The Universiti Malaya Bright Scholarship is a full scholarship program created to identify and recruit outstanding candidates (citizens and non citizens) from leading educational institutions around the world to pursue a Doctoral Degree ( in research mode at Universiti Malaya UM)
The scholarship includes a full tuition coverage and a living stipend of RM3,500/month for a period of 42 months.
Application Deadline: Applications open throughout the year.
- First Cycle: End of April for the October intake.
- Second Cycle: End of September for the February intake.
Tell Me About The Award:
The Universiti Malaya Bright Scholarship is a full scholarship programme for outstanding candidates from around the world to pursue a full-time PhD by research at Universiti Malaya (UM).
The programme is designed to attract talented researchers, increase research output, strengthen academic research networks, and enhance UM’s global visibility.
Which Fields are Eligible?
Applicants must pursue research within one of the 10 UM Thrust Areas:
- Nuclear Energy & New Energy Transition
- Food Sustainability & Security
- Semiconductor & Chips
- Nanotechnology & Quantum Exploration
- Artificial Intelligence & Digital Robotic Realms
- Space Science & New Engineering Spectrum
- Defence & Security Assets and Inventory Innovation and Creation
- Rare Earths & Critical Minerals
- Comprehensive Medical & Health Spectrum Excellence
- Social Science Advancement in Economic, Smart Finance, Societal, International Norms and Law, and Geopolitical Spectrum for the Nation & the World
The University reserves the right to determine an appropriate field based on the merits of each case.
Type:
Full-Time PhD Scholarship
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Be 30 years old or younger in the year of application.
- Have a valid Full Offer Letter from Universiti Malaya at the time of scholarship application.
- Hold a Bachelor’s Degree with a minimum CGPA of 3.70/4.00 or equivalent.
- Hold a Master’s Degree by research, or a Master’s Degree by mixed mode, with a minimum CGPA of 3.70/4.00 or equivalent.
- Fast-track applicants entering directly from Bachelor’s to PhD are not eligible.
- Not receive sponsorship from another organisation or party.
English Language Requirements for Non-Citizens
Applicants must meet one of the following:
- IELTS Academic: 6.5 or above.
- TOEFL iBT: 73 or above.
- English qualification/assessment equivalent to CEFR B2 or above.
- A valid Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter confirming that the previous programme was taught entirely in English.
English-language test results must be within 2 years of the examination date.
How Are Applicants Selected?
Only shortlisted candidates proceed to the next assessment stage.
Universiti Malaya determines the shortlist based on the prescribed eligibility criteria, evaluation results, and other considerations determined by the University.
Submission of an application does not guarantee shortlisting or selection. The University’s decision is final and binding.
Which Countries Are Eligible?
All countries, as the scholarship is open to both citizens and non-citizens of Malaysia.
Where Will the Award Be Taken?
Universiti Malaya (UM), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Scholarship recipients are required to conduct their PhD research at the UM campus throughout their candidature.
How Many Awards?
The number of scholarships available is not specified in the source.
What Is the Benefit of the Award?
Successful scholars receive:
- Tuition fee waiver for 7 semesters.
- RM3,500 monthly stipend for 42 months.
- Financial support for the duration of the scholarship as specified by the programme.
However, the University does not bear costs relating to:
- Passport preparation
- Insurance
- Visa
- Flight tickets
- Medical examinations
- Accommodation
How Long Will the Award Last?
The scholarship covers 7 semesters / 42 months.
Recipients must obtain Senate approval for the award of their PhD within the 7-semester/42-month period.
Exit Requirements
Scholarship recipients must:
- Complete the requirements of their PhD programme.
- Graduate with Senate approval within 7 semesters or 42 months.
- Publish three papers in Q1 or Q2 Web of Science (WOS) journals within the seven semesters.
- Ensure the publications are related to their thesis.
Recipients must also submit a progress report every six months through the MAYA system or another method required by the University.
How to Apply:
Applicants should:
- Apply for the relevant PhD programme at Universiti Malaya.
- Obtain a valid Full Offer Letter, or provide proof that an admission application has been submitted for the current intake cycle.
- Complete the online UM Bright Scholarship application.
- Upload the required documents.
- Submit the application before the applicable cycle deadline.
Required Documents
Applicants should provide:
- Passport-size photograph.
- Copy of identity card.
- Bachelor’s degree certificates and academic transcripts.
- Master’s degree certificates and academic transcripts.
- Proof of publication — first page only.
- Valid IELTS, TOEFL or CEFR certificate, where applicable.
- Medium of Instruction letter, where applicable.
- Valid Full Offer Letter from Universiti Malaya or proof of an admission application for the current intake.
Application Cycles
First Cycle: End of April → October intake
Second Cycle: End of September → February intake
