Free Tertiary Education in Sarawak: RM15,000 Annual Stipend for B40 Students by 2026
KUALA LUMPUR, March 28 – Sarawak is set to make higher education more accessible with the introduction of the Sarawak Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES), which will begin in 2026. The initiative will provide free university education and an annual stipend of RM15,000 for eligible students from low-income families.
The Sarawak Cabinet approved the scheme during a meeting on March 20, aiming to reduce the financial burden on students from households earning RM1,500 or less per capita.
This move opens opportunities for more Sarawakians to pursue higher education without worrying about tuition fees or living expenses.
Who Qualifies for the Free Education Scheme?
An internal circular from the Ministry of Education, Innovation, and Talent Development outlines the key details of the FTES. The scheme will cover specific fields of study that are considered essential to Sarawak’s future growth, including:
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
- Law
- Medicine
- Acccounting
- Finance
To qualify, students must also be Sarawak-born and enrolled at one of these Sarawak owned institutions:
- Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak
- Curtin University Malaysia
- University of Technology Sarawak
- iCATS University College
Additional Support for B40 Students
Beyond free tuition, the scheme also offers an annual stipend of RM15,000 to students from B40 households. This financial aid aims to help cover living expenses, allowing students to concentrate fully on their studies without additional financial stress.
Although the scheme has received official approval, specific guidelines are still being finalised. Sarawak’s Minister for Education, Innovation, and Talent Development, Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, confirmed the authenticity of the internal circular but clarified that the official public announcement will follow suit.
The circular is intended for internal use and not yet for public release. We will make a formal announcement once all guidelines are finalised.
Further details, including the application process and a comprehensive list of eligible courses, are expected to be shared by November.
Game Changer for Sarawak’s Youth
The Sarawak Free Tertiary Education Scheme marks a major investment in the state’s future. By eliminating financial barriers, the program is designed to empower Sarawakian students to pursue their academic goals and contribute to the region’s long-term development.
With this initiative, the Sarawak government aims to ensure that every student’s potential is what determines their access to higher education, instead of their financial backgrounds.
