KUCHING – The Sarawak cabinet has approved the proposal paper for the implementation of the Sarawak Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES).
Sarawak Education, Innovation and Talent Development Ministry in a statement today, said the approval was given during the state cabinet meeting on March 20.
It said the implementation of Sarawak FTES will commence in 2026, and it will be open to Sarawakians.
“The institutions involved are Sarawak-owned institutes of higher learning, namely Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak, Curtin University of Malaysia, University Technology of Sarawak and i-CATS University College.
“The approved programmes under the FTES include undergraduate degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), law, medical, accounting and finance,” it said.
According to the ministry, FTES is applicable for new and all existing enrolments from 2026 onwards.
“This scheme covers free tuition fees. Additionally, a stipend of RM15,000 per year for students from households with a per capita income of RM1,500 per month and below is also included under this scheme,” according to the statement.
On March 12, state Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn was reported to have said that further details on Sarawak’s free tertiary education initiative would be announced in November.
He said the details will include the list of courses and application procedures. – March 28, 2025