PETALING JAYA: Students who graduated with first-class honours and are hoping to obtain loan exemptions from the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) will have to wait a while longer.
According to an insider, the website service for first-class honours loan exemption applications is currently unavailable as it awaits approval from the Finance Ministry.
“Applications to convert loans into scholarships for first-class honours graduates have not yet opened, and the approval date for borrowers to apply has not been confirmed. Borrowers will be informed once applications can be accepted,” the insider said in response to queries following complaints from students frustrated by the wait.
Grace Anne (name has been changed to protect privacy), who graduated in November last year, said she has been unable to submit her application or appeal for a loan exemption.
“I started emailing them in early April but received no response,” the 23-year-old said, adding that the specific service required for the process on the website was marked as “under maintenance” at the time.
Grace said she has been checking the website regularly for updates and described the exemption process as frustrating.
“I won’t lie, the exemption feels impossible at times, but I don’t want to give up,” she said, adding that an approved appeal would mean the world to her.
“I could start my adult life free from student debt and focus fully on saving and getting by, especially with how expensive everything is nowadays,” she said.
Another graduate, who wished to be known only as Ameen and also graduated last November, said she too has struggled to apply for the loan exemption.
“The website says it’s temporarily closed, so I can’t apply for the exemption, and it’s already been three months since I completed all the required documents,” she said.
Ameen expressed hope that the issue would be resolved soon.
“Getting the exemption would greatly help me so I can save more money for my future. I have family commitments to support while earning a living,” she said.
