Every year, the CIMB ASEAN Scholarship attracts thousands of outstanding students from across Southeast Asia. Likewise, it is a fully funded program, covering tuition, living allowance, gadgets, books, flights, internship opportunities, and mentorship. Scholars also enjoy career development and job placement with CIMB Group. The program remains a top choice for ambitious young leaders.
However, despite its generous benefits, securing the CIMB ASEAN Scholarship is not a walk in the park. This make it one of the most selective scholarship opportunities in the region. The selection team looks for exceptional students with strong academics, leadership history, proven creativity, and regional impact potential. With multiple assessment stages and competitive applicant pools, many students often feel overwhelmed or unsure of how to stand out.
We have a good news for you. Our team of experts have carefully crafted this post to show you how you can successfully apply and improve your odds of being selected. This article guides you through the benefits, eligibility criteria, and application process. By the end, you will understand exactly what the CIMB ASEAN Scholarship expects, and how to prepare an application that gets noticed.
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About the Host of the CIMB ASEAN Scholarship
The CIMB ASEAN Scholarship is hosted by CIMB Group, one of Southeast Asia’s leading universal banking groups with a strong presence in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and the Philippines. For decades, CIMB has built a reputation for empowering young talent and driving socioeconomic growth across the ASEAN region. Through strategic investments in education, innovation, and leadership development, CIMB remains committed to shaping the next generation of leaders who will influence the region’s future.
Moreover, the CIMB ASEAN Scholarship reflects the bank’s broader mission of creating opportunities for exceptional students. Hence, the award is for students who demonstrate academic excellence, strong leadership potential, and a passion for making a positive impact in their communities. Furthermore, the scholarship nurtures recipients through development programs, mentorship, and access to professional networks across ASEAN. Today, CIMB continues to strengthen regional collaboration and produce globally competitive graduates.
Benefits of the CIMB ASEAN Scholarship
The CIMB ASEAN Scholarship comes with several perks that’ll can set you up for successful career. These benefits include:
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How Much Is the CIMB ASEAN Scholarship Worth?
The CIMB ASEAN Scholarship is a fully funded opportunity, covering 100% of tuition fees, travel costs, accommodation, and living expenses. However, CIMB does not publicly list a fixed amount because costs vary by country, university, and degree program. Nonetheless, the award can range between $20,000 to over $40,000 per year, depending on the cost of studying in the chosen institution. Additionally, scholars receive non-monetary benefits such as mentorship, leadership development, and priority consideration for career opportunities within CIMB.
Eligibility Requirements for the CIMB ASEAN Scholarship
To qualify for the CIMB ASEAN Scholarship, you must meet a combination of academic, leadership, and citizenship criteria. Meanwhile, the award is open to all citizens of Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. You can check the specific eligibility criteria for your country from the tab on the website. But here is the general eligibility requirements:
Obtained a minimum of:
O-Level/SPM equivalent
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Eligible Courses
Deadline
The CIMB ASEAN Scholarship application will open in April 2026. However, there is no current application deadline for the 2026 scholarship cycle. Meanwhile, most cycles close around late June or early July. You can always check the website to see if the deadline has been updated.
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How to Apply for the CIMB ASEAN Scholarship
The steps in the application process for the CIMB ASEAN Scholarship require that you first get all the necessary documents ready. After that, you can proceed with the process outlined below:
#1. Fill the Online Application Form
Visit the official CIMB ASEAN Scholarship portal and filling out the online application form. Provide accurate personal details, academic history, leadership experiences, and community involvement. Ensure that every section reflects your strengths, since the application form is the first stage recruiters use to evaluate your potential.
#2. Upload Required Documents
Prepare and upload all necessary documents. Also, submit a personal statement or essay that demonstrates your leadership qualities, community impact, long-term goals, and reason for applying for the CIMB ASEAN Scholarship.
#3. Submit Your Application
Before submitting, carefully review your entire application to ensure all answers are complete and all documents are uploaded correctly. After this, you can go ahead to submit your application.
#4. Initial Screening & Panel Interview
If shortlisted, you may be invited to complete additional assessments such as online aptitude tests, personality evaluations, or short video interviews. Qualified applicants proceed to a formal interview session, either virtual or in-person. During the interview, a panel of CIMB assessors will evaluate your confidence, communication skills, achievements, values, and fit for the CIMB ASEAN Scholarship leadership program.
#5. Scholarship and Confirmation
In some cycles, top applicants are invited to an assessment centre where they take part in group discussions, leadership exercises, and problem-solving tasks. Successful candidates receive an official scholarship offer from CIMB. You must review the terms, sign the acceptance documents, and confirm your commitment to the leadership development programs and internship opportunities attached to the award.
