Embarking on a journey to pursue higher education abroad is a dream for many, offering unparalleled opportunities for academic growth and personal development. However, the financial aspect can often be a significant hurdle, preventing aspiring scholars from reaching their full potential. Fortunately, scholarships exist to bridge this gap, providing crucial support for students aiming for excellence.
Taylor’s University in Malaysia offers a remarkable opportunity through its Research Excellence Scholarship, designed to empower talented individuals to undertake advanced research. This scholarship is not just a financial aid package; it’s a gateway to a world-class research environment and a chance to contribute meaningfully to your chosen field.
This article will guide you through everything you need to know about the Taylor’s University Scholarship, from its comprehensive coverage and eligibility requirements to the detailed application process. Prepare to discover how this fully funded scholarship can transform your academic aspirations into reality.
What is the Taylor’s University Scholarship?
The Taylor’s University Scholarship, officially known as the Taylor’s Research Excellence Scholarship, is a prestigious program aimed at supporting international students who wish to pursue full-time master’s by research and PhD degrees at Taylor’s University in Malaysia. This scholarship is specifically designed for research-focused postgraduate studies, distinguishing it from other postgraduate awards offered by the university. Selection for this scholarship is rigorous, based on a combination of academic merit, the strength of the research proposal, supporting achievements, and a successful interview.
The scholarship is structured into different schemes, each offering varying levels of support. Scheme A Plus and Scheme A are exclusively for PhD candidates, while Scheme B is available for both PhD and master’s by research students. These schemes are fully funded, providing substantial financial assistance to enable students to concentrate on their research without the burden of tuition fees and living costs.
Taylor’s University Scholarship Coverage and Benefits
The Taylor’s Research Excellence Scholarship offers generous financial support, with the specific benefits varying depending on the awarded scheme. These schemes are designed to cover the majority of a student’s expenses during their postgraduate studies.
Scheme A Plus – PhD
This is the most comprehensive scholarship scheme, reserved for doctoral candidates in specific fields: science, medical science, pharmaceutical science, engineering, and computer science.
- 100% Tuition Fee Waiver: Covers all tuition fees for up to 36 months.
- Monthly Stipend: Provides RM3,200 per month for up to 36 months to cover living expenses.
- Conference Allowance: Offers up to RM3,000 to support participation in academic conferences.
- University Fees: Covers applicable university fees, excluding enrollment and visa-related costs.
International students should note that they are responsible for costs such as the international enrollment fee, EMGS student visa application and renewal fees, E-Val, and any required personal bond or advance tuition deposit.
Scheme A – PhD
This scheme supports full-time PhD students across a broader range of eligible research areas.
- 100% Tuition Fee Waiver: Covers all tuition fees for up to 36 months.
- Monthly Stipend: Provides RM2,300 per month for up to 36 months.
- Conference Allowance: Offers up to RM3,000 for conference attendance.
- University Fees: Covers applicable university fees, excluding enrollment and visa-related costs.
While the stipend is lower than Scheme A Plus, Scheme A still provides full tuition coverage and conference support.
Scheme B – Master’s and PhD
Scheme B is the primary fully funded option for master’s by research students and also supports PhD candidates.
For PhD Recipients:
- 100% Tuition Fee Waiver: Covers tuition fees for up to 36 months.
- Monthly Stipend: Provides RM1,900 per month for up to 36 months.
For Master’s by Research Recipients:
- 100% Tuition Fee Waiver: Covers tuition fees for up to 24 months.
- Monthly Stipend: Provides RM1,500 per month for up to 24 months.
For international students under Scheme B, the International Student Charge and International Student Annual Fee are waived for the first year. However, visa application and renewal fees, E-Val, and the personal bond or advance tuition deposit remain the student’s responsibility.
Eligibility Criteria for the Taylor’s University Scholarship
To be considered for the Taylor’s University Scholarship, applicants must meet a set of general and scheme-specific requirements. These criteria ensure that candidates possess the academic background and research potential necessary for postgraduate studies.
General Eligibility Requirements
- Nationality: Both Malaysian and international students are eligible to apply.
- Program of Study: Applicants must be pursuing a postgraduate research program (Master’s by Research or PhD) at Taylor’s University in Malaysia.
- Study Mode: The scholarship is exclusively for full-time study.
- Academic Standing: Candidates must meet the academic and English-language admission requirements for their chosen program.
