Malaysia MTCP Scholarship

The Malaysian Technical collaboration Programme (MTCP) is a beacon of South-South collaboration, providing excellent chances for developing nations, including Pakistan, to learn from Malaysia's development experiences and knowledge. Established in 1980, the MTCP focuses on human resource development through a variety of programs, the most notable of which are fully financed postgraduate scholarships.

The program's primary focus is on providing training and educational opportunities, which range from short-term courses to long-term postgraduate degrees at prominent Malaysian public universities. Since its beginning, MTCP activities have impacted over 38,000 people in 144 countries. These scholarships are intended to empower promising applicants who are expected to make major contributions to their home countries when they return.

Programs Offered

The Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP) is dedicated to human resource development, with a primary focus on areas critical for national growth. While specific course offerings are updated annually, priority is consistently given to fields such as:

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
Information and Communication Technology (ICT), including Digital Transformation, AI, and Cybersecurity
Economics and Islamic Finance
Management and Public Administration
Diplomacy and International Relations
Agriculture, Fisheries, Biotechnology, Biosecurity, and Food Safety
Environmental Studies
Health Services (excluding nursing, medicine, and clinical pharmacy)
Industrial/Technical Training
Law and Professional Services

Beyond postgraduate scholarships, the MTCP also provides a range of short-term courses and training programs, which are periodically announced on its official website.

Benefits

For Pakistani citizens, the MTCP Scholarship is a great opportunity that covers a lot:

Fully Funded: It offers complete financial support for students.
Tuition Fees: All approved tuition fees at Malaysian universities are paid for.
Monthly Living Allowance: Scholars get a monthly allowance (like RM3,500) to help with things like rent, food, and other day-to-day costs.
Airfare: They also provide a return economy-class flight ticket from your home city to Malaysia.
Medical Benefits: Health insurance and basic medical care are taken care of during your studies.
Academic Support: There might be an annual grant for books and travel, plus help for research if you’re doing your thesis.
Networking Opportunities: Scholars can meet and connect with peers from different backgrounds, building friendships and professional ties.
Better Career Prospects: The skills and international experience you gain can really help in your career back in Pakistan.

Eligibility Criteria

Nationality: A citizen of an MTCP beneficiary country (including Pakistan).
Age: Less than 45 years old on the application date.
Academic requirements :
- Master's program: A minimum of Second Class Upper and a CGPA of 3.0 (undergraduate).
- PhD: A minimum CGPA of 3.5 and excellent performance (Master's degree in a related discipline).
English Proficiency: IELTS (6.0/6.5+), TOEFL iBT (60/92+), or a previous degree taught in English.
Health: Excellent health, attested by a doctor (applicant pays).
University Admission: Before applying for the scholarship, you must have an offer letter from a supported Malaysian public university.
Preferred qualifications include demonstrated leadership and community service.

How to Apply

Check Eligibility: Confirm that you meet all of the conditions.
Secure university admission: Prior to applying for the scholarship, obtain an offer letter (or conditional offer) from a Malaysian public university supported by MTCP.
Gather documents: Prepare passport copy, academic transcripts, English proficiency proof, CV, medical report, two recommendation letters, university offer letter, and statement of intent.
Complete the Online Application: Fill out the form and upload all required documents to the official MTCP scholarship website.
Submit by the deadline: Ensure timely submission; the application period for intake is June.
Await the results: Shortlisted candidates are notified for interviews in July, and successful applicants by September 30. If you have not received an email by August 31 (for the current cycle), your application was not successful.

FAQs

1. Is the MTCP Scholarship fully funded for Pakistani citizens?

Yes, the MTCP Scholarship covers everything: tuition fees, a monthly living allowance, airfare, and medical benefits.

2. Do I need to get admission to a Malaysian university before applying for the MTCP Scholarship?

Yes, you need to get an admission offer or a conditional offer letter from a Malaysian public university that's backed by the MTCP before you can apply for the scholarship.

3. What’s the age limit for the MTCP Scholarship?

You should be no older than 45 years on the date you apply.

4. Is IELTS necessary for the MTCP Scholarship?

Not necessarily. IELTS scores of at least 6.0 or 6.5, or TOEFL scores of at least 60 or 92, are accepted, but if your previous degrees were in English and you have a letter from your school to prove it, you might not need them.

5. What study areas are prioritized in the MTCP Scholarship?

Areas like Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), ICT, Digital Transformation, AI, Cyber Security, Economics, Islamic Finance, Public Administration, and Environmental Studies often get priority.

6. How many universities can I apply to for the MTCP Scholarship?

You can apply to several Malaysian universities listed on the MTCP website. But, you only need to upload one valid and recent admission or conditional offer letter with your scholarship application.

7. When will I know the status of my application?

If you’re shortlisted, you’ll be notified for interviews by July, and the final results for successful candidates are usually announced by September 30. If you don't hear from them by August 31 for the current cycle, it means your application wasn’t successful.