Financial Assistance

USM Global Fellowship

If you view the world differently, we want you

USM Global Fellowship was launched by YB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia on 30 July 2012 to ensure a bright future for Malaysia through attracting bright talents from all parts of the world to come and study their PhD at USM.

This fellowship is an indication that Malaysia is ready to acknowledge and celebrate knowledge and experience with the world. The USM Global Fellowship aspires to enhance nation building, synergise global talents, and to boost a greater knowledge society through the global talents we’ve engaged.

The USM Global Fellowship is open for application to all nationalities across the globe who aspire to pursue full time Doctoral studies in various research fields with Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM).

Eligibility

• Current registered PhD holders of USM are not eligible to apply
• All nationalities not exceeding 40 years of age on the date of application.
• Not a recipient of any financial support or sponsorship from any organisation or education institution.
• Excellent health condition

Application Requirement

• All nationalities not exceeding 40 years of age on the date of application.
• Not a recipient of any financial support or sponsorship from any organisation or education institution.
• Excellent health condition
• Eligible only for FULL-TIME research mode student (non-registered)

Academic Qualification:

• Obtained a Bachelor’s Degree with CGPA ≥ 3.50 from any recognised local or foreign universities, and
  Obtained a Master’s Degree (Course Work / Mixed Mode) with CGPA ≥ 3.50 or by Research Mode from any recognised local or foreign universities.
• At least has two journal published in ISI/SCOPUS/ERA

Priority will be given to candidates with the following credentials:

• Good communication skills and proficient in English is an added advantage
• A minimum score of 35 for TOEFL (Internet-based); or https://www.ets.org/
• A minimum of Band 5 for IELTS; or https://www.ielts.org/
• A minimum score of 36 for PTE; or https://pearsonpte.com/
• A minimum score of 154 for CAE/CPE https://www.cambridgeenglish.org/

Exemption is given to candidate with:

• English is the candidate’s mother tongue or National Language; or
• Candidate graduated from an Institution of Higher Learning in which the medium of instruction at Bachelor and/or Master degree level is English; or
• English courses from selected Malaysian public/private university or institution. (The level of qualification and the relevant courses should be previously identified and approved by the University Postgraduate Studies Council).
• Proof of article publications in refereed journals (minimum of 2 publication) report of ISI/SCOPUS/ERA must be attached.
• Possess good leadership skills with good personality traits.

 The Fellowship Covers

USM Vice-Chancellor Award

The coveted Vice-Chancellor’s Award is given to exceptional PhD students at USM after undergoing a stringent screening process. This Award is offered to support research in all areas of studies in the University and to instill excellent values amongst postgraduate students academically and socially.

The Award has benefited 19 postgraduates from various research areas in the University since its inception in 2008 until 2013. Award recipients are expected to devote their efforts in research, publishing articles as well as participate in university events and activities, and engage in various non-academic activities like community, charity or educational services. 

Financial Assistance

Recipients are awarded tuition and examination fees waivers, and monthly allowance of RM3,000 for a maximum of three years. 

Eligibilities to Apply :

Interested applicants pursuing Doctoral degrees in full time with the University by research mode and current full time research mode postgraduate students of the University are invited to apply. Applicants who are engaged in various non-academic activities (e.g., community activism, charity work, educational services, others) and have demonstrated their leadership potential within these activities are encouraged to apply.

Eligibilities

Science

1. Master’s Degree by coursework/mixed mode with CGPA>3.67 or Master’s Degree by research mode or an equivalent qualification recognized by the Malaysian Government.
2. Applicant had published at least 2 articles in ISI refereed journals
3. Eligible only for FULL-TIME Research Mode students.

Arts

1. Master’s Degree by coursework/mixed mode with CGPA>3.40 or Master’s Degree by research mode or an equivalent qualification recognized by the Malaysian Government.
2. Applicant had published at least one article in any ISI indexed journal or presented papers in at least 2 renowned conferences.
3. Eligible only for FULL-TIME Research Mode students.

