Hong Leong Foundation ROAR Merit Scholarship 2026: Non-Bonded Degree Funding

What Is the ROAR Merit Scholarship?

The ROAR Merit Scholarship is a non-bonded award established to empower Malaysian students to pursue higher education. The Foundation is dedicated to providing students with opportunities to reach their full potential and develop into the next generation of leaders. It sits under Hong Leong Foundation's broader Reach Out and Rise (ROAR) programme, which has been opening doors for Malaysians through education, skills development, and sustainable growth since 2015. The Merit Scholarship is ROAR's flagship initiative, focused specifically on supporting students throughout their full academic journey.

What Does It Cover?

The scholarship offers full or partial coverage of tuition fees, alongside life skills workshops focusing on confidence, leadership, and communication, as well as community engagement through volunteering with local NGOs. On the career side, scholars get internship placements across Hong Leong Group companies in Banking & Finance, Manufacturing, and Property & Leisure, as well as access to career talks and graduate exposure programmes. The scholarship goes beyond traditional financial aid to provide a holistic pathway, combining financial assistance with mentorship, upskilling workshops, and employment opportunities — designed to equip scholars with the real-world experience and confidence needed to thrive.

There's also a minimum academic requirement to maintain your scholarship. Scholars are required to achieve a minimum CGPA of 3.30 each semester and maintain at least 95% classroom attendance.

Who Can Apply?

The scholarship is open to Malaysian citizens aged 17 to 25, pursuing studies at an MQA-accredited university or college in Malaysia, from a household with a total monthly income of RM5,000 and below. The course coverage is broad — the scholarship is open to any Diploma or Undergraduate Degree programme at a local institution recognised by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency. So regardless of what you're studying, it's worth checking if you qualify.

No Bond — Seriously?

Yes, really. This is a non-bonding scholarship programme. Unlike many corporate scholarships, you won't be obligated to work for Hong Leong Group after graduating. That said, scholars are welcomed to seek employment with the Group upon graduation, with job availability on a need basis.

How to Apply

Applications are submitted online through the Hong Leong Foundation website. The scholarship is offered annually, with applications typically opening on 1st April and closing on 31st May each year. Only shortlisted candidates will be notified for the next phase — the interview session. Applicants who do not receive any notification within one month of the closing date are not successful for the next stage. Enquiries can be directed to the Hong Leong Foundation Secretariat at 03-2020 1617.

For more information and to apply, visit: www.hongleongfoundation.com/our-programmes/roar-merit

Applications are open now from April 1st to May 31st. Apply now!