The Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP) Scholarship is a prestigious, fully funded postgraduate award established by Malaysia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1980 as part of its South-South Cooperation initiative. It aims to share Malaysia’s development expertise by supporting outstanding students from developing countries to pursue Master’s degree programs at top Malaysian institutions. The MTCP Scholarship covers a wide range of fields including engineering, social sciences, technology, and public administration, fostering cross-cultural collaboration and capacity building among future global leaders.
Eligible applicants must be nationals of one of the developing countries recognized by Malaysia and under 45 years of age at the time of application. Awarded scholars receive comprehensive support: full tuition fee coverage for the entire 24–36-month study period, a monthly living allowance, return economy-class airfare, and medical insurance. In addition, the scholarship often includes allowances for academic materials, thesis preparation, and participation in relevant national workshops or conferences—ensuring recipients can fully immerse themselves in Malaysia’s world-class educational environment and vibrant multicultural society.
To apply, candidates must register and submit their applications online via the MTCP portal during the application window, complete all required fields, and upload supporting documents before the deadline. It is advisable to prepare transcripts and recommendation letters well in advance, draft a clear study plan that highlights potential contributions to one’s home country, and review the official guidelines.
Program Details
- Host Institutions: Partner universities in Malaysia.
- Eligible Program: Full-time Master’s degree at any MTCP-partner public university in Malaysia.
- Number of Awards: Not specified.
- Duration: Entire Master’s programme duration (typically 24 to 36 months).
- Intake Period: September/October 2025.
- Target Group: Open to citizens of MTCP-recipient developing countries.
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Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme Scholarship Benefits
MTCP Scholars receive a fully funded support that includes:
- Full coverage of tuition fees paid directly to the host university.
- Monthly living allowance of RM3,500 deposited into a Malaysian bank account.
- One-time return economy-class airfare from your home country to Malaysia.
Eligible Malaysian Universities for MTCP Scholarship
Please find below the list of Malaysian Universities where MTCP Scholarship recipients can study.
- Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia (UIAM/IIUM)
- Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)
- Universiti Malaya (UM)
- Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK)
- Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA)
- Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UNIMAP)
- Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS)
- Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS)
- Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT)
- Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI)
- Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM)
- Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)
- Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM)
- Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)
- Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UNISZA)
- Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTEM)
- Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)
- Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM)
- Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM)
- Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM)
- Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN)
- Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP)
- Multimedia University (MMU)
- Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL).
Available Fields of Study
Priority will be given to strategic disciplines that drive Malaysia’s socio-economic development:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Cyber Security
- Digital Transformation
- Economics
- Engineering, Mathematics, Science & Technology (STEM)
- Food Security
- Islamic Finance
- Law
- Public Administration & Policy Studies
- Sustainable & Environmental Science
*Excludes Nursing, Medicine & Clinical Pharmacy courses.
Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme Scholarship Eligibility
To qualify for this Malaysia scholarship, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be nationals of MTCP-listed developing countries. Please click here to see the full list.
- Be under 45 years old at the time of application
- Hold a minimum Second Class Upper (Honours) or CGPA of 3.0 (or equivalent)
- Demonstrate English proficiency via IELTS (≥6.0), TOEFL-iBT (≥60), or by having earned a degree taught in English
- Be in good health, certified by a physician (report valid within 6 months)
Selection Criteria for the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme Scholarship
- Academic excellence (CGPA ≥3.0 and honours classification)
- Leadership potential and extracurricular achievements
- Strong command of English communication, both written and verbal
How to Apply for the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme Scholarship
To apply for this government scholarship program, you must submit your application online in three simple steps:
- Visit the MTCP portal and register for the scholarship system;
- Upload all required documents (see below) and submit before the application deadline.
Required Documents
- Passport information page (valid ≥12 months);
- Undergraduate academic transcript & university grading system certificate;
- Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL-iBT, PTE, CAE, CPE, MUET or equivalent) or official letter confirming English as medium of instruction;
- Curriculum Vitae (CV);
- Medical examination report (click here to download the template);
- Two letters of recommendation (click here to download the template);
- Latest admission offer letter (conditional or unconditional) for September/October 2025 intake.
Terms and Conditions
- Scholars must enroll in a full-time Master’s programme and adhere to the scholarship period specified in the offer letter;
- Programme changes require written approval from both the host university and MTCP Secretariat;
- Recipients must follow Malaysian laws, university regulations, and codes of conduct;
- Suspension or withdrawal from studies resulting in stipend suspension or forfeiture;
- Visa application and medical check-up costs are the scholar’s responsibility;
The application deadline is . For more information about the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme Scholarship, please visit the official page. To be the first to see latest opportunities, please follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.