Applicable for non-registered students or students in their first 2 semesters of their candidature.

How to Apply

• Download the application form from Click here to download application form
• Obtain an endorsement from the Dean/Director of the applicant's respective school/centre.
• Applications without the school/centre endorsement will not be entertained.

Evaluation

Your application will be reviewed and recommended for the scheme by the respective schools and then be reviewed by a special evaluators of academics. Finally, shortlisted candidates will be interviewed personally by the Vice-Chancellor himself, with 4 other prominent academicians of the University.

Expectations

The Vice-Chancellor Awardees are expected to devote their efforts to research and publishing articles as well as participating in University events and activities, and getting engaged in various non-academic activities like community activism, charity work or educational services.

USM Fellowship Scheme

The USM Fellowship Scheme is a prestigious postgraduate funding programme awarded by the University to outstanding postgraduates who have passions in research and demonstrate leadership qualities. This Fellowship is offered to full-time academically outstanding local and international research mode candidates on a yearly basis. Under the tutelage of their supervisors, USM Fellowship recipients are trained in academic writing and publishing to enable them to become effective researchers.

Financial Assistance

The USM Fellowship covers tuition and thesis examination fees. A monthly stipend is also provided.The amount varies from year to year as displayed in the following table.

Master candidates may be funded for a maximum of two years while PhD candidates, up to three years.

The cost of other fees, and expenses like travelling, personal bond, health insurance, visa, are not included and are borne by the candidate themselves. Applicants are encouraged to obtain fundings from other sources to pay for these items.

Who is Eligible to Apply?

Applicable for non-registered students (who have been offered full-time candidature status) or students in their first 2 semesters of their candidature.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENT

• Applicants pursuing Master’s degree :

1) Bachelor's Degree with a CGPA>3.25 or an equivalent qualification recognized by the Malaysian  Government.

2) Preferences are given to those who had paper(s) sent/accepted/published in ISI/SCOPUS/ERA journals.

3) Eligible only for FULL-TIME research mode students.

• Applicants pursuing Doctoral degree :

1) Master’s Degree by coursework/mixed mode with CGPA>3.25 or Master’s Degree by research mode or an equivalent qualification recognized by the Malaysian Government.

2) At least has one journal published in ISI/SCOPUS/ERA.

3) Eligible only for FULL-TIME research mode students.

Other Requirements

• Academic honours, awards and scholarships.
• Other postgraduate degrees.
• Conference papers.
• Past relevant research.
• Community service experience.

We strongly recommend that all applicants to apply online and submit their application and all required documents well before the closing date. Incomplete applications will not be entertained. The date of application will be announced through our website from time to time.

Students with financial assistance (e.g., NSF/PGD/IDB/RLKA/ASTS) are not eligible to apply.

Publication Requirement

Fellowship holders are required to submit prove of manuscript submission to the University during the first funded year. This action may contribute towards the extension of the fellowship.

USM Fellowship holders are required to publish in high impact factor or in peer reviewed journals. The publication requirement at the to levels of postgraduate studies are :

• Master level : minimum of one(1) publication
• PhD level : minimum of two (2) publications

Any publication due to this requirement must acknowledge the support of USM Fellowship.

USM holds and reserves the right to publications and all intellectual property rights supported by and arising from USM Fellowship.

HOW TO APPLY

• Apply online at : http://webapps.usm.my/ips/fellowship/
• The University's decision is final.

TWAS-USM Fellowship

TWAS-USM Postgraduate Fellowship Programme

Opening date of this fellowship : 15 April 2019

Closing date of this fellowship : 15 July 2019

Programme Details

* TWAS-USM Postgraduate Fellowships are tenable in the departments, institutions and laboratories of the Universiti Sains Malaysia (see www.ips.usm.my for USM academic programme) for a period of three years (renewable yearly) for studies leading to a PhD degree in the natural sciences.

