Students who obtain 10 1As in the 2007 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) and whose family income does not exceed RM1,500 a month will be automatically given a Public Service Department (PSD) scholarship.

However, they will still need to fulfil the criteria for the Overseas Scholarship Programme, as well as undergo the interview process, said a statement by PSD yesterday.
The Government has also increased the number of scholarships for the Overseas Programme by 200 for this year’s intake.

Applications for the 2,000 scholarships available can only be made online at www.jpa.gov.my (for free) as soon as students receive their SPM results on Wednesday.

Details on the necessary qualifications and criteria for the scholarships will be available at the website beginning Sunday,

The public can also call 03-8885 3412 starting Monday, or attend the PSD “Together With Customers” programme every last Friday of the month at the lobby of Block C2, Putrajaya Administrative Centre, from 8am to 12pm, for more information.

PSD also reminded candidates that academic performance is not a guarantee of getting a scholarship, as other factors like co-curricular involvement, interview performance and socio-economic background are also taken into consideration.

Candidates are advised to choose courses that suit their SPM qualifications, and to accept the countries they are sent to further their studies.

Those applying for medicine will also have to undergo the “Exposure to a Doctor’s Career” programme in selected government hospitals from March 24 to 28.