KUCHING: Sarawak will implement the Sarawak Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) starting in 2026, following its approval from the ‘Majlis Mesyuarat Kerajaan Negeri’ (MMKN) during a cabinet meeting on March 20.
An internal circular from the Education, Innovation and Talent Development Ministry sighted by Sarawak Tribune states that the scheme aims to provide financial relief to Sarawakian students pursuing higher education in selected institutions.
Under the FTES, tuition fees will be fully covered for all ‘Anak Sarawak’ (Sarawakians) enrolled in Sarawak-owned institutions of higher learning.
These institutions include Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak, Curtin University of Malaysia, University Technology of Sarawak, and i-CATS University College.
The scheme will apply to undergraduate degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) as well as law, medical, accounting and finance.
The initiative is open to both new and existing students from 2026 onwards, with students from households having a per capita income of RM1,500 per month and below also receiving an annual stipend of RM15,000 to assist with living expenses.
The move is seen as a significant step towards increasing access to higher education and reducing the financial burden on Sarawakian families.
Further details on the scheme’s implementation are expected to be announced in the coming months.
