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Sarawak Announces Free Tertiary Education Scheme Starting 2026

Kuching, 26 March 2025 – In a landmark move to make higher education more accessible, the Sarawak state government has officially approved the implementation of the Sarawak Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES), set to commence in 2026.

This announcement follows the decision made during the Majlis Mesyuarat Kerajaan Negeri (MMKN) meeting on 20 March 2025. The initiative marks a major step forward in the state's effort to uplift education accessibility for all Anak Sarawak.

Key Highlights of the Sarawak FTES

1. Launch Year

The scheme is set to be implemented starting 2026.

2. Eligibility

The FTES will benefit all Anak Sarawak, according to the current definition and state policy. Both new students and existing enrolments beginning from 2026 onwards will be eligible.

3. Participating Institutions

The scheme applies to Sarawak-owned institutes of higher learning, including:

• Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak
• Curtin University of Malaysia
• University Technology of Sarawak
• i-CATS University College

4. Programmes Covered

Students pursuing undergraduate degrees in the following fields will be covered:

• STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)
• Law
• Medical
• Accounting
• Finance

5. Financial Support

Under the FTES:

• Tuition fees are fully covered.
• A stipend of RM15,000 per year is provided for students from households with a per capita income of RM1,500 per month or below.

A Step Towards Equal Educational Opportunities

This move is part of Sarawak’s broader strategy to empower its youth and strengthen its human capital by removing financial barriers to tertiary education. The FTES will not only ease the burden on low- to middle-income families but also foster a more inclusive academic environment for the state’s future professionals.

References

1. Kementerian Pendidikan, Inovasi dan Pembangunan Bakat Sarawak
2. Photo by Kevin T: