Studying abroad after completing the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) is a dream for many Malaysian students. The opportunity to immerse oneself in a new environment whilst gaining a world-class education is undoubtedly enticing.
However, one significant hurdle that often arises is financing such an endeavour.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the avenues available for Malaysian students to secure scholarships to study abroad after SPM in 2024.
Can I get a scholarship to study abroad?
The answer is yes! Numerous scholarships are available for Malaysian students looking to pursue higher education overseas.
These scholarships are offered by various organisations, including government bodies, corporations, and charitable foundations, with the aim of supporting talented individuals in achieving their academic goals.
Scholarships for Malaysians to study overseas in 2024
There are a number of scholarships to study overseas that Malaysians can tap into, namely:
JPA (Jabatan Perkhidmatan Awam) Scholarships come in two primary types:
Programme Penajaan Nasional
The Programme Penajaan Nasional, offered by JPA, aims to provide financial assistance to outstanding Malaysian students pursuing undergraduate studies abroad.
The scholarship usually covers tuition fees, living expenses, and other related costs. To put in an application for this scholarship, eligible candidates must fulfil the following criteria:
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Malaysian citizenship.
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SPM holders with excellent academic results.
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Must secure an offer from an accredited institution overseas.
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Meet the specific requirements set by JPA.
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Applicants may be required to undergo interviews and assessments as part of the selection process.
Programme Khas Jepun Korea Jerman Perancis
Another scholarship programme by JPA, the Khas Jepun Korea Jerman Perancis, offers opportunities for Malaysian students to pursue studies in Japan, Korea, Germany, and France.
This programme aims to strengthen bilateral relations and academic exchange between Malaysia and these countries. Eligibility criteria and application procedures are similar to those of the Programme Penajaan Nasional.
Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) offers scholarships for Malaysian students to pursue undergraduate studies abroad. These scholarships are usually awarded based on academic merit and financial need, as well as the chosen field of study.
Eligible candidates must fulfil MARA's specific requirements and undergo a rigorous selection process— which may include interviews and assessments. Generally, MARA requirements include but are not limited to:
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The Malaysian Government and the Professional Body of Malaysia both recognise the courses enrolled in.
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Either the mother or father is Malay or Bumiputera and is a Malaysian citizen.
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The applicant, mother, father, or guardian are not included in MARA's blacklist or legal action.
Petronas offers scholarships for Malaysian students pursuing undergraduate studies in engineering and related fields at top universities abroad. Petronas has sponsored over 38,000 students since 1975— covering tuition fees, living expenses, and other educational expenses.
Eligible candidates must meet Petronas' specific requirements and undergo a competitive selection process, which may include interviews and assessments. Among the necessary criteria are
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Malaysian citizens aged 16 to 19 years old as of the application year.
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Have a track record of successful leadership roles and significant involvement in extracurricular activities.
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Plans to pursue one of the following undergrad studies:
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Accomplish the necessary academic requirements for the sponsored school:
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UTP (Computing/Engineering): Possess a minimum 8A, including Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics.
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Local Universities (Arts): Maintain a minimum 8A, including Mathematics.
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Overseas Universities (Science/Engineering): minimum 4A+ and 4A-, including Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics.
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Overseas Universities (Arts/Computing): Possess a minimum 4A+ and 4A-including Mathematics.
Yayasan Khazanah offers scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate studies at selected leading universities worldwide.
This scholarship seeks to develop future leaders who are committed to serving Malaysia and contributing to the nation's development. Eligible candidates must demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a strong commitment to nation-building.
Shell Malaysia offers scholarships for Malaysian students pursuing undergraduate studies in engineering, geosciences, and related fields at universities abroad.
This scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, and other educational expenses. Eligible candidates must meet Shell's specific requirements, which include:
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Strong leadership skills and active engagement in extracurricular activities like societies and clubs, sports, etc.
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Not presently holding other scholarships/loans.
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Consistently strong academic achievements as follows:
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Eligibility to work in the country where the programme is offered.
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Must be 2023 SPM or 2024 O-Level leavers.
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Willing to pursue A-levels at selected boarding institutions.
Yayasan UEM provides scholarships for undergraduate studies in various disciplines at reputable universities overseas. The scholarship aims to nurture talent and develop future leaders committed to making a positive impact on society.
Eligible candidates must meet UEM's specific requirements and undergo a rigorous selection process. For example, must be:
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Citizens of Malaysia.
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Proficient in English.
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An enthusiastic, dedicated, and ambitious high achiever who is always pushing themselves to reach new heights.
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Possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
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Hold leadership positions at school or university clubs.
Undergraduate Overseas Scholarship applicants should have:
Undergraduate local scholarship applicants should have the following:
Eligible fields of study include:
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Business (Finance, Business Management, Accounting or Economics).
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Engineering (Civil, mechanical, or electrical).
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IT and Computer Related (Computer Science, Computer System and Networking, Software Engineering, Data Science, Data Engineering).
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Actuarial Science.
This scholarship programme supports Malaysian students pursuing undergraduate studies in fields related to telecommunications and information technology at renowned universities abroad.
The scholarship encompasses tuition fees, living expenses, and other educational expenses. Eligible candidates must meet Yayasan Telekom Malaysia's specific requirements, including:
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Malaysian citizens, and in good health.