- Research Proposal: A well-developed research proposal is essential.
- Admission Offer: Applicants must secure an offer of admission from Taylor’s University. While admission and scholarship applications can be submitted concurrently, the scholarship will only be processed after admission is confirmed.
- Interview: Shortlisted candidates are required to attend an interview and present their research proposal.
- Award Limits: Students can only receive one Taylor’s University scholarship or financial award at a time.
For applicants whose first language is not English, proof of English proficiency is required. The specific score needed varies by program, so it is crucial to check the requirements on the relevant program page.
Scheme-Specific Eligibility
Scheme A Plus (PhD):
- Academic Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree with a minimum CGPA of 3.50.
- Master’s degree (coursework or mixed mode) with a minimum CGPA of 3.50 from a recognized institution.
- Master’s degree completed through research mode from a recognized institution.
- Advantage: Publications in citation-indexed journals provide an additional advantage.
- Eligible Programs: Science, medical science, pharmaceutical science, engineering, and computer science.
Scheme A (PhD):
- Academic Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree with a minimum CGPA of 3.33.
- Master’s degree (coursework or mixed mode) with a minimum CGPA of 3.50 from a recognized institution.
- Master’s degree completed through research mode from a recognized institution.
- Advantage: Publications in citation-indexed journals can strengthen the application.
Scheme B (Master’s and PhD):
- For PhD Scholarship:
- Master’s degree (coursework or mixed mode) with a minimum CGPA of 3.50 from a recognized institution.
- Master’s degree completed through research mode from a recognized institution.
- For Master’s by Research Scholarship:
- Bachelor’s degree with a minimum CGPA of 3.00 from a recognized institution.
It is important to note that scholarship recipients must also meet publication conditions before graduation, such as having articles accepted in Scopus or Clarivate-indexed journals, depending on the scheme.
Required Documents for Application
A successful scholarship application hinges on thorough preparation and the submission of all necessary documents. Applicants should gather the following items to support their Taylor’s University Scholarship application:
- Completed Postgraduate Admission Application: The primary application for your chosen research program.
- Completed Higher Degrees by Research Financial Aid Application Form: This specific form is for scholarship applications.
- Research Proposal: A detailed proposal following the Taylor’s template, outlining your intended research.
- Academic Certificates and Transcripts:
- Bachelor’s degree certificate and transcripts.
- Master’s degree certificate and transcripts (for PhD applicants).
- Academic CV or Résumé: Highlighting your educational background, research experience, publications, and any relevant achievements.
- Proof of English-Language Proficiency: Required if English is not your first language, as per program requirements.
- Academic Referee Reports: Letters of recommendation from academic referees.
- Supporting Evidence: Documentation for academic awards, research experience, or teaching experience.
- Publication Evidence: The first page of each publication listed in your application.
- Passport Copy: For international applicants.
- Programme-Specific Documents: Any additional documents requested by Taylor’s University for your specific program.
The research proposal template within the financial aid form covers key areas like the research title, background, problem statement, objectives, literature review, and methodology. Adhering to the specified word limits is crucial.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Applying for the Taylor’s University Scholarship involves several key steps, from selecting your program to submitting your application and preparing for an interview. Following these steps carefully will increase your chances of success.
(1) Select Your Postgraduate Research Programme:
Begin by exploring the Taylor’s University postgraduate research programmes. Choose a master’s by research or PhD program that aligns with your academic background and research interests. If you are targeting Scheme A Plus, ensure your chosen PhD program is in an eligible field such as science, engineering, or computer science.
(2) Develop Your Research Proposal and CV:
Before starting the admission application, formulate a preliminary research topic and identify a suitable research area. Taylor’s University requires a detailed research proposal that clearly explains your intended field, the research problem, objectives, relevant literature, and proposed methodology. Simultaneously, prepare a focused academic CV that highlights your education, research experience, publications, and any other relevant accomplishments.
(3) Complete the Admission Application:
Follow the instructions on the official postgraduate admission page. For research applicants, it is generally necessary to submit your proposal for assessment and have a potential supervisor confirmed before finalizing the full postgraduate application. This stage typically requires academic certificates, transcripts, your research proposal, CV, English proficiency proof, and academic referee reports.
