SPM results are out, and you’re ready to take the next step in your education. If you did well but can’t afford to go university, then it might also be time to look for scholarships.
You may have tried to get a JPA scholarship, but aren’t confident of being approved. Or just plain missed the application deadline. Do not despair. The following is a list of scholarships from private bodies and government-linked organisations that are still open for applications (unless you’re reading this late).
CIMB ASEAN Scholarship
This scholarship is open to all students from the ASEAN region, so you might face competition from more than just your peers in Malaysia. You will also be bonded to CIMB for a number of years equal to the length of your study (or double that amount for each year abroad).
While there are no course requirements for applying for this scholarship, bear in mind that CIMB will be prioritising courses that would be of benefit to its own organisation. This scholarship’s coverage includes tuition fees, living allowances, insurance and other related fees
Requirements:
- Aged 24 years and below.
- A citizen of Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam or Philippines.
- Monthly household income of not more than RM15,000 per month.
- Already accepted or expecting acceptance to pursue their undergraduate studies starting in 2020 within any academic discipline at a reputable university. University students with a minimum of two more years of undergraduate study are also encouraged to apply.
- In possession of an excellent academic track record and active in curricular activities.
- Non-recipients of any other scholarship or grant, with a contractual obligation on the part of the applicant.
Applications open on March 16 and close on April 15. Click here to apply.
Hong Leong Foundation Scholarship
Aimed at low income families, the Hong Leong Foundation scholarship is open to those who will be starting their studies later in the year. It is also only for those who will be doing their tertiary education locally, which means you won’t be getting funded to study overseas. The scholarship amount varies from RM6,000 to RM32,000 depending on whether it’s a diploma, undergraduate or medical course.
However, it is a non-bonding scholarship which frees you to pursue your own employment after completing your studies.
Requirements:
- Malaysian citizen between the ages of 17 and 25 years old.
- Those who are currently doing their Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Degree programme (Year 1, 2 or 3) in any recognised local colleges and universities can also apply.
- Total household income must be RM5,000 or less per month.
- OKU individuals are encouraged to apply and will be given special consideration.
The application period runs from April 1 to May 31. Click here to learn more.
PIDM Scholarship
This government-linked agency does more than secure your savings in the bank, it also provides a scholarship programme for students looking to study in local universities. The list of approved institutions is a bit shorter than some other scholarships, but the terms of the grant are rather generous. They cover course fees (max. RM10,000) and allowances like books, computer and study materials.
It also does not bond students after they have completed their studies, but does offer the opportunity to take up an internship programme should the student want to continue in the industry.
Requirements
- Malaysian citizen under the age of 25 year as of 1 January 2020.
- Minimum of 5As in the SPM with credits in Bahasa Malaysia and English; or STPM or A-Level equivalent (minimum 2As); or Pre-University entrance examination (such as, foundation, matriculation or diploma), with a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (“CGPA”) of 3.50 and above.
- Full-time student that has gained admission into a course related to PIDM’s approved field of studies and which has been approved and accredited by Lembaga Akreditasi Negara (LAN) and is in a PIDM-approved college or university in Malaysia.
- Not be in a position to take on the course without financial aid or award.
- Not be in receipt of any other scholarship, financial aid or award from any institution, organisation or foundation.
- Not have been terminated from or ceased to be in receipt of any other scholarship, financial aid or award from any institution, organisation or foundation, due to disciplinary action against the applicant.
The application period runs until April 14. Click here to learn more.
Shell Malaysia
This is one of the few scholarships that allow students to travel overseas, but also comes with a lengthy period of being bonded to Shell. The amount of time varies, but can last up to 10 years depending on the length of your course.
Due to this, applicants for the scholarship should intend to study fields that are related to the oil and gas industry; such as geology, chemical engineering, environmental engineering, or digital marketing.
Requirements
- Strong leadership skills and active participation in extracurricular activities such as societies and clubs, sports, etc.
- Not presently holding other scholarships/loans.
- Consistently strong academic achievements as follows:
- Minimum 8As (A/A+) in Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) OR
- Excellent O-level grades at IGCSE (A*/A).
- Prior to application, ensure you are eligible to work in the country where the scholarship program is offered.
- Not exceeding 18 years of age at the enrolment date for the foundation studies.
The application period runs until April 5. Click here to learn more.
Yayasan Khazanah
The government’s investment arm Khazanah Nasional Berhad provides scholarships to more ambitious students looking to enter some of the most prestigious universities in the world. Successful applicants must complete their foundation course in Kolej Yayasan UEM, and must then be prepared to apply to institutions like Cambridge University, MIT, and Oxford University.
Like many other scholarships of this type, students must be prepared to be bonded to Khazanah for a number of years equal to the length of their programme (with minimum of two years).
Requirements:
- Obtained a minimum of 8As (combination of A and A+) in the recent SPM examination or at least 8As in the recent IGCSE.
- Obtained A or A+ in the following core subjects: Bahasa Melayu, English, History and Mathematics (only for SPM).
- Not exceeding 18 years of age at the enrolment date for the foundation studies.
The application period runs until March 23. Click here to learn more.
Yayasan Sime Darby
Yayasan Sime Darby’s scholarship programme is similar to that run by Yayasan Khazanah; right down to being required to complete a foundation course in Kolej Yayasan UEM. It also offers financial support for those who intend to study at similar prestigious Western universities. However, there are also options for those looking for local institutions, Chinese universities, or to study in Indonesia.
The bonded period for a Yayasan Sime Darby is one of the longest among the scholarships in the time, lasting between five and six years regardless of the length of your study programme.
Requirements:
- Obtained at least 7 A’s (A+ and A only) for SPM 2019 Examination.
- Minimum CGPA of 3.30 in STPM/Pre-University/Foundation/Local Matriculation/Diploma or 3A’s for an A-Level Programme (for local institutions).
- Total monthly gross household income of RM10,000 and below.
- Interested to pursue foundation studies at Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU) in China (for Chinese scholarships).
The application period runs until March 23. Click here to learn more.
Naturally, applying for a scholarship is only part of the process. High performing students should be prepared to stand out from the rest by not only having a variety of extracurricular activities, but also being able to clearly express themselves.
Bear in mind that academic success is no guarantee for a bright future. There are many that make their way to a successful life without having to graduate from a so-called Oxbridge institution. You are not any less of a person if you decide to take up a technical course instead.
Whatever your choice in life, we hope this list helps those of you who have worked hard to excel academically and are looking for options to further your academic dreams.
