Scholarships in Malaysia: 10 Programmes to Check in 2026

Start with scholarships that match your study stage, course and financial circumstances. Application windows and criteria change each cycle, so treat this as a verified provider shortlist—not a promise that every programme is currently open.

1. Quick scholarship shortlist

Programme or provider	Best starting point	What to check
PETRONAS Education Sponsorship	SPM leavers	Current fields, institutions and application window
Yayasan Khazanah	High-achieving students	Watan, Global and other programme routes
JPA sponsorship programmes	SPM and tertiary applicants	The scheme announced for your qualification and year
Bank Negara Malaysia scholarships	Students interested in relevant priority disciplines	Current academic, course and service conditions
Yayasan UEM	Pre-university and degree pathways	Approved courses, universities and bond terms
Gamuda Scholarship	First-degree applicants	Eligible programmes and placement obligations
Shell Malaysia scholarship	SPM leavers and undergraduates when offered	Current intake and discipline list
Yayasan TM	Students in selected study areas	Programme availability and approved courses
PNB scholarship programmes	Strong Malaysian school leavers	Current programme name, pathway and obligations
University entrance scholarships	Students with an offer or applying for admission	Automatic awards versus separate applications

“Check” does not mean “open today”. Go to the provider's own website and confirm the live application status before preparing a submission.

2. 1. PETRONAS Education Sponsorship

PETRONAS describes its education sponsorship as a route for deserving SPM leavers to pursue tertiary education at Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS and selected local or overseas universities. The destinations, disciplines, minimum results and selection stages can change by intake.

Check PETRONAS Students & Graduates

Coursemic tip

Save the official page or written information you relied on, together with the date you checked it.

3. 2. Yayasan Khazanah scholarships

Yayasan Khazanah runs several scholarship routes rather than one universal award. Compare the current programmes carefully: study destination, qualification stage, leadership expectations and any development or service commitments may differ.

Check Yayasan Khazanah programmes

4. 3. JPA sponsorship programmes

Jabatan Perkhidmatan Awam announcements may cover different groups, qualification stages and destinations. Read the circular or programme notice for the relevant year instead of relying on old grade requirements shared online.

Check JPA Human Capital Development

5. 4–5. Bank Negara Malaysia and Yayasan UEM

Both are highly competitive options worth monitoring. Confirm the supported courses, universities, academic threshold, assessment process and service obligation for the current cycle.

6. 6–9. Gamuda, Shell, Yayasan TM and PNB

Corporate and foundation awards may combine financial support with internships, development activities or employment obligations. Read the complete terms before accepting another award or committing to a course.

7. 10. University scholarships and bursaries

Do not overlook awards offered directly by universities and colleges. Some are automatic tuition rebates based on results; others require a separate form, interview or proof of household income. Compare the net fee after renewable conditions—not only the first-semester discount.

Ask whether the award is automatic or requires an application.
Confirm whether it applies to tuition only.
Check the minimum CGPA needed for renewal.
Ask whether it can be combined with PTPTN or another award.
Get the total fee and scholarship conditions in writing.

8. How to avoid missing an opening

Create a provider watchlist. Save the official pages for scholarships that fit your stage.
Prepare reusable documents. Keep certified results, identity documents, income evidence, activity records and a one-page résumé ready.
Track official announcements. Check providers after results releases and around their usual recruitment periods, but never assume last year's dates will repeat.
Submit early. Allow time for references, portal errors and document corrections.
Keep proof. Save the submitted form, confirmation email and the exact terms you accepted.

9. Before accepting a scholarship

Read the obligation, not just the award value

Check bonds, approved courses and institutions, minimum academic performance, internship requirements, repayment clauses, deferment rules and restrictions on holding other aid.

Estimate the full funding gap too. A scholarship may cover tuition but not deposits, accommodation, transport, equipment or living expenses.

10. Official sources

Provider pages checked for this guide

Last reviewed: 18 September 2026. Verify the live status and full terms on each provider's website.

Frequently asked questions

Are all 10 scholarships open now?

No. They operate on different cycles and some may not open every year. Use the official provider page to check the current status.

Can I apply before receiving an offer from a university?

It depends on the award. Some target SPM leavers before university admission, while others require an offer or current enrolment.

Can I hold a scholarship and PTPTN at the same time?

The answer depends on both sets of terms. Check the scholarship agreement and PTPTN requirements, and disclose other funding when asked.

What documents should I prepare first?

Start with identification, academic results, admission documents if available, household-income evidence, co-curricular records, a résumé and a flexible personal statement.

Important

This independent guide is for general information. Policies, fees, eligibility and deadlines can change. Confirm the latest details with the official institution or provider before acting.