The Indian government has offered 20 scholarships to Malaysians wanting to pursue courses in Ayurveda, Siddha, homeopathy and Unani in India for the academic year 2011-12 and onwards. The decision follows the visit to Malaysia of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh last October. The high commission has invited applications from Malaysia nationals who wish to pursue traditional system of medicine courses. Eleven scholarships will be offered for the Bachelor of Ayurveda, Medicine and Surgery (BAMS), five for the Bachelor of Siddha Medicine and Sciences (BSMS), two for the Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery (BUMS) and two for the Bachelor of Homeopathy Medicine and Surgery (BHMS), the high commission announced on Tuesday. The scholarships will be offered for studies in selected colleges. No air fare will be provided but the scholarship provides for tuition fees, living allowance, contingent grant, house rental allowance and medical benefits, The Star reported. Malaysia is home to 2.1 million ethnic Indians. A large number of Malaysians study in Indian institutions. India is also a preferred destination for those seeking medical treatment.
