If you do not meet the criteria for the Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES)—or if you are pursuing diploma, foundation, or non-participating degree programs—there are several alternative government scholarships, loans, and bursaries available to support your higher education journey.
1. Yayasan Sarawak Financial Assistance
Yayasan Sarawak provides various financial aid schemes tailored specifically for Anak Sarawak.
A. Yayasan Sarawak Local Education Loan (Pinjaman Pelajaran)
- What it covers: Tuition fees and living expenses for students pursuing Diploma, Degree, or Professional courses at recognized local institutions.
- Key Feature: Interest-free repayment options, with potential loan rebates or conversion to scholarships based on outstanding academic performance.
B. Sarawak Foundation Scholarships
- Offers merit-based bursaries and specialized scholarships for high-achieving students entering STEM, medicine, and critical industry programs.
2. PTPTN (Perbadanan Tabung Pendidikan Tinggi Nasional)
The national higher education loan scheme remains one of the most accessible options for Malaysian students.
- Eligibility: All Malaysian citizens enrolled in MQA-accredited programs at public and private higher education institutions.
- Coverage: Covers tuition fees partially or fully depending on household income category (B40, M40, T20).
- Loan Loan-to-Scholarship Conversion: Students who graduate with First Class Honours can apply to convert their PTPTN loan into a full scholarship (exemption from repayment).
3. MARA Education Funding (For Bumiputera Students)
- Program: Pinjaman Pelajaran MARA (Pelajaran/Tertiary).
- Eligibility: Malay and Bumiputera students pursuing technical, engineering, and professional degree programs.
- Feature: Convertible loan structure where repayment percentage is based on final academic results upon graduation.
4. University-Specific Merit Scholarships
Participating institutions in Sarawak also offer internal entrance scholarships and fee discounts based on SPM/STPM/UEC results:
| Institution | Available Internal Financial Aid |
|---|---|
| Swinburne Sarawak | Academic Excellence Scholarships, Merit Bursaries |
| Curtin Malaysia | Merit Scholarships, Pro-Vice Chancellor’s Award |
| University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) | UTS Foundation Bursary, Hope Higher Education Scheme |
Comparing Your Options: Quick Summary
| Funding Type | Best Suited For | Primary Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| FTES Scheme | Sarawakian First Degree Students at State Campus | 100% Free Tuition + RM15k Stipend (if eligible) |
| Yayasan Sarawak Loan | Sarawakians in Foundation, Diploma & Non-FTES Courses | Interest-free loan with rebate options |
| PTPTN Loan | All Malaysian Students in Accredited Programs | Nationwide accessibility & First-Class waiver |
Next Steps
- Not sure if you qualify for FTES? Run a quick test using our FTES Eligibility Calculator.
- Find a Course First: Explore accredited courses and entry criteria in our Course Directory.