Zambry: PTPTN free education depends on annual applications


Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir delivering his speech during the “EU-ASEAN Policy Dialogue Enhancing Talents and Skills Development Through Internationalisation” event in Kuala Lumpur. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: The number of students eligible for the Natio­nal Higher Education Fund Corpo­ration (PTPTN) free education initiative depends on the number of applicants each year, says Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir (pic).

The Higher Education Minister said that the number of applicants may vary depending on the situation and the application process.

“This list depends on the number of applicants each year.

“As announced previously, we may have more than 5,800 applicants,” he said after delivering a keynote address at the EU-Asean Policy Dialogue on Higher Edu­cation: Enhancing Talent and Skills Development through Inter­na­li­sa­tion yesterday.

When tabling Budget 2026 on Oct 10, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announ­ced free education for 5,800 students from poor families pursuing studies at public higher education institutions, with an annual allocation of RM120mil via PTPTN.

The initiative targets students from households earning below RM2,700 per month.

Zambry said the move reflects the government’s commitment to uplifting underprivileged commu­nities, adding that it aims to ensure financial struggles do not hinder anyone’s access to education.

Meanwhile, he also said the Higher Education Ministry plans to recognise Technical and Voca­tio­nal Education and Training (TVET) and university academic degrees as equivalent qualifications.

“It is also in line with our current policy of Higher Education 2025-2035, when we go into unbun­dling our education concept. It is no longer based on the university’s curriculum and must also be based on TVET,” he said.

Zambry said students should be given opportunities to pursue all forms of higher education, inclu­ding technical education.

“Right now in Malaysia, we have four universities under the Malaysian Technical Universities Network (MTUN) and we have agreed to have more in the future.

“At present, more than 50,000 students are enrolled in MTUN institutions, polytechnics and com­munity colleges,” he added.

Zambry also added that mobility – one of the key pillars of internationalisation – must extend to TVET institutions, apprenticeships and industry immersion programmes.

“This must be a two-way exchange, with more Asean students studying in Europe and more Europeans coming to Asean,” he said, adding that Malaysia today proudly hosts over 130,000 international students from more than 160 countries.

Also present at the dialogue were European Union (EU) ambas­sador to Asean Sujiro Seam, Philippines Commission on Higher Education chairperson Dr Shirley Castaneda Agrupis and Philippines ambassador to Malay­sia Maria Angela Ponce.

Now in its third edition, the EU-Asean Policy Dialogue marks ongoing collaboration between EU and Asean to create a more connected and dynamic higher education landscape through the EU-Asean Sustainable Connec­ti­vity Package – Higher Education Programme (SCOPE-HE).

The dialogue brings together representatives from higher education and TVET institutions, ministries and the private sector to explore ways to strengthen collaboration, foster academic and student mobility and position Asean higher education as a glo­bal partner in innovation, excellence and sustainability.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Nation

Perak braces for Northeast Monsoon: Key flood-prone areas identified
Federal Court grants leave to appeal on Section 233 ruling in Heidy Quah case
Bukit Aman strengthens road safety efforts with data-driven initiative
Government to conduct in-depth study on abolishing death penalty starting January 2026
Caution needed against AI's impact on truth, says Sultan Nazrin
Seremban barber sentenced to three years for machete attack on sister's lover
High Court acquits three friends in major drug trafficking case
Council orders unapproved Chew Jetty mural removed
Government appealing grounds in Amri, Raymond Koh rulings, says Saifuddin
Police arrest two men over mule accounts linked to RM86,000 scam losses

Others Also Read