Astro Scholarship Award | Malaysia [Updated] 

Astro Scholarship Award is intended to offer financial assistance to people who are doing their pre-university / undergraduate studies at local and foreign educational institutions. Special attention will be paid to applicants with a total annual household income of no more than RM 30,000

Education can transform and inspire people to create a better future for themselves, their families, our community, and our country. With this conviction, we have established the Astro Scholarship Award for high-performing students who want to continue their pre-university, undergraduate, and post-university studies.

Astro strives to enable our scholars to cultivate their dreams of striving for excellence in education and to end with a bright future. For this position, our scholarship recipients 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 sq km houses about 25 million people, which comprises Malays, Indians, Chinese, and indigenous people who all live together in peace.

The currency used in Malaysia is called the Malaysian ringgit (MYR). 

Ranging from colorful markets to mosques, Hindu shrines, and Buddhist temples that are often found side by side, and the abundance of annual festivals celebrating both traditional and modern aspects of this Malaysian culture.

One-half of the country, located on the southern tip of the peninsula below Thailand, is Peninsular Malaysia.

In Peninsular Malaysia, you will find most of the highest-ranked universities in Malaysia. This area comprises the most vibrant and diverse urban cities.

Malaysia is one of the world’s stable countries in terms of political stability, she is second to Singapore when it comes to regional economics. Malaysia offers a better organic lifestyle than its city-state rival.

So, considering studying in this amazing country, you need all the information you can get.

Facts about Astro Scholarship

Level/Field of Study

AstroScholarship is awarded to applicants who are pursuing a pre-university, undergraduate and postgraduate in local and overseas institutions of learning in any of the following fields of study;

• Business and Economics
• Finance and Accountancy
• Actuarial Science, Data Analytics/Science, Statistics and Mathematics
• Computers and Digital Technology
• Engineering (Audio, Broadcast, Electrical, Electronics & System, Mechatronic, Telecommunication, Computer)
• Communications and Public Relations
• Journalism
• Linguistics and Language Studies
• Social Sciences
• Arts and Design
• Law

Host Nationality

The AstroScholarship award is taken and hosted in Malaysia There are other Malaysia Scholarships available for local and international students. You can utilize these scholarship opportunities to solve most of your academic problems. Check out other scholarships you can apply for in 2023 to study in Europe, Africa, Asia, America, etc.

Eligible Nationality

The Astro Scholarship Award is available to legal students who are citizens of Malaysia. Read also if you wish to study outside your home country Simple and Detailed Answers about Applying and Winning a Scholarship.

Aside from the Astro Scholarship Award, there are other scholarships available to international students to study abroad. You can check our scholarship by country to access all scholarships available.

Scholarship Worth/Eligibility

Scholarship (Pre-University / Foundation / Diploma / Undergraduate)

• Financial assistance for pre-university / undergraduate studies in local and foreign learning institutions
• Special consideration will be given to candidates with a total annual household income of no more than RMB 30,000

Eligibility Requirements

• The applicant of the Astro Scholarship award must be a Citizen of Malaysia
• Must have Proven active participation in extra-curricular, social or voluntary activities
• Not tied to other companies/institutions (excluding PTPTN and JPA)
• Willing to be connected with Astro
• Currently enrolled or who 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 – Min 8As
• The minimum academic results required for undergraduate applications are:
• SPM / Level O – Min 8As
  AND
• A-Level / STPM – Min 4As
• Australian Matriculation – Min 90,0
• Canadian Matriculation – Min 90,0
• Local Registration – Min CGPA 3.7
• Diploma – Min CGPA 3.7
• Foundation – Min CGPA 3.7
• ADP – Min CGPA 3.7
• IB – Min 36
• UEC – Max 5
• Medically certified by Astro panel physicians when selected for the scholarship award.
• Free from any criminal record and any 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 renowned institutions of learning for:

• MBA / Executive MBA
• Masters of Data Analytics/Science

Eligibility Requirements

• Students must be Malaysian citizens
• Relevant work experiences will be considered.
• Not linked to other companies/institutions.
• Willing to be linked to Astro.
• Currently enrolled or obtained the conditional/unconditional admission to pursue an MBA / Executive MBA / Master of Data Analytics / Science.
• Medical certificate from the Astro physician after being selected for the scholarship award.
• Excluded from criminal records and serious misconduct in schools, learning institutions or the workplace.
• Physically present in Malaysia to participate in the assessments requested in May/June.

How to Apply for Astro Scholarship Award

Applications are done online at the scholarship website. You can visit the AstroScholarship award website to apply for this Astro Scholarship Award

Astro Scholarship Application Deadline

Application for AstroScholarship award 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 you have been considered for the Astro Scholarship Award, one of the things you should put into consideration is your accommodation, usually, there, are two types of accommodations available to international students. namely; 1. on-campus accommodation and 2. off-campus accommodation.

Mostly, the on-campus accommodation is ideal for international students because of the living units, in schools like Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, aside it’s from its on-campus accommodation is well equipped, they outfitted with telephone ports and they have access to the university IT facilities and internet connection.

