Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA) launched the UniSZA BRIGHT Programme last month, an industry-backed initiative that supports students from the B40 income group in pursuing postgraduate studies.
The programme marked UniSZA’s first structured effort to mobilise external funding specifically for postgraduate candidates, with scholarship funds raised through collaboration with corporate partners. At its launch, the university had secured RM300,000, enabling five students to receive sponsorship for Master’s and doctoral studies.
UniSZA Vice-chancellor Fadzli Adam said the initial funding was allocated to support two Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) candidates and three Master’s students in selected fields related to Islamic-based professional studies.
“UniSZA is introducing this programme to provide opportunities for undergraduate students, particularly from the B40 group, to further their studies to a higher level.
“So far, we have managed to secure RM300,000 in funds from companies. It will be used to sponsor two Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) students and three Master’s students,” he said at the programme’s launch.
The areas of study identified under the UniSZA BRIGHT Programme included Islamic Economics, Islamic Finance, Muamalat Administration, Islamic Banking, Halal Management, and Islamic Financial Planning and Wealth Management, reflecting the growing demand for expertise in Shariah-compliant sectors.
Under the announced funding structure, Master’s students were eligible to receive sponsorship of up to RM50,000, while PhD candidates could receive up to RM75,000. The assistance covered tuition fees, living allowances, research grants and publication-related costs.
Fadzli said the programme was also intended to strengthen UniSZA’s postgraduate ecosystem by creating a sustainable and continuous funding model that supports high-impact academic work.
He added that the university had set a target of raising RM1 million by the end of the following year to expand the initiative to include additional disciplines such as medicine and law.
“We are intensifying efforts and cooperation with industry partners to secure more funds to expand this initiative.
“Applications for this programme will open on Jan 1, 2026 and close on Feb 15,” he said.
