The Sarawak Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) covers 100% of tuition fees for eligible Sarawakian students pursuing their first undergraduate degree at participating state-owned institutions (Swinburne Sarawak, Curtin Malaysia, UTS, i-CATS University College, and Centre of Technology Excellence Sarawak – CENTEXS).
Follow these 4 clear steps to secure your government funding.
Step 1: Apply for Admission at a Participating Institution
Before receiving FTES funding, you must first secure an offer letter from an approved institution.
- Select an Approved Degree: Browse accredited undergraduate degree programs across Swinburne, Curtin, UTS, or i-CATS.
- Submit Your Application: Apply directly via the respective university’s admission portal.
- Receive Your Offer Letter: Ensure you meet the academic entry requirements to receive a formal Letter of Offer (Unconditional or Conditional).
Step 2: Check Your Baseline Eligibility
Make sure you meet the primary criteria set by the Sarawak State Government:
- Sarawak Citizenship: You must hold a Malaysian MyKad with the ‘K’ indicator (or have at least one Sarawakian parent, subject to verification).
- First Degree: You must be enrolling in your first undergraduate degree.
- Household Income Check:
- Tuition Fee Waiver (100% Free): Open to all qualified Sarawakian students regardless of income.
- RM15,000 Annual Stipend: Granted automatically if your household monthly per capita income is RM1,500 or below.
Step 3: Prepare Required Documents
Have certified digital copies of the following documents ready for submission:
- Identification: Copy of student’s MyKad (showing the ‘K’ status) and birth certificate.
- Parents’ Identification: Copy of both parents’ or guardian’s MyKads and birth certificates.
- Academic Transcripts: SPM, STPM, Foundation, Matriculation, or UEC official results.
- University Documents: Formal Offer Letter and Student ID details from your institution.
- Proof of Income (For Stipend Applicants): Latest EA Form, salary slips (last 3 months), or a certified Income Declaration Form signed by a District Officer/Ketua Masyarakat (if self-employed/unemployed).
Step 4: Submit via the Official Portal
- Access the Application Portal: Applications are processed through the official Yayasan Sarawak / FTES online portal (or via your university’s student financial services desk).
- Complete the Online Form: Fill in your personal details, household data, and course information.
- Upload Documents: Attach all required verified documents.
- Submit & Track Status: Keep your submission reference number to check application updates.
💡 Important Note on Existing Funding (PTPTN / Loans):
You can apply for FTES even if you currently receive PTPTN or another loan. However, double funding is strictly prohibited. Upon FTES approval, you will be required to submit a formal termination request for your existing loan or scholarship.
Need Help or Have Questions?
- Check Your Eligibility: Use our Instant FTES Calculator to check your per capita income.
- Browse Approved Courses: Find degrees offered under FTES in our Course Directory.