The Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP) Scholarship 2025 is a prestigious, fully funded opportunity designed to support high-potential students from developing countries to pursue full-time master’s degrees in Malaysia. Established by the Government of Malaysia in 1980, the MTCP represents a vital component of Malaysia’s international development efforts—strengthening South-South cooperation, capacity-building, and global solidarity.

This Fully Funded Scholarship fosters academic excellence, leadership development, and cultural exchange by providing future leaders from across the Global South with access to top-ranked Malaysian universities. The MTCP Scholarship not only supports individual educational advancement but also contributes to national development goals and cross-border collaboration.

With a strong emphasis on innovation, governance, and sustainability, the program empowers young professionals to acquire advanced knowledge in critical fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, STEM, Islamic Finance, and Public Policy. By studying in one of Asia’s most diverse nations, scholars will experience world-class education and Malaysia’s multicultural society, building lasting networks with peers from across continents.

Program Details

Host Country:
Malaysia

Program Location:
Partner universities across Malaysia

Program Duration:
24 to 36 months (depending on the master’s program and university)

Program Themes or Focus Areas:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)

• Cyber Security

• Digital Transformation

• Economics

• STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)

• Food Security

• Islamic Finance

• Law

• Public Administration and Policy Studies

• Sustainability and Environmental Science

Note: Programs in Nursing, Medicine, and Clinical Pharmacy are not eligible for this scholarship.

These fields have been carefully selected to align with the MTCP’s mission of promoting socio-economic progress, digital advancement, and sustainable development across developing nations.

Benefits

Successful candidates of the MTCP Scholarship 2025 will receive the following benefits:

• Full tuition fee coverage for the entire program duration

• Monthly living allowance of RM3,500.00

• Economy class return airfare to and from Malaysia

• Study opportunities at top Malaysian public universities

• Exposure to high-impact academic environments and cutting-edge research

• Cultural exchange and integration programs for international students

The program ensures that recipients have the financial, academic, and social support required to complete their master’s education successfully.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements to be considered for the MTCP Scholarship 2025:

• Must be a citizen of a developing country recognized by the MTCP program

• Be aged 35 years or younger at the time of application

• Possess a strong academic background (minimum second-class upper division or CGPA of 3.5)

• Meet English language proficiency requirements:

  • IELTS score of 6.0, or

  • TOEFL score of 60, or

  • Proof that prior degree instruction was in English

• Be in good health as verified by an approved medical report

• Must have secured an admission offer from a Malaysian university participating in the MTCP program

Candidates are highly encouraged to apply only after confirming their eligibility and receiving their university admission offer.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these step-by-step instructions to apply for the MTCP Scholarship 2025:

Step 1: Register Online
Access the MTCP online application system and create a personal account.

Step 2: Complete the Application Form
Log in to the portal and fill out the application form with personal details, educational qualifications, and program preferences.

Step 3: Upload Required Documents
Ensure all supporting documents are uploaded in PDF format, clearly labeled, and legible.

Step 4: Review Guidelines
Read the MTCP Scholarship Application Guidelines and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to ensure compliance.

Step 5: Submit the Application
Submit the completed application before the stated deadline.

Required Documents

• Fully completed application form (online)

• Official offer letter from a Malaysian university

• Certified copies of academic degrees and transcripts

• Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• Statement of purpose or motivation letter (if required by university)

• Two letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees

• English language proficiency certificate (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent)

• Passport copy (valid for at least 12 months from application)

• Recent medical report confirming good health

Incomplete applications or those submitted without valid documentation will not be considered.

Application Deadline

Application Deadline: 13 June, 2025

It is advised to apply well in advance of the deadline to ensure timely processing of applications and to avoid system congestion close to the cut-off date.

Why Choose the MTCP Scholarship?

The Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme is more than just a scholarship—it is a platform for capacity-building, cross-cultural dialogue, and international cooperation. For over four decades, the MTCP has empowered thousands of scholars to return home with the tools to drive change in their local communities and governments.

Through this scholarship, students gain:

• Access to Malaysia’s globally recognized institutions of higher education

• Engagement with faculty involved in global research and innovation

• Cultural immersion in a multi-ethnic, multilingual, and tolerant society

• Opportunities to contribute to SDGs through targeted research and community work

• A network of MTCP alumni representing leadership across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East

Graduates of the MTCP Scholarship frequently become government officials, development consultants, startup founders, academics, and policy advisors in their home countries.

The MTCP is ideal for individuals who are not only academically gifted but also socially conscious and committed to making a difference. It fosters knowledge exchange across disciplines, strengthens global South cooperation, and promotes peace and prosperity through education.

Studying in Malaysia: A Strategic Choice

Malaysia has positioned itself as a leading education hub in Asia, with world-class universities, modern infrastructure, and a high standard of living at affordable costs. For students from the Global South, Malaysia offers:

• Academic programs taught entirely in English

• Research-led learning experiences

• Safe and student-friendly environments

• Easy access to industry, government, and innovation hubs

With a strategic location in Southeast Asia, Malaysia provides a launchpad for regional collaboration and leadership development.

The MTCP Scholarship enables scholars to contribute directly to the priorities of their home countries—whether in food security, cyber security, or sustainability—by developing skills that are immediately applicable in the local context.