Fulbright Scholar Award in All Disciplines
Malaysia
Number of recipients
In addition to being a prestigious academic exchange program, the Fulbright Program is designed to expand and strengthen relationships between the people of the United States and citizens of other nations and to promote international understanding and cooperation. To support this mission, Fulbright Scholars may be asked to give public talks, mentor students, and otherwise engage with the host community, in addition to their primary activities.
The Fulbright Program in Malaysia offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a rich culture, teaching and conducting pathbreaking research that will make a lasting impact.
For those pursuing Teaching/Research grants, we encourage a balanced approach combining academic pursuits with teaching duties. While the typical ratio is 60% research to 40% teaching, your division will be arranged with your host institution to best suit your academic goals and the institution’s priorities.
Researchers and teachers in the fields of STEM, Business Administration, Public Health, Education, Anthropology, Environmental Studies, Agriculture, Forestry, Tropical Ecology, Southeast Asian History and Society, Cultural Studies, Media and Information Technology, and Islamic Studies are welcome to apply.
As a Fulbright Scholar, you will have the chance to take major steps forward in your career:
- Mentoring Future Leaders: Guide and inspire the next generation of scholars through mentorship and academic advising.
- Shaping the Future of Education: Contribute to curriculum development and program innovation; leaving a legacy for higher education in the region.
- Fulfilling Your Research Vision: Conduct in-depth research projects, either aligned with the host institution's priorities or your special interests.
- Sharing Your Knowledge: Teach undergraduate or graduate courses, sharing your expertise with a diverse student body.
- Engaging the Community: Participate in public lectures, workshops, and cultural exchanges, fostering international understanding and cooperation.
By joining the Fulbright community in Malaysia, you'll not only enhance your scholarship and instruction but become more connected as a global citizen, contributing to the growth and development of scholarship in this important region of the world.
Eligible institutions to sponsor your Fulbright Project include universities, research centers, think tanks, museums, galleries (for creative or fine arts-based projects), conservatories (for music or composition-based projects), relevant professional and non-profit organizations, as well as public and private colleges and universities located in Kuala Lumpur, Peninsular Malaysia, and East Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak).
These institutions must be capable of applying for your visa on your behalf.
Explore, Teach, and Inspire in Malaysia! Why Malaysia?
As a Fulbright U.S. Scholar in Malaysia, you’ll engage with dynamic students, collaborate with welcoming faculty, and contribute to pathbreaking research and teaching initiatives. You have the unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a rich cultural tapestry, where Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous influences converge. With relatively low language barriers compared to other regional countries, you can easily connect with diverse communities and engage in meaningful cultural exchange.
Maximize Your Impact:
- Engage students in exciting learning experiences.
- Develop or refine research in fields of Malaysia’s vibrant academic and cultural landscape.
- Foster global collaboration and build long-term partnerships.
Fulbright Options
- Teaching/ Research Grants: 5 months (one semester) up to 10 months (full academic year).
- Grant periods typically range from October to June.
- You can tailor your grant period to fit your professional and project goals.
Plan for Success – Key Considerations:
- Dependent Visas: If bringing family members, ensure ample time for processing Malaysia’s Professional Visit Pass (PVP) visas for dependents, which can take 1-3 months.
- Support: Reach out to MACEE at fulbrightmalaysia@macee.org.my for guidance and early planning. Apply now to create meaningful change and build enduring cultural bridges in Malaysia.
We encourage proposals for projects that advance teaching or research in:
- Anthropology
- Business Administration
- Cultural Studies
- Education
- Environmental Studies
- Forestry
- Islamic Studies
- Media and Information Technology
- Public Health
- Southeast Asian History and Society
- STEM fields
Tropical Ecology
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Dr. William Richardson Davie '24 U.S. Fulbright Scholar Alum from University of Louisiana at Lafayette serves as a panelist for a media literacy talk sponsored by his host Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
Fulbright East Asia Pacific Regional Travel Program
As conditions allow, Fulbright Scholars in the East Asia and Pacific (EAP) region may have the opportunity to apply for funds to support short-term (3-14 days) travel to other countries in the EAP region for activities such as lectures, workshops, graduate or faculty seminars, master classes or recitals, curricular advising, or panel presentations. EAP Regional Travel Program funding covers transportation only. Regional Travel Program activities/host sites should not be included in the initial Fulbright application. Scholars may start the process of seeking out invitations for short-term activities in other EAP countries once notified that they have been selected for a Fulbright grant but will only be able to apply for travel program funds, conditions permitting, once they have actively started their Fulbright grant in their host country. Scholars on Flex grants are not eligible for the regional travel grant.
