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: Malaysian universities supported by MTCP (list available on the MTCP website).
• Eligible Program: Full-time Master’s degree only. September/October 2026 intake.
• Number of Awards: Not specified.
• Duration: Entire master’s program duration (typically 24 to 36 months).
• Intake Period: September/October 2026.
• Target Group: Citizens of MTCP recipient countries (see website for full list).

Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme Scholarship Benefits

MTCP Scholars receive a fully funded support that includes:

1. Full coverage of tuition fees paid directly to the host university.
2. Monthly allowance deposited into your Malaysian bank account.
3. One-time economy class return flight ticket from your nearest international airport to Malaysia and back upon completion.

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. Priority areas for the 2026 MTCP Scholarship are as follows:

• Information and Communication Technology
• Economy and Trade
• Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
• Food Security and Agriculture Technology
• Islamic Finance
• Law
• Public Administration and Policy Studies
• Sustainable and Environmental Science

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:

1. Visit the MTCP portal at mtcp.kln.gov.my/scholarship and register.
2. Complete the online application form and upload all required documents in PDF format.
3. Submit your application before the deadline. Only applications submitted through the system will be considered.

Required Documents

1. Passport information page (valid ≥12 months);
2. Undergraduate academic transcript & university grading system certificate;
3. Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL-iBT, PTE, CAE, CPE, MUET or equivalent) or official letter confirming English as medium of instruction;
4. Curriculum Vitae (CV);
5. Medical examination report (click here to download the template);
6. Two letters of recommendation (click here to download the template);
7. Valid full offer letter from a Malaysian university for the September/October 2026 intake.

Terms and Conditions

• Scholars must undertake a full-time Master’s degree in Malaysia, preferably at a public university, for the period stated in the Scholarship Offer Letter.
• Programme changes require written permission from both the university and the MTCP Secretariat.
• Recipients must follow Malaysian laws and the university’s rules, regulations, and codes of conduct.
• Any suspension from the university results in immediate scholarship suspension. Monthly allowances are not paid during suspension.
• Visa application and medical examination costs are borne entirely by the recipient.
• Scholars must maintain satisfactory academic progress. Failure to do so will result in the scholarship being withdrawn.
• The scholarship is tenable in Malaysian universities. Studies must be carried out in person, in Malaysia.
• Paid employment during the scholarship tenure requires written approval from both the host university and the MTCP Secretariat.

The application deadline is June 12, 2026. For more information about the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme Scholarship, please visit the official MTCP website. Incomplete or inaccurate applications will be disqualified.