Furthering education with peace of mind

The recipient of this aid is enlisted to conduct certain elements of the research project.

The project head must have a substantial amount of money left in his research grant to appoint a research assistant under the scheme.

Requirements for applicants are:

Full-time research postgraduate student

No prior financial assistance

Possess a degree with a minimum CGPA of 3.00 (bachelor’s degree for master’slevel research and master’s degree for doctoral-level research) or an equivalent qualification recognised by the Malaysian Government

MyBrain15

This scheme aims to alleviate some burdens from postgraduate student life to allow these students to concentrate on high-quality, value-added research. Two programmes are offered under this scheme – MyMaster and MyPhD.

MyMaster scheme eligibility criteria:

- Malaysian citizen

- Not older than 35 at time of application

- Must be an unemployed graduate with no fixed income, employed in the private sector or lecture in a private institution of higher education

- Not a recipient of any form of financial aid for studies at the same level

- Not bonded to any party during sponsorship period such as commitments to previous scholarships

- Possess a bachelor’s degree or Government-recognised equivalent with a minimum CGPA of 2.75

MyPhD scheme eligibility criteria:

- Malaysian citizen

- Not older than 45 at time of application

- Has obtained admission to or is already pursuing studies at a higher education institution

- Not a recipient of any form of financial aid for studies at the same level

- Currently pursuing or intends to pursue full-time postgraduate studies

- Possess a master’s degree with a minimum CGPA of 3.00 or bachelor’s degree with a minimum CGPA of 3.50

- Relevant working experience recognised by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency

National Science Fund (NSF)

This scholarship is awarded to master’s and doctorate students undergoing full-time studies based on research in local and foreign higher education institutions.

The scholarships cover tuition, examination fees and a monthly allowance (RM1,560 for master’s candidates and RM2,300 for doctorate candidates).

Prerequisites for applicants are as detailed below.

Applicants for master’s level must not be older than 30 and applicants for doctoral level must not be older than 35 at time of application.

Applicants may not be civil servants or tutors in local higher education institutions. Successful applicants are not allowed to receive any other source of funding or hold positions outside the stipulated scope of work in the programme.

Applicants for master’s degree must have a first class or second (upper) class with honours at the bachelor’s level with a minimum CGPA of 3.00 or an equivalent qualification recognised by the Government.

Applicants for doctoral degree must have a bachelor’s degree with honours and a master’s specialising in fields detailed in the NSF.

Only candidates pursuing research in specific science and technology fields may apply.

Education loans

A popular choice for financial aid even among undergraduate students, the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) is the main education loan provider for Malaysian students pursuing studies locally due to its low interest rates.

Recipients of this loan are expected to fulfil and maintain certain academic achievements to continue benefiting from the loan. Loan repayment starts six months after graduation or when employment commences, whichever comes first.

Students will not be bonded or required to serve the Government after completion of studies. More information can be found on the PTPTN website.