Scholarship details
The Astro Scholarship Award is intended to offer financial assistance to people who are doing their pre-university studies/undergraduate studies in local and foreign educational institutions. Particular attention will be paid to applicants with a total annual income not exceeding RM 30,000
Education can transform and inspire people to create a better future for themselves, their families, our community, and ultimately our country. It is with this conviction that we have established the Astro Scholarship Award for high-achieving students who wish to continue their pre-university, university, and post-university studies.
Astro strives to enable our scholars to cultivate their dreams of striving for excellence in education and ending up with a bright future. It is because of this position that our fellows do not have to worry about their travel, accommodation, and study costs, both in Malaysia and abroad.
About Malaysia
This beautiful country covering a total landmass of about 329,750 square kilometers is home to about 25 million people including Malay, Indian, Chinese and indigenous people who live together in peace.
The currency used in Malaysia is called the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR).
From colorful markets to mosques, Hindu shrines and Buddhist temples are often found side by side and the abundance of annual festivals that celebrate traditional and modern aspects of this Malay culture.
Half of the country, located at the southern tip of the peninsula below Thailand, is known as Peninsular Malaysia.
In Peninsular Malaysia, you will find most of the top-ranked universities in Malaysia, This area comprises the most vibrant and diverse urban cities.
Malaysia is one of the stable countries in the world in terms of political stability, second only to Singapore when it comes to the regional economy. Malaysia offers a better organic lifestyle than its rival city-state.
So, thinking of studying in this wonderful country, you need all the information you can get.
Astro Scholarship Facts
Level/field of study
AstroScholarship is awarded to applicants pursuing pre-university, undergraduate, and postgraduate studies at local and foreign institutions of learning in any of the following fields of study;
- Economy and business
- Finance and accounting
- Actuarial Science, Data Analysis/Science, Statistics, and Mathematics
- Computers and digital technology
- Engineering (audio, broadcasting, electricity, electronics, and systems, mechatronics, telecommunications, computing)
- Communications and public relations
- Journalism
- Linguistics and language studies.
- social Sciences
- Arts and Design
- law firms of
Host Nationality
The AstroScholarship Award is taken and hosted in Malaysia. There are other Malaysia Scholarships available for local and international students. You can use these scholarship opportunities to solve most of your academic problems.
Eligible Nationality
The Astro Scholarship Award is available to legal students who are citizens of Malaysia.
Aside from the Astro Scholarship Award, there are other scholarships available for foreign students to study abroad.
Scholarship Worth/ Eligibility
Scholarship (Pre-university / Foundation / Diploma / Bachelor)
- Financial assistance for pre-university/university studies at local and foreign learning institutions.
- Special consideration will be given to applicants with a total annual family income of no more than RMB 30,000
eligibility requirements
- The applicant for the Astro Scholarship must be a citizen of Malaysia
- Must have proven active participation in extracurricular, social, or volunteer activities.
- Not linked to other companies/institutions (excluding PTPTN and JPA)
- Willing to be connected with Astro.
- Currently enrolled or have obtained conditional/unconditional admission to pursue a pre-university/undergraduate program
- Consistent and remarkable academic results.
The minimum academic results required for pre-university/foundation/diploma applications are:
- SPM / Level O – Minimum 8A
- The minimum academic results required for undergraduate applications are:
- SPM / Level O – Minimum 8A
Y - Level A / STPM – Minimum 4 A
- Australian registration – Min 90.0
- Canadian Plate – Min 90.0
- Local Registry – Minimum CGPA 3.7
- Diploma – Minimum CGPA 3.7
- Foundation – Min CGPA 3.7
- ADP – Minimum CGPA 3.7
- IB – Min 36
- UEC – Maximum 5
- Medically certified by Astro panel physicians when selected for the fellowship award.
- Free of criminal record and serious misconduct in schools, educational institutions or workplaces.
- Physically present in Malaysia to attend the required assessments in May/June.
Scholarship (Postgraduate)
Financial assistance at recognized learning institutions for:
- MBA / Executive MBA
- MSc in Data Analysis/Science
eligibility requirements
- Students must be citizens of Malaysia
- Relevant work experiences will be considered.
