Malaysia Scholarship Guide 2026

Malaysia offers numerous scholarship opportunities for both local and international students, making quality education accessible and affordable. With world-class universities and significantly lower costs than Western countries, Malaysia has become a top destination for students seeking funded education.

Why Study in Malaysia with a Scholarship?

Types of Scholarships Available

1. Government Scholarships - Funded by Malaysian government agencies
2. University Scholarships - Offered by individual institutions
3. ASEAN Scholarships - For students from ASEAN countries
4. Private Scholarships - Corporate and foundation-funded
5. Research Grants - For postgraduate research students
6. Sports & Talent Scholarships - For exceptional abilities

Scholarship Coverage Typically Includes:

• Full or partial tuition fee waiver
• Monthly living allowance (RM500-2,000)
• Accommodation allowance or hostel
• Book and material allowance
• Health insurance coverage
• Return airfare (some scholarships)
• Thesis/research allowance (postgraduate)

Key Statistics:

• 170,000+ international students in Malaysia
• 500+ scholarship programs available
• RM2 billion+ in scholarships awarded annually
• 20+ public universities offering scholarships
• 50+ private universities with scholarship programs

Malaysian Government Scholarship Programs

The Malaysian government offers several prestigious scholarship programs through various agencies. These are highly competitive but provide comprehensive funding.

1. Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS)

The flagship scholarship for international students pursuing postgraduate studies.

Benefits Include:

• Full tuition fee waiver
• Monthly living allowance
• Annual book allowance (RM1,000)
• Medical/health insurance
• Return economy airfare
• Thesis allowance
• Installation allowance (one-time)

Application Process:

1. Check eligibility on MoHE website
2. Prepare required documents
3. Submit online application
4. Shortlisted candidates interviewed
5. Results announced within 3 months

2. MARA Scholarships

Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) offers scholarships primarily for Bumiputera students but has some programs for international students.

MARA Excellence Scholarship:

• For outstanding academic achievers
• Covers tuition and living expenses
• Includes preparatory programs
• Bond requirement after graduation

MARA Professional Scholarship:

• For professional courses (medicine, engineering, law)
• Full funding including overseas study
• Strict academic requirements
• Service bond applies

3. JPA Scholarships (Public Service Department)

JPA Overseas Scholarship:

• For Malaysian citizens primarily
• Top universities worldwide
• Full funding package
• Government service bond

JPA Local Scholarship:

• For studies at Malaysian universities
• Various fields covered
• Monthly allowance provided
• Shorter bond period

4. Khazanah Global Scholarship

5. PETRONAS Education Sponsorship Programme

Coverage:

• Full tuition fees
• Monthly allowance
• Accommodation
• Books and equipment
• Medical coverage
• Internship opportunities

Fields Prioritized:

• Engineering (all disciplines)
• Geosciences
• Information Technology
• Business and Finance
• Science and Technology

Application Timeline:

• Opens: January-March annually
• Closes: April-May
• Interviews: June-July
• Results: August-September
• Intake: October/February

Scholarships for ASEAN Students

Students from ASEAN member countries enjoy special scholarship opportunities and preferential treatment at Malaysian universities.

ASEAN Member Countries:

• Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam

1. ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship

Many Malaysian universities offer dedicated scholarships for ASEAN students.

Typical Benefits:

Participating Universities:

• Universiti Malaya (UM)
• Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)
• Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)
• Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)
• Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)
• Taylor's University
• Sunway University
• UCSI University

2. ASEAN-China Scholarship

Joint program between ASEAN and China for regional students.

Coverage:

• Full tuition waiver
• Living allowance
• Research funding
• Cultural exchange programs

3. SEAMEO Scholarships

Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization offers various programs.

