The Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP) was launched in 1980. The main objective lies under its philosophy that the human resource development is a vital catalyst for countries to achieve sustainable economic and social development. The Programme consolidates various forms of technical cooperation in areas where Malaysia has the valuable experience and expertise. Through these cooperation efforts, Malaysia’s bilateral ties with MTCP member countries were strengthened. The MTCP is implemented through several cooperation programmes such as training in both short and long-term courses, study visits and practical attachment.

The MTCP Scholarship for Post-Graduate Studies provides opportunities for students to pursue advanced academic study in Malaysia. This scholarship is a Government-to-Government basis, without any bond imposed by Malaysia. Scholarships are intended for promising candidates who may be expected to make a significant contribution to their own countries on their return from Malaysia.

Scholarships are available for post-graduate studies at Masters and PhD level tenable at Malaysian Universities. The duration of the award is 36 months for PhD and between 12 to 24 months for Masters programme.

ELIGIBILITY
The scholarship is open equally to qualified candidate up to 40 years of age at the time of application.

Candidates should be the citizens of beneficiary as listed in Appendix I. They should, at the time of application, obtain a degree or equivalent qualification with at least upper second class honours, (or CGPA 3.0) for Master’s programme; and hold a Master’s degree with good grades for PhD programme.

The candidates must demonstrate outstanding verbal, reading and writing proficiency in the English language through one of the following:

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or
• Test administered by the International English Language Testing Service (IELTS).

If deemed necessary, applicants may also be required to attend an interview and/or take an entrance test or English Test conducted by the Ministry of Higher Education or the Board of Admissions of the particular university.

Applicants must be in good health, both physically and mentally.

APPLICATION TO THE UNIVERSITY
University’s application for admission is solely the candidate’s responsibility. Proof of admission is not a pre-requisite to the award. Selection committee for MTCP Scholarship will only consider qualified applicants with outstanding academic achievement and professional performance. Interested applicants are advised to apply before the beginning of the academic year which falls on the month of July for most of Malaysian university. The scholarship awarded does not guarantee a placement in the university. Admission to any program is by way of applications to the university. Applications must abide to the requirement and procedure for admission set by the university.

VALUE OF AWARDS

• Each scholarship consists of:
  • a return air tickets from recipient’s capital city to Malaysia;
  • an approved tuition fees by the respective university;
  • a maintenance allowance at the rate of RM1,000.00 per month;
  • a yearly grant for books and internal travel;
  • thesis allowance, installation and termination grant.
• No marriage/family allowance for accompanying spouse or children.
• Government of Malaysia reserve the rights to review the value of awards at anytime, and if such changes are made, the value of scholarship will be changed and the effective date will be informed to the successful candidates.

GENERAL CONDITIONS OF AWARDS

The following conditions apply to all scholarship holders :

• Scholarship holders must not change their programme during tenure of the scholarship except with written permission from their university and the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia.
• Scholarship holders must follow the approved programmes and abide by the university`s rules, regulations and codes of conduct. Any suspension from the university will result in immediate suspension of the award. Monthly allowances are not payable during suspension.
• Scholarship holders are responsible for securing an appropriate entry visa including medical examination.
• Scholarship holders must maintain satisfactory progress and good standing as stipulated by their host university and degree programme, or the scholarship will be withdrawn.
• Any periods of leave must be approved by the university and in accordance with the purposes of the Commonwealth Scholarship. It is expected that leave will be normally spent in Malaysia, but the university may approve a short period spent overseas. A student wishing to travel overseas for an extended period would first need to establish medical or compassionate grounds before Immigration clearance could be obtained. Expenses for such travel are not included in the scholarship.
• The scholarships are tenable in Malaysian universities and research will normally be carried out in Malaysia. If appropriate it may be possible for a limited amount of research to be carried out in scholar’s home country but financing of such an arrangement would be the responsibility of the scholar.
• Scholarships holders are not allowed to take any paid employment in Malaysia during their tenure unless with written approval from the host university.
• Upon termination of studies, scholarships holders are expected to return to their respective home countries immediately
  This award is only given once to any successful applicant.

HOW TO APPLY FOR THE SCHOLARSHIP
Applicants should complete the application form ( in 2 copies ) attached with this document. The following documentation must be attached with the application form:

• A certified copy of the applicant`s current passport showing evidence of citizenship;
• The applicant`s academic records, testimonials and/ or references relating to the relevant study, co-curricullum activities, achievements;
• letter from certified doctor declaring the applicant`s good health;
• Passport-size photograph (2 copies);
• Completed Medical Report;
• A clear and precise study or research plan;
• English language proficiency certificate or test score (if any);
• Admission letter for post-graduate study (if any); and Two letters of appraisal.

Notes:
All certificates and related documents submitted must be certified by a recognised official or by the institution that issued the documents and must bear the official stamp and signature of the certifier. Official translation in English is required if the transcript is in other languages.

Applications must be endorsed by the Ministry of Foregn Affairs or agency responsible for technical cooperation in the respective recipient’s Government and submitted to the Malaysian Goverment Representatives in the country in which the applicant has his/her permanent home; or send direct to:

The Secretary General
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Malaysia
Wisma Putra, No. 1
62602 Putrajaya
Malaysia.

All applications must reach the Malaysian Goverment Representative (or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia) not later than 31 December 2007. Application received after this date would not be considered.

ROLE OF NOMINATING GOVERNMENT

• Each participating country is invited to submit two (2) nominations only.
• The nominating agency is responsible for nominating candidates for the MTCP Scholarship and is expected:
  • to disseminate information about MTCP Scholarships as widely as possible especially to all government agencies and public institutions of higher learning;
  • to ensure all applications are completed according to requirements;
  • to ensure that only qualified applicants are short listed;
  • to nominate only the best among the applicants; and
  • to assist them for departure, if selected.

FURTHER ENQUIRIES
For further enquiries, prospective applicants can either request or write directly to the nearest Malaysian Diplomatic Mission or the following address:

Scholarship Division
Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia
Level 4, Block 1 PjH Tower
Precint 2
Federal Goverment Administration Centre
62100, PUTRAJAYA
MALAYSIA
website :
http://www.mohe.gov.my
email : norkamilahz[ at ]mohe.gov.my

Please visit Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme’s website, http://mtcp.epu.jpm.my for the details.

RESULTS OF SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS
The results of the successful applicants will be announced through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or The Malaysian Mission of that particular nominating country.

Successful candidates will be notified by the Ministry before the end of March 2008. For those who have yet to be notified after this period, may consider their application unsuccessful.

Application Form : Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP), list of MTCP countries, please click here .

Via: official announcement