Guide to MARA Scholarship Interview
What previous MARA scholars say...

Some think that the interview is just for formality’s sake. But it doesn’t mean that you’re allowed to slack during the interview. You still have to do your best; after all, you aren’t guaranteed a scholarship, yet.

About the interview

Who: The interview will be conducted by 2 MARA officers.
Duration: 15-20 minutes
Language: The interview is conducted in English

How is the interview done?

You’ll be interviewed by a panel of 2-1. So yes, it’s only you, and 2 MARA officers. Questions posed will be about MARA as well, so make sure you do enough research on MARA – what is the organization about, their objectives, their activities etc.

Common questions asked

1. Introduce yourself
2. Tell us about your hometown, co-curricular achievements
3. Why choose MARA, not JPA?
4. Anything about being a Bumiputra (especially if you are of mixed parentage, like Chinese-Bidayuh, or Indian-Kadazan)
5. Which country do you want to pursue your studies, and why?
6. Why do you choose this field to study?
7. What do you know about *the field of study chosen*? (and other questions related to your chosen course, such as the development of the field, how can you contribute to it)
8. What do you want to specialize in? (Usually for those taking medicine – For your information they WILL ask you more about your choice, so RESEARCH. A LOT)
9. How can you contribute to MARA in the future?
10. Where do you see yourself in 10 years time?


Other things you should know

- Be updated with current news/events locally and internationally. Read the newspaper daily. and understand some of the current issues.
- Organize your certificates properly
- Do plenty of research. Make sure you know MARA and your chosen course well. This is so that you come prepared!

There’s nothing wrong with practicing in front of a mirror, because it helps! You don’t want to come across as memorizing a script, do try to appear calm and relaxed (although the whole process can be nerve-wrecking!).


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okay, I was shocked! in english. my dear, I haven't spoke in english for almost 6 months. *karat habis.. calming myself right now. even if you guys say that I can write but when I speak, my english is not that fluent. okay, I need Aimun and Allysha right now! please girls, SPEAK to me! English! English! okay, relax. chill. cool. Innallaha ma'ana.. :)

this post, and after this, I'm so going to write it in english. perhaps, I better start reading newspapers daily, watching news, know more about MARA and all the things they have stated in above article. ouh ya..and I have to actually use my search engine to pick specific field in medicine and IDONTKNOWATHINGABOUTTHAT!! *main taram je nak amek medic..masyaAllah.

real war has begin..I have to stop wasting my time like right now, and start to do some research and read back all RD. Luckily, I still keep RD in my box. SAFE! Alhamdulillah. At least I can try to learn more and improve my skill in oral. smart leaner have to start smart and act smart. *pandai2lah saya kelentong interviwers tu.. 2 orang kot..Allah.. -,-''

Ya Allah, please, guide me. english is also your language. you're the one who create it. Help me to gather my spirit and to talk back in english. *like I 'used' to..before..(yeahh..right..)

p/s: Seserians, please comment about my English, the way I talk (in english) and the style that I wrote? is it okay or not.. and please leave some tips for me especially Aisyah Munirah and Allysha Michael. *dahlah kita 3 orang English departs..haha :P