PUTRAJAYA: The number of scholarships for national athletes have been increased from 99 to 110 this year to help them pursue higher education, says Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir (pic).
The Higher Education Minister said this was part of the ministry’s ongoing efforts to ensure that athletes not only excel in sports but also obtain academic qualifications that could enhance their employability.
He said the ministry also provided special admission pathways for athletes at several institutions of higher learning (IPT), including Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), to enable them to continue their studies while developing their sporting potential, Bernama reported.
Eligible recipients are entitled to living allowances based on their level of study, with the highest rate being RM6,862.50 per semester for doctoral (PhD) students.
Master’s degree students receive RM6,825 per semester, followed by bachelor’s degree students at RM5,325 and diploma students at RM4,730.
Zambry said strengthening athletes’ academic development was crucial, given that more than 35% of athletes representing the country in various sporting events were students at IPT.
