MTCP Scholarship — Malaysia Government Award

The Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP) Scholarship is a fully funded Government of Malaysia scholarship for graduates from developing countries to study for a full-time Master’s degree in Malaysia. It is run by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with the Ministry of Higher Education, and it is Malaysia’s South-South cooperation award — the MTCP itself was established in 1980 to share Malaysia’s development experience and expertise with other developing countries.

Overview

The MTCP Scholarship supports outstanding graduates from MTCP recipient countries to pursue a full-time Master’s degree at a Malaysian university, so they can take new knowledge and skills back to contribute to the development of their home country. The award is for the September/October intake of the academic year, lasts 24 to 36 months, and covers full tuition, a monthly allowances package and a return air ticket. A valid full offer letter from a Malaysian university is required before applying.

Scholarship Benefits

For the 2026 cycle, the award provides:

• Full tuition fees.
• A monthly allowance, paid directly to the scholar’s Malaysian bank account.
• A one-off return economy-class airline ticket from the student’s closest international airport to Malaysia and back to the home country.

Allowances are paid through individual savings accounts from the Scholarship Division of the Ministry of Higher Education; scholars are advised to open a Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad account. Funding lasts 24 to 36 months, for the normal duration of the Master’s programme.

What it does NOT cover: the monthly allowance is the whole allowances package — it is not a living stipend paid on top of separate book, housing, travel and thesis allowances. Any cost outside the listed allowances is the scholar’s own responsibility.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet all of the following conditions for the 2026 cycle:

• Be a citizen of an MTCP recipient country, as listed on the MTCP Scholarship website.
• Be not more than 45 years old at the time of application.
• Hold a minimum of Second Class Upper (Honours) or a CGPA of 3.0 or equivalent at undergraduate level.
• Provide proof of English language proficiency: IELTS with a minimum total score of 6.0, or TOEFL iBT with a minimum total score of 60, or a previous degree with English as the medium of instruction. The guidelines list further accepted tests — check the current guidelines for the full list.
• Hold a valid full offer letter from a Malaysian university for the September/October 2026 intake.
• Provide a medical report, valid within six months of the date of application.
• Undertake full-time study for a Master’s degree at a university on the MTCP list.

Programmes NOT covered: Nursing, Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy.

Available Fields

Master’s programmes at universities on the MTCP list, in coursework, mixed-mode and research modes. Areas of focus named for the 2026 cycle include Artificial Intelligence, Islamic Finance and Sustainable Development. Check the official list of universities and programmes on the MTCP website for the programmes open in the current cycle.

Required Documents

Submit the following in the online application system, scanned and saved in PDF format, as set out in the official 2026 Application Guidelines:

• A copy of the passport information page as evidence of nationality (minimum 12 months’ validity).
• A copy of the academic transcript.
• Proof of English language proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic or other tests listed in the guidelines), or an official letter from the previous institution declaring English as the medium of instruction for the degree obtained.
• A curriculum vitae.
• A medical report (the form can be downloaded from the MTCP Scholarship website).
• A letter of recommendation from two referees (the form can be downloaded from the MTCP Scholarship website).
• A valid full offer letter from a Malaysian university for the September/October 2026 intake.

Application Process

1. Secure a valid full offer letter from a Malaysian university for the September/October intake first — this is required before you can apply for the scholarship.
2. Register and apply through the MTCP online system at mtcp.kln.gov.my/register_scholarship during the open window. The same system is used for the whole application and selection procedure, including status updates and supplementary documents.
3. Upload all required documents as PDF scans and submit before the deadline.
4. Submit a copy of the application to the Malaysian High Commission or Embassy in your home country if the portal instructs you to.
5. Successful candidates are notified before the September intake.

Important Dates

Event	Date
Applications open (2026)	4 May 2026
Application deadline (2026)	12 June 2026
Intake	September / October 2026

Applications for the 2026 round closed on 12 June 2026. Dates for the next cycle have not been published yet — check the official MTCP website.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the MTCP Scholarship cover?

For 2026 it covers full tuition fees, a monthly allowance paid directly to the scholar’s Malaysian bank account, and a one-off return economy-class air ticket.

Who can apply?

Citizens of MTCP recipient countries who are 45 or under, hold at least a Second Class Upper (Honours) degree or CGPA 3.0, meet the English requirement and hold a valid full offer letter from a Malaysian university for the September/October intake.

Can I apply for a PhD under the MTCP Scholarship?

No. For the 2026 cycle the scholarship is for full-time Master’s degrees only.

Do I need a university offer before I apply?

Yes. A valid full offer letter from a Malaysian university for the September/October intake is required. Check the MTCP FAQ in the current cycle for what may be uploaded at submission if your offer is still conditional.

The 2026 deadline has passed. What should I do?

Prepare for the next cycle — starting with a university application and offer — and watch the official MTCP website. No dates for the next round have been published yet.

Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs Malaysia — Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP) Scholarship