Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) offers a range of scholarships to both local and international students, covering everything from full tuition waivers to monthly living stipends, tuition-only discounts, and even research conference grants. Depending on the program, students can receive benefits like a RM3,000 monthly allowance, partial tuition waivers of RM2,000, or full funding packages that include return airfare. These awards are designed to support undergraduate, master's, and PhD students across UTM's engineering, science, and technology programs. Before applying, it helps to understand exactly which scholarship fits your academic level and nationality, since each one comes with its own benefits and requirements. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) is one of Malaysia's leading research universities, known for engineering, technology, and innovation. It attracts thousands of international students every year, and part of that appeal comes from its scholarship and financial aid programs.

Types of UTM Scholarships, Benefits, and Requirements

1. UTM ASCEND Scholarship (PhD Only)

This is UTM's strongest full-funding scholarship, but it is reserved for PhD candidates.

Benefits:

• Full tuition coverage for up to 6 semesters

• RM3,000 monthly allowance

• Two tracks: Fast-Track (for UTM's own top undergraduates progressing into a PhD) and Bright Talent (open to local and international high achievers)

Requirements:

• Strong academic record and research potential

• Limited seats; selection is highly competitive

• 2026 intake was extended to 31 May 2026; check the page below for the next round if this has closed

Apply for the UTM ASCEND Scholarship

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2. International Doctoral Fellowship (International Students, PhD)

This is the option most international PhD applicants will actually qualify for. It is a partial tuition waiver, not a full scholarship, so plan your budget accordingly.

Benefits:

• RM2,000 tuition waiver

• No officially published monthly stipend, so you will need to cover living costs separately

Requirements:

• Must be within your 1st to 6th semester of study

• Cannot be employed elsewhere or receiving another scholarship at the same time

International Doctoral Fellowship (International Students, PhD) applies.

3. MTCP Scholarship (Malaysian Government)

The Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme is a national government scholarship for postgraduate students from developing countries. UTM is one of several participating universities, but the scholarship itself is administered by Malaysia's government, not by UTM directly.

Benefits:

• Full tuition coverage

• Monthly living allowance

• Return airfare

Requirements:

• Master's-level study, for 24 to 36 months

• Second Class Upper degree or CGPA 3.0 or higher

• IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 60+

• Must be a citizen of an eligible developing country

Apply for the MTCP Scholarship (Malaysian Government)

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4. UTM Young Scholars Grant (Conference Travel Only)

This one gets listed as a "scholarship" on many sites, but it is really a research conference travel grant, not living or tuition support.

Benefits:

• RM500 to RM700 toward attending an academic conference to present research

Requirements:

• Must be the first student author of an original research paper

• Cannot be held at the same time as a full scholarship

• Only conferences organized by recognized academic or government bodies qualify

Apply for the UTM Young Scholars Grant (Conference Travel Only)

Documents Required for Applications

Whether you are applying for admission, a scholarship, or both, UTM asks for the same core document set. Gather these in advance so you are not scrambling close to the deadline:

• Bachelor's / Master's qualification certificate

• Bachelor's / Master's academic transcripts

• English language certificate (IELTS / TOEFL / TOEFL iBT / ELS CIEP / TEEP)

• Sponsor letter (if applicable)

• Referee statement(s) (if applicable)

• Research proposal (for research mode programs)

• Passport-sized photograph

• Proof of working experience (if applicable)

• Copy of passport (photo page and personal details page)

• Proof of payment of processing fees

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does UTM offer a full scholarship covering both tuition and a monthly stipend for international students?

Yes, but only through the UTM ASCEND Scholarship, and only for PhD candidates. Most other international awards, like the International Doctoral Fellowship, cover tuition only partially and do not include a guaranteed monthly stipend.

Can undergraduate international students get a full UTM scholarship?

Based on UTM's official page, the fully funded and partially funded scholarships listed are aimed at postgraduate (Master's and PhD) students.

What is the difference between the ASCEND Scholarship and the International Doctoral Fellowship?

ASCEND is a full scholarship (tuition plus RM3,000 per month) but is highly competitive with limited seats. The International Doctoral Fellowship is easier to access but only provides a RM2,000 partial tuition waiver, with no published stipend.

Is the MTCP Scholarship run by UTM?

No. MTCP is a Malaysian government scholarship program. UTM is one of the universities where MTCP scholars can study, but applications go through Malaysia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal, not UTM's admission system.

What is the deadline for the September 2026 intake?

The postgraduate application window for the September 2026 intake runs from 1 April 2026 to 31 August 2026. Applications submitted after that date are automatically pushed to the following intake, so it is best to complete your document checklist and submit well before the cutoff.

Do I need a research proposal to apply?

Only if you are applying for a research mode program, such as a research-based master's or PhD. Coursework programs typically do not require one, but check your specific program page to confirm.

Apply on the official website; the link is provided below