(4) Download and Complete the Financial Aid Form:
Download the Higher Degrees by Research Financial Aid Application Form. This form includes a research proposal template. Note that this form may not explicitly list Scheme A Plus, so if you are applying for it, contact Postgraduate Enrolment and Advisory Services to confirm how to indicate this scheme. Ensure you use the provided template for your proposal and adhere to word limits.
(5) Submit Your Scholarship Application:
Send the completed financial aid form, your research proposal, and all supporting documents to the designated email address: postgraduate@taylors.edu.my. Make sure to include the first page of any publications listed and supporting documents for any academic awards or experience you claim.
(6) Prepare for the Scholarship Interview:
If your application is shortlisted, you will be invited for an interview. Prepare a 15-minute presentation detailing your research proposal. This will be followed by a question-and-answer session with the evaluation panel. The panel assesses your academic excellence, the quality and feasibility of your research proposal, your communication skills, interpersonal qualities, and leadership potential. Review common scholarship interview questions and answers to prepare, ensuring your responses align with your submitted proposal and CV.
(7) Await the Scholarship Decision:
Taylor’s University will notify successful applicants via email. You will need to sign and return the scholarship acceptance section within five days of receiving the decision. Scholarship decisions are final and cannot be appealed.
Application Deadlines
Taylor’s University operates on a rolling admissions basis for its postgraduate research scholarships, meaning applications are accepted throughout the year. However, it is crucial to align your application submission with the relevant admission and scholarship deadlines for your intended intake period. International students should also factor in approximately eight to twelve weeks for student visa processing.
The recommended application dates for the 2027 postgraduate intake are as follows:
- February 2027 Intake:
- International Applicants: December 2026
- Malaysian Applicants: January 2027
- April 2027 Intake:
- International Applicants: February 2027
- Malaysian Applicants: March 2027
- June 2027 Intake:
- International Applicants: April 2027
- Malaysian Applicants: May 2027
- September 2027 Intake:
- International Applicants: July 2027
- Malaysian Applicants: August 2027
Meeting these deadlines is essential for your application to be considered for the desired intake.
Tips for a Strong Scholarship Application
Crafting a compelling scholarship application requires attention to detail and a strategic approach. Here are some tips to help you stand out and maximize your chances of securing the Taylor’s University Scholarship:
- Thoroughly Research Programs: Before applying, deeply understand the postgraduate research programs offered by Taylor’s University. Ensure your chosen program aligns perfectly with your academic background and research aspirations. This shows genuine interest and commitment.
- Develop a High-Quality Research Proposal: Your research proposal is a critical component. It should be clear, concise, well-structured, and demonstrate a deep understanding of your chosen research area. Clearly articulate the problem statement, objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes. Ensure it is original and feasible within the given timeframe.
- Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV to highlight experiences and achievements most relevant to your research proposal and the scholarship’s focus on research excellence. Include publications, conference presentations, research projects, and any relevant academic awards.
- Seek Strong Recommendations: Choose referees who know you well academically and can speak to your research potential and work ethic. Provide them with your CV, research proposal, and information about the scholarship well in advance to ensure they can write a strong, personalized letter of recommendation.
- Address All Eligibility Criteria: Carefully review all general and scheme-specific eligibility requirements. Ensure you meet each criterion before applying. Double-check that all submitted documents are accurate and complete.
- Prepare for the Interview: If shortlisted, treat the interview as a crucial opportunity to impress the panel. Practice your presentation, anticipate potential questions about your research, and be ready to articulate your passion and suitability for the scholarship. Maintain a professional and enthusiastic demeanor.
- Understand the Scholarship Coverage: Be aware of what the scholarship covers and what expenses you will be responsible for, especially as an international student. This demonstrates foresight and preparedness.
By focusing on these areas, you can present a strong, well-rounded application that effectively showcases your potential as a future researcher.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Taylor’s Research Excellence Scholarship?
It is a fully funded scholarship for international students pursuing Master’s by Research or PhD degrees at Taylor’s University in Malaysia, focusing on research excellence.
What does the scholarship cover?
Coverage varies by scheme but generally includes a 100% tuition fee waiver, a monthly stipend for living expenses, and a conference allowance.
Who is eligible to apply for the Taylor’s University Scholarship?
Both Malaysian and international students are eligible, provided they meet the academic requirements for a Master’s by Research or PhD program and have a strong research proposal.
When is the application deadline for the scholarship?
Taylor’s University operates on a rolling admissions basis, but it’s recommended to apply well before the intake deadlines for February, April, June, or September.
