Drawing Dreams | MARA Result

The result was out months ago but I don't have the courage to face the music. I failed to get the MARA loan and I have tried to appeal but it didn't work out.

What I've been through was like a massive water ripple effect. Everything, emotionally for instant has been tarnished.

It all started last year. I really wanted to finish my study and decided to take Master of Architecture. Unlike other courses, we are studio-based and technical course need to prepare extra documentation. I was so determined and put my best preparing portfolio, resume, personal statement and university application.

 I managed to get 3 offer letters, unconditional from University of Liverpool and Lincoln University and conditional offer from Liverpool John Moores University. Which I believe not so important to MARA as they didn't ask for offer letter (quote from MARA officer).

All of that is worthless now as I don't get any sponsorship to pursue my study. Frankly, I can't accept the result at first. I was crying like a baby. That night I have been thinking over and over again that maybe this is a sign from Allah. Maybe I have done something wrong. Teruskan bersangka baik. Allah has planned everything and it all written in Luhz Mahfuz way long time ago.

Then, little by little I realized that this is a lesson and I shall learn from mistakes. Thus, I shall note it down here as my future reference as well as to help others who intend to pursue study abroad.

There are MORE sponsorship agencies other than MARA.

I just know about them. It was silly decision to apply to only one, just MARA. Once I got rejected by MARA, then I try to look for alternative sponsorship. It was too late as all applications are already closed. Tons of sponsorship out there, either it is a loan or scholarship.

For instant:

•  Chevening Sponsorship (open : 1 August 2014 )
•  Commonwealth (open : August 2014 )
•  Yayasan Daya Diri
•  Yayasan Khazanah
•  Tenaga Pengajar Muda UiTM / facebook
•  Skim Latihan Akademik Bumiputera / SLAB

In short, here is a quite thorough List of Malaysia Sponsorship Agencies that can be found at Kementerian  Pendidikan Malaysia.

I wish all of you good luck for your future endeavors.

Salam Ramadan. Salam Nuzul Quran.