Russia Plans to Grow Scholarships for Malaysia to 60
Malaysian students interested in medicine could see more funded Russian places in 2027, though application details are not yet announced.
Updated on Nov. 13, 2026 in Scholarships
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Russia plans to increase scholarships offered to Malaysian students to 60 next year, up from 40 this year, as part of a wider 4,000-scholarship offer to international students through the Knowledge Tournament.
Why it matters
The planned increase marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Russia and Malaysia and aims to strengthen cooperation in education and medicine. For Malaysian students weighing medical study abroad, it signals continued growth in funded places at a time when fewer Malaysians are currently enrolled in Russian medical programs.
Russia will offer 4,000 scholarships to international students next year through the Knowledge Tournament, with Malaysia's share planned at 60, up from 40 this year. About 7,000 Malaysian doctors have graduated from Russian medical institutions over the years.
The players
Russian Government
The national government of Russia, which funds the scholarship program and runs the Knowledge Tournament for international students.
Sechenov Moscow Medical Academy
A Moscow medical institution from which Dr Prashant Subramanian graduated in 2009, representing the Russian medical training Malaysian students pursue.
The details
The Russian government will offer 4,000 scholarships to international students next year through a competition known as the Knowledge Tournament, and the planned Malaysian allocation within that offer is 60. The increase builds on steady growth in scholarships Russia has offered Malaysian students, moving from 20 previously to 40 this year. Russia says the exchange is meant to deepen cooperation in education and medicine through the sharing of medical expertise, knowledge and experience.
Timeline
October 1, 1890: Hospital Bukit Mertajam was established.
2009: Dr Prashant Subramanian graduated from the I.M. Sechenov Moscow Medical Academy.
2019: About 600 Malaysian students were pursuing medical studies in Russia when Ambassador Latypov took up his post.
2026: Russia offers 40 scholarships to Malaysian students this year.
2027: Russia plans 60 scholarships for Malaysian students next year.
Education Landscape
The planned increase follows a multi-year rise in Russian scholarships for Malaysian students, from 20 to 40 to a planned 60. It runs against a recent decline in Malaysian medical enrollment in Russia, which fell from nearly 600 in 2019 to about 400 currently.
If you are a Malaysian student considering medicine, the planned 60 Russian scholarships for next year are a signal to watch for application details. Ask the awarding institution or the Russian embassy about eligibility, deadlines and how places are allocated before making any plans.
The takeaway
Russia's planned growth in funded places for Malaysian students offers a possible pathway into medical education abroad. Watch for the application process and eligibility rules, and confirm the details directly with the awarding body before making decisions.
Further reading
For background on how funded places like these work, explore our Scholarships coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Star.
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