Merdeka Scholarships

Overview
The Khazanah-Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies Merdeka Scholarships, established to mark the 50th anniversary of Malaysia's independence, are intended to enable outstanding Malaysian students to undertake postgraduate study at the University of Oxford.
Subject areas may be drawn from a range of fields. Candidates are required to demonstrate a high level of academic achievement, and how their study will make a contribution to the future needs of Malaysia.
Awards will include University and College fees, accommodation and subsistence allowances, and return air fares. Awards are renewable annually through the duration of the programme of study.

Eligibility
1.Citizens of Malaysia
2. Have an excellent record of academic achievement and a proven capacity for independent research.
3. Attention will also be given to leadership potential and ability to communicate.

4. Candidates will be expected to show how their careers and the wider interests of Malaysia will benefit from a period of study at Oxford.

Fields of study covered by the Scholarship Programme:
a) Business: Economics, Finance, Investment, Law, Actuarial Science;
b) Bio-medical Sciences: Bio-chemistry, Food Technology, Bio-technology, Bio-engineering, Molecular Biology, Genomics and Bio-informatics;
c) Engineering: Electronics, Micro-Electronics, Nano-technology, Materials Science.
Other fields may be considered.

How to Apply

To apply, applicants are required to submit the following:

• The completed application form (please click to download the application form);
• A signed personal statement of no more than 1,000 words that includes a description of the intended area of study and describes how this will benefit Malaysia. The statement should also outline the applicant's reasons for wanting to study at Oxford, and summarise the personal qualities that would make them a worthy recipient of a scholarship;
• A list of academic qualifications and other awards and honours received;
• A statement of the status of their application to the University of Oxford;
• Two confidential letters of recommendation from referees who can assess in detail the applicant's academic performance and potential. The recommendation letters must reach the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies by the application deadline.

The closing date for applications is 10th January 2011.
All correspondence should be addressed to:

The Academic Office,
Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies,
George Street,
Oxford OX1 2AR,

UK Tel: 44 1865 278730

Fax: 44 1865 248942

e-mail: academic.office@oxcis.ac.uk

Yayasan Sime Darby Undergraduate Scholarship Programme (Overseas)

Minimum Requirements:

• Malaysian
• Good communication skills
• Ability to demonstrate leadership qualities and potential
• Actively involved in extra-curricular activities and sporting events
• Candidates with at least a conditional offer from universities as specified by Yayasan Sime Darby will be given FIRST priority. Scholarship will only be effective upon receiving firm offer.

Minimum Academic Achievement:

• STPM (CGPA >3.5)
• Local Matriculation / Diploma (CGPA of at least 3.5)
• ‘A Level’ (minimum 3A)
• Australian TER SAM / AUSMAT (minimum 90.0)
• International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (minimum 36.0)
• International Canadian Pre-University (minimum 85%)
• Individuals pursuing their first or second year undergraduate studies must have latest academic result of at least 2nd class upper division

Note: Previous academic achievements will be taken into consideration

Fields of Study

Scholarship will be offered to individual pursuing the following fields of study:

• Business : Accountancy, Finance, Business Administration, Economics and Finance, Law
• Engineering and Technology : Mechanical, Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Computer, Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
• Sciences : Agriculture, Biotechnology, Food Technology, Plantations Technology, Plantation management
• Medical and Allied Health Science : Medicine (MBBS), Pharmacy, Nursing, Dietetics, Radiation Therapy, Physiotherapy, Nuclear Medicine, Medical Physics, Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT)

Value of Scholarship (Overseas)

The sponsorship covers the following:

• Full tuition and academic fees
• Living allowance
• Book and equipment allowance
• Computer allowance (one-off)
• Settling-in-allowance (one-off)
• Clothing allowance (one-off)
• Student visa and passport
• Shipping allowance (one-off at the end of course)
• Flight allowance (at the beginning and end of course)
• Insurance coverage (if applicable)

Recipients of scholarship will have the opportunity to undergo Scholars Development Programme and experience work exposure through internship within the Sime Darby Group of Companies.

Scholarship Application

This annual scholarship programme opens every year in February/March. Only online application will be considered. Applications should take approximately 45 minutes.

Please click here to apply