Special Scholarships for B40 and M40 Students in Malaysia

In the pursuit of education, many students in Malaysia face a myriad of challenges. One of the biggest challenges is the cost of education, which discourages them from pursuing their career goals.

The dream of gaining admission into a public university (IPTA) becomes a beacon of hope, with its affordability and reputation standing as strong incentives. However, the journey to securing a spot within IPTA is competitive, leaving numerous capable students feeling disheartened and uncertain about their educational prospects. 

In contrast, private higher education institutions (IPTS) offer an alternative route, yet the higher cost involved often exacerbates the challenges. 

Luckily, there are various scholarships out there tailored to support low-income families, offering opportunities for deserving students to bridge the financial gap and pursue their academic aspirations with confidence.

Here are several scholarships offered by institutions and organisations to help alleviate the financial burden faced by students from the B40 and M40 income groups.

UCSI University Trust Financial Assistance
The UCSI University Trust Financial Assistance is available to Malaysian students hailing from rural regions, B40/low-income households, single-parent families with limited income, individuals with disabilities (OKU), and other comparable challenging circumstances. Applications are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

UCSI University has a long-standing reputation for being among the top private universities in Malaysia, upholding its place within the Top 1% globally as one of Asia’s best private universities in QS World University Rankings 2023.

The scholarship is open for any Pre-U studies leading to a degree, Diploma or Degree programme at UCSI University, EXCEPT for Medicine, Pharmacy and Nursing. This means you will have to enroll in UCSI University first, to be eligible for the scholarship. 

This financial assistance is granted in the form of a tuition fee waiver, for the full duration offered of the study at UCSI University. The amount waived is to be decided by the Bursary Committee.

To be eligible for this scholarship, students must come from a family with a monthly income of less than RM6,000 and must submit the necessary supporting documents for family income and expenses to apply for the scholarship.

UTS Bursary Schemes
The University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) has quickly established itself as a leading university in Sarawak, known for being the only university in Sarawak that is wholly owned by the Sarawak State Government. UTS is also the first university in the world to receive a platinum award for Green Building Index (GBI) and is also home to several research centres.

There are two (2) scholarships specially for students whose parents’ household income is under B40 and M40, which are the UTS Bursary Scheme BP40 for Sarawakian (Non-Bumiputera), and UTS Bursary Scheme BP40 for Sarawakian (Bumiputera). Both scholarships cover up to 80% of the tuition fee for the duration of the study.

Click here to learn more about the eligibility criteria for the UTS Scholarships for B40 and M40 students.

YSD Special Support Bursary
Yayasan Sime Darby (YSD) is a corporate foundation in Malaysia that was established in 1982 by Sime Darby Berhad. YSD has a strong focus on education and has awarded over 20,000 scholarships and bursaries to students from low-income families.

Yayasan Sime Darby's Special Support Bursary is open to promising undergraduate or diploma students from low-income (B40) families who are pursuing tertiary education at any recognised Malaysian higher learning institution. 

This bursary award covers up to RM25,000 per year, which includes tuition fees, monthly allowance (living, subsistence, accommodation) and book allowances.

Scholarship recipients will also gain the opportunity to undergo YSD THRIVE – Rising Talent, a wholesome learning experience specially designed for Bursary and TVET scholars, including tailored employability skills training, wellness support, mentoring, industry meetups, volunteerism opportunities and access to an e-learning platform. 

Find out more about the scholarship here. 

Leaders with Impact Scholarship
In partnership with FWD Takaful Berhad and Yayasan Tunku Abdul Rahman, the Leaders with Impact Scholarship aligns with Heriot-Watt University Malaysia's mission to empower gifted students to engage with a Heriot-Watt education, offering financial assistance for their studies, fostering professional growth and life skills, irrespective of their origins or life situations.

This scholarship aims to uplift Malaysian young individuals hailing from B40 backgrounds, with the aspiration to enhance the well-being of the B40 community. It seeks to empower the nation by fostering inclusivity across various socioeconomic strata within the country.

Successful candidates will be awarded with Leaders with Impact Scholarship with a 100% tuition fee, and a cost-of-living allowance of up to RM1,300 per month for the entire duration of study.  

Upon completing the course, the awarded scholar is obligated to fulfil a scholarship bond by engaging in full-time employment with the sponsoring entity. The duration of this bond aligns with the policies and directives of the scholarship sponsor.

Read more about the eligibility and application process here. 

DERMASISWA B40
The Dermasiswa B40 scholarship is a special initiative by DR-B HICOM University to help students from lower-income households who are seeking to pursue their diploma studies. 

DRB-HICOM University of Automotive Malaysia is known for its focus on automotive engineering and technology. It is the first university in ASEAN to offer home-grown bachelor's degree, master and doctoral programmes relating to the automotive ecosystem, which includes mechanical, business and management studies.

To be eligible for the scholarship, you must be a Malaysian citizen, and pass SPM with 5 credits and above with no records of disciplinary action. Having strong leadership skills, and being active in extracurricular, social and voluntary activities is also highly recommended as it will increase your chances of being selected for the scholarship.

To find out more about the scholarship, click here.

You may also want to check out Top 10 Overseas Scholarships For Malaysian Students In 2023

In a country where education is the key to success, scholarships can help people who are struggling financially to pursue their dreams. With the help of scholarships, everyone can get an education, regardless of their financial situation.

Need help finding the right university and course that offers financial assistance? Our education counsellors can help you find the best option for your background and career goals. Click the banner below to start the free counselling!