Some facilities you can always find  in on-campus accommodation include:

• Cafeterias
• Multipurpose hall
• Tennis courts
• Store and common room

Like I said getting into this on-campus accommodation can be difficult but you need not worry there are lots of private off-campus you can go for, But do well to put the following into consideration when going for an off-campus accommodation: 1. price 2. facilities offered and 3. the proximity to the campus so as to cost of transportation.

Health Insurance

As a beneficiary of the Astro Scholarship award, this is one of the most important things you need to know before studying in Malaysia. Just like in other study-abroad destinations, you need to have health insurance throughout your study in Malaysia.

The treatments that need to be covered by this policy include:

• Personal  Accident & Death;
• In-patient  Services;
• Repatriation; and
• Out-patient Services.

The range per year for a minimum premium is RM300.00.It is advised that students should buy insurance policies only from the provided nominated by the school.

Medical insurance in Malaysia compares to other studies abroad locations like Australia, USA or UK is not that costly. Thus with medical insurance, you don’t have to worry during an emergency.

Work Opportunities:

The third thing you must know before studying in Malaysia is the work opportunities available to you as a student in the country. Work-study in Malaysia is gradually gaining ground for international students in the country. These days international students take part-part jobs to help them fund their stay in the country.

Though in Malaysia, tuition fees and costs are relatively modest to compare to students’ home country it may seem high so the student needs something to help meet up with the expenses incurred.

The student can work during the study in Malaysia for a maximum of 20 hours per week, during the following:

• semester breaks
• festive holidays
• more than seven days of holiday

Thus, some popular workplaces include restaurants, petrol kiosks, mini markets, and hotels.

However, international students are barred from working as a cashier, singer, musician, guest relations officer, and masseur. Additionally, students shouldn’t involve themselves in any activity deemed illegal.

Education Costs in Malaysia

Your course fees will include your tuition and other related study expenses. Below are types of fees that you may incur during your course of study :

1. Academic Fees:

• Registration fee
• Tuition fee
• Deposit
• Computer/Science laboratory fee
• Health & hospitalization insurance premium
• Library fee
• Other incidental costs such as examination fees

2. Non-academic Fees:

• Student visa fees
• Medical check-up
• Health and hospitalization insurance premium

Cost of Living in Malaysia

Breakdown of living cost in Malaysia

An average international student is expected to spend about RM1,800 (US$450) per month for his or her living expenses. The cost can be broken down as:

• Accommodation For your accommodation monthly an estimate of about RM300 (US$75) to RM600 (US$150) should be budgeted. Geographical area, type of accommodation, in this case, could be on-campus or off-campus living in an apartment, condominium, single-story house, double-story house, etc the kind facilities available in the house (e.g. with or without air-conditioning) and of course,, the number of people sharing the room (or the apartment or house) all can affect the cost of your accommodation.
• Food / Housekeeping When it comes to Your food and housekeeping cost it is estimated to be around RM600-900 (US$150- 225). Assuming you spend  RM20-30 (US$5- 7.50) for three daily meals. On the other hand, if you cook and share the cooking cost with your friends, it would be cheaper. it is also possible to have a fast-food meal for below RM10 (US$2.50) in Malaysia. For instance, a McValue meal at McDonald’s is at RM5.95. Meal sets at KFC start at RM6.90 and pizza deals for group meals from Domino’s are also below RM10 per pax. Moreso, in Malaysia, Local food like rice and noodles at food stalls or coffee shops 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).

• Clothing and laundry In Malaysia Your clothing expenses for things like washing, ironing, dry-cleaning, etc. may cost something around RM60 (US$15) per month.
• Public Transport In this part, students who stay on campus or near campus may not incur any cost of traveling to and from classes. However, other traveling may cost approximately RM80-150 (US$20-37.5) per month.
• Telecommunication / Mobile Phone Bills and Utilities The mobile phone packages in Malaysia are very competitive. How much you spend will depend on your usage and the promotional package you choose. The average student may spend about RM30-50 (US$7.50-12.50) per month.
• Books, Reading Materials and Stationery The estimated cost of books and stationery should be around RM50-100 (US$12.50-25) per month, but it would largely depend on the course you have signed up for and the number and nature of projects in your course.
• Medical / Hospitalisation Insurance If you put aside RM50 (US$12.50) per month for medical expenses, it would be sufficient (include you in case you need outpatient treatment at a private clinic) during the year. You will have to pay this estimate for your medical and hospitalization insurance of about RM500 (US$125) per year.
• Personal Expenses Your monthly personal expenses largely depend on your personal lifestyle. However, the cost can be estimated to be between RM100 (US$25) and RM200 (US$50). This includes your socializing needs, toiletries, haircut, clothes, movie, etc

Using the estimate above, a student’s total cost of living will average at 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 in planning your budget to study in Malaysia, and geographical location and personal lifestyle should be factored in when planning your budget.

