MIS Eligibility 2027/28: Who Can Apply for the Malaysia International Scholarship

Quick eligibility checker

Answer seven questions based on the MIS 2026 guidelines. This is a planning tool, not a MOHE decision. The 2027/2028 rules have not been published and may change.

Three ways in

The guidelines say MIS is open to graduates who:

• are citizens of the MIS 2026 recipient countries;
• intend to pursue full-time postgraduate studies (Master’s or PhD) in Malaysia; or
• are currently pursuing full-time postgraduate studies at a Malaysian public university or a selected private institution, with at least two semesters remaining before the end of the study period.

The second and third points are two separate routes. You can apply before you start, or once you are enrolled, as long as you have at least two semesters left. Only full-time study counts. The guidelines list the level of study as “Master’s degree” or “PhD”, “full-time study only”.

You must be a citizen of a recipient country. The 2026 list has three parts: ASEAN countries, Commonwealth countries (the guidelines give the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association regions), and 39 named countries and territories. Malaysians are not eligible, because MIS is for international students. The full list is on the recipient countries page.

Age

The age limit applies at the time of application, not when you start your studies:

If you are close to the limit, the timing of the 2027/2028 window matters. Use the earliest likely date in your planning.

Academic results

• Master’s applicants: a CGPA of 3.00, or Second Class Upper (Honours) or higher, at bachelor’s level.
• PhD applicants: a CGPA of 3.00, or excellent results, at master’s level in courses related to the PhD you plan to do.

If your transcript does not show a CGPA, marks or percentile, upload a certified official document from your university that explains its grading system. That document is required for such transcripts. The guidelines do not mention a conversion table, so do not convert the grades yourself.

English

Any one of these is enough:

• IELTS band 6.0 or higher;
• TOEFL paper-based test (PBT) total of 550 or higher, or an equivalent score in another TOEFL test;
• A previous degree taught in English, shown by an official declaration from the university.

The guidelines do not say what counts as an “equivalent” score in other TOEFL tests. If you have a TOEFL iBT score, ask MOHE before you rely on it. English is also a selection criterion, so meeting the minimum does not mean you will be ranked highly.

If you are applying for a Master’s by research or a PhD, you must submit a written research proposal of at least 1,000 words, relevant to your field. Coursework Master’s applicants do not submit one. The proposal is also one of the three selection criteria, and topics related to Malaysia are preferred.

What the guidelines do not say

The 2026 PDF does not mention work experience, a minimum or maximum number of awards per country, a bond, or a rule against holding a second Master’s. It also does not say whether you need a university offer before you apply. You upload an admission letter only if you are already studying or have already been admitted. However, the terms say it is your responsibility to confirm your admission to the university. If something is not covered here, email international@mohe.gov.my rather than guessing.

Recheck the current guidelines PDF before you apply. Each year MOHE replaces it with a new edition.