 3.5 out of 4.0.
  • PhD: Need a Master’s degree with at least a CGPA of 3.5 or great results in a related subject.
  • Post-doc: Depends on your publications, research, and knowledge.
• English Skills: Need IELTS (minimum 6.0/6.5), TOEFL (PBT 550, CBT 230, IBT 92), or proof that your previous degree was taught in English.
• Health: Must be in good health, certified by a doctor (you cover the cost).
• Research Proposal (for Master’s by Research & PhD): At least 1,000 words related to your field and Malaysia's interests.
• University Admission: It's best to apply for MIS first, but you must get accepted (or get a conditional offer) from an approved Malaysian university within a certain time after getting the scholarship.

How to Apply

• Research and Choose: Find a suitable postgraduate program at a Malaysian university approved by MIS. Start your application at the same time.
• Gather Documents: Get these scanned PDF copies ready:
  • Online Application Form
  • Passport (must be valid for at least 6 months)
  • Academic Transcripts & Degree Certificates (include grading system info if needed)
  • Proof of English proficiency (like IELTS/TOEFL or a letter from your school)
  • Two Recommendation Letters
  • CV
  • Research Proposal (for Master's by Research/PhD, at least 1,000 words)
  • Motivation Letter
  • University Admission Letter (if you have it)
  • Medical Report (you'll need to cover this cost)
  • Endorsement Form (might need approval from the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs).
• Apply Online:  Go to the official Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia scholarship portal. Register, log in, fill out the form carefully, and upload your documents. After that, double-check everything and submit.
• Follow Up: Keep an eye on your email for updates, possible interview invites, and the scholarship offer. If you get it, make sure to secure your university admission on time.

Important Note: The application deadlines usually fall between March and June (for example, June 30, 2025, for this cycle). Always check the official MIS website for the latest information.

FAQs

1. Do I need to take the IELTS/TOEFL for MIS?

Yes, usually you need to show proof of English skills with IELTS or TOEFL. Some people might not have to if they studied their whole degree in English, but you’ll need to provide proof from your university. Always check the latest requirements for the application period.

2. Do I need an acceptance letter from a Malaysian university to apply for MIS?

It’s usually a good idea to get admitted first, but you might be able to apply for MIS without an acceptance letter initially. If you get the scholarship, though, you’ll need to secure admission to a Malaysian university within a certain time frame, like 90 days, to confirm the scholarship. So, it's wise to apply to universities at the same time.

3. Can I apply for undergraduate programs through MIS?

No, the Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS) is only for graduate studies, like Master's and PhD programs.

4. What’s the minimum CGPA requirement for students from Pakistan?

For Master’s applicants, the usual requirement is a CGPA of 3.5 out of 4.0 or a Second Class Upper Honours at the Bachelor's level. PhD applicants generally need a CGPA of 3.5 or good results at the Master's level.

5. Are there specific universities that MIS supports?

Yes, MIS provides support for studies at certain public and private universities in Malaysia. You can find a full list of these universities in the official MIS guidelines.

6. Can I work part-time while studying on the MIS?

International students in Malaysia can usually work part-time for up to 20 hours a week in specific sectors. Just make sure to check your university’s rules and immigration regulations to stay compliant.

7. Is MIS a fully funded scholarship? 

Yes, MIS is considered fully funded since it covers tuition, monthly living costs, medical insurance, and other academic expenses. Just note that return flights from your home country to Malaysia are typically not included.

8. What are the main factors for being selected for MIS?

The main selection factors include strong academic performance, the quality of your research proposal (if you're applying for research programs), good English communication skills, and how you can contribute to knowledge in your field.