The UPM International Graduate Scholarship (IGSS) is a partial tuition-fee award for excellent PhD students from Southeast Asia, South Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Recipients receive a 30% to 50% tuition fee waiver for up to three years at Universiti Putra Malaysia. Applications for the First Semester 2026-2027 are open from 1 August to 31 August 2026. Eligible applicants must hold a Master’s degree and have strong academic records, a supervisor support letter, and no other financial assistance.
The School of Graduate Studies (SGS) at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) administers the IGSS. UPM is a leading public research university in Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia, respected for agriculture, food science, forestry, veterinary medicine, engineering, biotechnology, and environmental research. The scholarship aims to attract talented international doctoral students and academic staff from institutions with MoUs with UPM who intend to conduct research in priority areas relevant to UPM and Malaysia.
UPM International Graduate Scholarship Benefits
- 30% to 50% tuition fee waiver for eligible PhD students
- Financial support for up to three years or six semesters of doctoral study
- Open to new students and up to first semester students with ‘Continue’ status
- Priority for applicants from Southeast Asia, South Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East, and Africa
- Priority for academic staff from institutions with MoUs with UPM and research relevant to UPM/Malaysia
- Continuation subject to annual review of academic progress
- Access to UPM supervisors, research groups, laboratories, and academic facilities
UPM International Graduate Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
- Must fulfill UPM’s general application requirements for international students
- Must hold a Master’s degree
- Must be from an eligible region: Southeast Asia, South Asia, Central Asia, Middle East, or Africa
- Must be a new student or in first semester with ‘Continue’ status
- Must not receive another scholarship or financial assistance
- Must not be engaged in any type of employment at the time of application
- Must have published at least one article in an academic journal or received a strong institutional recommendation
- Must provide a support letter from a UPM advisor or supervisor
- Must provide a letter from the student’s embassy verifying no other financial assistance, scholarship, or income
- Priority given to applicants from developing countries where UPM has strategic importance and institutions with MoU/MoAs
Required Documents
- Completed online IGSS application
- Copy of master’s degree qualification
- Evidence of admission or active enrolment at UPM
- Support letter from the UPM advisor or supervisor
- Letter from the applicant’s embassy
- Evidence of an academic journal publication, where applicable
- Strong recommendation from an academic institution, where applicable
- Any additional documents requested through the UPM student portal
How to Apply for UPM International Graduate Scholarship?
- Confirm you meet the scholarship and UPM PhD admission requirements and hold a Master’s degree
- Contact a suitable UPM supervisor in your proposed research area and obtain their agreement and support letter
- Prepare required documents including supervisor support letter, publication or institutional recommendation, and embassy confirmation letter
- Complete the online application form via the UPM i-GIMS student portal at http://sgsportal.upm.edu.my:8080/sgsportal/
- Ensure your Advisor/Supervisor and Dean/Director of Faculty/School/Institute support your application online before or latest by 31 August 2026
- Review your final application status through i-GIMS and ensure all endorsements are completed before the deadline
- Monitor your UPM email and student portal for the scholarship decision or requests for clarification
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the UPM International Graduate Scholarship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.
What is the UPM International Graduate Scholarship (IGSS)?
The UPM International Graduate Scholarship is a partial tuition-fee scholarship for eligible international PhD students at Universiti Putra Malaysia. It provides a 30% to 50% tuition fee waiver for up to three years or six semesters. The award is intended for new and first-semester doctoral students from Southeast Asia, South Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East, and Africa with strong academic records.
Is the UPM International Graduate Scholarship fully funded?
No. The scholarship is partially funded. It provides a 30% to 50% tuition fee waiver only. It does not cover full tuition, monthly living allowance, airfare, accommodation, or other expenses. Recipients must cover the remaining tuition fee and living costs. Continuation is subject to annual review of academic progress and available funding.
Who can apply for the UPM International Graduate Scholarship?
International PhD students who hold a Master’s degree and are from eligible regions may apply. Applicants must meet UPM’s general admission requirements and be new students or in their first semester with ‘Continue’ status. They must not receive any other scholarship or financial assistance and must not be employed at the time of application. Priority is given to applicants from institutions with MoUs with UPM.
Can Master’s students apply for IGSS?
No. Master’s students cannot apply. The scholarship is only for PhD applicants. Applicants must hold a Master’s degree and be applying for or registered in an eligible doctoral programme at Universiti Putra Malaysia. The award supports international students who are new or in their first semester of PhD study with active ‘Continue’ status.
How long does the UPM International Graduate Scholarship last?
The scholarship can cover up to three years of doctoral study or six semesters at Universiti Putra Malaysia. Continuation is not automatic; it is subject to an annual review of the recipient’s academic progress. Students must maintain satisfactory research progress and comply with UPM’s academic and scholarship regulations to continue receiving the tuition waiver.
What is the deadline for the UPM International Graduate Scholarship?
Applications for the First Semester 2026/2027 are open from 1 August to 31 August 2026. Applicants must submit the online application through the UPM i-GIMS portal by 31 August 2026. The advisor/supervisor and Dean/Director of the faculty, school, or institute must also complete their online endorsements by the same deadline. Late or incomplete applications will not be processed.
Is a publication required to apply?
Yes. Applicants should have at least one article published in an academic journal and/or receive a strong recommendation from an academic institution. If a publication is not available, a strong recommendation from a senior university official such as a Vice Chancellor, Dean, or Director can be used. This demonstrates academic ability and research potential for doctoral study.
Do I need a supervisor before applying for IGSS?
Yes. Applicants must obtain a support letter from a UPM advisor or supervisor before submitting the scholarship application. The supervisor must agree to support the applicant’s proposed doctoral research and endorse the application online through the UPM system. Applicants should discuss the scholarship with the supervisor early and choose an academic whose research matches the proposed topic.
Can I hold another scholarship while receiving IGSS?
No. Applicants cannot receive another scholarship or financial assistance while receiving the UPM International Graduate Scholarship. They must also not be engaged in any type of employment at the time of application. Applicants must provide a letter from their embassy confirming they do not receive financial assistance, scholarship, or income from any government or other agency.
How do I apply for the UPM International Graduate Scholarship?
Eligible applicants must complete the online application form via the UPM i-GIMS student portal at http://sgsportal.upm.edu.my:8080/sgsportal/. Prepare the required documents and ensure the advisor/supervisor and Dean/Director support the application online before 31 August 2026. Incomplete or late applications will not be processed and appeals will not be considered.
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