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Obtained a minimum of 8 A+ for SPM 2022 or 1st Class or equivalent for latest results (6 A's for SPM 2022 or CGPA of 3.3 or equivalent for local programmes).
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21 years old or younger.
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Household income not exceeding RM 20,000 a month.
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The applicant must not have any siblings who were YTM scholarship recipients at a higher education institution.
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The applicant and both parents must have Malaysian citizenship.
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The applicant is not currently receiving any form of educational financial aid from other sources.
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Active in co-curricular activities.
Sarawak Energy offers scholarships for Malaysian students from Sarawak to pursue undergraduate studies in selected programmes such as engineering and computer science disciplines overseas. The scholarship aims to develop talent and build capacity in the energy sector.
Eligible candidates must be 24 years old or younger at the time of application and have a minimum of 8As in SPM or 3.30 CGPA in STPM/Matriculation/Foundation/Diploma.
Bank Negara Malaysia offers scholarships for Malaysian students pursuing undergraduate studies in economics, finance, accounting, mathematics, and actuarial science at top universities abroad.
The scholarship encompasses tuition fees, living expenses, and other educational expenses. The qualification requirements include
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Excellent examination results: A minimum of 8As (A and A+ only) obtained for SPM examinations.
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Strong leadership qualities, proven teamwork capabilities, and outstanding performance in extracurricular activities.
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Exceptional interpersonal skills.
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Not exceeding 19 years of age.
CIMB Group offers scholarships for Malaysian students to pursue undergraduate studies at leading universities within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region.
This highly selective, full scholarship for exceptional students aims to develop future leaders who are passionate about driving ASEAN's growth and prosperity.
Eligible candidates must meet CIMB Group's specific requirements and undergo a competitive selection process. The requirements include the following.
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A citizen of either Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, or the Philippines.
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Desire to chase a career in the financial and banking industry.
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Applicants about to start their undergraduate or Master's programmes or those who have already started and have a minimum of one full academic year remaining.
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A minimum CGPA of 3.25/4.0 or equivalent with excellent academic track record and active participation in extracurricular activities.
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The applicant must not be a recipient of any other scholarship, especially one that comes with contractual obligations— for example, a service bond.
IJM Corporation Berhad offers scholarships for Malaysian students pursuing undergraduate studies in various fields at reputable universities abroad.
The scholarship aims to nurture talent and develop future leaders committed to leaving a positive impact on society. Eligible candidates must meet the following requirements:
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Attained at least 2As/CGPA 3.00 in STPM or equivalent (for example, Matriculation, A-Levels, Foundation, Diploma).
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Attained at least 5As in SPM or equivalent (for example, O-Level).
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Enrolled in any reputable tertiary facility to pursue a full-time first Bachelor's Degree study in a local public and private university.
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Candidates currently pursuing a Bachelor's Degree must attain a minimum CGPA of 3.00 out of 4.00 in their latest semester.
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Proficient command of English and Bahasa Malaysia, both written and spoken
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Active in sports and co-curricular activities.
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Shouldn’t receive another scholarship, student loan, or other form of financial aid from another source.
For more scholarship opportunities, students are encouraged to explore scholarships offered by educational institutions. The University of Nottingham Malaysia, for instance, provides a broad range of scholarships and financial assistance programmes.
When should I start applying for scholarships to study abroad after SPM?
It's advisable to start researching and applying for scholarships as early as possible, ideally during your final year of secondary school.
Many scholarship programmes have early application deadlines— so staying ahead of the game can significantly increase your chances of success. As most scholarship providers have different requirements, it is advisable that you frequently check in with the respective providers for the latest information on their scholarship offerings.
What are the documents required for a scholarship application to study abroad?
While specific requirements may typically vary depending on the scholarship programme, common documents typically include:
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Academic transcripts.
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Letters of recommendation.
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Personal statement or essay.
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Proof of extracurricular activities or achievements.
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Language proficiency test scores (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL).
What are some common challenges to securing a scholarship to study abroad?
Securing a scholarship can be competitive, and some common challenges include:
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Meeting eligibility criteria.
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Intense competition.
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Navigating the application process.
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Demonstrating academic excellence and extracurricular involvement.
To overcome these challenges, it's essential to:
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Research thoroughly and identify scholarships that align with your academic and personal goals.
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Start preparing early and ensure all application materials are well-prepared and tailored to each scholarship programme.
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Seek guidance from teachers, counsellors, or mentors who can divulge valuable insights and support throughout the application process.
Can I work part-time while studying abroad on a scholarship?
While some scholarship programmes may allow for part-time work, it's crucial to review the terms and conditions of your scholarship agreement. Balancing work and studies can be exceedingly challenging, so prioritise your academic responsibilities while exploring part-time employment opportunities, if permitted.
What should I do if my scholarship application to study abroad is unsuccessful?
If your scholarship application is unsuccessful, don't be discouraged. There are still alternative options available. For example, the University of Nottingham Malaysia's study abroad programme provides opportunities for international exchange.
Conclusion
Securing a scholarship to study abroad after SPM is indeed possible with dedication, perseverance, and strategic planning. So, extensively explore various scholarship opportunities, start early, and present yourself confidently throughout the application process.
Remember to stay proactive, seek guidance when needed, and embrace the opportunities that come your way. Good luck on your academic journey!
For more on pursuing your education overseas, read
Top 5 Challenges of Studying Abroad (+Solutions)
Posted on 22nd March 2024