SEAMEO-Australia Education Links Award:

• Short-term study programs
• Research collaboration
• Professional development

SEAMEO RIHED Scholarship:

• Higher education research
• Regional mobility programs
• Capacity building

4. Country-Specific ASEAN Scholarships

For Indonesian Students:

• Darmasiswa Scholarship (cultural exchange)
• LPDP Scholarship (Indonesian government)
• Bilateral agreements with Malaysian universities

For Vietnamese Students:

• Vietnam-Malaysia bilateral scholarships
• VIED scholarships for overseas study
• University-specific programs

For Thai Students:

• TICA scholarships
• Thai government overseas scholarships
• University partnerships

For Filipino Students:

• CHED scholarships
• DOST-SEI scholarships
• Bilateral programs

5. ASEAN University Network (AUN) Scholarships

AUN Student Exchange Program:

• Semester exchange opportunities
• Credit transfer arrangements
• Cultural immersion

AUN-ACTS (Credit Transfer System):

• Facilitates student mobility
• Standardized credit recognition
• Multiple university experience

Application Tips for ASEAN Students:

1. Apply Early - ASEAN scholarships are competitive
2. Highlight Regional Connection - Emphasize ASEAN identity
3. Language Proficiency - English and local language skills
4. Community Involvement - Regional activities valued
5. Academic Excellence - Maintain high grades
6. Research Potential - For postgraduate applications

Public University Scholarships

Malaysian public universities offer various scholarship programs for international students.

Universiti Malaya (UM) - QS Rank #65

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)

UKM Zamalah Scholarship:

• Full tuition waiver
• Monthly allowance RM1,500
• Research funding
• For postgraduate research

UKM Merit Scholarship:

• Partial tuition waiver
• Based on academic excellence
• Renewable annually

Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)

Graduate Research Fellowship (GRF):

• Full tuition exemption
• Monthly allowance RM1,800
• Research grant
• Conference funding

UPM Foundation Scholarship:

• Partial to full funding
• Various fields
• Community service requirement

Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)

USM Fellowship Scheme:

• Full tuition + RM2,000/month
• For PhD candidates
• Research-focused

USM Vice-Chancellor Award:

• Merit-based
• Partial tuition waiver
• Academic excellence required

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)

UTM Zamalah Scholarship:

• Full funding for postgraduate
• Monthly allowance
• Research support

Private University Scholarships

Taylor's University

Sunway University

Sunway Excellence Scholarship:

• Up to 100% tuition waiver
• Based on academic results
• Interview required

Jeffrey Cheah Foundation Scholarship:

• Full funding
• Highly competitive
• Leadership qualities valued

UCSI University

UCSI Trust Scholarship:

• 25-100% tuition waiver
• Academic merit-based
• Various programs

UCSI Excellence Award:

• For outstanding students
• Renewable based on performance

Monash University Malaysia

Monash High Achiever Award:

• Up to 50% tuition waiver
• Based on academic results
• Automatic consideration

Monash International Merit Scholarship:

• For international students
• Competitive selection
• Various values

University of Nottingham Malaysia

Dean's Excellence Scholarship:

• Up to 50% tuition
• Academic excellence
• Automatic assessment

Developing Solutions Scholarship:

• For developing country students
• Significant funding
• Need-based component

Heriot-Watt University Malaysia

Academic Excellence Scholarship:

• Up to 50% tuition
• Based on grades
• All programs eligible

HELP University

HELP Scholarship:

• Up to 100% tuition
• Academic merit
• Various categories

General Application Timeline

Required Documents

Academic Documents:

• Academic transcripts (certified copies)
• Degree certificates/diplomas
• English proficiency test scores (IELTS/TOEFL)
• Academic CV/resume
• Research proposal (postgraduate)
• Portfolio (arts/design programs)

Personal Documents:

• Valid passport (minimum 2 years validity)
• Passport-sized photographs (white background)
• Birth certificate
• National ID copy
• Medical fitness certificate
• Police clearance certificate

Supporting Documents:

• Personal statement/motivation letter
• Reference letters (2-3 academic/professional)
• Financial statement/bank statement
• Sponsorship letter (if applicable)
• Work experience certificates
• Awards and achievements

English Proficiency Requirements

Note: Requirements vary by university and program. Some scholarships require higher scores.

