Awliya.
“The government has extended significant support to students through education, welfare and cost-of-living initiatives, but Budget 2026 must go further with targeted mechanisms. Rising accommodation costs remain a burden, and a rental deposit assistance scheme would ease students’ financial strain. PTPTN also needs a more flexible debt reduction mechanism, extending convertible loans beyond first-class graduates to include upper-class achievers. Reviving the Peranti Siswa programme as a long-term digital education investment, alongside the introduction of new Madani scholarships and convertible loans as an alternative financing scheme, would ensure equitable access to higher education. With such measures, the government can demonstrate its commitment to nurturing talent and safeguarding student welfare across all institutions.” – Muhammad Awliya Mohd Fauzi, 24, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
Ezzah
“Budget 2026 should prioritise measures that directly ease students’ financial and academic burdens. This includes higher PTPTN discounts or repayment waivers, the reinstatement of book voucher programmes, and targeted allocations to repair campus infrastructure such as hostels, as well as Internet and classroom facilities. Expanding FlySiswa to cover more routes and underserved students, while sustaining food security, mental health and wellness initiatives, would also make a huge difference. Beyond welfare, the budget should strengthen upskilling in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, TVET and digital education, while expanding hardship allowances for B40 and remote students. These reforms would not only improve campus life but also ensure graduates are better prepared for the future workforce.” – Wan Ezzah Azleen Wan Ramli, 23, Universiti Putra Malaysia
Sharvin
“I hope a larger allocation will be dedicated to strengthening efforts to transform our universities into greener and more sustainable campuses. Strategic investments in renewable energy such as solar panels, eco-friendly infrastructure, and sustainable mobility solutions like electric buses and cycling facilities will not only reduce long-term operational costs but also nurture a culture of environmental responsibility among students. These initiatives will position universities as living laboratories for sustainability and equip students with the knowledge and values required to confront the realities of climate change.” – Sharvin Thangaraj, 21, Universiti Utara Malaysia