* The academic year in Malaysia begins in September and the second semester in February of each year, following the year of application. Candidates will enrol for their PhD at a USM department/laboratory and must observe USM's academic calendar and be ready to start their fellowship on the first day of classes/courses.

* USM will provide a standard monthly allowance which should be used to cover living costs, such as accommodation, food and health insurance.

* The award of the fellowship is subject to obtaining in due course a final offer letter of admission from USM that must be approved by the relevant USM School. Upon receipt of the USM-TWAS award letter from TWAS, candidates will need to contact in due course the Institute of Postgraduate Studies (IPS) of USM to apply for the final offer letter. In case the application for the final offer letter of admission is not approved by USM, the award will become null and void.

* The language of instruction is English.

Eligibility

Applicants for these Fellowships must meet the following criteria:

• Be a maximum age of 35 years on 31 December of the application year.
• Be nationals of a developing country (other than Malaysia).
• Must not hold any visa for temporary or permanent residency in Malaysia or any developed country.
• Hold a Master's degree in a field of natural sciences.
• Provide an official Acceptance Letter from the USM Institute of Postgraduate Studies (IPS). Requests for Acceptance Letters must be directed to Prof. Rozman Hj Din,  Dean, Institute of Postgraduate Studies (IPS) (at emails:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  and This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ) who will facilitate assignment of a host supervisor. The acceptance letter must come from the IPS Dean (and not from any Head of Department or supervisors at USM).
• In contacting the IPS Dean applicants must accompany their request for an Acceptance Letter with ALL the following documents:
  - copy of an updated CV;
  - a short write-up of research proposal (maximum 5 pages);
  - scanned copies of certificates, academic transcripts (certified true copy of Bachelor and Master degree certificates) with CGPA 3.5 and above and related credentials;
  - two referee letters;
  - a scanned copy of the front page of their publications;
  - provide evidence of proficiency in English. In this regard, the requirements for postgraduate candidates are as follows: A minimum score of 35 for TOEFL (Internet-based); or a minimum of Band 5 for IELTS (https://www.ielts.org) or a minimum score of 36 for PTE (https://pearsonpte.com), or a minimum score of 154 for CAE/CPE (https://www.cambridgeenglish.org).
  - exemption is given to candidates who: have English as their mother tongue or national language; or graduated from an Institution of Higher Learning in which the medium of instruction at Bachelor and/or Master degree level is English; or have taken English courses from selected Malaysian public/private university or institution. (The level of qualification and the relevant courses should be previously identified and approved by the University Postgraduate Studies Council).
• Only requests for acceptance letters that contain ALL the above required documents will be processed by the IPS, USM.
• Be financially responsible for any accompanying family members.
• Provide evidence of proficiency in English (see above).
• Provide evidence that s/he will return to her/his home country on completion of the fellowship;
• Not take up other assignments during the period of her/his fellowship.

Submitting Your Application

• The deadline for receipt of applications to TWAS is 15 July 2019.
• Applicants must submit the Preliminary Acceptance Letter from the Institute of Postgraduate Studies (IPS), USM when applying to TWAS or by the deadline at the latest. Without Preliminary Acceptance Letter, the application will not be considered for selection.
• Applications for the TWAS-USM Postgraduate Fellowship Programme can ONLY be submitted via the online portal. (https://twas.org/opportunity/twas-usm-postgraduate-fellowship-programme)

Contact Details

• TWAS Fellowships Office ICTP campus, Strada Costiera 11 34151Trieste, Italy
• Tel: +39 040 2240 314 Fax: +39 040 2240 689
• E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Dean Institute of Postgraduate Studies (IPS), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) 11800 Penang, Malaysia
• Tel: +60 4 6532 930 Fax: +60 4 6532 931
• Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

TWAS-USM Post Doctoral

Note: Kindly be informed that applicant who emailed their documents to IPS USM until 15 July 2019 are able to upload the Preliminary Acceptance Letter (PAL) in TWAS Portal until 31 July 2019.

