JOHOR BARU: Public universities in Malaysia may soon have flexible study arrangements and shorter durations for certain courses, says Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Khaled Nordin (pic).
He said his ministry is looking at ways to reduce students’ financial burden.
It is also introducing a flexible study arrangement, which will allow them to study at home for about two years before completing the remainder of their course physically at university.
“We are (hoping) to introduce a flexible system so students can study at home for a few semesters and then continue (their course physically at the university).
“(By doing so), students would not need to borrow a lot of money. They can study at home using computers, and have their meals at home, therefore reducing their living costs.
“The ministry is also looking into reducing the duration of certain courses from the current four years to three years.
“The goal is to help students reduce their financial burden and debt before they enter the workforce.
“These options are based on requests from students (who found that) they could carry out their studies online during the Covid-19 pandemic, so why not now?” Khaled told reporters after launching a scholarship fund of RM75mil for 1,000 students from a private local university at Taman Sierra Perdana, Pasir Gudang here yes- terday.
He also said the ministry is reviewing the course fees for these study programmes, as the students would be using less university facilities when they opt for alternative study options in the future.
Khaled said the ministry is muling over the creation of an endowment fund for the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) with tax exemption for contributors.
Through the initiative, the public can make tax-exempted contributions to the endowment fund, he added.