More information about the program can be found here
All applicants must meet the Program eligibility requirements (click to review the requirements).
The Fulbright Commission in Malaysia supports affiliations with all accredited higher education institutions, research institutes and NGOs based in Malaysia. Should you need assistance contacting an institution, please write to fulbrightmalaysia@macee.org.my
All teaching will be in English.
Local language fluency sufficient to complete the research project is required. Teaching/research and research grant applicants whose projects require skills in a local language must submit a language proficiency evaluation. Applicants without local language skills should explicitly address the issue in their discussion of the feasibility of the project in their project proposal.
Ph.D. is preferred, but applicants with master's degrees will be considered. In addition to more senior scholars, the Malaysian-American Commission on Educational Exchange encourages applications from applicants who are earlier in their careers.
Short-listed applicants will be invited for a virtual interview after the peer review process.
Malaysian-American Commission on Educational Exchange
U.S. Department of State - Malaysia
Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia
Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS)
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To ensure a seamless and enriching experience, the Fulbright Program offers generous financial support:
Monthly Stipend: Receive a monthly stipend of $2,054 to cover your living expenses.
Dependent Allowance: If you're bringing dependents (up to two), you'll receive an additional monthly allowance of $210-$420 to support their needs.
Housing: Enjoy the convenience of on-campus housing provided by your host institution, or receive a housing allowance of $600 per month to cover your housing costs.
Research and Project Support: A one-time bench fee of $500 is provided to help cover expenses related to your research, fieldwork, or other project-specific costs.
Partnering for Impact: The Fulbright Commission in Malaysia collaborates with esteemed Malaysian institutions to maximize the impact of the program. While you don't need to secure cost-sharing during the application process, the Commission will work with institutions to explore potential cost-sharing arrangements after you've been selected as a Fulbright Scholar.
Enhanced Benefits for Your Fulbright Journey
Seamless Travel
Round-Trip Airfare: The Fulbright Commission will arrange round-trip international air travel for you and two (2) dependents to ensure a smooth start to your Fulbright experience.
Financial Support:
- Relocation Assistance: Receive a one-time relocation allowance of $1,020 to help cover expenses associated with your move to Malaysia.
- Travel Allowance: Enjoy a generous allowance of up to $600 to cover excess baggage fees, allowing you to bring essential belongings for your stay.
Book Allowance up to USD 600 for books and educational materials. The actual amount spent (up to the maximum allowed) will be reimbursed and must be supported by original receipts.
Up to $5,000 per child or $10,000 per family for accompanying dependents in grades K-12 is reimbursed for a full academic year, upon submission of receipts. Amount may be adjusted for shorter grant periods. Reimbursement is based on actual cost of tuition and fees only.
Dependents must accompany the grantee for at least 80% of the period abroad and a minimum of one semester in order to qualify for additional dependent benefits. Dependent benefits are not provided to Flex grantees.
Malaysia is significantly more affordable in its costs of housing and living expenses than most areas of the United States. This is especially true for major cities like Kuala Lumpur, which, while being Malaysia most expensive city, it is more economical than any comparable American community.
Consider some of the major cost differences:
Housing
Apartment leasing: A one-bedroom apartment in an inviting neighborhood of Kuala Lumpur ranges from $400 USD (RM1,600) to $560 USD (RM2,500), lower than comparable accommodations in American cities.
Transportation
- Public Transportation: A single trip by mass transit rail in Kuala Lumpur costs less than a dollar per ride ($0.45 to $0.67 USD).
