Studying abroad is a dream for many students, but English language tests like IELTS often become a major barrier. The good news is that Malaysia offers multiple scholarship opportunities for international students without requiring IELTS, making it one of the most affordable and accessible study destinations in Asia.
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Malaysia is becoming increasingly popular among students from Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and African countries due to its low tuition fees, internationally recognized universities, and fully funded scholarship programs.
In this guide, you’ll learn everything about Malaysia scholarships without IELTS for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programs, including benefits, eligibility criteria, universities, courses, and application steps.
Why Study in Malaysia?
Malaysia is one of the fastest-growing education hubs in Asia. The country offers a modern learning environment, a multicultural society, and globally recognized universities.
Here are some reasons students choose Malaysia:
- Affordable tuition fees
- Low cost of living
- English-taught degree programs
- Internationally ranked universities
- Fully funded scholarship opportunities
- Safe and student-friendly environment
Another major advantage is that many universities allow alternative English proficiency proof instead of IELTS, such as a Medium of Instruction certificate or internal language tests.
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Study in Malaysia Without IELTS — Is It Possible?
Yes, many Malaysian universities allow international students to study without IELTS.
Instead of IELTS, universities may accept:
- Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate
- TOEFL or PTE scores
- Internal English language test
- English foundation programs
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Some universities that often accept students without IELTS include:
- Asia Pacific University (APU)
- Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)
- Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)
- Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)
- Curtin University Malaysia
- Segi University
This flexibility makes Malaysia one of the easiest countries to study abroad without language-test stress.
Fully Funded Malaysia Scholarships for International Students
Let’s explore the most popular scholarships available.
Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS)
The Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS) is one of the most prestigious scholarships funded by the Malaysian government.
It supports international students pursuing Master’s and PhD programs at Malaysian universities.
Benefits
- Full tuition fee coverage
- Monthly stipend
- Air tickets
- Medical insurance
- Book allowance
- Thesis grant
Students typically receive a monthly allowance of around 1,500 Malaysian Ringgit, which is sufficient for living expenses in Malaysia.
MTCP Scholarship
The Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP) scholarship is another government-funded opportunity for international students.
This scholarship focuses on professional and technical education programs.
Benefits
- Tuition fees covered
- Monthly allowance
- Travel expenses
- Accommodation support
University Scholarships in Malaysia
Many universities offer their own scholarships for international students.
Examples include:
- Taylor’s University Graduate Scholarships
- University of Malaya Excellence Scholarship
- Asia Pacific University Merit Scholarship
These scholarships may provide:
- Full tuition coverage
- Partial tuition waivers
- Research funding
- Living allowances
Degree Levels Available
Malaysia scholarships are available for:
Undergraduate Programs
Students can pursue bachelor’s degrees in fields like business, IT, engineering, medicine, and social sciences.
Master’s Programs
Most government scholarships focus on master’s programs in:
- Engineering
- Computer science
- Business administration
- Education
- Environmental science
PhD Programs
Fully funded PhD scholarships are available in research-based disciplines across Malaysian universities.
Popular Courses in Malaysia
Students can study a wide range of programs, including:
- Medicine (MBBS)
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- Artificial Intelligence
- Business Administration
- Accounting and Finance
- Biotechnology
- Tourism and Hospitality
- Environmental Science
- Architecture
- Education
- Psychology
Malaysia is especially known for engineering, IT, and business programs.
Cost of Studying in Malaysia
Malaysia is much more affordable than Western countries.
Typical expenses:
- Tuition fees: $3,000 – $8,000 per year
- Living cost: $200 – $400 per month
The monthly stipend from scholarships often covers most living expenses.
Eligibility Criteria
Requirements vary by scholarship, but generally include:
- Strong academic record
- Bachelor’s degree (for master’s)
- Master’s degree (for PhD)
- English proficiency proof (IELTS optional)
- Valid passport
- Recommendation letters
- Research proposal (for postgraduate programs)
Age limits for some scholarships:
- Master’s: under 40 years
- PhD: under 45 years
Required Documents
Applicants usually need:
- Academic transcripts
- Degree certificates
- Passport copy
- CV
- Recommendation letters
- Research proposal
- English proficiency certificate
How to Apply for Malaysia Scholarships
Follow these steps:
- Choose a scholarship program
- Select a Malaysian university
- Prepare documents
- Apply online through the scholarship portal
- Wait for results
Students can usually select multiple universities when applying for government scholarships.
Advantages of Studying in Malaysia
Malaysia offers many benefits:
- Affordable education
- International recognition
- English-taught programs
- Multicultural environment
- Scholarship opportunities
- Easy visa process
Malaysia is becoming one of the top study-abroad destinations in Asia.
Challenges Students May Face
Although Malaysia is a great destination, students should consider:
- Limited scholarships for undergraduate programs
- Competitive applications
- Different university requirements
Proper preparation increases chances of success.
Tips to Increase Scholarship Chances
Here are some tips:
- Maintain high academic grades
- Write a strong motivation letter
- Prepare a research proposal
- Apply early
- Choose relevant courses
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I study in Malaysia without IELTS?
Yes, many universities accept MOI certificates or alternative English tests instead of IELTS.
2. Are scholarships in Malaysia fully funded?
Some scholarships like MIS are fully funded, covering tuition, stipend, and travel.
3. Is Malaysia affordable for international students?
Yes, Malaysia is considered one of the most affordable study destinations in Asia.
4. Can Pakistani students apply?
Yes, Malaysian scholarships are open to international students, including Pakistanis
5. What is the monthly stipend in Malaysia scholarships?
Some scholarships provide around RM 1,500 per month.
6. Which degree programs are available?
Undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programs are available.
7. When do Malaysian scholarships open?
Most applications open between April and June, depending on the scholarship.
Conclusion
Malaysia is one of the best destinations for students who want to study abroad without IELTS on scholarship. With affordable education, internationally recognized universities, and government-funded scholarship programs, Malaysia provides excellent opportunities for international students.
Whether you want to pursue a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD degree, Malaysia offers flexible admission requirements and strong financial support through scholarships.
If you are planning to study abroad in Asia, Malaysia should definitely be on your list.
Official Apply Link (Malaysia Government Scholarship)
Here’s the real official scholarship portal you can use in your blog post:
Apply for MTCP Scholarship
