SPM Leavers’ Guide to Malaysian Scholarships: Types, General Requirements, and Practical Tips

Starting higher education after finishing SPM can be both exciting and challenging. There are  several aspects to consider, especially when it comes to finances. 

Once you're in university, you'll need to think about expenses like tuition fees and academic materials. 

To make things easier on your wallet, it's important to explore scholarships available specifically for recent SPM graduates like yourself.

With that in mind, we have compiled a list of scholarships for you to start with, their general requirements, and some tips on how to secure a scholarship successfully. 

What are the types of scholarships in Malaysia? 

Here are some scholarship types available in Malaysia to help you discover the most suitable opportunity that aligns with your academic pursuits and career goals. 

1. Government scholarships

The most common method of applying for a scholarship is through government entities, which are arguably the most popular and competitive avenues. The Malaysian government offers scholarships through various ministries and agencies, each with its own eligibility criteria and prerequisites.

Typically, these scholarships come with a bond that binds you to the government for a specific duration after graduation. In other words, you are required to work with the government for a certain period following the completion of your studies.

Some notable scholarships under this category include Jabatan Perkhidmatan Awam (JPA), MARA, Bank Negara, Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), and Yayasan Khazanah. 

The general requirements to apply for this type of scholarship are a minimum of 8As (A+ and A only) in your examination results, active participation in extracurricular activities, and being under 19 years old at the time of application submission.

2. University scholarships

University scholarships are financial awards offered by higher education institutions to support students in pursuing their tertiary education at the respective universities. These scholarships are typically granted based on various criteria such as academic excellence, leadership qualities, extracurricular achievements, or specific talents.

One common type of university scholarship provides a partial or full waiver of tuition fees based on the student's academic performance. This means that students who achieve outstanding academic results may receive financial assistance to cover part or all of their tuition fees, thus reducing the financial burden on themselves and their families.

In addition to academic achievements, some universities also offer scholarships based on special talents or accomplishments in areas such as sports, arts, music, or community service. For example, talented athletes or musicians may be awarded scholarships to recognize and support their skills and contributions.

It's important to note that each university may have its own set of eligibility criteria, application procedures, and scholarship offerings. Therefore, students interested in applying for university scholarships should carefully research and understand the requirements for each scholarship they wish to pursue.

3. Corporate scholarships

Corporate scholarships in Malaysia are educational grants provided by businesses and companies to support students in pursuing their tertiary education. These scholarships are typically offered as part of corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives or talent development programs, with the aim of investing in the education and development of future leaders.

Corporate scholarships vary in terms of eligibility criteria, coverage, and application processes, but they generally prioritize academic excellence, leadership potential, and involvement in extracurricular activities. Some corporate scholarships may also target specific fields of study related to the company's industry or business objectives, such as banking, engineering, or computer science.

One significant benefit of corporate scholarships is that they often come with additional opportunities beyond financial support. For example, recipients may have access to internships, mentorship programs, and potential employment opportunities with the sponsoring company upon graduation.

Examples of companies offering corporate scholarships in Malaysia include Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) and Telekom Malaysia. The general requirements to apply for corporate scholarships typically include:

• The applicant's age should not exceed 19 years old at the time of application submission.
• Achieving a minimum of 6As in SPM (or at least scoring A- in 4 subjects, according to the requirements of your preferred field of study).
• Not being a recipient of another organization's award or financial aid.
• Demonstrating leadership experience through participation in extracurricular activities.

What can you do after SPM to increase your chances of securing a scholarship?

With thousands of students competing for a handful of scholarships, how can you ensure your application gets through? 

Don’t worry, here we list several steps you can take to enhance your prospects of securing a scholarship. 

1. Join online classes 

Enrol in online courses that align with your interests or focus on personal development. 

Demonstrating initiative and commitment to learning beyond a classroom can impress scholarship providers. 

2. Volunteer for community service 

Participating in community service and volunteering activities showcase your dedication to give back to the society. 

It highlights your leadership skills, empathy and willingness to contribute positively to your community, all of which are qualities highly regarded by scholarship evaluators. 

3. Hone your speaking skills 

Practise speaking confidently and articulately, as this will be beneficial during scholarship interviews. 

Work on expressing yourself clearly, maintaining eye contact, and conveying your passion for your chosen field of study or extracurricular activities.

It is good to equip yourself with basic interview preparation tips. Search online for common interview questions and find out from seniors how their interviews were like.  

4. Stay updated on current affairs 

Keep yourself informed about current events in higher education to demonstrate your awareness of the broader context in which your education will take place. 

Being knowledgeable about relevant issues also helps you engage in meaningful conversations during scholarship interviews. 

5. Build meaningful relationships 

Foster positive relationships with teachers, mentors, and community leaders who can provide strong letters of recommendation or support your scholarship applications. 

