Top Scholarships Malaysian Students Can Still Apply for 202

SPM results are coming out soon—and if you're already thinking about what comes next, you’re on the right track. Whether you’re planning to do a diploma, foundation, or degree, one thing’s clear: further studies can get expensive. That’s where scholarships can really help.

The good news? A bunch of great ones are still open for applications this year. Below, we’ve put together a list of scholarships that SPM leavers like you can still apply for in 2025. You’ll find out who it’s for, what it covers, and how to apply.

Government & National Scholarships

1. Tunku Abdul Rahman Scholarship (YTAR)

A highly respected undergraduate scholarship that supports high-potential, deserving students who aim to contribute to the development of Malaysia.

Who It’s For: Malaysian students enrolling or currently enrolled in any MQA-accredited undergraduate programme, with strong ambition, academic potential, and a commitment to creating positive change

What It Covers: Full tuition fees, living allowances (monthly and annual), a one-off laptop and flight allowance, and a 2-year leadership development programme to nurture young changemakers

Deadline: 15 April 2025 at 2 p.m. (Applications opened on 8 February 2025)

How to Apply: Submit your application through the official YTAR website: yayasantar.org.my

2. JPA Program Penajaan Nasional (PPN)

A government scholarship for top-performing SPM leavers to study locally or abroad.

Who It’s For: SPM leavers with excellent academic results

What It Covers: Full tuition fees, living allowance, and other study-related costs

Deadline: To be announced (usually opens after SPM results)

How to Apply: Via the official JPA website: https://bmipenajaan.jpa.gov.my/ms/program-penajaan/latihan-sebelum-perkhidmatan/program-untuk-pelajar/program-penajaan-nasional

Corporate Scholarships

3. Gamuda Scholarship Programme

An industry-backed scholarship for high-achieving students who want to pursue a full-time degree in fields like engineering, IT, business, and more.

Who It’s For: Malaysian pre-university leavers and undergraduates pursuing their first full-time degree in approved fields (e.g. engineering, IT, finance, architecture, psychology, etc.)

What It Covers: Tuition fees, living allowance, accommodation, laptop, books, and return airfare (for overseas studies).

Bonus Perks: Leadership training, mentorship under the Scholars’ Engagement and Development Programme (SEDP), plus internship and job placement within Gamuda after graduation.

Deadline: 30 April 2025

How to Apply: Apply through the official site: https://gamuda.com.my/yayasan-gamuda/scholarship/

4. CIMB ASEAN Scholarship

A competitive regional scholarship aimed at developing future leaders in the banking and finance industry across ASEAN.

Who It’s For: Malaysian citizens (25 and below) with at least 8As in SPM or equivalent, currently in pre-university and about to start their undergraduate degree

What It Covers: Full tuition fees, flight tickets, visa costs, living expenses, books, a laptop, and mentorship

Bonus Perks: Internship and management trainee opportunities, mentorship programme, and guaranteed employment with CIMB after graduation

Deadline: 25 April 2025 (Applications opened 2 April 2025)

How to Apply: Apply through the official site: https://www.cimb.com/en/careers/students/cimb-asean-scholarship.html

Underrated but Worth Exploring

5. YTL Foundation Scholarship

A need-based scholarship supporting Malaysian students pursuing their first undergraduate degree at local public or private universities.

Who It’s For: Malaysian students who have completed STPM, Matriculation, A-Levels, or foundation studies, and are entering a full-time degree programme

What It Covers: Tuition fees, living expenses and paid internships

Bonus Perks: Priority given to students in fields like engineering, computer science, quantity surveying, finance, accounting, creative arts, and social sciences. Includes a bond period after graduation (5 years for public uni, 6 years for private)

Deadline: Not announced, but applications are currently open

How to Apply: Submit your application at https://ytlfoundation.org/applynow/

6. BAGUS Scholarship (Bank Pembangunan Malaysia)

A merit-based scholarship for future changemakers in banking, business, technology, and policy-related fields.

Who It’s For: Malaysian citizens aged 17–23 with excellent SPM or pre-university results, entering their first undergraduate degree. Applicants must not be receiving other scholarships.

What It Covers: Tuition fees, living allowance, and related study expenses

Fields Covered: Business, Finance, ICT, Engineering, Data Science, Psychology, Law, Political Science, and other fields linked to national development

Bonus Perks: Access to top local or international universities, internship opportunities, and guaranteed employment at Bank Pembangunan for up to six years

Deadline: 15 July 2025

How to Apply: Through the official website: https://www.bpmb.com.my/ms/biasiswa/

Final Tips for Applicants

Start Now: Some scholarships close as soon as they hit their quota. Don’t wait.

Prepare Documents Early: You’ll usually need your SPM results, personal statement, and sometimes references.

Read the Fine Print: Double-check eligibility and required documents on the official websites.

Good Luck to all applicants!