How to get a study visa to Malaysia and its Requirements | Malaysian student Pass

As an international student especially a recipient of the AstroScholarship award, one of the documents that will grant you access to the country is your Study visa. Thus in this article, we are going to discuss extensively how you gain your study visa to Malaysia from any country.

1. 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 discuss documents required for a Malaysian student visa, it basically means documents required for the Student Pass.
2. Obtaining a student pass is easy because once you are admitted, the university will directly apply for the pass.
3. You’ll need to submit a personal bond which you’ll be required to pay $69-$365 depending on your country of origin.

Note that once your acceptance and student pass are approved, you’ll need to apply separately for a single-entry student visa through the Malaysian embassy or High commission available in your home country.

For this, you’ll need to provide evidence of your offer of study and student pass and proof of financial stability to cover tuition fees and living expenses. Depending on what your country of origin is, you might be asked to submit additional information.

You must apply for the pass at the Department of Immigration Malaysia.

Study Pass Application Categories

Depending on the course and type of school you are applying to, you have the following types of application categories:

1. Foreigner in Government Schools;
2. Foreigner in Private Schools;
3. Foreigner in public higher education institutions;
4. Foreigner in private higher education institutions;
5. Foreigner in language centers;
6. Foreigner in training centers under the Department of Skill Development;
7. Holder of Dependant 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 process of applying 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 via schools
• If you belong to the People Republic of China (PRC), your institution must send your application directly to the Student Pass Unit of the Department of Immigration Headquarters at Putrajaya (for all new applications). For extension of your Student Pass, you can approach the respective State Immigration Department.

2. Foreigner in public higher education institutions

• Your university can apply directly at the State Immigration Office
• Students from India, Bangladesh or Pakistan must apply directly at the Department of Immigration Headquarters in Putrajaya. If you already have the Malaysian student visa but want to extend it, you can apply at State Immigration Office

3. Foreigner in private higher education institutions/training centers

• Education Malaysia Global Service (EMGS) issues Student Pass for new applications. You need to apply via 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 new Student Pass can be made at the Department of Immigration Headquarters in Putrajaya via language centers.
• For extensions, you must approach the State Immigration Office.

 5. Holder of Dependant Pass (Expatriate)

• You have the option of applying at an Expatriate Service Division, Immigration Headquarters in Putrajaya, or at a relevant State Immigration Office.
• Your passport will bear the stamp of endorsement to study in Malaysia.
• Holders of Dependant Pass below 18 years are exempted from having to apply for the Student’s Pass.
• Spouse of Dependent Pass holders are allowed to pursue study in Malaysia, but first, they must convert their Dependent Pass to Student Pass.

Documents required for Malaysian student visa (Student Pass)

A valid Passport: If you are applying online through Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS), you must upload scanned passport pages containing your bio-data in PDF format.

When uploading this document required for a Malaysian student visa (Student Pass), make sure that the image is clear and all details are visible.

Academic Transcripts and Certificates: Academic Transcripts and Certificates are to be scanned and uploaded as ONE single PDF file.

Offer Letter: To be eligible for the Malaysian student visa, you must be offered a place at 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, make sure that the PDF file is not larger than 550KB, which is the maximum size allowed.

Pre-arrival Medical Report: Before entering Malaysia, you are required to attend a mandatory Pre-arrival Medical checkup at a registered medical clinic. If however, you have attended a non-registered clinic, you must upload the report of the Medical Examiner’s Report as part of the list of documents required for a Malaysian student visa.

Support letter: Issued by the Ministry of Education / Department of Skill Development.

Form Immigration 14: Two sets

Photos: Two sets of colored photos (3.5 cm x 3.5 cm);

Personal Bond form (stamped)

Additionally, students who wish to transfer university/college have to obtain a release letter from their previous university/college, an attendance report, an academic performance report, and a support letter from the Ministry of Education.

Benefits of student pass

1. Dependant Pass: The Student Pass allows Masters and Ph.D. students to bring their dependents to Malaysia during the course of their studies.

Each dependent is issued a Dependent Pass valid for up to 12 months, provided the members have individual or separate passports.

Who is included in the dependant list: Spouse, children, mother, and father only.

2. Multiple Entry Visa (MEV): As holders of Student and Dependent Passes, you automatically become eligible for the Malaysian Multiple Entry Visa (MEV), allowing you to travel unrestricted 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 Department of Immigration Malaysia, you can avail VOAS facility.

Apply only for Visa with Reference

International students pursuing higher studies in Malaysia must apply for the Visa with Reference, meant for students, and not Visa WITHOUT Reference. Malaysian Student Visa without reference is only for a social visit.

Documents required for Malaysian student Visa with Reference

• Original approval letter from the Immigration Department of Malaysia/other authority agencies
• Original passport
• Two photocopies of your passport
• Two photocopies of the Malaysian Student Visa application form (Form IMM.47)
• Two passport size photographs
• Two photocopies of your air ticket along with the original

Receipt of payment of Malaysian Student Visa fee

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