KUCHING: The Sarawak Cabinet has approved the proposal paper for the implementation of the state’s Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES).
The state Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development said the approval was given during the state Cabinet meeting on March 20.
It said the implementation of the 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 Sarawak and i-CATS University College.
“The approved programmes under FTES include undergraduate degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), law, medicine, accounting and finance,” it said in a statement yesterday, Bernama reported.
According to the ministry, FTES is applicable to new and all existing enrolments from 2026 onwards.
“The scheme covers free tuition fees. A stipend of RM15,000 per year for students from households with a per capita income of RM1,500 per month and below will also be included in this scheme,” it added.
On March 12, state Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn said further information on the Sarawak free tertiary education initiative would be announced in November.
He said the details would include the list of courses and application procedures.
