How to Qualify for Sarawak’s Free Tertiary Education Scheme

Great news for Sarawakian students! If you are a Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) holder, you can now pursue your bachelor's degree for free under the state's Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) .

You don't need a pass in Bahasa Melayu

During a recent state assembly session, Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee confirmed that a pass in Bahasa Melayu is not a requirement for UEC holders to join the scheme . Instead, your eligibility depends on meeting the academic entry requirements set by the participating universities .

Academic requirements and English skills

Generally, you will need at least five Grade Bs in your UEC. Depending on the course you choose, you may also need specific grades in subjects like Mathematics or Science . Since these universities use English as their main language of instruction, it is important to have a strong command of the language to do well in your studies .

Where can you study?

The scheme is available at four state-owned institutions:

• Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus
• Curtin University Malaysia
• University of Technology Sarawak (UTS)
• i-CATS University College

The best part? You don't need to apply for the scheme separately. Once you are accepted into any of the 64 approved courses, you are automatically qualified for the FTES .

Who is eligible?

To qualify, you must be a Sarawakian (with a 'K' on your IC) or a Malaysian with at least one Sarawakian parent . The scheme covers your first undergraduate degree, provided you are not already receiving other scholarships or financial aid .