The USM Graduate Scholarship 2026 in Malaysia is a funding opportunity for Malaysian and international candidates to pursue postgraduate studies by research mode at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). It covers the first and second semester tuition fees, aiming to attract talented researchers and strengthen USM’s research excellence agenda.
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) is a leading public university in Malaysia, renowned for its research output and commitment to innovation. The Institute of Postgraduate Studies (IPS) administers this scholarship to support full-time research students, encouraging high-quality publications and academic progress.
USM Graduate Scholarship Benefits
- Funding for first and second semester tuition fees
- To strengthen the research excellence agenda and increase the number of publications in USM by increasing the enrollment of research mode postgraduate students.
USM Graduate Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
- Open to research mode full-time basis only.
- Candidate must have received an admission offer letter from USM for Masters or PhD by research mode, yet to register as a full-time student.
- Open to all Malaysian (Masters and PhD) and International (PhD) only.
- Minimum CGPA 3.33 out of 4.00 or equivalent (for Bachelor and/or Masters degree by Coursework/Mixed mode) or Pass the Masters degree by research.
- Publication preference (to enrol into Masters) and publication requirement (to enrol into PhD) in a journal indexed by WoS/SCOPUS/ERA.
- The awardee needs to apply for extension before the second semester starts; decision based on research progress including submission of at least one Q1 or Q2 manuscript to a WoS-indexed journal where the awardee is first student author and supervisor is co-author.
- Main supervisor must have at least one active research grant as PI with at least 1 year remaining, OR at least two publications in WoS/SCOPUS/ERA as Corresponding Author for the previous year (2025).
How to Apply for USM Graduate Scholarship
- Fill in the online application form at the provided JotForm link.
- Upload required documents: USM Offer Letter (PDF, max 1MB), Bachelor’s Degree Certificate and Transcript, Masters Degree Certificate and Transcript (if applicable), manuscript and JCR report (if applicable).
- Ensure all declarations are checked and submitted.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the USM Graduate Scholarship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.
What is the USM Graduate Scholarship?
The USM Graduate Scholarship is a funding program by Universiti Sains Malaysia that covers the first and second semester tuition fees for Malaysian and international students pursuing Masters or PhD by research mode.
Who can apply for the USM Graduate Scholarship?
Malaysian students can apply for Masters and PhD, while international students can only apply for PhD. Applicants must have an admission offer letter from USM and be yet to register as full-time research students.
What are the CGPA requirements?
Applicants must have a minimum CGPA of 3.33 out of 4.00 or equivalent for Bachelor and/or Masters degree by Coursework/Mixed mode, or a Pass in Masters degree by research.
Is publication experience required?
Publication is preferred for Masters enrollment and required for PhD enrollment. The publication must be in a journal indexed by WoS, SCOPUS, or ERA.
What does the scholarship cover?
The scholarship funds the first and second semester tuition fees for full-time research mode postgraduate studies at USM.
Can part-time students apply?
No, the scholarship is only open to full-time research mode students. Applications from part-time students will not be considered.
What are the supervisor requirements?
The main supervisor must have at least one active research grant as PI with at least one year remaining, or at least two publications in WoS/SCOPUS/ERA as Corresponding Author from the previous year (2025).
How do I apply for the USM Graduate Scholarship?
You must complete the online application form on the JotForm link provided, upload your USM offer letter, academic certificates, transcripts, and any manuscript/JCR documents as required.
What happens after the first two semesters?
The awardee must apply for an extension before the second semester starts. The extension decision is based on research progress, including submission of at least one Q1 or Q2 manuscript to a WoS-indexed journal.
Who can I contact for more information?
For further information, contact Mrs. Noor Zamreena at 04-653 2982 or [email protected].
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