Application Steps

Step 1: Research and Shortlist

• Identify suitable scholarships
• Check eligibility criteria
• Note application deadlines
• Understand selection process

Step 2: Prepare Documents

• Gather all required documents
• Get documents certified/notarized
• Translate non-English documents
• Prepare certified copies

Step 3: Write Application Essays

• Personal statement (500-1000 words)
• Research proposal (postgraduate)
• Statement of purpose
• Career goals statement

Step 4: Obtain References

• Request letters early (2-3 months ahead)
• Provide referees with your CV
• Follow up politely
• Ensure timely submission

Step 5: Submit Application

• Complete online application form
• Upload all documents
• Pay application fee (if any)
• Keep confirmation receipt

Step 6: Interview Preparation

• Research the scholarship/university
• Prepare common questions
• Practice with mock interviews
• Prepare questions to ask

Step 7: Post-Application

• Track application status
• Respond promptly to queries
• Prepare for interviews
• Have backup plans

Common Application Mistakes to Avoid:

1. Missing Deadlines - Apply well before closing date
2. Incomplete Applications - Double-check all requirements
3. Poor English - Proofread everything multiple times
4. Generic Essays - Customize for each scholarship
5. Weak References - Choose referees who know you well
6. Ignoring Instructions - Follow guidelines exactly
7. Last-Minute Rush - Start preparation early
8. No Backup Plan - Apply to multiple scholarships

General Eligibility Criteria

Most Malaysian scholarships have common eligibility requirements:

Academic Requirements

Age Limits

Country-Specific Eligibility

For International Students:

• Valid passport from eligible country
• Not a Malaysian citizen or PR
• Meet health requirements
• No criminal record
• Meet specific country quotas (some scholarships)

For ASEAN Students:

• Citizenship of ASEAN member country
• May have preferential treatment
• Specific ASEAN scholarship programs available

For Commonwealth Students:

• Commonwealth Scholarship programs
• Specific bilateral agreements
• Country quotas may apply

Field-Specific Requirements

STEM Fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math):

• Strong mathematics background
• Science subjects in high school
• Laboratory experience (preferred)
• Research aptitude

Medical and Health Sciences:

• Biology and Chemistry prerequisites
• Higher academic requirements (CGPA 3.5+)
• Physical fitness requirements
• Longer program duration

Business and Management:

• Work experience (some programs)
• GMAT/GRE scores (MBA)
• Leadership experience valued

Arts and Humanities:

• Portfolio (creative fields)
• Language proficiency
• Cultural knowledge

Special Eligibility Categories

Merit-Based Scholarships:

• Top academic performers
• National exam rankings
• Competition winners
• Research publications

Need-Based Scholarships:

• Financial need documentation
• Family income statements
• Asset declarations
• Hardship letters

Talent-Based Scholarships:

• Sports achievements
• Artistic accomplishments
• Musical abilities
• Leadership roles

Research Scholarships:

• Research proposal required
• Supervisor acceptance
• Publication record (PhD)
• Conference presentations

Maintaining Scholarship Eligibility

Once awarded, students must maintain:

• Minimum CGPA (usually 3.0+)
• Full-time enrollment
• Satisfactory progress
• Good conduct
• Compliance with terms

Scholarship Termination Reasons:

• Academic failure
• Disciplinary issues
• Withdrawal from program
• False information
• Violation of terms

Annual Scholarship Calendar

January

• Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS) opens
• MARA scholarship applications begin
• University early bird deadlines

February

• MIS application deadline (typically mid-February)
• JPA scholarship announcements
• Private university scholarship deadlines

March

• PETRONAS scholarship opens
• University scholarship results (early applicants)
• ASEAN scholarship deadlines

April

• Government scholarship interviews
• University admission offers
• Scholarship acceptance deadlines

May

• Final government scholarship results
• Late scholarship applications close
• Visa processing begins

June

• University registration opens
• Accommodation arrangements
• Pre-departure preparations

July

• Final scholarship disbursements
• Student visa collection
• Travel arrangements

August-September

• Academic year begins (most universities)
• Orientation programs
• Scholarship briefings

October

• Some programs start (October intake)
• Next year scholarship research begins
• Current scholarship renewals

November-December

• Early applications for next year
• Scholarship fairs and exhibitions
• Document preparation

Specific Scholarship Deadlines

Important Timeline Tips

6-12 Months Before:

• Research scholarship options
• Take English proficiency tests
• Gather academic documents
• Identify potential referees

3-6 Months Before:

• Complete applications
• Submit all documents
• Request reference letters
• Prepare for interviews

1-3 Months Before:

• Attend interviews
• Accept scholarship offers
• Apply for student visa
• Arrange accommodation

1 Month Before:

• Confirm all arrangements
• Book flights
• Prepare for departure
• Connect with university

Intake Periods

Most Malaysian universities have two main intakes:

Some universities also offer:

• January intake
• May/June intake
• Rolling admissions

Late Application Options

If you miss main deadlines:

• Check for extended deadlines
• Apply for next intake
• Consider alternative scholarships
• Look for university-specific late options
• Contact scholarship offices directly

Corporate Scholarship Programs

Major Malaysian corporations offer scholarships as part of their CSR initiatives and talent development programs.

