Research Funding

Overview of available research funding schemes to support academic and innovation initiatives.

All research grant applications at UNIMAS must be submitted online via the iRIS system.

External Funding
Internal Funds

External Funding

1. Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE)

The Ministry of Higher Education offers six (6) research grants to foster innovation and the development of new ideas among Malaysian researchers.

Research foundation to encourage researchers to produce new theories, concepts and ideas for knowledge development.

Maximum : RM250,000.00
Duration : Maximum 3 Years
Closing Date : 28th February 2025

Guidelines @ MyGrants | Guideline (Amended 2021) | Guideline (Amended 2022) | Guideline (Amended 2023) | FRGS 2023 – FAQ (MOHE Research Grant)

The ICGEB offers funding for outstanding research projects in Member States to support scientific collaboration, young scientist training, and lab development.
Funding areas include life sciences, human health, biotech (industrial & agricultural), and bioenergy.
Early Career Return Grants are available for researchers who spent at least 2 years abroad and are now returning to establish independent labs. Closing Date: 30 April 2025
ICGEB Online Application | CRP Guidelines 2025 | CRP Online Submission Guidelines

INTERNAL FUNDS

Internal grants are short-term research grants (ranging from 1 to 3 years) funded by UNIMAS internal resources. These grants aim to encourage the development of theories, concepts, and early-stage ideas that can serve as platforms for future discoveries and innovations.

All UNIMAS internal grant applications must be submitted through the iRIS system.
General Guidelines for UNIMAS Internal Grants | UNIMAS Start-up Grant Application Form

GRANT TYPE

Catalyst Research Grant Scheme (Catalyst)

MAX FUNDING

RM 50,000.00

TO APPLY

Complete the application form via iRIS at https://research.unimas.my/iris7/grant-app/admin/list?grantType=Catalyst%20Research%20Fun
Submit the completed application to UNIMAS Innovation via your F/I
All applications must be vetted at F/I before submitting to UNIMAS Innovation
Subjected to the availability of funds at the time the UNIMAS Innovation receives the application

DURATION

24 months

RESEARCH OUTPUT

One (1) Master student
Two (2) publications in SCOPUS/WoS indexed journals

PRIORITY TO YOUNG/NEW ACADEMICS WITHOUT GRANTS

Guidelines

Double Tax Deduction

Quick reference for Double Tax Deduction in research & innovation activities

What is Double Tax Deduction (DTD) for Research Grants?

Double Tax Deduction (DTD) is a special tax incentive under the Income Tax Act 1967, allowing companies (including those in the service sector) to claim double deduction on cash contributions made to approved research institutes, such as UNIMAS.

Eligibility Criteria:

Applicable to companies conducting Research & Development (R&D) activities
R&D refers to any systematic and intensive study in science or technology aimed at producing or improving materials, devices, products, or processes

Exclusions:

The following activities do not qualify for DTD:

Quality control or routine testing
Research in social sciences or humanities
Routine data collection, market surveys, or sales promotion
Cosmetic/stylistic modifications or routine upgrades
Management studies or efficiency surveys

For full details, kindly refer to the Income Tax Act 1967, Section 34B.