- Not linked to other companies/institutions.
- Willing to be linked to Astro.
- Currently enrolled or obtained conditional/unconditional admission to pursue an MBA / Executive MBA / Master in Data Analytics / Science.
- Medical certificate from Astro’s doctor after being selected for the scholarship.
- Barred from any criminal record and any serious misconduct in schools, institutions of learning, or the workplace.
- Physically present in Malaysia to participate in the requested assessments in May/June.
How to Apply for the Astro Scholarship Award
Applications are made online on the scholarship website. You can visit the AstroScholarship Award website to apply for this Astro Scholarship Award
Astro Scholarship Application Deadline
AstroScholarship Award Application Opens from 24th April and runs throughout the academic year.
Things to consider before studying in Malaysia
HERE ARE THE THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE STUDYING IN MALAYSIA.
ACCOMMODATION
When you want to study abroad or have been considered for the Astro Scholarship Award, one of the things you need to consider is your accommodation, there are generally two types of accommodation available for international students. namely; 1. on-campus housing and 2. off-campus housing.
For the most part, on-campus accommodation is ideal for international students because the housing units, in schools such as University Teknologi Malaysia, apart from being well equipped, have phone ports and access to the university. Facilities and internet connection.
Some facilities that you can always find in campus accommodation include:
- Cafeterias
- multipurpose room
- Tennis courts
- Store and common room.
As I said before getting into this on-campus accommodation can be difficult but not to worry there are plenty of private off-campus places you can go but do well to keep the following in mind when going to off-campus accommodation: 1. price 2. facilities offered and 3. proximity to campus in terms of transportation cost.
Health insurance.
As a recipient of the Astro Scholarship, this is one of the most important things to know before studying in Malaysia. As in other study abroad destinations, you must have health insurance for the entire period of your study in Malaysia.
Treatments that should be covered by this policy include:
- Personal accident and death;
- Inpatient services;
- Repatriation;
- Outpatient services.
The range per year for a minimum premium is RM300.00. It is recommended that students purchase insurance policies only from those provided by the school.
Medical insurance in Malaysia compared to another study abroad locations like Australia, the USA, or the UK, is not that expensive. so with health insurance in hand, you don’t have to worry during an emergency.
Job opportunities :
The third thing you will need to know before studying in Malaysia is the job opportunities available to you as a student in the country. Studying and working in Malaysia is gradually gaining ground for international students in the country. These days, international students take jobs in part to help them finance their stay in the country.
Although in Malaysia, tuition fees and costs are relatively modest compared to the students’ home country, it may seem high, so the student needs something to help cover the expenses incurred.
The student can work during the study in Malaysia for a maximum of 20 hours per week, during:
- semester breaks
- festive holidays
- More than seven days of vacation.
Therefore, some of the popular places to work include restaurants, gas kiosks, convenience stores, and hotels.
However, international students are prohibited from working as cashiers, singers, musicians, guest relations officers, and masseurs. Additionally, students must not engage in any activity considered illegal.
Education costs in Malaysia
Your course costs will consist of your tuition fees plus other study-related expenses. Below are the types of charges you may incur during your Course of Study :
1. Academic Fees:
- Inscription
- Registration
- Deposit
- Computer/Science Lab Fee
- Health and hospitalization insurance premium
- library fee
- Other incidental costs, such as exam fees
2. Non-academic fees:
- Student visa fees
- Medical check
- Health insurance premium and hospitalization.
Cost of living in Malaysia
Cost of Living Breakdown in Malaysia
An average international student is expected to spend around RM1,800 (US$450) per month for their living expenses. The cost can be broken down as:
- Accommodation For your monthly accommodation, an estimate of approximately RM300 (US$75) to RM600 (US$150) should be budgeted. The geographic area, the type of housing, in this case, it could be living on or off-campus in an apartment, condominium, one-story house, two-story house, etc., the facilities available in the house (for example, with or without air conditioning) and, of course, the number of people sharing the room (or apartment or house) can affect the cost of your accommodation.