PETRONAS Education Sponsorship

Benefits:

• Full tuition fees
• Monthly allowance (RM1,000-1,500)
• Book allowance
• Laptop allowance
• Internship opportunities
• Job placement upon graduation

Maybank Scholarship

Maybank Foundation Scholarship:

• For Malaysian and ASEAN students
• Various fields of study
• Full or partial funding
• Leadership development programs

CIMB ASEAN Scholarship

• For ASEAN country students
• Business and finance focus
• Internship opportunities
• Regional exposure

Sime Darby Foundation Scholarship

Coverage:

• Full tuition fees
• Living allowance
• Book allowance
• Laptop provision

Fields:

• Agriculture
• Engineering
• Business
• Sciences

Yayasan Khazanah Scholarship

Global Scholarship:

• Top universities worldwide
• Full funding
• Leadership development
• Work bond in Malaysia

Domestic Scholarship:

• Malaysian universities
• Various fields
• Comprehensive support

Foundation Scholarships

Jeffrey Cheah Foundation

Yayasan Sarawak

• For Sarawakian students
• Various levels and fields
• State development focus

Yayasan Sabah

• For Sabahan students
• Local and overseas study
• State priority fields

Yayasan Peneraju

• Bumiputera students
• Professional courses
• Skills development

Industry-Specific Scholarships

Banking & Finance:

• Bank Negara Scholarship
• Maybank Foundation
• CIMB Foundation
• Public Bank Scholarship

Oil & Gas:

• PETRONAS
• Shell Malaysia
• ExxonMobil

Technology:

• Intel Malaysia
• Dell Technologies
• Microsoft Malaysia

Manufacturing:

• Proton Scholarship
• Perodua Scholarship
• Various MNC programs

Application Tips for Corporate Scholarships:

1. Research the Company - Understand their business and values
2. Align Your Goals - Show how your career aligns with their industry
3. Highlight Leadership - Corporate sponsors value leadership potential
4. Demonstrate Commitment - Show willingness to fulfill bond requirements
5. Network - Attend career fairs and company events
6. Apply Early - Corporate scholarships are highly competitive

Research Funding Opportunities

Malaysia offers substantial funding for postgraduate research students, particularly in priority fields.

MyBrain15 (Discontinued but Similar Programs)

The government continues to support postgraduate research through various initiatives:

Current Research Funding:

University Research Scholarships

UM Research Fellowship:

• Full tuition waiver
• Monthly allowance RM2,000-2,500
• Research grant
• Conference funding
• Publication support

UKM Zamalah Research:

• Full funding
• RM1,500-2,000/month
• Research expenses covered
• International exposure

UPM Graduate Research Fellowship:

• Tuition exemption
• Monthly allowance RM1,800
• Research consumables
• Field work support

USM Fellowship:

• Full tuition
• RM2,000/month allowance
• Research funding
• Publication incentives

Research Priority Areas

Malaysian government prioritizes funding in:

National Key Economic Areas (NKEAs):

• Oil, Gas & Energy
• Palm Oil & Rubber
• Financial Services
• Tourism
• Electronics & Electrical
• Business Services
• Healthcare
• Education
• Agriculture
• Greater KL/Klang Valley

Science & Technology Focus:

• Biotechnology
• Nanotechnology
• ICT & Digital Economy
• Advanced Materials
• Renewable Energy
• Aerospace

Research Grant Applications

Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS):

• For basic research
• RM50,000-250,000
• 2-3 year duration
• Open to all fields

Prototype Research Grant Scheme (PRGS):

• For applied research
• Higher funding amounts
• Industry collaboration encouraged

Long-Term Research Grant Scheme (LRGS):

