Sunway University International Scholarship

Overview

The Sunway University International Scholarship is an umbrella term for several scholarship streams at Sunway University in Malaysia, including the Jeffrey Cheah Entrance Scholarship, Sunway Bursary and International Scholarships, and Sports Scholarships. These are available to international students across undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programmes.

The Jeffrey Cheah Foundation, established in 2010, is the primary funding vehicle. By 2018, the Foundation had awarded over RM 402 million in scholarship support, and the programme continues to expand. Entrance scholarships within this umbrella are merit-based, tied to your prior academic results, while other streams may assess financial need or sporting excellence.

Because exact award percentages vary by programme and are confirmed by Sunway's admissions office, the most reliable step is to apply for admission first and then engage with the International Office to confirm the scholarship amount available for your specific programme. Sports Scholarship applicants also need to provide evidence of achievements at national or international level.

Key Facts at a Glance

Eligibility Criteria

General Conditions

• Must be an international student applying to or enrolled in a Sunway University undergraduate, Master's or PhD programme
• Entrance scholarships are merit-based on prior academic results
• Financial need may be assessed for bursary streams

Sports Scholarship

• Evidence of sporting achievement at national or international level required
• Must be able to represent Sunway University in your sport

Programme-Specific Criteria

• Eligibility and award amounts vary by programme — confirm with the Sunway University International Office for your specific course

What the Scholarship Covers

• Partial tuition fee waiver (percentage varies by programme and stream)
• Award confirmed by the Sunway admissions office at the time of your offer

How to Apply

1. Apply for admission to Sunway University through the international admissions process at sunwayuniversity.edu.my.
2. Indicate your interest in a scholarship during the admission application — the application process includes a scholarship consideration step.
3. Contact the International Office or visit scholarship.sunway.edu.my to understand the specific stream and award amount available for your programme.
4. Submit supporting documents for your stream — academic transcripts for merit scholarships, income documents for bursary streams, or sports achievement records for sports scholarships.
5. Receive your admission and scholarship offer — the scholarship details will be included in or follow your admission offer letter.
6. Accept the offer and complete enrolment formalities within the deadline.

Required Documents

• Completed Sunway University admission application
• Certified academic transcripts and certificates
• Passport copy
• English proficiency evidence (as required by your programme)
• Proof of financial need (for bursary stream, if applicable)
• Sports achievement records and letters from relevant sports associations (for Sports Scholarship)

Key Dates & Deadlines

Application timelines follow Sunway University's standard undergraduate and postgraduate admissions calendar. There is no single universal deadline — intake periods vary by programme. Contact the Sunway International Office at sunwayuniversity.edu.my or visit scholarship.sunway.edu.my for the current cycle's dates and scholarship availability.

Tips for a Strong Application

What helps

• Strong prior academic results — the Jeffrey Cheah Entrance Scholarship is merit-based, and higher grades correlate with larger award percentages
• Contacting the International Office early in the admissions process to confirm which stream applies to your programme and what documentation is required
• Sports applicants: national-level or above achievements are expected; school-level records alone are unlikely to qualify

Common mistakes to avoid

• Assuming the scholarship is automatic — you need to apply for admission and engage with the International Office about your scholarship eligibility
• Not checking whether your specific programme qualifies for a scholarship — not all programmes in every stream are eligible
• Waiting until after admission to ask about scholarships — some streams have limited slots and early applicants have an advantage

Frequently Asked Questions

What streams are available under the Sunway University International Scholarship?

Three main streams: the Jeffrey Cheah Entrance Scholarship (merit-based), the Sunway Bursary and International Scholarships (which may consider need), and Sports Scholarships.

How much does the Sunway University International Scholarship cover?

The exact percentage of tuition covered varies by programme and stream. Contact the Sunway International Office or check scholarship.sunway.edu.my for the figure applicable to your course.

Is the Sunway University International Scholarship available at postgraduate level?

Yes. Sunway University's scholarship streams are available across undergraduate, Master's and PhD programmes.

Does the Sunway University International Scholarship cover living costs?

No. The award covers a partial tuition waiver. Accommodation and living expenses are separate.

Who was Jeffrey Cheah and what is his connection to the Sunway University International Scholarship?

Jeffrey Cheah is the founder of the Sunway Group. The Jeffrey Cheah Foundation, established in 2010, funds the primary merit scholarship streams at Sunway University and has awarded over RM 402 million in support.

Do I need to apply separately for the Sunway University International Scholarship?

The scholarship consideration is part of the admission process, but you should also contact the International Office directly to confirm your eligibility and the available streams for your programme.

What sport achievement level is required for the Sunway Sports Scholarship?

National or international level achievement in your sport is expected. Contact the International Office for the specific documentation required.

Can I hold the Sunway University International Scholarship alongside another award?

This depends on Sunway's scholarship terms for your specific stream. Confirm dual-funding policies with the International Office before accepting any additional award.