Malaysia has emerged as one of Asia’s most sought-after destinations for Sri Lankan and Nepalese students looking to pursue higher education abroad. Offering high-quality programs, affordable tuition, and a safe multicultural environment, Malaysia is a hub for international learners seeking both academic excellence and global career opportunities.
With numerous Malaysia scholarships, grants, and financial aid options tailored for South Asian students, aspiring students can significantly reduce their education costs while gaining degrees recognized worldwide. This guide provides detailed insights on top scholarships, eligibility criteria, application steps, tuition costs, and tips to maximize your chances of securing funding.
You can also explore Malaysia’s top institutions via our Institutes Directory or discover more international destinations on the Boomerang homepage.
Why Study in Malaysia?
Thousands of Sri Lankan and Nepalese students choose Malaysia each year for its excellent education ecosystem. Key reasons include:
- Internationally Recognized Degrees: Includes UK- and Australian-affiliated programs
- Affordable Tuition and Living Costs: Budget-friendly education for South Asian students
- Diverse Programs: Strong options in Engineering, IT, Business, Hospitality, and Medical sciences
- Safe & Multicultural Environment: Student-friendly cities suitable for South Asian students
- Pathways Abroad: Opportunities to transfer credits or pursue further studies in the UK, Australia, or New Zealand
Also Read: Top 5 Reasons Why Malaysia Is Emerging as an Education Hub
Top Scholarships in Malaysia for Sri Lankan & Nepalese Students
Malaysia offers a variety of scholarships for international students, including Merit-Based, Government-Funded, and University-Specific Awards.
1. Malaysian Government Scholarships (MOE & MOHE)
The Malaysian government provides competitive scholarships through its Ministry of Education and Ministry of Higher Education:
Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS)
- Full tuition coverage
- Monthly living allowance
- Available for Master’s and PhD programs
2. University-Specific Scholarships
Taylor’s University Scholarships
- Merit scholarships: up to 70% tuition waiver
- Programs: Business, Hospitality, Engineering, Computing
- Open to high-performing Sri Lankan and Nepalese students
Asia Pacific University (APU) International Scholarships
- Up to 50% tuition reduction
- Based on academic grades and extracurricular activities
- Popular for IT, AI, Cybersecurity, and Data Science students
INTI International University Scholarships
- Merit-based awards
- 10–30% tuition fee reduction
- Available for Business, Hospitality, Engineering, IT, and Health Sciences
SEGi University Scholarships
- Special grants for South Asian students
- Up to 40% tuition waiver
3. Commonwealth Scholarships (Sri Lankan Students)
Certain Malaysian universities support Commonwealth-funded scholarships for postgraduate students from Sri Lanka:
- Full tuition coverage
- Living allowance
- Research funding support
Eligibility Requirements for Malaysia Scholarships
While criteria vary by university and scholarship, common requirements include:
Academic Requirements
- Strong performance in A/Ls for undergraduate programs
- Bachelor’s degree with at least 60% marks for postgraduate programs
English Language Requirements
- IELTS 5.5–6.5 (depending on program)
- Alternative: PTE or TOEFL iBT
- Many universities offer English pathway programs if scores are pending
Supporting Documents
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Passport copy
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Resume / CV
- Recommendation letters
Go to : Visa and Entry Requirements for International Students
Tuition Fees & Living Costs in Malaysia
Average Tuition Fees (USD)
- Diploma: $3,000–$5,000 per year
- Bachelor’s: $5,000–$8,000 per year
- Master’s: $6,000–$10,000 per year
Estimated Living Costs (USD)
- Monthly: $300–$600
- Accommodation: $150–$250
- Food & Transportation: $100–$200
Malaysia remains one of the most affordable international study destinations for South Asian students.
Popular Courses for Sri Lankan & Nepalese Students
Some of the most sought-after programs in Malaysia include:
- Engineering & Technology (Mechanical, Civil, Electrical)
- Business & Management (BBA, MBA, Entrepreneurship)
- Accounting & Finance
- Hospitality & Tourism Management
- Information Technology, AI & Data Science
- Biotechnology & Life Sciences
- Nursing & Health Sciences
How to Apply for Malaysia Scholarships
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Choose Your University & Program: Boomerang helps shortlist universities based on budget, academic profile, and career goals.
- Check Scholarship Availability: Each university has its own criteria and deadlines.
- Prepare Documents: Academic transcripts, SOP, CV, English proficiency scores, etc.
- Apply for Admission: Universities often issue conditional offers before scholarships are awarded.
- Submit Scholarship Application: Some scholarships are automatic; others require separate forms.
- Student Visa Application: Apply for the Malaysia Student Visa after receiving your offer.
Benefits of Studying in Malaysia
- Affordable, internationally recognized education
- Multicultural, safe, and student-friendly cities
- Wide range of English-medium programs
- Strong career prospects in IT, Business, Engineering, Hospitality, and Healthcare
Also Read: Higher Education in Malaysia: Key Facts Every Student Should Know
How Boomerang International Supports Students
Boomerang International Educational Services helps Sri Lankan and Nepalese students:
- Select the right university & course
- Prepare and review scholarship applications
- Guide in SOPs, resumes, and interviews
- Assist with Malaysia Student Visa processing
- Pre-departure briefing and travel arrangements
We make securing scholarships and admission to Malaysian universities seamless.
Ready to Study in Malaysia?
Malaysia offers world-class education at an affordable cost for Sri Lankan and Nepalese students, with generous scholarship opportunities, diverse programs, and clear pathways to academic and career success.
Ready to start your Malaysia scholarship application?
FAQs
Q1: Who is eligible for Malaysia scholarships as a Sri Lankan or Nepalese student?
A: Eligibility varies by scholarship, but generally requires strong academic performance in A/Ls for undergraduate programs or a bachelor’s degree with at least 60% for postgraduate studies. English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE) is also required.
Q2: What types of scholarships are available in Malaysia?
A: Malaysia offers government-funded scholarships (e.g., Malaysia International Scholarship), university-specific merit scholarships, and Commonwealth scholarships for Sri Lankan students. Many universities also provide need-based and performance-based financial aid.
Q3: How do I apply for a Malaysia scholarship?
A: The process includes selecting your university and program, checking scholarship criteria, preparing documents (transcripts, SOP, CV, recommendation letters), applying for admission, submitting the scholarship application, and then applying for your Malaysia Student Visa.
Q4: Can I get a full tuition waiver for studying in Malaysia?
A: Some scholarships, like the Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS), cover full tuition along with a living allowance. University-specific merit scholarships may offer partial tuition coverage (10–70%) depending on academic performance.
Q5: What are the living costs in Malaysia for international students?
A: Average monthly expenses range from USD 300–600, including accommodation ($150–$250) and food & transportation ($100–$200). Malaysia remains one of the most affordable study destinations for South Asian students.
Q6: Can Boomerang International help me secure scholarships in Malaysia?
A: Yes! Boomerang assists students from Sri Lanka and Nepal with university selection, scholarship guidance, SOP preparation, application submission, visa support, and pre-departure arrangements, ensuring a smooth study abroad experience.
