When students in Malaysia say, “I’m looking for a scholarship,” they often mean one of three things:
- A scholarship (merit-based award)
- A bursary (needs-based support)
- A discount (tuition reduction, sometimes automatic)
They can look similar on brochures, but they work differently, and misunderstanding the terms can cost you money or cause you to miss deadlines.
This guide breaks down the differences clearly, so you can ask the right questions and maximise your chances of getting financial support for studying abroad.
Quick Definitions
- Scholarship: Usually awarded for strong academic results, talent, leadership, or achievements.
- Bursary: Usually based on financial need or personal circumstances.
- Discount: A tuition fee reduction offered by the university (or sometimes tied to early payment, partner schools, or specific intakes).
Scholarships: What They Usually Are (and what they aren’t)
Scholarships commonly:
- Reward academic performance (grades, GPA, subject strengths)
- Reward achievements (competitions, leadership, portfolio)
- Have limited slots (especially higher-value scholarships)
- Require an application, essay, interview, or supporting documents
Common misconceptions:
- “Scholarships cover everything.” Many cover partial tuition only.
- “If I apply late, it’s fine.” Scholarship deadlines can be earlier than intake deadlines.
- “Scholarships are only for straight-A students.” Some are programme-specific or leadership-based.
What to ask universities:
- Is the scholarship automatic or application-based?
- What are the minimum grades and English requirements?
- Is it renewable each year? If yes, what GPA must I maintain?
- Can it be combined with other awards?
For a detailed list of scholarships available for Malaysian students, check out Inquota’s scholarship page.
Bursaries: Who They’re For and How They’re Assessed
Bursaries commonly:
- Support students with financial constraints
- Consider household income, personal circumstances, or hardship
- May require documentation (income statements, letters, etc.)
- Can be smaller amounts but still meaningful (especially for living costs)
Common misconceptions:
- “Bursaries are only for locals.” Some universities offer bursaries for international students too.
- “If I’m not ‘poor enough,’ I shouldn’t apply.” Eligibility can be broader than most people assume.
What to ask universities:
- Are bursaries available to international students?
- What documents are required?
- Is it a one-time award or ongoing?
- Does it cover tuition, living costs, or both?
Bursaries are particularly helpful for students who may not qualify for merit-based scholarships but still need support to make studying in Europe or other international programs financially feasible.
Discounts: The Most Overlooked Way Students Save Money
Discounts commonly:
- Are tuition reductions (e.g., 5–20% off tuition)
- May be tied to early acceptance, specific intakes, or partner institutions
- Can be automatic once you meet conditions
- Sometimes cannot be combined with scholarships (depends on policy)
Common misconceptions:
- “Discounts are not real funding.” They are real savings — and often easier to obtain than scholarships.
- “If I get a scholarship, discounts don’t matter.” Sometimes a smaller scholarship plus a discount can outperform a single award (if stacking is allowed).
What to ask universities:
- Are there early-bird discounts for accepting by a certain date?
- Are there partner/agent discounts available?
- Can discounts stack with scholarships or bursaries?
- Are discounts applied to the first year only or the full programme?
Even small discounts can add up to thousands of ringgit over the course of a degree. It’s always worth asking.
Which One Should You Aim For?
Use this simple rule:
- Strong grades/portfolio/leadership → prioritise scholarships
- Tight budget or special circumstances → ask about bursaries
- Everyone → always ask about discounts (because they’re often the easiest win)
Maximising funding usually requires combining all three strategies rather than relying on just one.
Common Mistakes Malaysian Students Make with Scholarships, Bursaries, and Discounts
Even motivated students sometimes miss out on funding simply because of avoidable mistakes. Being aware of these common pitfalls can save time, money, and stress.
- Waiting Until the Last Minute
Many students assume they have plenty of time to apply. Scholarship and bursary deadlines are often earlier than intake deadlines, and missing them can mean waiting an entire year. Start early and give yourself at least 6–12 months to prepare documents and draft applications.
- Misunderstanding Eligibility Requirements
It’s easy to assume that only straight-A students can get scholarships, or that bursaries are only for the “poorest” students. Universities may have programme-specific, talent-based, or broader eligibility that you could qualify for. Always read the fine print and, if in doubt, ask the admissions office.
- Ignoring Discounts
Small tuition reductions or partner discounts are often overlooked, yet they can add up to thousands of ringgit. Even if you have a scholarship, discounts can sometimes be stacked to increase overall savings.
- Submitting Incomplete Applications
Incomplete documents, missing transcripts, or unsigned forms are a common reason applications are rejected. Prepare a funding-ready document pack in advance, including transcripts, CV, personal statements, and financial documents if needed.
- Applying to Only One University
Relying on a single university’s funding options limits your opportunities. Having a shortlist of 2–3 universities increases your chances of finding scholarships, bursaries, and discounts that match your profile.
Pro Tip: Keep a checklist of deadlines, required documents, and follow-ups. Treat funding applications like a mini-project as it reduces stress and avoids missed opportunities.
How to Maximise your Funding (Practical Strategy)
- Start with a shortlist of 2–3 universities that fit your budget, even without funding.
- Funding should improve your plan, not be the only reason it works.
- Ask for the full funding menu
- Don’t ask “Do you have scholarships?” Ask:
- “What scholarships, bursaries, and discounts are available for Malaysian students for this intake, and can they be combined?”
- Track deadlines like a project
- Create a simple list:
- Scholarship deadline
- Intake application deadline
- Deposit deadline
- Visa timeline (if applicable)
- Prepare a “funding-ready” document pack
- Results transcripts
- Passport copy (if available)
- CV / activities list
- Personal statement draft (even a rough one)
- Financial documents (if applying for bursaries)
- Apply early and be thorough
- Missing documents or submitting late can result in automatic rejection. Being organised and proactive is often the key difference between receiving funding and missing out.
Key Takeaways
Many Malaysian students miss out on scholarships, bursaries, and discounts simply because they don’t understand the differences or fail to ask the right questions. The good news is that with the right guidance and planning, you can increase your chances of securing meaningful financial support.
If you want personalised help turning your shortlist into a step-by-step plan, including documents, deadlines, scholarship strategy, and visa readiness, at Inquota, we can guide you every step of the way. Contact us to start your funding journey today and make studying abroad more affordable and stress-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Scholarships are usually merit-based (grades/achievements). Bursaries are usually needs-based (financial circumstances).
No. Discounts are tuition reductions, often policy-based or automatic. Scholarships are awards that may be competitive and have separate criteria.
Sometimes, yes, but it depends on the university and country. Always ask if bursaries apply to international students and what documents are needed.
Sometimes. Some universities allow “stacking”, others don’t. Ask directly about combination rules for your specific programme and intake.
Start with the university’s official funding page, and also check Inquota’s scholarship resources.
Yes, in most cases you can. Some universities allow stacking (combining awards), while others require you to choose. Always check the terms for each funding option.
Not always. Many scholarships consider leadership, talent, community service, or programme-specific achievements. Straight-A grades help, but they’re not the only path.
Ideally, 6–12 months before your intended intake. Early applications give you time to prepare documents, meet deadlines, and increase your chances of funding.
