Financial Contributions:

Loans :
Name

Amount Per
Year

Duration

Total

Interest

MIED

RM 10,000

3 years

RM 30,000

4%

National Land
Finance Co-Op
Society Limited

RM 10,000

3 years

RM 30,000

Free

AMMA

RM 5,000

3 years

RM 15,000

Free

Parents contributions

RM 20,000 (per year)

Total

RM 60,000

Total sum that has been contributed

RM 135,000

* NLFCS and AMMA Loan have yet to be approved.

University

Tuition
(RM)

Fee

per

University College London,

United Kingdom

University of Canterbury,
New Zealand

year

115,454

80,025

Tuition Fee for 3 years

(RM)
Scholarship
(RM)
Living Cost for 3 years
(RM)
Total
3
years
(RM)
Contributed Sum (Loans,
Parents Contribution etc)
(RM)
Balance
Needed
(RM)

346,362

240,075

* 49860 per year

** Not stated

157,724

73,673

504,086

313,748

135,000

135,000

219,506

178,748

* The scholarship for UCL is based on financial difficulty. It is given to students who really cannot
afford to study in the UK. The deadline for the application of the scholarship is on the 1 st of July and
the result will be known after I have started my course. I am working on my application.
** This scholarship is based on merit, so I can only apply for it once I have enrolled.

Pros and Cons

University College London, United Kingdom
Pros

Top 5th University according to QS World University Ranking.

Might be eligible scholarship.

Cons

Too expensive.
Tough competition for the scholarship as its given based of financial difficulties and
not academic merits.
The exchange rate is very high and any slight change in budget in GBP will affect the
local currency tremendously.

University if Canterbury, New Zealand

Pros

Ranks among the top 100 University according to QS World University Ranking.
Will be eligible for scholarship as its given based on merit.
The exchange rate is lower compared to GBP and any amount of contribution in our
local currency will be a significant contribution in NZ Dollars.
Fee can be refunded if I withdraw from the programme before the first Friday of the
course.

Cos

Ranks among the top 100 University according to QS World University Ranking.
Intake starts in July.

My Preference
Although studying in the UK is my dream and goal, due to financial constraints I am forced to think
practically. After discussing with my parents, I have decided that I will only accept my offer at UCL
given that I obtain a full scholarship. I have applied for MyBrain and Maxis scholarship and expect to
hear from them by the middle of June. As the currency exchange rate between GBP and RM is
volatile and might increase I am worried I will be a burden to my parents if they were to support me
studying in the UK. I have 3 sister after me and I have to be considerate about their education as well.
Among the loans I have mentioned above, only MIED is confirmed. The other have yet to be approved
and so is the scholarship from UCL, so I think its too risky. Furthermore, I do not intend to have a
huge debt after I complete my studies.
As for University of Canterbury, I find the total fee affordable. With MCEFs contribution I am very sure
I can have a fulfilling studying experience in New Zealand. The currency exchange rate is lower
compared to UK and any additional change in the budget will not have a significant effect in our local
currency. I am positive I will be able to obtain a scholarship from the university as its given based on
merit, unlike the UK scholarship. Although it ranks lower than UCL, its degree programme is still
valuable and recognized world-wide.
In a nutshell, I think it will be wise to pursue my education in the UK only if I get a full scholarship, or
else University of Canterbury is my next best option. The intake for the University of Canterbury is in
July and I have to settle my first semester fee by the end of the week. The result for the MyBrain and
Maxis scholarship will only be out during mid-June. As much I want to get the scholarship, I dont think
I should pass this offer. So I would like to enrol first. I have contacted the University of Canterbury
regarding this, and according to the website I am eligible for a full refund if I withdraw from the
programme before the end of the first Friday when the course starts. This is in the case I manage to

get a full scholarship to study in the UK. The intake for UCL is only in September. I really do hope
MCEF will consider my application for a financial aid. I am pursuing my degree in Physics only
because of my love towards that subject and I hope I get the support that I deserve. Any contribution
at all from MCEF will be really helpful to complete my course in NZ. Wherever I might end to pursue
my degree, one thing I can promise is that I will work my level best to obtain a first class degree.