Let’s be honest, securing a scholarship is now more competitive than ever. After all, they are, in many ways, an important factor to enable you to pursue your desired education and chase your dreams.

A way to get ahead of the curve is to secure scholarships as early as possible to avoid worrying about limited seats and tight deadlines. And a handful of institutions is offering scholarships based on midterm results.

Yes, you read that right – not trial or actual results, but midterm results.

If you are among the bright stars who are certain of where you want to go, applying for these scholarships will propel you miles ahead of your peers as you can start immediately after SPM or IGCSE exams.

With that said, here is a comprehensive list of early scholarships available this year.

#1. HELP School Achiever Scholarship Award (SASA)

(a) What is it?

The HELP School Achiever Scholarship Award (or, in short, SASA) is offered as part of the SASA Gives Back Project, which provides an avenue for SASA scholars to contribute back to society.

(b) What are the minimum requirements?

This scholarship is open to students who will be sitting for SPM, STPM, IGCSE and UEC examinations in 2017 only.

You need to be an all-rounder, with good academic achievements and exemplary leadership capabilities in extracurricular activities.

(c) What do you need to know?

• You will receive a full or partial scholarship to pursue selected HELP University programmes
• Shortlisted candidates will be required to:
  • Attend a series of Leadership Training workshops
  • Attend an interview session
  • Attend a series of group projects
  • Attend a behavioural assessment session
• Successful recipients of this scholarship will be notified mid-October 2017
• Applicable for January and March 2018 intakes at HELP University

(d) How to apply?

You can apply online here. Deadline for application is on 31 July 2017.

#2. INTI e-Scholarship 2018

(a) What is it?

The INTI e-Scholarship offers the opportunity for bright SPM, O-Level, UEC and STPM students to secure their desired education goals and avoid post-examination rush.

(b) What are the minimum requirements?

This scholarship is open to students who will be sitting for SPM, STPM, IGCSE and UEC examinations in 2017 only.

(c) What do you need to know?

• You will need to update into INTI's system your preferred programme and your trial results from 18 September 2017 onwards
• Results will be announced on 1 November 2017
• This scholarship is applicable for all 2018 intakes at INTI

(d) How to apply?

You can register online or through their designated INTI mobile app. Deadline for submission is 31 December 2017.

#3. UCSI Principal’s Award Scholarship 2018

(a) What Is It?

The UCSI Principal’s Award Scholarship rewards students with great academic performance, outstanding leadership attributes and remarkable accomplishments in sports and extracurricular pursuits.

(b) What are the minimum requirements?

This scholarship is open to students who will be sitting for SPM, STPM, IGCSE and UEC examinations in 2017 only.

You need to have at least 5As in your midterm or trial exams. Those who are active in extracurricular activities and hold leadership positions, as well as those who have represented their schools in sports or other activities will also be considered.

(c) What do you need to know?

• Quantum of the scholarship depends on the number of As you managed to obtain in your midterm or trial results. Learn more here.
• You will need to attend an interview if you are shortlisted
• Successful recipients must meet the minimum academic performance in their actual results
• Scholarship recipients are also required to maintain at least a CGPA of 3.00 every semester to maintain their partial scholarship, and a minimum CGPA of 3.50 for full scholarship
• Successful candidates are required to participate in the Scholar Enrichment Programme
• Applicable for January 2018 intake at UCSI University
• Not applicable for programmes offered by the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences and Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science

(d) How to apply?

You can register online here. Deadline for application is 7 July 2017.

#4. Sunway College Special Scholarship 2018

(a) What is it?

The Sunway College Special Scholarship 2018 is designed to provide SPM students who are excellent in both academic and extracurricular activities with financial relief.

(b) What are the minimum requirements?

This scholarship is open for SPM 2017 candidates only.

You will need a minimum of 70% in at least 5 subjects in your Form 5 mid-year examination and display active participation in extracurricular activities in both Form 4 and Form 5.

(c) What do you need to know?

• The scholarship quantum ranges from RM5,000 to RM15,000
• Shortlisted candidates will be called for an interview on the 24 August 2017. Your interview performance will be taken into consideration along with your academic results and extracurricular achievements.
• Applicable for January and March 2018 intakes at Sunway College

(d) How to apply?

Submit the completed registration form along with the required documents to Sunway College. Deadline for submission is 28 July 2017.

There you have it – a list of early scholarships that you can apply with just your midterm results. If you have good academic results and have been active in extracurricular, these scholarships can be your golden ticket to secure a better future. So go ahead and click on those apply buttons!

Not confident enough to obtain a scholarship? Worry not, as we have a list of lesser known financial aids that could help fund your education!