OPEN FOR 2026

Connecting Global Talent with UTM Research

Foster international collaboration, expand academic networks, and drive high-impact publications through remote attachment.

Read Guidelines

Application Window

Opens: 17 Sept 2026

Deadline: 25 Sept 2026

Don't miss out! Submit your application via the Eligibility & Apply tab.

Incentive

Total of RM5,000 per fellow. Disbursed strategically across the 4-month duration.

Payment Conditions: Incentive payments will be made in three (3) stages:
  1. First payment: The October and November payments will be disbursed together at the end of November.
  2. Second payment: One payment will be disbursed at the end of December.
  3. Final payment: The final payment will be made upon publication of the indexed journal article, subject to the achievement of the required conditions and compliance with the specified requirements.

Remote Attachment

Physical presence in Malaysia is NOT required. Conduct regular online discussions with your UTM supervisor.

Target KPI

At least 1 publication accepted in Q1-Q4 Web of Science (WoS) journal with UTM affiliation.

Authorship Rule: The applicant must be the First Author, while the supervisor must be the Corresponding Author.

Who Can Apply?

  • International postgraduate graduates (Master's/PhD) who have received at least the Senate Approval Letter / Completion of Studies.
  • Must NOT be employed full-time by any university during the fellowship period.
  • Must identify and obtain approval from a UTM academic staff member to serve as the supervisor.

Program Schedule

17 September 2026

Opening of Applications

23 September 2026 (3:00 PM @ Webex)

Briefing Session by RMC
(The Webex link will be provided upon successful submission of application)

25 September 2026

Application Deadline

30 September 2026

Announcement of Results

1 Oct 2026 - 31 Jan 2027

Fellowship Duration (4 Months)

Responsibilities of Fellows

  • Conduct regular online discussions and monitoring sessions with the UTM supervisor.
  • Submit monthly reports including:
    • Summary of research activities
    • Challenges & proposed solutions
    • Supervisor's evaluation
  • Submit a Final Report comprising:
    • Research achievements throughout the fellowship period
    • Publication details (Q1-Q4 with UTM affiliation)
    • Manuscript copy
    • Supervisor's endorsement of research quality and fellow's contribution

Termination of Appointment

The fellowship may be terminated if:

  • There is no significant research progress within three (3) months.
  • The fellow fails to submit the final report and deliverables as required.
  • The fellow fails to meet the requirements for submission of the final report and research outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Master's degree holders in taught course apply?

Yes. Both Master's by Coursework (taught course) and Master's by Research are eligible to apply.

Can I apply if I already hold a Master's degree and am currently pursuing a PhD?

No. GRF is only open to graduates (those who have officially completed their studies and received Senate Approval). Current students, including those pursuing a PhD, are not eligible. This avoids complications related to student visa status and misuse.

Do applicants need to be physically present in Malaysia?

No. This is a remote attachment. Physical presence in Malaysia is not required during the fellowship.

Is it compulsory to have a UTM academic staff as a supervisor?

Yes. Applicants must identify and obtain approval from a UTM academic staff member to be their supervisor before applying. Note: Application should be formally initiated/made by the Supervisor on behalf of the candidate via the forms.

Must the name on the applicant's bank account match their passport?

Yes, the name on the bank account provided must exactly match the name on the applicant's passport to ensure a smooth payment process upon being selected as a GRF member.

How can an applicant find and approach a potential UTM supervisor?

Applicants can search for UTM lecturers through Google Scholar, the official UTM website, or specific faculty websites to find an academic whose research niche aligns with their own. You may then contact them directly via email to propose a supervision arrangement.

Who is responsible for publication fees (e.g., Open Access charges)?

If an applicant chooses to submit their paper to an Open Access journal, all publication fees are to be borne by the applicant themselves. The GRF program only provides the fixed RM5,000 incentive as mentioned.

Is it possible to get an extension for the GRF programme duration?

There is no extension for the GRF programme. However, if any of the GRF members fail to achieve an "accepted" or "published" status for their paper within the 4-month duration, the final incentive payment will be placed on hold until the paper status successfully changes to accepted/published.
Data referenced from: GRF 2026 Application Poster.pdf and GRADUATE RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP 2026 (1).pdf

Eligibility Screener

Please answer the following questions to determine if you/the candidate are eligible for the GRF 2026 program.

1. Is the candidate an international postgraduate graduate (Master's or PhD)?

2. Has the candidate officially completed their studies and received at least the Senate Approval Letter?

(Current students, including those currently pursuing a PhD, are not eligible).

3. Will the candidate be employed on a FULL-TIME basis by ANY university during the fellowship period (1 Oct 2026 - 31 Jan 2027)?

4. Has a UTM academic staff member been identified and agreed to serve as the supervisor?