- Ride-hailing Services (Grab): A cab ride within the metro area of “K.L” typically ranges between $1.12 to $3.36 USD (RM5-RM15).
Food
- Groceries: A weekly grocery purchase for a single person generally runs between $22.00 to $45.00 USD (RM100 to RM200).
- Dining Out: Casual dining at a Malaysian eatery runs from $2.25 to $5.60 USD (RM10 to RM25). Upscale dining at a high-end restaurant range between $11.25 to $22.50 USD or less (RM50 to RM100).
Healthcare
- Public Medical Facilities: Costs for basic consultations and prescriptions, subsidized by the government, are extraordinarily low by American standards.
- Private Healthcare: Costs vary widely, but a consultation with a specialist generally ranges from $22.50 to $67.50 USD (RM100 to RM300).
Utilities
Electricity, Water, and Internet: Monthly billing for these utilities depending on usage ranges from $22.50 to $56.25 USD (RM100 to RM250).
Additional Considerations
- Exchange Rates: Fluctuations in the currency value set between the US Dollar (USD) and the Malaysian Ringgit (RM) impacts the overall living expense. The monetary figure follows the published exchange rate from Bank Negara Malaysia, which is posted on the first business day of the month of every month of a Fulbright grantee’s stay in Malaysia.
- Residential location: Costs vary depending on the specific location of the residency within Malaysia. Urban areas like Kuala Lumpur and Penang tend to be more expensive than rural areas.
Note: While the overall cost of living is lower, specific expenses vary depending on lifestyle, location, and personal preferences.
Elevate Your Fulbright Experience with a Malaysian Travel Grant
The Malaysian-American Commission on Educational Exchange (MACEE) is thrilled to offer the U.S. Fulbright Malaysian Travel Program (MTP) Grant. This unique opportunity allows you to maximize the impact of your Fulbright experience by exploring the diverse academic landscape of Malaysia.
Your MTP Grant Covers:
Travel Expenses: We'll cover the cost of your travel to and from your destination.
Accommodations: Your stay will be fully covered, ensuring a comfortable and productive visit.
Use your MTP Grant to:
- Share Your Expertise: Deliver captivating lectures and workshops.
- Collaborate with Peers: Network with leading scholars and researchers.
- Explore New Frontiers: Conduct site visits and field research.
Final grant amounts will be determined prior to the start of the academic year and are subject to the availability of funds. The United States Department of State and the Fulbright Commission in the host country reserve the right to alter, without notice, participating countries, number of awards and allowances.
Malaysia
A Fulbright Adventure in Malaysia
What will life be like for a Fulbrighter like you in Malaysia? Imagine yourself immersed in the vibrant tapestry of Malaysian culture, exploring bustling cities, serene rainforests, and idyllic beaches. As a Fulbright Scholar, this vision will be your reality.
A typical day for you in Malaysia could start with a morning cup of teh tarik at a local kopitiam, followed by a lecture at your host university. The afternoon could be spent conducting research at a state-of-the-art research facility or mentoring young minds. Evenings involve attending cultural events, sampling delicious cuisine, or simply relaxing with new friends.
Beyond the academic pursuits, Fulbright Scholars in Malaysia share an opportunity to explore the country's diverse cultural heritage. From the bustling streets of Kuala Lumpur to the tranquil paddy fields of Penang, there's always something new and exciting to discover.
One of the rewarding features of the Fulbright experience is the lasting friendships you will form in this welcoming country. The famous warmth and hospitality of the Malaysian people make it easy for visiting scholars to feel right at home.
Whether you're a budding researcher, a passionate educator, or a creative artist, a Fulbright Scholarship to Malaysia offers you an unparalleled opportunity to grow, learn, and make a difference.
Visit our Scholar Directory to view and search all Fulbright alumni. You can also learn more about Fulbright Alumni Ambassadors.
Teaching applicants proposing a diverse range of potential courses will be more easily placed.
Scholars from community colleges and ethnic minority institutions are encouraged to apply.