Imagine doing your Master’s or PhD at one of Malaysia’s most prestigious private universities — and having your entire tuition covered. That is exactly what the Sunway University Postgraduate by Research Scholarship 2027 offers. Whether you are a fresh graduate aiming for a funded Master’s degree or a driven researcher ready for a PhD, this scholarship provides up to a 100% tuition fee waiver for qualifying students. With over 22 research programs available across science, business, computing, education, arts, and more, this is one of the most versatile postgraduate funding opportunities in Southeast Asia right now. In this guide, Gradualin breaks down everything you need to know — eligibility, benefits, programs, and how to apply.
📋 Quick Info Box
| Detail | Information |
| University | Sunway University |
| Country | Malaysia |
| Degree Level | Master by Research / PhD by Research |
| Funding Type | Tuition Fee Waiver (Bursary or Scholarship) |
| Open To | Sunway graduates (Bursary) + All graduates incl. international (Scholarship) |
| IELTS Required | Not specified as mandatory — verify on official website |
| Official Link | scholarship.sunway.edu.my |
🎓 Scholarship Overview
Sunway University is one of Malaysia’s leading private research universities, located in Bandar Sunway, Selangor — a vibrant township just outside Kuala Lumpur. Founded under the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation, the university has awarded over RM967 million in scholarships and financial aid, making it one of the most scholarship-generous institutions in the Asia-Pacific region.
The Postgraduate by Research Scholarship was introduced as part of Sunway’s commitment to grow the next generation of researchers and academics. It comes in two forms — a Bursary and a Scholarship — designed to support students at different levels of academic achievement.
What makes this opportunity stand out is its scope. With 22 participating research programs spanning fields from Nursing and Psychology to Computing and Sustainable Development, almost any serious researcher can find a home here. Whether your background is in the sciences, humanities, business, or technology, Sunway has a funded research pathway for you.
The university is also affiliated with Lancaster University (UK) and has close ties with Monash University Malaysia, giving its research environment an internationally connected character that is rare even among Southeast Asian universities.
🎓 Benefits and Funding Details
This is where the opportunity gets truly exciting. The scholarship operates on a tiered system depending on whether you are applying for a Bursary or a Scholarship, and whether you are enrolled in a Master’s or PhD program.
Bursary (for Sunway graduates meeting entry requirements):
- 🎓 Master by Research (Full-time): 30% tuition fee waiver
- 🎓 PhD by Research (Full-time): 50% tuition fee waiver
Scholarship (for CGPA ≥ 3.5 or Merit equivalent — open to all graduates):
- 🎓 Master by Research (Full-time): 60% tuition fee waiver
- 🎓 PhD by Research (Full-time): 100% tuition fee waiver ✅
Here’s the best part — if you hold a CGPA of 3.5 or higher, you can qualify for the full scholarship tier, which covers 100% of tuition fees for PhD students. For context, postgraduate tuition at Sunway University typically ranges from RM20,000 to RM60,000+ per year depending on the program — meaning the scholarship could save you tens of thousands of ringgit.
Note that these awards cover tuition fees only. Living expenses, accommodation, and other personal costs are not included under this scheme (verify details on the official website).
The scholarship is valid for the normal duration of your program, subject to satisfactory academic performance and progression.
🎓 Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility structure differs slightly between the Bursary and the Scholarship:
For the Bursary:
- ✅ Must be a graduate of Sunway University, Sunway College, Lancaster University, or Monash University Malaysia
- ✅ Must meet the minimum entry requirements for the chosen Master’s or Doctoral program
- ✅ Full-time enrollment only
For the Scholarship:
- ✅ Open to all graduates — Sunway and non-Sunway, including international students
- ✅ Must have a CGPA of 3.5 or above, or a Merit (or equivalent qualification)
- ✅ Must be a full-time postgraduate research student
- ✅ Must have received an unconditional offer from Sunway University for the chosen program
- ✅ Must meet all entry requirements of the program
No specific IELTS/TOEFL score is listed on the scholarship page — however, individual research programs may have their own English language entry requirements. Always verify directly with the university (verify on official website).
The award takes effect from the first day of study and continues for the standard duration of the program, provided the student maintains satisfactory academic performance.
🎓 Who Should Apply — And Who Should Not
✅ Apply if you:
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree with a CGPA of 3.5 or above
- Are a graduate of Sunway, Lancaster, or Monash University Malaysia (even the Bursary tier is worth it)
- Want to pursue a fully funded PhD in Malaysia
- Have a clear research interest that fits one of the 22 listed programs
- Are ready to study full-time and commit to a research-based degree
❌ Don’t apply if you:
- Are looking for a taught (coursework-based) Master’s program — this is for research degrees only
- Need a living stipend — this scholarship covers tuition only
- Cannot commit to full-time study
- Have a CGPA below 3.5 and are not a Sunway-affiliate graduate (you won’t qualify for the Scholarship tier)
🎓 Available Programs
The scholarship covers 22 participating research programs across multiple faculties:
Science, Medical & Life Sciences:
- Master in Medical Science
- MSc in Life Sciences
- MSc in Psychology
- MSc in Mathematical Sciences
- Master in Nursing
- Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing
- PhD in Biology
- PhD Medical Science
- PhD in Psychology
- PhD in Sustainable Development
- PhD Sustainability Science and Technology
Technology & Computing:
- MSc in Computer Science
- MSc in Information Systems
- PhD in Computing
Business & Management:
- Masters of Philosophy (Business Administration)
- PhD in Business
- PhD in Hospitality and Tourism
Education:
- Master of Education
- Doctor of Philosophy in Education
Arts & Humanities:
- MA Creative Arts & Media
- PhD Creative Arts & Media
Mathematics:
- PhD in Mathematical Sciences
This is one of the most diverse research scholarship programs available in Malaysia — covering everything from creative arts to sustainability science.