Selection Procedures
The CIMB ASEAN Scholarship selection process begins with a thorough screening of all submitted applications to confirm that every candidate meets the basic eligibility criteria. Once the initial review is complete, shortlisted applicants move to the next stage, where they participate in CIMB’s online assessments designed to evaluate their cognitive ability, personality traits, and readiness for leadership development.
If they perform well, they proceed to a panel interview, where CIMB’s assessors engage them in conversations about their goals, values, achievements, and suitability for the scholarship. After the interview round, successful applicants are invited to the CIMB ASEAN Scholarship Assessment Centre, where they participate in group tasks, case studies, and leadership-focused exercises. This stage allows CIMB to observe how candidates think, collaborate, and solve real-world challenges.
Finally, top-performing applicants advance to the last phase, a high-level interview with CIMB Group’s senior management team. This final discussion determines whether the candidate aligns with CIMB’s long-term leadership vision and is ready to receive the prestigious scholarship award.
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Tips on the CIMB ASEAN Scholarship
The CIMB ASEAN Scholarship is highly competitive. However, with the right preparation, clarity, and intentional actions, you can stand out and position yourself as a top-tier candidate.
Does the CIMB ASEAN Scholarship Offer Past Questions?
As of now, CIMB does not publicly provide past exam questions for its ASEAN Scholarship’s online assessment or assessment centre. However, based on posts from past applicants, the online assessment for this scholarship often includes game-based cognitive puzzles or “brain game” type quizzes rather than just traditional math/verbal tests. Because of this, many candidates prepare by practicing general logic, reasoning, and aptitude games. This may be more helpful than looking for official past papers.
International Scholarships You Should Check Out
Check out various scholarship opportunities available for you to apply to study in any country of your choice. Whether you seek a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or Ph.D., you will find a scholarship in any of the countries you choose. Learn more about available scholarships in each country by visiting the respective scholarship links below:
FAQs On the CIMB ASEAN Scholarship
What is the CIMB ASEAN Scholarship?
The CIMB ASEAN Scholarship is a fully funded award designed to support outstanding ASEAN students who demonstrate leadership, innovation, and the potential to become future regional changemakers.
How do I apply for the CIMB ASEAN Scholarship?
You can apply through the official CIMB online scholarship portal by completing the form, uploading required documents, and submitting your personal statement.
What documents are required for the CIMB ASEAN Scholarship?
Applicants typically need academic transcripts, certificates, ID documents, recommendation letters, and a strong personal essay.
What is the acceptance rate for the CIMB ASEAN Scholarship?
The CIMB ASEAN Scholarship has a very low acceptance rate, as thousands of students across Southeast Asia apply each year, but only a small group makes it to the final stages. While CIMB does not publish an official rate, past applicant reports suggest that only a tiny percentage, likely below 1% receive the final award. This makes it one of the most competitive scholarships in the region.
Is the ASEAN Scholarship fully funded?
Yes. The CIMB ASEAN Scholarship is a fully funded award, covering tuition, accommodation, books, laptop, flights, visa fees, insurance, and living allowance. Likewise, scholars receive access to mentorship programs, leadership training, internships, and career opportunities within CIMB Group after graduation.
What GPA do you need to earn a CIMB scholarship?
Most applicants need a minimum GPA of 3.50 out of 4.00 to qualify for the CIMB ASEAN Scholarship. However, in some ASEAN countries, CIMB may consider students with a GPA as low as 3.25, provided they have exceptional leadership experience, strong extracurricular involvement, and a proven record of academic excellence.
How competitive is the CIMB ASEAN Scholarship?
The program is highly competitive, with thousands of applications from across ASEAN and only a limited number of slots for exceptional candidates.
How much is the CIMB ASEAN Scholarship worth?
The CIMB ASEAN Scholarship typically covers 100% tuition fees, living expenses, allowances, internship opportunities, and leadership development programs.
What courses are supported by the CIMB ASEAN Scholarship?
The scholarship covers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs aligned with future-ready skills, finance, economics, technology, and leadership fields
Does the CIMB ASEAN scholarship require an interview?
Yes. Shortlisted applicants must participate in multiple interviews, including an initial panel interview and a final interview with CIMB’s senior management.
Can international students outside apply for the CIMB ASEAN Scholarship?
No. Only citizens of ASEAN member countries are eligible to apply.
Are extracurricular activities important for this scholarship?
Yes. Active involvement in clubs, leadership roles, competitions, or volunteer work significantly strengthens your application