CIMB ASEAN Scholarship

We welcome applicants from Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Applicants are also required to possess an unconditional offer for their academic studies by the time the scholarship is awarded.

Not necessarily, we also welcome applicants expecting acceptance from a top-tier university for their studies. However, applicants must possess an unconditional offer by the time the scholarship is awarded.

Our scholarship is open to applicants from a wide variety of academic disciplines- Business & marketing, economics, finance, sciences & engineering, social sciences and digital and data related courses. However, please note that all scholars are expected to return to CIMB to serve their bond upon completion of study. As such, applicants should foresee themselves building a career in the financial and banking industry.

No, we do not have a fixed list of universities. We accept applications from all eligible candidates, provided the institution is officially recognised and their specific programme of study is fully accredited by the appropriate educational regulatory bodies.

No, we accept results from country-specific, local or international pre-university/foundation programmes or degree.

CIMB ASEAN Scholarship 2026 applications will open in April 2026.

a.      What do you need to prepare?

 i. What documents are needed for the online application?

The initial application stage is entirely digital, so no document attachments are required at this time. However, please ensure your self-reported information is accurate. If you are shortlisted for an interview, you will be required to present the original copies of your certificates and transcripts for formal verification.

ii. Do I need to submit English proficiency results (IELTS/TOEFL) during the application?

You do not need to provide English proficiency scores (IELTS / TOEFL) to submit your application. Should you progress through the selection process, we will notify you if these documents are required for further evaluation.

b.      Submission of application

i. Can I save my application as a draft?

Progress cannot be saved as a draft at this stage. To ensure a smooth process, please gather all necessary information before beginning your application so you can complete and submit it in a single session.

Only shortlisted applicants will be notified. If you are shortlisted, we will get in touch with you via the email address provided in your online application. During application, kindly ensure that all contact details provided are accurate.

Unfortunately, no. All decisions of the selection committee will be considered final.

No. Only applications submitted by the stipulated closing date will be accepted. Any applications made after the deadline will not be considered.

Yes, we will accept your application as long as you are able to satisfy our basic eligibility criteria.

The selection process is a hybrid of virtual and physical evaluations designed to measure potential and fit. While final interviews are typically conducted in person, we may grant exceptions for extenuating circumstances.

If you have a significant conflict, let us know as soon as possible so we can try to find a solution. However, because our scholarship deadlines are fixed, we have limited room to reschedule. We recommend making every effort to attend your original slot to ensure you remain in consideration for the award.

Selection process occurs in multiple stages between April and August. Due to the high volume of applications, we are only able to contact shortlisted candidates. If you have not been contacted by the end of the selection period in August, your application was likely not selected to proceed.

The CIMB ASEAN Scholarship is a full scholarship award covering all academic fees, including registration, examination and tuition fees, as well as living allowance. Other miscellaneous expenses related to airfare, visa/travel documents will also be subsidised.

The living allowance is disbursed according to the policy of the respective country (e.g., annually or semi annually) and is subject to the submission of academic results that meet the required minimum standards.

Yes, the cost of a laptop or tablet and a stylus pen is covered under the scholarship’s equipment benefits. Scholars may claim this for use during their studies, subject to our reimbursement guidelines.

Maintaining a minimum academic standard is required. Your specific CGPA targets will be detailed in your offer letter upon the award of the scholarship to ensure you have a clear path forward.

Candidates with multiple university offers must finalise their course and institution of choice prior to signing the scholarship agreement. Transferring to a different university is not permitted once the scholarship is awarded (unless it is a pre-approved twinning programme).

To prepare you for your career placement, one compulsory internship in CIMB in your penultimate year of study is required. This is a paid opportunity in your home country; you will receive an internship allowance that is separate from your scholarship's living allowance.

Yes, you can indicate your preferences. Placements are based on a combination of your interests and the available openings in each department at the time of your internship.

Through the Mentorship Programme, scholars gain firsthand insights into CIMB while receiving support for their academic and professional development. Scholars and mentors are encouraged to connect at least twice annually, with the flexibility to decide on the meeting frequency and platform that works best for them.

Yes, you will be bonded with CIMB Group – one year for every year of study locally (candidate’s home country), and two years for every year of study outside the candidate’s home country. However, the bond period will not exceed the maximum of 5 years.

Yes, you will need to reimburse all expenditure borne by CIMB Group.

Bond deferment is not allowed, as scholars are expected to begin their career with CIMB once they graduate.

You are required to serve your bond with the specific CIMB entity that provided your sponsorship. For instance, an Indonesian scholar funded by CIMB Niaga will be placed within CIMB Niaga (Indonesia) upon completion of their degree, even if they studied abroad.

However, as a CIMB ASEAN Scholar, your career is designed for regional impact. As you evolve within the Bank, you can look forward to regional mobility opportunities, such as rotations or secondments in our other key markets. These are designed to broaden your perspective once you have established your core competencies in your home entity.

Scholars are ideally positioned to join 'The Complete Banker™' (TCB) program upon graduation. Eligibility for the program is merit-based and will be determined by your overall performance throughout your studies, internship evaluation, and a final assessment to ensure alignment with the programme’s requirements.

To save you time, we suggest reviewing the FAQs first for immediate answers. For any other unique enquiries, drop us an email at cimbaseanscholarship@cimb.com.