End poverty in all its forms everywhere
SDG 1 Indicator
1.3 – University Anti-Poverty Programmes
1.3.5 – Low or Lower-Middle Income Countries Student Support
The Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Research Zamalah Scheme is an initiative offered by UKM for postgraduate students including from low or lower middle-income countries engaged in research. The aim of this scheme is to provide financial support to students to help them carry out their research while also covering their daily living expenses throughout their studies.
Benefits of the UKM Research Zamalah Scheme:
- Financial Assistance: Selected students receive monthly financial support to cover their living costs and research-related expenses.
- Tuition Fee Coverage: Typically, recipients of the Zamalah also receive assistance in covering their tuition fees for the duration of their research.
- Opportunities for Publications and Conferences: The scheme enables students to present their research findings at conferences and publish their studies in recognized academic journals.
- Training and Research Support: In addition to financial aid, students are given opportunities to participate in training programs organized by the university, aimed at enhancing their research skills.
Through this scheme, UKM aims to support high-quality research while giving students the opportunity to contribute to society through their academic work.
In 2023, the distribution of Zamalah scheme across various countries, showing that UKM supports students from diverse regions, particularly those from lower-income countries who may face financial challenges, in total of RM2,451,381.40, equivalent to USD 559,807.42.
For example, countries like Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Indonesia received significant funding, highlighting UKM’s commitment to assisting students from these regions in successfully completing their studies. This funding distribution ensures that students from financially constrained backgrounds, especially from the low income group in these countries, receive essential support to focus on their research without the burden of financial stress.
Overall, the table demonstrates how the Zamalah Scheme not only promotes educational opportunities but also strengthens international collaboration by supporting students from various countries in achieving their academic and research goals at UKM.
| Country | Funding (RM) | Funding (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Bangladesh | RM1,062,191.40 | USD 242,567.77 |
| Egypt | RM30,000.00 | USD 6,850.83 |
| India | RM91,400.00 | USD 20,872.29 |
| Indonesia | RM362,750.00 | USD 82,838.34 |
| Iraq | RM77,600.00 | USD 17,720.89 |
| Jordan | RM30,700.00 | USD 7,010.71 |
| Nigeria | RM147,600.00 | USD 33,706.24 |
| Pakistan | RM400,840.00 | USD 91,537.52 |
| Palestine | RM54,600.00 | USD 12,468.68 |
| Sri Lanka | RM52,800.00 | USD 12,057.63 |
| Yemen | RM140,900.00 | USD 32,176.52 |
| Total | RM2,451,381.40 | USD 559,807.42 |