Empowering Futures: Scholarships for Underprivileged Students in Malaysia

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There are a bunch of people who want to continue their studies at either undergraduate or postgraduate level. However, the fact is, based on the in 2022, Malaysia still has around 3.16 million households earning less than RM5,250 which are included in the B40 category—a category representing the bottom 40% of household incomes in Malaysia.
Recognizing this financial barrier, many private organizations and universities offer numerous scholarships specifically for low-income families. These scholarships bridge the financial gap for deserving students from B40 households in Malaysia, allowing them to pursue their academic goals with confidence. Here are some examples of such scholarships:
HongLeong Foundation Scholarship
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Dedicated to supporting Malaysian students from low-income families, this foundation believes that scholarships are more than just financial aid. By offering scholarships, they aim to empower students to pursue higher education qualifications and equip themselves with essential knowledge and skills to secure employment after finishing their studies.
The Hong Leong Foundation offers scholarships annually to Malaysians pursuing undergraduate, advanced diploma, or diploma degrees in any field at accredited public or private universities and colleges in Malaysia. This scholarship is open for 2024 on 1st May and ends on 21st June, with the award amounts ranging from RM6,000 to RM32,000 depending on the chosen program.
Dermasiswa B40 (DB40)
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Dermasiswa B40 (DB40) is a scholarship for the students whose parent(s) or legal guardian household income are in the category of B40. Students who took this scholarship will be placed at DR-B HICOM University of Automotive Malaysia to continue their diploma studies. This scholarship covers full tuition fees, other fees, accommodation costs,and monthly allowance.
DRB-HICOM University of Automotive Malaysia is recognized for its emphasis on automotive engineering and technology. It is ASEAN's first university to offer home-grown bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in the automotive ecosystem, including mechanical, business, and management studies.
UCSI University Trust Financial Assistance
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UCSI University offers financial assistance to Malaysian students facing hardship. This includes students from rural areas, low-income families, single-parent families with low income, those with disabilities (OKU), and those in similar difficult situations. The assistance supports Pre-University studies leading to eligible undergraduate or diploma programs at UCSI University, EXCEPT for Medicine, Pharmacy and Nursing. Please note that enrollment at UCSI University is required before applying for this financial assistance.
Scholarship winners will obtain up to 50% tuition fee waiver, with the terms and conditions applied from UCSI University. This financial support is provided in the form of a tuition fee waiver for the entire period of the study at UCSI University and the amount waived will be set by the Bursary Committee.
UTS Bursary Scheme BP40 for Sarawakian
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University of Technology Sarawak is a relatively new university (established in 2013), but has a strong reputation for its focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields, also for its modern campus facilities. UCSI University also offers undergraduate programs through various schools, including the School of Business and Management, the School of Engineering and Technology, the School of Built Environment, and the School of Computing and Creative Media.
In this University they offer 2 kinds of scholarships, UTS Bursary Scheme BP40 for the Bumiputera and Non-Bumiputera who’s enrolled and registered into UTS in the Undergraduate Program. Both scholarships cover 80% of tuition fees for the entire duration of the program. These scholarships are specifically designed for students from B40 and M40 households.
Yayasan Bursa Malaysia (YBM) Scholarship & YBM – MyPAC Scholarship
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Bursa Malaysia is an exchange holding company founded in 1976 and listed in 2005. It has developed to become one of ASEAN's largest stock markets. Since 2006, this company has made a foundation named Yayasan Bursa Malaysia. This foundation has a long history of providing full scholarships to underprivileged students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
The YBM Scholarship supports undergraduate studies at seven local public universities in Law, Finance, Accountancy, Economics, Business Administration and Sustainability majors. This scholarship is available for students whose families have a household income of less than RM5,000. For postgraduate students facing financial hardship, the YBM-MyPAC Scholarship offers a two-year full-time program to pursue a professional ACCA qualification.
In closing, scholarships play a vital role in breaking down financial barriers and empowering underprivileged students in Malaysia to achieve their academic goals. By providing financial support, these scholarships open doors to a brighter future, fostering a more educated and qualified workforce. If you're a student seeking financial aid, we encourage you to explore the scholarship opportunities mentioned above and don't hesitate to research additional resources. Remember, with dedication and the right support, your educational aspirations can become a reality.
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