1.3 – University anti-poverty programmes

1.3.5 – Low or lower-middle income countries student support

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) is highly committed to supporting students through various financial assistance schemes provided either by the university itself or by third parties in the form of scholarships and other financial aids. These cover tuition fees and living allowances to help students throughout their study period. Among the types of assistance offered to students, including those from low-income countries, are as follows:

1. Zamalah Scheme

Zamalah Scheme is an initiative offered by UKM to support postgraduate students from low or lower middle-income countries engaged in research. The aim of this scheme is to provide financial support to students to help them carry out their research while also covering their daily living expenses throughout their studies. In 2024, UKM provided assistance through the Zamalah scheme to a total of 239 students, including both local and international students. The international recipients included students from Pakistan, Jordan, Bangladesh, India and several other countries.

2. Graduate Research Assistance (GRA)

The Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA) scheme is a financial support program offered to postgraduate students who are actively involved in research projects at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). Under this scheme, students are appointed as research assistants to assist supervisors or principal investigators in carrying out research activities funded by grants from UKM, government agencies, or external organizations.

Through the GRA scheme, students receive a monthly allowance to support their living expenses while pursuing their postgraduate studies. This initiative not only provides financial assistance but also enhances students’ research skills, academic experience, and professional development by engaging them in real-world research environments.

The scheme is open to both Master’s and PhD students, including local and international candidates, depending on the availability of research grants.In 2024, UKM, through the Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA) scheme, allocated a total of RM2,557,427.30 to appoint graduate research assistants from low-income countries. A total of 124 Master’s and Doctoral students were appointed under this scheme, representing countries such as Egypt, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Ghana, Pakistan and several other low-income nations.

3. UKM Student Financial Assistance Scheme (Dermasiswa)

UKM provides financial assistance to students through the Dermasiswa scheme. The UKM Bursary Scheme is a financial assistance program introduced by Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) to support students from low and lower-middle-income countries in pursuing higher education. This scheme aims to ease the financial burden. Through this initiative, UKM reaffirms its commitment to promoting inclusive and equitable access to education for international students from diverse economic backgrounds.

Through this scheme, in 2024, a total of four students from low-income countries received financial assistance. These recipients were Master’s and Doctoral students from Baghdad, Jordan, and Nigeria.

This program not only enables deserving students to pursue their academic goals without financial hardship but also fosters a global learning environment that values diversity, excellence, and cross-cultural collaboration within the UKM community.

4. Research Allocation Fund (Tabung Agihan Penyelidikan – TAP)

The Research Allocation Fund (TAP) was established to support research activities carried out for the purpose of student supervision. It is a facility provided for postgraduate students at the Master’s and Doctoral levels to support their research-related activities. This includes assistance for attending conferences, paying publication fees related to their studies, conducting data collection, procuring research materials and consumables, as well as other expenses deemed relevant to the research being undertaken. Under this scheme, 50% of the tuition fees are reimbursed to the supervisor in the form of research assistance funds for the student’s use. For example, a PhD student from Indonesia (a lower-income country) received RM2,000.00 under this scheme to support their research activities throughout their studies at UKM.

5. Zakat Scheme Pusat Islam UKM

For students experiencing severe financial hardship, the Zakat Scheme managed by Pusat Islam UKM provides essential financial assistance. Zakat funds are allocated to eligible students to help cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other education-related costs, ensuring that financial challenges do not hinder their academic progress or overall well-being. In 2024, Pusat Islam UKM provided zakat assistance to students from low and lower income countries to help cover part of their living and educational expenses throughout their studies at UKM. The recipients included students from Sri Lanka, Pakistan,  Nigeria, Bangladesh and Jordan.

UKM demonstrates a strong global commitment to supporting students from low and lower-middle income countries through comprehensive financial and research assistance initiatives. Key programs such as the Zamalah Scheme and Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA) provide monthly allowances and research funding, empowering international postgraduate students from countries like Egypt, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Iraq, and Indonesia to pursue advanced studies without financial barriers. The Dermasiswa Scheme further strengthens inclusivity by offering bursaries to students from Baghdad, Jordan, and Nigeria, while the Research Allocation Fund (TAP) ensures continued support for academic and research excellence through research-related reimbursements. In addition, the Zakat Scheme administered by the UKM Islamic Centre extends vital aid for living and educational expenses to international students in need. Collectively, these initiatives reflect UKM’s holistic approach to equitable education, enhancing global academic mobility and supporting the achievement of SDG 1: No Poverty.