• Major research initiatives
• Multi-million ringgit funding
• Consortium-based

International Research Collaborations

Malaysia-Japan Scholarship:

• Joint research programs
• Exchange opportunities
• Technology transfer

Malaysia-UK Research Partnership:

• Newton Fund programs
• Joint PhD supervision
• Research mobility

Malaysia-Australia Scholarship:

• Research collaboration
• Academic exchange
• Joint publications

Tips for Research Scholarship Applications:

1. Strong Research Proposal - Clear objectives, methodology, timeline
2. Supervisor Support - Secure supervisor before applying
3. Publication Record - Previous publications strengthen application
4. Research Alignment - Match proposal to national priorities
5. Feasibility - Demonstrate achievable outcomes
6. Impact - Show potential contribution to field
7. Budget Justification - Realistic and detailed budget
8. Timeline - Clear milestones and deliverables

Winning Scholarship Application Strategies

Personal Statement Tips

Your personal statement is crucial. Here's how to make it stand out:

Structure:

1. Opening Hook - Engaging introduction
2. Background - Your journey and motivations
3. Achievements - Academic and extracurricular
4. Goals - Clear career objectives
5. Why Malaysia - Specific reasons
6. Why This Scholarship - Alignment with program
7. Conclusion - Strong closing statement

Do's:

• Be specific and personal
• Use concrete examples
• Show passion and motivation
• Demonstrate research about the program
• Highlight unique qualities
• Proofread multiple times

Don'ts:

• Use generic statements
• Repeat your CV
• Exceed word limits
• Use clichés
• Submit without proofreading
• Be overly humble or boastful

Interview Preparation

Common Interview Questions:

Interview Tips:

• Research the scholarship thoroughly
• Prepare specific examples
• Practice with mock interviews
• Dress professionally
• Arrive early (or test technology for virtual)
• Ask thoughtful questions
• Follow up with thank you note

Reference Letter Strategy

Choosing Referees:

• Academic supervisors/professors
• Employers (if relevant)
• Community leaders
• People who know you well

Helping Your Referees:

• Provide your CV and achievements
• Explain the scholarship
• Give specific points to highlight
• Provide deadline reminders
• Send thank you notes

Multiple Application Strategy

Apply to multiple scholarships to increase chances:

Tier 1 (Reach):

• Most competitive scholarships
• Full funding programs
• Prestigious awards

Tier 2 (Match):

• Moderately competitive
• Good fit with your profile
• Reasonable chances

Tier 3 (Safety):

• Less competitive options
• Partial scholarships
• University-specific awards

Document Organization

Create a scholarship application folder:

• Academic transcripts (multiple copies)
• Certificates and awards
• Reference letters
• Personal statements (versions)
• Application confirmations
• Deadline tracker
• Contact information

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

1. Procrastination - Start early, avoid last-minute rush
2. One-Size-Fits-All - Customize each application
3. Ignoring Instructions - Follow guidelines exactly
4. Poor Proofreading - Multiple reviews essential
5. Weak References - Choose referees carefully
6. Missing Deadlines - Track all dates
7. Incomplete Applications - Double-check requirements
8. No Backup Plan - Apply to multiple options

Post-Award Procedures

Congratulations on your scholarship! Here's what comes next:

Immediate Steps

Within 1 Week:

• Accept the scholarship formally
• Thank your referees
• Notify other scholarships (if applicable)
• Begin visa application process

Within 1 Month:

• Complete all acceptance paperwork
• Submit additional documents if required
• Arrange accommodation
• Plan travel

Within 2-3 Months:

• Obtain student visa
• Book flights
• Arrange airport pickup
• Connect with university

Visa Application Process

Student Pass Requirements:

• Scholarship award letter
• University acceptance letter
• Valid passport
• Passport photos
• Medical examination
• Financial proof
• Police clearance

Processing Time: 4-8 weeks typically

Pre-Departure Checklist

Documents:

• [ ] Passport (valid 2+ years)
• [ ] Student visa/pass
• [ ] Scholarship letter
• [ ] University acceptance
• [ ] Academic transcripts
• [ ] Medical records
• [ ] Insurance documents
• [ ] Emergency contacts

Finances:

• [ ] Malaysian Ringgit (initial cash)
• [ ] International debit/credit card
• [ ] Bank account setup plan
• [ ] Budget planning