- Food/Cleaning When it comes to your food and cleaning cost, it is estimated to be around RM600-900 (US$150-225). Assuming you spend RM20-30 (US$5-7.50) for three meals a day. On the other hand, if you cook and share the cost of cooking with your friends, it will be cheaper for you. It is also possible to have a fast meal for less than RM10 (US$2.50) in Malaysia. For example, a McValue meal at McDonald’s costs RM5.95. Meal sets at KFC start at RM6.90 and Domino’s group meal pizza deals are also under RM10 per pax. Moreover, in Malaysia, local food such as rice and noodles at food stalls or cafes ranges from RM4-10 (US$1-2.50).
At mid-range restaurants, you can expect to pay RM20-40 for a meal (US$5-10). A coffee from Starbucks costs an average of RM12-16 (US$3-4).
- Clothes and Laundry In Malaysia The costs of your clothes for things like washing, ironing, dry cleaning, etc. can cost something around RM60 (US$15) per month.
- Public transportation In this part, students who stay on campus or near campus cannot incur any costs to travel to and from classes. However, other trips may cost approximately RM80-150 (US$20-37.5) per month.
- Telecommunications / mobile phone bills and utilities Mobile phone packages in Malaysia are very competitive The amount you spend will depend on your usage and the promotional package you choose. The average student can spend around RM30-50 (US$7.50-12.50) per month.
- Books, reading material, and stationery. The estimated cost of books and stationery should be RM50-100 (US$12.50-25) per month, but will largely depend on the course you have signed up for and the number and nature of the projects.
- Medical/hospitalization insurance If you save RM50 (US$12.50) per month for medical expenses, it would be enough (including it in case you need outpatient treatment in a private clinic) for the year. This estimate is the amount you will have to pay for your hospital and medical insurance of approximately RM500 (US$125) per year.
- Personal Expenses Your monthly personal expenses largely depend on your personal lifestyle. However, the cost can be estimated between RM100 (US$25) and RM200 (US$50). This includes your socializing needs, toiletries, haircuts, clothes, movies, etc.
Using the above estimate, the total cost of living for a student will average RM1,800 (US$450) per month or RM21,600 (US$5,400) per year.
It is important to remember that the above estimate is only a guide to planning your budget to study in Malaysia and geographical location and personal lifestyle should be taken into account when planning your personal budget.
How to get a study visa to Malaysia and its requirements – Malay student pass
As an international student, especially an AstroScholarship award recipient, one of the documents that will grant you access to the country is your Study Visa. Therefore, in this article, we are going to extensively discuss how to get your Study Visa to Malaysia from any country.
- All international students need a student pass to study in Malaysia at all levels of education. Interestingly, the Student Pass acts as a student visa in Malaysia. So when we talk about the documents required for a Malaysian student visa, it basically refers to the documents required for the Student Pass.
- Obtaining a student pass is easy because, once you have been admitted, the university itself will apply directly for the pass on your behalf.
- You will need to submit a personal bond that you will need to pay from $69-$365 depending on the country of origin.
Please note that once your acceptance and student pass are approved, you will need to separately apply for a single entry student visa through the Malaysian embassy or High Commission available in your home country.
For this, you will need to provide evidence of your study offer and student pass, in addition to showing proof of financial stability to cover tuition and living expenses. Depending on the country of origin, you may be required to submit additional information.
You must apply for the pass at the Malaysian Immigration Department.
Study Pass Application Categories
Depending on the course and type of school you are applying to, you have the following types of application categories:
- Foreigner in public schools;
- Foreigner in private schools;
- Foreigner in public institutions of higher education;
- Foreigner in private institutions of higher education;
- Foreigner in language centers;
- Foreigner in training centers under the Skills Development Department;
- Holder of a Dependent Pass (Expatriate)
While the list of documents required for a Malaysian Student Visa (Student Pass) more or less remains the same across all application categories, the application process for the pass may vary.