Thank you.

TWAS-USM POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP PROGRAMME

This programme is for young scientists (non-Malaysian) from developing countries (other than Malaysia) and *47 least developed countries (LDC) who wish to pursue advanced research in the natural sciences at the Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) in Penang, Malaysia.

• Opening date of this fellowship : 15 April 2019
• Closing date of this fellowship : 15 July 2019

Programme Details

• TWAS-USM Postdoctoral Fellowships are tenable in the departments & institutions of the Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) for a minimum period of twelve (12) months to a maximum period of two (2) years are awarded to young scientists from developing countries (other than Malaysia) to enable them to pursue advanced research in the natural sciences.
• USM will provide a standard monthly allowance which should be used to cover living costs, such as accommodation, food and health insurance.
• The award of the fellowship is subject to obtaining in due course a final offer letter of admission from USM. Upon receipt of the USM-TWAS award letter from TWAS, candidates will need to contact in due course the Institute of Postgraduate Studies (IPS) USM to apply for the final offer letter. In case the application for the final offer letter of admission is not approved by USM, the award will become null and void.
• The language of instruction is English.

Eligibility

Applicants for this Fellowship must meet the following criterion:

• be nationals of a developing country (other than Malaysia);
• must not hold any visa for temporary or permanent residency in Malaysia or any developed country;
• hold a PhD degree in a field of the natural sciences;
• apply for the fellowship within five years of having obtained a PhD degree in a field of the natural sciences;
• be regularly employed in a developing country (other than Malaysia) and hold a research assignment there;
• be financially responsible for any accompanying family members;
• provide evidence that s/he will return to her/his home country on completion of the fellowship;
• not take up other assignments during the period of her/his fellowship.

Below are the Criteria for application:-

A. Candidate Criteria

i. Qualification:

Academic and Professional Qualification (Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree.

ii. Research and Publications

Good academic merit and research output at least two (2) publications in ISI Web of Science (scientific candidates) or Scopus (non-scientific candidates) within the last three (3) years.

B. Supervisor Criteria

i. USM Lecturer (Permanent Appointment)

ii. Have an active research grant within a minimum of one (1) year on the date the application is received by the USM Human Resources Division, AND

iii. Has graduated PhD students as Main Supervisor.

C. Honorarium: RM 6,173.47

Finding Potential Supervisor

• Finding a supervisor is compulsory before submitting application to USM.
• List of potential supervisors can be attained from this link: http://experts.usm.my/
• Please request the supervisor to fill in Section B (Supervisor’s Particulars) in TWAS-USM Postdoctoral Application Form (Note: The form can be downloaded from this link: http://www.ips.usm.my/index.php/download/category/19-twas)

Request for Preliminary Acceptance Letter (PAL)

• The call for application is open from 15 April 2019 – 15 July 2019.
• In contacting the Dean of Institute of Postgraduate Studies (IPS) USM, applicants must accompany their request for Preliminary Acceptance Letter by sending documents below to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.:

Submitting your Application

• The deadline for receipt of applications to TWAS is 15 July 2019.
• Applicants must upload Preliminary Acceptance Letter signed by the Dean of IPS USM via online application to TWAS. Without Preliminary Acceptance Letter, your application will not be considered for selection.

*For a list of LDC countries, please see https://twas.org/least-developed-countries-ldcs

Contact Details

Form

USM Graduate Assistance Scheme

The Graduate Assistance Scheme was introduced to enable postgraduates to enhance their skills by assisting in various events and activities in their respective Schools/CoEs.

Financial Assistance

With the exception of semester breaks, the Scheme supports the recipients with monthly allowance.

The cost of fees imposed, as tuition and examination fees, traveling, personal bonds, health insurance, visa arrangement, are not included and are borne by candidate themselves. Applicants are encouraged to obtain fundings from other sources to fund the unsupported items.

