STUDENTS seeking to obtain funded tertiary studies now have the opportunity to vie for the Star Education Fund Scholarship Awards 2026.
In its 33rd edition this year, the fund offers a total of 217 bond-free scholarships worth RM14.71mil from 29 educational institutions (see infographic).
The offering, which opens for applications tomorrow, allows applicants to choose from over 500 courses across a broad range of fields and disciplines, from pre-university and undergraduate to postgraduate and professional studies.
Key highlights include Oriental Nilam College of Nursing and Health Sciences as a returning partner-in-education and ViTrox College as a new partner-in-education. In addition, a new course being offered is the Diploma in Nursing.
Emphasising that award selection takes into account various factors, the Star Education Fund selection panel called on students to apply.
“While good grades are important, you do not need to be a straight-A student to apply for the scholarship.
“Other factors such as family background, active participation in extracurricular activities or sports, and leadership qualities are taken into consideration as well,” it told StarEdu.
To increase their chances of being shortlisted for interviews, the panel recommended that students submit up to five applications if the courses they are interested in are offered by multiple universities.
“Review the entry requirements and apply for courses that match your eligibility and highest academic qualification to avoid rejection.
“Write a well-crafted personal statement and explain why you deserve the scholarship,” it advised.
Applications must be submitted with the actual, final Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) and Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) examination results at https://www.thestar.com.my/edufund.
“Read the ‘Guide’ to understand the application process before applying.
“Information provided must be true and accurate, with complete supporting documents.
“Do not wait until the final hour to submit your application,” the panel cautioned.
The closing date for applications is two weeks after the release of the SPM results for SPM or equivalent graduates applying for pre-university courses such as A-Levels, Australian matriculation, diploma programmes, the International Baccalaureate, and foundation programmes leading to a degree.
For STPM or equivalent graduates applying for undergraduate programmes, postgraduate master’s programmes or professional accounting certifications, applications will close two weeks after the release of STPM results.
Since its inception in 1994, the Star Education Fund has benefited 4,601 scholarship recipients, with a value of RM176mil.
Star Media Group group chief executive officer Chan Seng Fatt, who officiated the launch of the Star Education Fund Scholarship Awards 2026 at Menara Star on Feb 5, expressed special thanks to UCSI University and UCSI College for partnering with the fund for 32 years, and to Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology for 29 years of support.
For further enquiries, email edufund@thestar.com.my or call 03-7967 1388 ext 1466.