How to apply for different student pass application categories:
1. Foreigner in Government / Private Schools:
- You have to apply at the State Immigration Office through the schools
- If you are from the People’s Republic of China (PRC), your institution should submit your application directly to the Putrajaya Immigration Department Student Pass Unit (for all new applications). For the extension of your Student Pass, you can, however, approach the corresponding State Immigration Department.
2. Foreigner in public institutions of higher education.
- Your university can apply directly at the State Immigration Office
- Students from India, Bangladesh, or Pakistan have to apply directly at the Immigration Department Headquarters in Putrajaya. If you already have the Malaysia Student Visa but if you want to extend it, you can apply at the State Immigration Office.
3. Foreigner in private higher education institutions/training centers.
- Education Malaysia Global Service (EMGS) Issues Student Pass for new apps. It is necessary to apply through the universities/colleges/training centers.
- For extensions of your student pass, you can apply at the State Immigration Office.
4. Foreigner in language centers
- Application for a new Student Pass can be made at the Immigration Department headquarters in Putrajaya through language centers.
- For extensions, you must approach the State Immigration Office.
5. Holder of a Dependent Pass (Expatriate)
- You have the option of filing your application at an Expatriate Service Division, Immigration Headquarters in Putrajaya or at the appropriate State Immigration Office.
- Your passport will bear the stamp of approval to study in Malaysia.
- Dependent Pass holders under the age of 18 are exempt from having to apply for a Student Pass.
- Spouse holders of Dependent Passes can study in Malaysia, but must first convert their Dependent Pass to a Student Pass.
Required Documents for Malaysian Student Visa (Student Pass)
A valid passport: If you are applying online through Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS), you must upload the scanned pages of the passport containing your biological data in PDF format.
When uploading this required document for a Malaysia student visa (Student Pass), please also make sure that the image is clear and all the details are visible.
Transcripts and Certificates: Transcripts and Certificates must be scanned and uploaded as ONE single PDF file.
Offer Letter: In order to be eligible for the Malaysian student visa, you must be offered a place in a school/higher education institution/language center/training center in Malaysia.
Consequently, the offer letter is among the most important documents required for a Malaysian student visa. When applying online, please ensure that the PDF file does not exceed 550KB, which is the maximum size allowed.
Pre-arrival medical report: Before entering Malaysia, you must attend a mandatory pre-arrival medical check-up at a registered medical clinic. However, if you have attended an unregistered clinic, you need to upload the report of the coroner’s report as part of the list of documents required for a Malaysian doctor.
Letter of support: Issued by the Ministry of Education / Skills Development Department.
Immigration Form 14: Two sets
Photos: Two sets of color photos (3.5 cm x 3.5 cm);
Personal Link Form (Sealed)
In addition, students who wish to transfer from university/college must obtain a release letter from their previous university/college, an attendance report, an academic performance report, and a letter of support from the Ministry of Education.
Benefits of the student pass.
1. Dependent Pass: The Student Pass allows Masters and Ph.D. students bring their dependents to Malaysia during the course of their studies.
Each dependent receives a Dependent Pass that is valid for a period of up to 12 months, as long as the members have individual or separate passports.
Who is included in the list of dependents: Spouse, children, mother, and father only.
2. Multiple Entry Visa (MEV): As Student and Dependent Pass holders, you are automatically eligible for the Malaysian Multiple Entry Visa (MEV), which allows you to make unrestricted travel between your home country and Malaysia.
3. Visa on Arrival for Students (VOAS): If you have a Malaysian Student Visa Approval Letter (VAL) issued by the Malaysian Immigration Department, you can avail yourself of the VOAS facilities.
Apply for only Visa with Reference
International students pursuing higher education in Malaysia should apply for Visa with Reference, intended for students, and not Visa WITHOUT Reference. The Malaysia student visa without reference is only for the purpose of a social visit.
Documents required for a Malaysian student visa with reference
- Original approval letter from the Malaysian Immigration Department / other authorizing agencies
- original passport
- Two photocopies of your passport.
- Two photocopies of the Malaysian student visa application form (IMM.47 form)
- Two passport-size photographs.
- Two photocopies of your air ticket along with the original.
Malaysia student visa fee payment receipt
