The Malaysian Government, through the Ministry of Higher Education, offers the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP) Scholarship for international students to pursue postgraduate studies in Malaysia. The MTCP Scholarship 2025-26 is a fully funded opportunity designed to promote academic excellence and strengthen bilateral relations between Malaysia and other developing countries.
This prestigious scholarship covers tuition fees, living allowances, travel expenses, and other academic-related costs, making it an attractive option for students seeking high-quality education in Malaysia. With a strong emphasis on technical and professional fields, the MTCP Scholarship aims to empower future leaders and professionals from developing nations.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the eligibility criteria, benefits, application process, and key deadlines for the MTCP Scholarship 2025-26.
1. What is the MTCP Scholarship?
The Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP) was established in 1980 as Malaysia’s commitment to South-South Cooperation, assisting developing countries in capacity building through education and training. The MTCP Scholarship enables outstanding students to pursue Master’s degrees in Malaysian public and private universities.
Key Objectives of MTCP Scholarship:
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To support human resource development in developing countries.
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To strengthen bilateral ties between Malaysia and partner nations.
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To provide access to high-quality education in technical and professional fields.
check: List of Government Funded Scholarships in 2025 (Fully Funded)
2. Benefits of the MTCP Scholarship 2025-26
The MTCP Scholarship is a fully funded program that provides comprehensive financial support, including:
✔ Full Tuition Fee Coverage – The scholarship covers the entire cost of tuition for the duration of the Master’s program.
✔ Monthly Living Allowance – Recipients receive RM 3,500 per month to cover accommodation, food, and other living expenses.
✔ Book Allowance – An additional RM 300 per year for academic materials.
✔ Travel Expenses – Round-trip airfare from the home country to Malaysia.
✔ Thesis/Research Allowance – Financial support for research-related expenses (if applicable).
✔ Medical Insurance – Health coverage for the duration of studies.
✔ Visa Fees – The scholarship covers the cost of a student visa.
3. Eligibility Criteria for MTCP Scholarship 2025-26
To qualify for the MTCP Scholarship, applicants must meet the following requirements:
A. Nationality & Age Limit
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Open to citizens of developing countries (excluding Malaysian citizens).
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Applicants must be below 45 years old at the time of application.
B. Academic Requirements
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A Bachelor’s degree with a minimum CGPA of 3.0/4.0 or equivalent.
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For English-medium programs: IELTS (6.0+) or TOEFL (550+) if English is not the first language.
C. Field of Study
The MTCP Scholarship prioritizes the following fields:
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Economics, Finance, & Business
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Science, Technology & Engineering
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Social Sciences & International Relations
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Education & Human Resource Development
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Agriculture & Environmental Studies
D. Health & Character Requirements
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Applicants must be in good health and submit a medical report.
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No criminal record or involvement in unlawful activities.
E. Work Experience (Preferred but Not Mandatory)
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Some programs may require 2+ years of work experience in a related field.
4. List of Participating Universities
The MTCP Scholarship is tenable at Malaysian public and selected private universities, including:
🔹 Universiti Malaya (UM)
🔹 Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)
🔹 Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)
🔹 Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)
🔹 Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)
🔹 International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM)
🔹 Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM)
🔹 Multimedia University (MMU)
Applicants must secure admission to one of these universities before applying for the scholarship.
check: University of Pavia CICOPS Scholarships 2026 in Italy (Fully Funded)
5. How to Apply for MTCP Scholarship 2025-26?
The application process involves two main steps:
Step 1: Secure Admission to a Malaysian University
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Choose a Master’s program from an eligible university.
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Submit an application for admission and receive an offer letter.
Step 2: Apply for the MTCP Scholarship
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Visit the official MTCP Scholarship portal: https://mtcp.kptm.gov.my
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Complete the online application form.
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Upload required documents:
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Academic transcripts & certificates
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Offer letter from a Malaysian university
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English proficiency test results (IELTS/TOEFL)
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CV/resume
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Research proposal (for research-based programs)
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Two recommendation letters
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Medical report
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Passport copy
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Submit the application before the deadline.
Selection Process
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Applications are reviewed by the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia.
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Shortlisted candidates may be called for an interview.
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Successful applicants will receive an award letter via email.
6. Important Deadlines for MTCP Scholarship 2025-26
The expected timeline for the MTCP Scholarship 2025-26 is as follows:
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Application Opens: June 2025
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Application Deadline: August 2025
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Results Announcement: October-November 2025
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Program Starts: February/March 2026
(Exact dates will be updated on the official website)
7. Tips for a Successful MTCP Scholarship Application
✅ Start Early – Begin preparing documents at least 3 months before the deadline.
✅ Choose the Right Program – Select a course aligned with your career goals and Malaysia’s priority fields.
✅ Strong Recommendation Letters – Get references from professors or employers who know your work well.
✅ Write a Convincing Personal Statement – Explain why you deserve the scholarship and how it will benefit your home country.
✅ Meet All Requirements – Ensure all documents are complete to avoid disqualification.
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can I apply for the MTCP Scholarship without an admission letter?
No, you must first secure admission to a Malaysian university before applying.
Q2. Is the MTCP Scholarship available for PhD programs?
No, the MTCP Scholarship is only for Master’s degree programs.
Q3. Can I work part-time while studying under the MTCP Scholarship?
Yes, international students in Malaysia are allowed to work part-time (20 hours/week) with university approval.
Q4. What is the duration of the MTCP Scholarship?
The scholarship covers the full duration of the Master’s program (1-2 years).
Q5. How competitive is the MTCP Scholarship?
The scholarship is highly competitive, with a limited number of awards given to top applicants.
9. Conclusion
The MTCP Scholarship 2025-26 is an excellent opportunity for students from developing countries to pursue a fully funded Master’s degree in Malaysia. With its generous financial support and access to world-class universities, this scholarship helps shape future leaders and professionals.
If you meet the eligibility criteria, start your application early, secure admission to a Malaysian university, and submit a strong scholarship application.