Building a better future: Chan (front row, sixth from right) and SMG chief content officer Datin Paduka Esther Ng (back row, eighth from right) posing for a group photo with the Star Education Fund partners-in-education at the launch of the Scholarship Awards 2025 in February. Also present is Edmunds (front row, sixth from left). — RAJA FAISAL/The Star
WHILE academic excellence is important, it is not the sole factor in securing a scholarship.
Other key considerations include family background, extracurricular involvement, sports achievements and leadership qualities.
To boost your chances, write a well-crafted personal statement explaining why you deserve the scholarship, advised the Star Education Fund committee.
Returning for its 32nd consecutive year, the bond-free Star Education Fund scholarships are now open for applications.
This year’s edition offers a total of 214 scholarships worth RM14.25mil from 29 educational institutions, including returning partner Methodist College Kuala Lumpur (MCKL) and two new partners, namely, Asia School of Business (ASB) and UCSI International School (UIS) Springhill Campus.
With more than 500 courses spanning pre-university, undergraduate, postgraduate and professional studies, students have a wide range of options.
Among the new programmes offered under the fund are the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) and the Master of Business Administration (MBA).
UIS Springhill principal Christopher Moreton Edmunds said the school – one of only three IB Continuum Schools in Malaysia – is proud to support the Star Education Fund 2025 by offering IBDP scholarships.
“This scholarship provides deserving students aged 16 to 19 the opportunity to pursue a globally recognised pre-university education, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to excel in higher education and beyond,” he told StarEdu.
On the selection criteria, Edmunds said candidates should possess self-discipline, critical thinking skills and a proactive attitude, as the IBDP is a rigorous and challenging course.
“We are looking for students who demonstrate strong academic ability, intellectual curiosity, resilience, and a passion for learning. Additionally, we seek students who actively engage in co-curricular activities, community service and leadership roles, aligning with the IB’s emphasis on holistic education,” he shared.
He advised applicants to articulate their goals, values and commitment to personal growth in their applications.
“A well-prepared application that highlights both academic achievements and commitment to service, innovation and lifelong learning will stand out. Not forgetting, allow your authentic self to shine through!” he said.
He added that it is essential for students to research the IBDP to understand its structure, expectations and benefits.
“Being prepared for the IB’s emphasis on critical thinking, research and time management will give applicants an advantage,” he said.
All applications, said the Star Education Fund committee, must be submitted online at https://www.thestar.com.my/edufund, along with actual Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) and Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) results.
“Read the ‘Guide’ on the website to understand the application process before applying.
“Review entry requirements and apply for courses that align with your eligibility and highest academic qualification to avoid rejection.
“To stand a higher chance of being shortlisted for interviews, you may submit up to five applications if your preferred courses are also offered by other universities.
“Information provided in the application should be accurate with complete supporting documents,” stressed the committee.
The deadline for applications is two weeks after the release of SPM and STPM results.
Courses offered include pre-university programmes such as A-Level, Australian Matriculation, diploma and IBDP.
Scholarships are also available for foundation courses leading to degrees, direct-entry degree programmes – including medicine and pharmacy – postgraduate master’s programmes, and professional certifications like the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).
Since its inception in 1994, the Star Education Fund has benefited 4,520 scholarship recipients with a value of RM170mil.
Star Media Group (SMG) group chief executive officer Chan Seng Fatt, who officiated the launch of the Star Education Fund Scholarship Awards 2025 at Menara Star on Feb 26, said the scholarships represent more than just financial aid.
“They symbolise hope, potential and the opportunity for a better future.
“Each scholarship is an investment – not only in individual students but also in Malaysia’s future workforce, leaders and changemakers,” he said.
Besides MCKL, ASB and UIS Springhill Campus, the other 26 partner institutions are Brickfields Asia College; DISTED College; HELP University; Heriot-Watt University Malaysia; IACT College; Malaysian Institute of Art; Management & Science University; Monash University Malaysia; Multimedia University; Peninsula College Georgetown; Saito University College; SEGi University; Sentral College Penang; Sunway College; Sunway College Ipoh; Sunway College Johor Bahru; Sunway University; Taylor’s University; Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology; UCSI College; UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur Campus; UCSI University, Springhill Campus; Universiti Tenaga Nasional; Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman; University of Wollongong (UOW) Malaysia, Glenmarie Campus; and UOW Malaysia KDU Penang University College.
For further enquiries, email edufund@thestar.com.my or call 03-7967 1388 ext 1466/1643.