Demonstrating a network of support from teachers, mentors, and community leaders suggests that you have a strong support system in place to help you succeed academically and professionally.

What should you do before applying for a scholarship?

Before applying for a scholarship, it’s essential to undertake several preparatory steps. 

1. Dive deep into research 

Begin researching scholarship opportunities as early as possible to maximise your chances of securing funding. 

Many scholarships have early application deadlines, so starting your search early can ensure you don't miss out on potential opportunities.

You must be resourceful – don’t expect to be spoon-fed with information by your parents, teachers, and counsellors. Almost everything you need can be found online, so go through all corners of the internet with a fine-tooth comb. 

2. Apply strategically 

Applying to every scholarship available out there can stretch your efforts and focus too thin. Chances are, you’ll struggle to maintain attention to detail and may end up butchering a number of applications. 

Avoid overwhelming yourself with an excessive workload. Instead, prioritise quality over quantity. 

Target two or three scholarships and dedicate your full attention to them. By concentrating your efforts, you can meticulously address every detail and document required, maximising your chances of securing funding for your education.

3. Prepare necessary documents

Gather all required documents such as parent’s payslips, co-curricular records and school transcripts. 

After receiving your results, organise and keep them safely in a file for easy access during the application process. 

Ensuring you have the necessary documents ready in advance can streamline the application process and prevent last-minute scrambling. 

4. Review scholarship requirements and specifications

Thoroughly check the requirements and specifications of each scholarship you’re interested in. 

Some scholarships may be specific to certain courses or academic levels, while others may have unique criteria. 

Be aware of any bonds that scholarships might have. Review and understand the terms, as they may determine your future. 

5. Write a strong personal statement

Craft a compelling personal statement that highlights your achievements, aspirations, and reasons for applying for the scholarship. 

Tailor your statement to each scholarship application, emphasising relevant experiences, skills, and values that align with the scholarship's objectives.

It is also important not to misrepresent yourself. Don’t try to be someone you’re not just to get the scholarship, you’ll end up trapping yourself. 

What should you do after receiving a scholarship?

When you get the great news that you have received one or more scholarships, there are still multiple steps to take. 

First, take some time to celebrate. Next, follow these steps: 

1. Review the scholarship rules and coverage thoroughly 

Take the time to thoroughly understand the terms and conditions of your scholarship. 

Delve into the specifics regarding duration of the scholarship, academic performance expectations, and any obligations attached to the award. 

Pay close attention to any stipulations regarding maintaining a certain GPA, completing a minimum number of credit hours per semester, or participating in specific programs or activities. 

2. Accept the scholarship award officially

In some cases, a scholarship isn’t awarded automatically. Therefore, do not assume that the scholarship money will automatically be deposited in an account. 

You must officially accept it by notifying the scholarship committee and find out how you receive the funds and use them in the future. 

3. Express your gratitude 

Since most scholarships come from corporations, organisations, or individuals, it is smart to send a thank-you note to the scholarship committee. 

Craft a sincere thank-you email or letter to express your appreciation for the opportunity and outline your commitment to making the most of the scholarship. 

Consider sharing your plans for how you intend to utilise the funds and contribute positively to your academic and personal growth. 

Additionally, thank-you notes will give a good impression on you, something that is beneficial if you are planning to apply for scholarships from the same organiser again in the future. 

4. Save all necessary paperwork

Save the reward letter, instructions, and the content of your application for both your own record and possible use in the future. 

This is especially important if you have written an essay or sent a creative report of your accomplishments, you may be able to tweak it for future use. 

5. Maintain good grades 

Maintaining good grades is not just about meeting minimum requirements; it’s about striving for excellence in every aspect of your academic journey. 

Excel your coursework, attend classes regularly and seek academic support when needed. 

Maintaining good grades not only reflects positively on your abilities but also honours the trust and investment made by the scholarship provider. 

6. Engage in extracurricular activities 

Most scholarship providers value more than just academic prowess, they also encourage and expect recipients to participate in extracurricular activities. 

Engaging in activities beyond the classroom setting is an excellent way to showcase your leadership, teamwork, and interpersonal skills—qualities highly valued by scholarship providers and potential employers alike.

7. Maintain a good attitude 

Approach your journey with a positive mindset and a proactive attitude. 

Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, seek guidance when needed, and maintain resilience in the face of obstacles. 

A positive attitude not only enhances your experience but also reflects well on the scholarship program that invested in you. 

Securing a scholarship can be a life-changing opportunity as it opens doors to quality education and future career prospects without financial burdens. 

Remember to research scholarship options thoroughly and invest time in preparing a compelling application.

We hope this article has shed some light on the diverse scholarships available in Malaysia and provided valuable tips to help you secure one or two. 

Best of luck on your journey securing a scholarship for your future studies!