PETRONAS (Petroliam Nasional Berhad)
PETRONAS Education Sponsorship Programme (PESP)
Edit ScholarshipThe PETRONAS Education Sponsorship Programme (PESP) is a corporate sponsorship covering pre-university and undergraduate study for high-achieving Malaysian SPM leavers at Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS and other universities. It provides full sponsorship of tuition and study costs for both stages.
Overview
The PETRONAS Education Sponsorship Programme (PESP) has supported Malaysian students since 1975, making it one of the longest-running corporate scholarship programmes in the country. It is funded by Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS), Malaysia's national oil company, and is open exclusively to Malaysian citizens who are SPM school leavers.
PESP covers the full cost of a foundation or pre-university programme followed by an undergraduate degree, either at Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP), other leading Malaysian universities, or at approved overseas institutions in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and China. The fields supported are those relevant to PETRONAS's business: engineering, geosciences, business, information technology, law and science.
There are two tracks. The overseas track has higher academic entry requirements (SPM minimum 4A+ and 4A) and requires CEFR C1 English. The local track requires minimum SPM 8A and CEFR B1 English. Selection is not purely academic — PETRONAS evaluates leadership potential alongside grades, and shortlisted candidates go through an online assessment and then a face-to-face interview.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Funding Body | PETRONAS (Petroliam Nasional Berhad) |
| Host Countries | Malaysia, USA, UK, Australia, New Zealand, China |
| Degree Level | Bachelor's (including foundation / pre-university) |
| Eligible Nationality | Malaysian citizens only |
| Established | 1975 |
| Local Track Entry | Min SPM 8A, CEFR B1 English |
| Overseas Track Entry | Min SPM 4A+ and 4A, CEFR C1 English |
| 2026 Application Window | 31 March 2026 – 10 April 2026 |
| Official Portal | educationsponsorship.petronas.com.my |
Eligibility Criteria
Nationality
- Malaysian citizens only — PESP is not open to non-Malaysians or permanent residents
Academic Qualifications — Overseas Track
- SPM result: minimum 4A+ and 4A
- English proficiency: CEFR C1 level
Academic Qualifications — Local Track
- SPM result: minimum 8A
- English proficiency: CEFR B1 level
Fields of Study
- Engineering (all major disciplines)
- Geosciences
- Business and management
- Information technology
- Law
- Science
Other Conditions
- Applicants must be SPM school leavers (final-year or recent graduates)
- Strong leadership record and extracurricular involvement is evaluated during selection
What the Scholarship Covers
- Full tuition fees for the pre-university or foundation programme
- Full tuition fees for the undergraduate degree
- All study-related costs for the normal programme duration
- Placement at UTP, selected Malaysian universities, or approved overseas institutions (US, UK, Australia, New Zealand, China)
How to Apply
- Check eligibility — confirm your SPM grades meet the threshold for the overseas or local track and that your intended field is among those supported.
- Register on the PESP portal at educationsponsorship.petronas.com.my during the application window (31 March – 10 April 2026 for the 2026 cycle).
- Complete the online application form including academic results, extracurricular activities and a personal statement.
- Sit the online assessment — shortlisted candidates receive an invitation to complete a psychometric and aptitude test.
- Attend the face-to-face interview — candidates who pass the online assessment are called for an interview where academic ability and leadership qualities are assessed together.
Required Documents
- SPM result slip (certified copy)
- School co-curricular or extracurricular achievement records
- English proficiency evidence (CEFR or equivalent)
- Malaysian identity card (MyKad)
- Recent passport-sized photograph
- Personal statement or essay (as prompted by the portal)
Key Dates & Deadlines
The 2026 application window was open from 31 March 2026 to 10 April 2026 — a narrow 10-day period. PETRONAS publishes the annual window on the official portal and through school channels. Monitor the portal from March each year and prepare your documents in advance so you are ready to apply the day the window opens.
Tips for a Strong Application
What helps
- Leadership roles in school (head prefect, club president, sports captain) carry real weight in PETRONAS's selection
- Academic results significantly above the floor — the pool is competitive and most successful candidates exceed the minimum
- A clear connection between your intended field and PETRONAS's core business areas strengthens your case
- Being well-prepared for the psychometric test: practise verbal, numerical and abstract reasoning under timed conditions
Common mistakes to avoid
- Applying outside the 10-day window — PETRONAS does not accept late submissions
- Choosing a field not on the supported list (e.g. medicine, pure arts) and expecting an exemption
- Underestimating the interview — it assesses character and leadership, not just grades
- Waiting until the deadline to register, then facing technical issues on the portal
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the PETRONAS Education Sponsorship Programme (PESP) available to non-Malaysians?
No. PESP is exclusively for Malaysian citizens. Non-Malaysians and permanent residents are not eligible.
Can I choose any university under the PETRONAS Education Sponsorship Programme (PESP)?
You can study at UTP, other selected Malaysian universities, or approved overseas institutions in the US, UK, Australia, New Zealand and China. The placement depends on your track and academic results.
Does the PETRONAS Education Sponsorship Programme (PESP) carry a bond or service obligation?
PETRONAS sponsorships typically carry a service bond. Check the terms on the portal or during your interview, as the bond length is disclosed as part of the offer.
What CEFR level do I need for the overseas track of PESP?
You need CEFR C1 (equivalent to IELTS 7.0 or above). The local track requires CEFR B1.
Can I apply for PESP if I completed SPM more than two years ago?
PESP targets current or very recent SPM leavers. Check the eligibility conditions on the portal for the current cycle, as there may be a recency requirement.
How long is the PETRONAS Education Sponsorship Programme (PESP) application window?
The 2026 window was only 10 days (31 March – 10 April). Prepare all documents before the window opens.
What fields does the PETRONAS Education Sponsorship Programme (PESP) NOT support?
Medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, pure arts and other fields unrelated to PETRONAS's business are generally not supported. Stick to engineering, geosciences, business, IT, law or science.
Is there a separate application for the overseas and local tracks of PESP?
Both tracks are accessed through the same portal. You indicate your preference and eligibility during the application, and PETRONAS assigns the track based on your results and programme choice.