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School of Industrial Technology

Funding Your Postgrad Work at PPTI USM: What Students Need to Know

This article was written on March 26, 2026. Note that information may change as the situation develops.

Pursuing a Master's or Ph.D. is a major commitment, intellectually and financially. At the School of Industrial Technology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, we provide multiple pathways to support postgraduate research, particularly for international (and local) students in science, technology, and sustainability-focused disciplines.

This guide outlines the realistic funding opportunities available and how you can position yourself for success.

Supervisor-Supported Research Funding

The most common and reliable route for Master's or Ph.D. funding is through research grants led by academic supervisors.

Students may be appointed as:

  • Graduate Research Assistants (GRA)

  • Research Assistants (RA)

What this offers:

  • Monthly stipend (typically RM2,000–RM3,000)

  • Hands-on involvement in funded research projects

  • Opportunities to publish and build research impact

This pathway is open to local and international students, when the funding agency allows it, and is widely used in areas such as:

Institute of Postgraduate Studies (IPS) Financial Assistance

Through the Institute of Postgraduate Studies (IPS), USM offers targeted financial assistance schemes. These schemes are designed to support your research journey, but they are not full funding packages.

Available schemes include:

  • USMCare

    • Covers tuition fees for the first 1–2 semesters.

  • Postgraduate Conference Fund

    • Supports presentation at international conferences.

Get more details at https://ips.usm.my/index.php/financial-assistances-v2. 

What Makes USM Different?

Unlike some systems where funding is centralized, USM operates a research-driven funding model:

  • Funding is closely tied to active research projects.

  • Students are embedded within real-world research environments.

  • Opportunities are dynamic and supervisor-led.

This means that securing a research student position at PPTI USM is not just about applying; it is about connecting with the right research group.

How to Position Yourself for Funding

To maximize your chances:

  1. Identify your research area clearly.

  2. Explore USM research groups and faculty expertise. You can use the AI@PPTI chatbot to explore our expertise. It's at the bottom-right corner of the page.

  3. Contact potential supervisors early by email.

  4. Prepare
    1. Academic curriculum vitae
    2. Research proposal
    3. Evidence of publications (if available)