Eligibility to Apply

• Applicable for non-registered students (who have been offered full-time candidature status) or students in their first 2 semesters of their candidature.
• Students with financial assistance are not eligible to apply. (e.g; F/IDB/RLKA/ASTS/OTHERS)

APPLICATION REQUIREMENT

• Applicants pursuing Masters degree :

1) Bachelor's Degree with a CGPA>3.00 or an equivalent qualification recognized by the Malaysian Government.

2) Preferences are given to those who had sent/accepted/published in ISI/SCOPUS/ERA journals.

3) Eligible only for FULL-TIME research mode students.

• Applicants pursuing Doctoral degree :

1) Master’s Degree by coursework/mixed mode with CGPA>3.25 or Master’s Degree by research mode or an equivalent qualification recognized by the Malaysian Government.

2) At least has one journal published in ISI/SCOPUS/ERA.

3) Eligible only for FULL-TIME research mode students.

HOW TO APPLY

• Provide certified academic transcripts, copies of published articles, CV, research proposal and proof of outstanding achievement in extra-curicular activities.
• Do not submit any certificate of attendance to workshops/seminars/conferences.

Application Guideline

Extension Form

Graduate Assistance Scheme Application Form

Postgraduate Research Attachment (PGRA)

TERMS & CONDITIONS

i. The applicant must be a registered USM student at a master’s degree (research mode) or PhD with good research progress.

ii. The research attachment is only for Universities/Research institutions with active MOU/ MOA with USM.

iii. Application must be accompanied by an official invitation letter from the intended

Institution where the PGRA will commence.

iv. The duration of the PGRA fund is one to three months.

v. Upon completion, the student is required to provide publication in the indexed journals within one year as proof of output from the attachment.

vi. The publication must be co-authored by the host scientist.

vii. Maximum funding of PGRA is RM4000.

Gra-ASSIST - Now open for application

OBJECTIVES

• To attract the interest of MALAYSIAN and INTERNATIONAL candidates to pursue postgraduate studies by research mode at USM, by funding their FIRST & 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.

REQUIREMENTS

I). General

• Candidate who has received admission offer letter from USM for studying Masters or Ph.D by research mode, yet to register as a FULL-TIME student is eligible to apply. Application for part time students would NOT be considered.
• Malaysian : can apply for Masters degree and Ph.D programmes
• International : can apply for Ph.D programmes only

II) MSc Candidate

• Must have obtained a bachelor’s degree with a CGPA ≥ 3.00 OR an equivalent qualification that is recognized by the Malaysian Government.
• Preference is given to those who had sent in manuscript for publication in a journal indexed by WoS/SCOPUS/ERA.

III) Ph.D Candidate

• Must have obtained a master’s degree by coursework/mixed mode with a CGPA ≥ 3.00 OR a master’s degree by research mode OR an equivalent qualification that is recognized by the Malaysian Government.
• Must have at least ONE manuscript published in a journal indexed by WoS/SCOPUS/ERA.

IV) This financial support would be awarded to the awardee on semester basis.

The awardee needs to apply for the extension before second semester starts. The decision of the extension is based on the research progress of the awardee, at least ONE (1) SUBMITTED manuscript to a journal indexed by WoS/SCOPUS/ERA which, the awardee must be the first student author and the supervisor must be one of the authors in the author list.

V) Supervisor

The main supervisor must have:

• at least ONE (1) active (the active duration of the grant must still have at least 1 year from the date of application) and sufficient research grant as Principal Investigator to support the candidate research throughout the candidature duration; or
• At least TWO (2) publications in journals indexed by WoS/SCOPUS/ERA as Corresponding Author for the previous year (2019)

Application Form

Postgraduate Conference Fund - Now open for application

Paper Presentation (Oral) Report - Postgraduate Conference Fund

Paper Presentation (Oral) – Postgraduate Conference Fund (ONLINE)