Students from Low-Income Households to Receive RM15,000 Stipend Under New Scheme

Sarawak's Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) is officially underway in 2026, offering eligible students a path to pursue higher education without the burden of tuition fees .

Which universities are involved?

The scheme is currently available at four Sarawak-owned higher learning institutions. These include the University of Technology Sarawak (UTS), Curtin University Malaysia, Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus, and i-CATS University College .

How many courses are covered?

A total of 64 courses have been approved under the FTES across these four institutions . For instance, at Swinburne Sarawak, the approved list spans various disciplines, including Engineering, Computing, Science, Business, and Design .

Who is eligible for the scheme?

The FTES is open to Sarawakians with a 'K' on their MyKad, or Malaysians who have at least one Sarawakian parent with a 'K' on their MyKad . To qualify, students must be pursuing their first undergraduate degree and cannot be receiving other educational sponsorships or scholarships .

Are there additional financial benefits?

Beyond tuition coverage, the scheme includes a stipend of RM15,000 for students from households with a per capita income of RM1,500 or below per month . Of this amount, RM5,000 is allocated for accommodation, while the remaining RM10,000 is disbursed directly to the student's account via SPay Global .