Malaysia Scholarships for Nepali Students (2026)
Government and university scholarships open to Nepali students — coverage, eligibility and how to apply, with the Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS) explained.
Malaysia is already one of the most affordable study destinations for Nepali students — and scholarships can bring the cost down further, sometimes to zero tuition. Funding comes from two main sources: the Malaysian government (chiefly the Malaysia International Scholarship for postgraduate study) and individual universities, which compete hard for strong international students with generous merit awards.
This guide explains every major scholarship open to Nepali students, what each one covers, who qualifies, and exactly how to apply. Pair it with our cost of studying in Malaysia guide to see how much a scholarship can save, and our overview of scholarships for Nepali students across all destinations.
Scholarships at a Glance
| Scholarship | Level | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS) | Master's / PhD | Tuition + RM 1,500/mo allowance |
| Branch-campus merit awards (Monash, Nottingham, Heriot-Watt) | Bachelor's / Master's | Up to ~50% tuition |
| Taylor's University scholarships | Bachelor's / Master's | Up to 100% tuition (merit) |
| Sunway & UCSI scholarships | Bachelor's / Master's | Partial to full tuition |
| Public university (IPTA) fee discounts | Bachelor's / Master's | Reduced international tuition |
Coverage and amounts change every cycle, so always confirm the latest figures and deadlines on the official source linked below before applying.
Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS)
The MIS is the flagship Malaysian government scholarship, run by the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) to attract top global talent to postgraduate study (Master's and PhD). It is the most valuable single award open to Nepali students.
- Coverage: tuition fees plus a monthly living allowance of RM 1,500 (approx. NPR 46,500/month)
- Level: full-time Master's or PhD at a Malaysian public university or selected private institution
- Age: typically under 40 for Master's and under 45 for PhD applicants
- Academic merit: a strong CGPA and a solid research/study proposal are expected
- Application fee: none — MOHE does not charge any processing fee
Applications are made online through the MOHE portal, and the window typically opens in the early part of the year (the 2026 cycle closed in early April). Confirm the current cycle, recipient-country list, and deadline on the official Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS) portal. Note that recipient countries are reviewed each cycle, so verify that Nepal is eligible before you start.
University & Branch-Campus Scholarships
Most Nepali students fund their studies through university scholarships rather than government awards, because these are available at undergraduate level and decided faster.
Branch-campus merit awards
Monash University Malaysia, University of Nottingham Malaysia, and Heriot-Watt University Malaysia offer high-achiever scholarships, often up to around 50% of tuition. These are merit-based and competitive, with criteria varying by campus and programme.
Private university awards
Taylor's University offers merit scholarships up to 100% of tuition for outstanding applicants, while Sunway University and UCSI offer partial-to-full awards. APU, MMU, and others also run entrance scholarships tied to your academic results.
Public university fee discounts
Select public universities (IPTA) offer reduced international tuition or merit waivers for strong applicants. Combined with their already-low fees, this makes UM, UPM, and similar universities the cheapest overall route.
Eligibility: What You Generally Need
- Strong academics: a high GPA/percentage is the single biggest factor for merit awards
- English proficiency: IELTS/TOEFL/PTE at the level the programme requires
- An admission offer or application: most university scholarships are tied to (or auto-considered with) your admission
- Complete documentation: transcripts, certificates, CV, and sometimes a statement or research proposal
- For MIS: postgraduate level, within the age limits, and Nepal listed as a recipient country for that cycle
A strong statement of purpose can make the difference for competitive awards — see our SOP writing guide for Nepali students.
How to Apply: Step by Step
- Shortlist universities and scholarships that match your level, field, and grades.
- Apply for admission early — most university scholarships are assessed alongside your application, so a strong, early submission helps.
- Prepare your documents — transcripts, certificates, IELTS, CV, and a statement or research proposal as required.
- Submit the scholarship form — either tick the scholarship box on the university application or apply on the MOHE portal for the MIS.
- Track deadlines carefully — the MIS window opens early in the year; university awards vary by intake.
- Confirm and accept — once awarded, follow the conditions, then proceed to your EMGS Student Pass application.
Want help building a competitive scholarship application? Our counselors guide Nepali students through shortlisting, documents, and deadlines — book a free session or explore the full application process.