Accommodation:

• [ ] University hostel booking
• [ ] Off-campus options researched
• [ ] Temporary accommodation (first days)

Health:

• [ ] Vaccinations updated
• [ ] Prescription medications
• [ ] Medical records
• [ ] Health insurance confirmed

Maintaining Your Scholarship

Academic Requirements:

• Maintain minimum CGPA (usually 3.0+)
• Complete required credits per semester
• Submit progress reports
• Meet research milestones (postgraduate)

Administrative Requirements:

• Attend mandatory events
• Submit required reports
• Renew visa on time
• Update contact information

Behavioral Requirements:

• Follow university rules
• Maintain good conduct
• Represent scholarship positively
• Participate in required activities

Scholarship Renewal

Most scholarships require annual renewal:

Renewal Criteria:

• Academic performance
• Progress reports
• Supervisor recommendations
• Continued eligibility

Renewal Process:

1. Submit renewal application
2. Provide academic transcripts
3. Include progress report
4. Obtain supervisor endorsement
5. Await approval

If Scholarship is Terminated:

Possible Reasons:

• Academic failure
• Disciplinary issues
• Withdrawal from program
• Violation of terms

Options:

• Appeal the decision
• Seek alternative funding
• Apply for university scholarships
• Consider part-time work (if permitted)
• Explore loan options

Scholarship Bond Obligations

Many government and corporate scholarships have bond requirements:

Typical Bond Terms:

• Work for sponsor for specified period
• Work in Malaysia for specified period
• Repay scholarship if bond broken
• Interest may apply on repayment

Bond Duration:

• Usually 1-2 years per year of scholarship
• Varies by scholarship type
• Some have no bond requirement

Fulfilling Bond:

• Plan career accordingly
• Maintain contact with sponsor
• Complete required service
• Document compliance

Official Scholarship Resources

Government Agencies

Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE)

• Website: www.mohe.gov.my
• Malaysia International Scholarship info
• Policy updates and announcements

MARA (Majlis Amanah Rakyat)

• Website: www.mara.gov.my
• MARA scholarship programs
• Application portal

JPA (Public Service Department)

• Website: www.jpa.gov.my
• Government scholarships
• Service schemes

Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS)

• Website: www.educationmalaysia.gov.my
• International student services
• Visa processing

University Scholarship Offices

Scholarship Search Platforms

International:

• ScholarshipPortal.com
• StudyMalaysia.com
• TopUniversities.com
• FindAMasters.com
• FindAPhD.com

Malaysia-Specific:

• Biasiswa.info
• JomScholarship.com
• EduAdvisor.my

Useful Contacts

Education Malaysia (EMGS)

• Phone: +603-2782 5888
• Email: enquiry@emgs.com.my
• Address: Kuala Lumpur

Immigration Department

• Phone: +603-8000 8000
• Website: www.imi.gov.my

Embassy Contacts

• Check your country's embassy in Malaysia
• Register for citizen services
• Emergency assistance

Student Organizations

International Student Associations:

• Malaysian International Student Association
• Country-specific student clubs
• University international offices

Support Services:

• University counseling services
• International student offices
• Scholarship alumni networks

Financial Planning Resources

Cost Calculators:

• University cost estimators
• Living expense calculators
• Currency converters

Banking:

• Maybank
• CIMB
• Public Bank
• International transfer services (Wise, etc.)

Checklist Summary

Before Applying:

• [ ] Research scholarships thoroughly
• [ ] Check eligibility requirements
• [ ] Prepare all documents
• [ ] Take English proficiency test
• [ ] Identify referees

During Application:

• [ ] Complete applications carefully
• [ ] Submit before deadlines
• [ ] Track all applications
• [ ] Prepare for interviews

After Award:

• [ ] Accept scholarship
• [ ] Complete visa process
• [ ] Arrange accommodation
• [ ] Plan travel
• [ ] Connect with university

Pro Tips:

1. Start early - at least 12 months before intended start
2. Apply to multiple scholarships
3. Keep organized records
4. Network with current scholars
5. Stay updated on deadlines
6. Prepare thoroughly for interviews
7. Have backup plans
8. Maintain communication with scholarship offices