MTCP Scholarship 2026/27: Fully Funded Master's Degree in Malaysia for International Students
- Country
- Malaysia
- Level
- Masters
- Funding
- Fully funded
If you're a graduate from a developing country looking for a fully funded master's degree in a fast-growing, affordable, and welcoming Asian country, the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP) scholarship deserves a spot at the top of your list. Sponsored by the Government of Malaysia through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and running since 1980, the MTCP scholarship supports students from eligible developing nations to pursue postgraduate study at Malaysian universities as part of South-South cooperation.
Here is a clear guide to what the scholarship provides, who qualifies, the deadline to plan around, and how to apply. This is a genuinely comprehensive award, and Malaysia's relatively low cost of living means the funding stretches a long way.
At a glance
- Provider: Government of Malaysia (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
- Level: Full-time master's degree
- Funding: Fully funded (tuition, monthly allowance, airfare, insurance)
- Monthly allowance: Reported around RM3,500
- Duration: 24 to 36 months
- Who it's for: Citizens of eligible MTCP recipient countries
What the scholarship covers
This is a genuinely fully funded package. Selected scholars receive full tuition fees for the approved study period, a monthly living allowance (reported at around RM3,500), a one-off return economy-class air ticket, and health or medical insurance. Because living costs in Malaysia are relatively affordable, the allowance goes a long way toward comfortable day-to-day living while you study.
Funding is provided only within the approved study duration, so it is important to complete your programme on schedule. Note also that the cost of any required medical check-up before enrolment is usually borne by the applicant.
Why study in Malaysia
Malaysia has become an increasingly attractive study destination: its universities are climbing international rankings, many programmes are taught in English, and the country offers a multicultural, English-friendly environment with a low cost of living. For students from developing countries, the MTCP scholarship removes the financial barriers to a respected international postgraduate qualification.
Who can apply
- You are a citizen of an eligible MTCP recipient country (around 144 developing nations); Malaysian citizens are not eligible
- You hold a good bachelor's degree, often a Second Class Upper (Honours) or a set minimum CGPA
- You are generally not more than about 45 years old at the time of application
- You are in good health, certified by a medical check-up (at your own cost)
- You have (or can obtain) a valid admission offer from an approved Malaysian university
- Your application is endorsed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the national focal point in your country
Some fields, including Nursing, Medicine, and Clinical Pharmacy, are not eligible, so check that your chosen programme qualifies.
How to apply
- Confirm your eligibility, especially your country's inclusion and your academic qualifications.
- Secure an admission offer from an approved Malaysian university (you should not have started, or have completed no more than one semester of, the programme).
- Register on the official MTCP portal and complete the application form carefully.
- Get your application endorsed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the national focal point in your country.
- Submit before the deadline with all required documents. Shortlisted candidates are invited to an online interview; if you hear nothing by the stated date, your application was unsuccessful.
Deadlines
The MTCP scholarship runs annually, with a recent application deadline around 12 June and selection communicated over the following months. Because dates and the list of eligible countries can change each year, always confirm the current deadline and requirements on the official MTCP portal before applying.
Apply and confirm the details
Check the current eligibility, list of countries, and application steps, and apply, through the official MTCP scholarship portal: MTCP Scholarship, official portal.
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Disclaimer: FoundScholar is an independent information platform and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Government of Malaysia. Details and eligible countries change each cycle, so always confirm on the official source before applying.
Frequently asked questions
Is the MTCP scholarship fully funded?
Yes. The MTCP scholarship covers full tuition fees, a monthly living allowance (reported around RM3,500), a one-off return economy-class flight, and health or medical insurance, for the approved duration of your master's programme. It is one of the more generous government scholarships in Southeast Asia.
Who can apply?
Citizens of eligible MTCP recipient countries (a list of around 144 developing nations, which typically includes many African, Asian, and Middle Eastern countries). Malaysian citizens are not eligible. Applicants are usually expected to be under about 45 and to hold a good bachelor's degree (often a Second Class Upper or a set minimum CGPA).
What can I study and for how long?
Full-time master's programmes at approved Malaysian public or private universities, running for 24 to 36 months. Note that some fields, such as Nursing, Medicine, and Clinical Pharmacy, are not eligible.
What is the deadline and how do I apply?
The scholarship runs on an annual cycle, with a recent deadline around 12 June. You apply online through the official MTCP portal, and your application usually must be endorsed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the national focal point in your country. You also need a valid admission offer from a Malaysian university. Confirm the current dates officially.