University of Malaya Bright Scholarship 2026 – Study in Malaysia

Applications are now open for the University of Malaya Bright Scholarship 2026, one of Southeast Asia’s most prestigious doctoral funding opportunities.

This fully-funded PhD scholarship program welcomes both international students and Malaysian citizens to pursue advanced research at Malaysia’s top-ranked university in Kuala Lumpur.

The University of Malaya stands as Malaysia’s flagship institution and consistently ranks among Asia’s leading universities. Through the Bright Scholarship initiative, UM seeks to attract exceptional researchers from around the world to address global challenges through innovative doctoral studies and cutting-edge research projects.

This comprehensive scholarship package eliminates financial barriers for talented students, providing substantial monthly support and complete tuition coverage.

The program specifically targets critical research areas that align with global priorities, including artificial intelligence, sustainable energy, space exploration, and advanced healthcare technologies.

University of Malaya Bright Scholarship 2026 Details

University: University of Malaya
Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Degree Level: PhD (Research Mode)
Program Duration: 42 months
Funding Status: Fully funded
Target Applicants: International students and Malaysian citizens

Scholarship Benefits:

The UM Bright Scholarship provides robust financial assistance designed to support full-time doctoral studies without additional income requirements:

Monthly Stipend: RM3,500 (approximately $750 USD) for the entire 42-month program duration
Tuition Coverage: Complete waiver for all seven semesters of PhD coursework and research
Total Program Value: Over RM147,000 in direct financial support

Research Fields:

Nuclear energy & new energy transition
Semiconductor & chips
Nanotechnology & quantum exploration
Artificial Intelligence & digital robotics
Space science & engineering
Food sustainability & security
Medical & health excellence
Rare earths & critical minerals
Defense and security innovation
Social Science Advancement (Economics, Finance, Law, Geopolitics)

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Eligibility Criteria:

Age: Max 30 years at application time
Bachelor’s Degree: CGPA > 3.70
Master’s Degree: Research-based or mixed mode with CGPA ≥ 3.70/4.00
English Proficiency: IELTS 6.5+, TOEFL 73-93, or CEFR B2 (Valid for 2 years)

Required Documents:

Passport-sized photo
Completed UMES application form
Publication proof (first page)
Identity Card copy
Bachelor’s and Master’s degree certificates and transcripts
Valid English proficiency certificate

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How to Apply for University of Malaya Bright Scholarship

Complete the UM Application form
Compile all documents in PDF format
Label file: “<<your name>>UMBrightS<<Date (dd-mm-yy)>>”
Email to: [email protected]

Don’t miss this opportunity to join one of Asia’s top universities and contribute to groundbreaking research. Apply now for the University of Malaya Bright Scholarship 2026!