The Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) CARE Scholarship 2026 is now open for applications, targeting full-time PhD students under Research Mode. This opportunity is available to both Malaysian students and international candidates from low and lower-middle income countries, as defined by the World Bank. USM, a leading APEX university in Malaysia, offers this scholarship to support aspiring researchers across a wide range of academic fields, including sciences, engineering, medical and health sciences, arts, humanities, business, and social sciences.

The scholarship covers tuition fees only for a maximum duration of 36 months, with renewal required every semester based on research progress. No living allowance or stipend is provided, and international students should note that the 6% Sales and Service Tax (SST) imposed by the Malaysian government is not included in the coverage. Eligible candidates must be in their first or second semester of PhD study at USM, with a Bachelor’s Degree (CGPA ≥ 3.00/4.00) and a Master’s Degree (coursework/mixed mode CGPA ≥ 3.50/4.00 or research mode), or equivalent qualifications recognized by the Malaysian Government. Additionally, applicants must have at least one manuscript published in a journal indexed by WoS or Scopus.

The application process requires candidates to complete an online form, upload academic transcripts, and provide evidence of publication. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted via email for an interview, and the university’s decision is final. The application deadline is 19 January 2026 (before 5:00 PM). For further information, applicants may contact Mrs. Noor Zamreena Riazat Ali ([email protected]) for Arts & Medical/Health clusters or Ms. Noor Azulia Zul Azman ([email protected]) for Sciences, Engineering & Technology clusters.

This scholarship is ideal for motivated PhD students seeking to advance their research careers in Malaysia, especially those from eligible countries. USM offers a vibrant academic environment with diverse research centers and schools, making it a prime destination for doctoral studies in various disciplines.