🎓 Required Documents
While the official page directs applicants to complete the Postgraduate Research Scholarship Application Form, typical required documents for such applications include:
- Completed Postgraduate Research Scholarship Application Form
- Certified copies of Bachelor’s degree certificate and transcripts
- CGPA documentation (official transcript clearly showing cumulative GPA)
- Research proposal (for PhD applicants especially)
- Unconditional offer letter from Sunway University
- Passport or national ID copy
- Proof of English language proficiency (if required by your specific program)
- Two academic reference letters (verify specific requirements on official website)
Always confirm the exact document checklist with the Postgraduate Research Management Unit (PGRMU) at Sunway University.
🎓 Step-by-Step Application Process
- Choose your program — Browse the 22 participating research programs and identify the one that matches your academic background and research interests.
- Apply for admission — Submit your application for admission to your chosen postgraduate research program at Sunway University and secure an unconditional offer letter.
- Download the Scholarship Form — Obtain the Postgraduate Research Scholarship Application Form from the official scholarship portal or the university’s research management office.
- Complete and submit the form — Submit the completed application form to your School or Faculty for recommendation by the Faculty PGR Leadership and Dean.
- Faculty review — Your School or Faculty submits their recommendation to the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and Sustainability) for evaluation.
- Await notification — The Postgraduate Research Management Unit (PGRMU) under the Department of Centre for Research Management will notify you of the outcome.
- Accept and enroll — If awarded, your scholarship takes effect from your first day of study.
💡 Pro tip: Apply for admission early, as your scholarship application is linked to your admissions process. The earlier you apply, the more time your faculty has to review your scholarship request.
🎓 Important Dates and Deadlines
| Event | Timeline |
| Application for Admission | Rolling intake — check with university |
| Scholarship Application | Submitted alongside admission application |
| Scholarship Award Commencement | First day of study |
| Duration | Normal program duration (subject to performance) |
📌 No fixed annual deadline is published — applications are processed on a rolling basis alongside admissions. Contact Sunway University directly for the latest intake dates (verify on official website).
Bookmark this page and check back for updates.
🎓 Why Apply — Why Sunway University and Malaysia?
Sunway University is not just a university — it’s a research powerhouse backed by one of Malaysia’s most generous philanthropists, Tan Sri Sir Jeffrey Cheah, whose foundation has committed over RM967 million to education. The university is ranked among the top universities in Malaysia and holds strong international partnerships with Lancaster University (UK) and Monash University Australia.
Kuala Lumpur and Bandar Sunway are among Southeast Asia’s most exciting places to live as a student. The cost of living is significantly lower than in Singapore, the UK, or Australia, yet the quality of life is excellent — world-class malls, international food, an English-speaking academic environment, and a thriving expat and international student community.
For researchers, Malaysia offers a growing academic ecosystem with strong government investment in science, technology, and sustainability. Graduating with a research degree from Sunway carries global credibility, opening doors to academia, industry, and international research careers.
What makes this different from other Southeast Asian scholarships is the 100% tuition waiver at PhD level — one of the most generous commitments by any private university in the ASEAN region.
🎓 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is the Sunway postgraduate scholarship open to international students? A: Yes. The Scholarship tier (CGPA ≥ 3.5) is open to all graduates, including international students. The Bursary is reserved for graduates of Sunway-affiliated institutions only.
Q: Do I need IELTS to apply for this scholarship? A: The scholarship page does not list a mandatory IELTS requirement. However, individual research programs may require proof of English proficiency. Verify directly with your chosen school or faculty (verify on official website).
Q: Can I apply for the scholarship without an unconditional offer? A: No. You must first secure an unconditional admission offer from Sunway University before your scholarship application can be processed.
Q: Is the PhD scholarship truly 100% tuition funded? A: Yes — for the Scholarship tier (CGPA ≥ 3.5), PhD by Research students enrolled full-time receive a 100% tuition fee waiver. Note this covers tuition only, not living expenses.
Q: What happens if my academic performance drops during the program? A: The university reserves the right to withdraw the scholarship if academic performance or behaviour is deemed unsatisfactory. The award is conditional on meeting progression requirements throughout the program.
Q: How many scholarships are available each intake? A: The official page does not specify a fixed quota. The number of awards is determined at the faculty and university level on a case-by-case basis (verify on official website).
🎓 Official Source and Contact
- 🌐 Scholarship Page: scholarship.sunway.edu.my/scholarship/sunway-university-postgraduate-by-research-scholarship
- 🌐 Research Scholarships Info: sunwayuniversity.edu.my/research/postgraduate-research/doctoral-scholarships
- 📞 Phone: +6 (03) 7491 8622
- 📧 Email: info@sunway.edu.my
- 📍 Address: No. 5, Jalan Universiti, Bandar Sunway, 47500 Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
🎓 Summary Table
| Detail | Information |
| University | Sunway University |
| Country | Malaysia |
| City | Bandar Sunway, Selangor (near Kuala Lumpur) |
| Degree Level | Master by Research / PhD by Research |
| Funding — Bursary (Master) | 30% tuition fee waiver |
| Funding — Bursary (PhD) | 50% tuition fee waiver |
| Funding — Scholarship (Master) | 60% tuition fee waiver |
| Funding — Scholarship (PhD) | 100% tuition fee waiver |
| Eligibility — Scholarship | CGPA ≥ 3.5 or Merit (all graduates) |
| Eligibility — Bursary | Sunway-affiliate graduates only |
| IELTS Requirement | Not specified — verify per program |
| Mode of Study | Full-time only |
| Programs Available | 22 research programs |
| Application Deadline | Rolling — contact university directly |
| Official Link | Apply Here |
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