Introduction
For SPM leavers and secondary school graduates in Sarawak, state-funded tertiary education options can sometimes sound similar. Two major terms you will frequently hear are the Yayasan Sarawak BP40 Bursary Scheme and the Sarawak Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES).
While both schemes aim to make higher education affordable, they target different academic levels and financial backgrounds. Here is a side-by-side comparison to help pre-university students plan their educational roadmap.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Yayasan Sarawak BP40 Bursary | Sarawak FTES Scheme |
| Primary Target Level | Foundation & Diploma | Bachelor’s Degree (Undergraduate) |
| Institutions Covered | Swinburne, Curtin, UTS, i-CATS UC | Swinburne, Curtin, UTS, i-CATS UC |
| Financial Eligibility | B40 & M40 income groups | All Sarawakians (No income cap for tuition) |
| Tuition Coverage | Subsidized (Rates reduced to match public IPTA fees) | 100% Free Tuition |
| Living Stipend | Book/laptop allowances available | RM15,000/year (For per capita income ≤RM1,500) |
| Requirement | Sarawakian (‘K’ MyKad) | Sarawakian (‘K’ MyKad) |
Deep Dive: BP40 Bursary Scheme
The BP40 Bursary was established by Yayasan Sarawak specifically to help B40 and M40 students afford pre-university studies (Foundation and Diploma) at state-owned private campuses like Swinburne Sarawak and Curtin Malaysia.
- How it works: Private university tuition fees for Foundation or Diploma programs are heavily subsidized so that you pay the low equivalent of studying at a public university (IPTA).
- Why it matters: It acts as a bridge for SPM leavers who want to enter top-tier state universities without paying private foundation fees out-of-pocket.
Deep Dive: Sarawak FTES Scheme
The Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) is the flagship initiative providing 100% free tuition for Bachelor’s Degree studies.
- How it works: It completely waives tuition fees for approved undergraduate degree courses across the four state institutions, regardless of family income level.
- Why it matters: It guarantees that every qualified Sarawakian student can earn a university degree without financial barriers.
The Ideal Progression Pathway for SPM Leavers
If you are finishing SPM and planning your route to a tuition-free degree, here is the recommended 2-step journey:
[ Step 1: Pre-University ]
Enroll in Foundation or Diploma
└── Utilize Yayasan Sarawak BP40 Bursary / Merit Rebates
[ Step 2: Undergraduate Degree ]
Progress to Year 1 Bachelor’s Degree
└── Automatically transition into 100% Free Tuition under FTES (+ RM15k stipend if eligible)
By pairing the BP40 Bursary for your Foundation year with FTES for your Degree, you can complete your entire tertiary education journey in Sarawak with minimal financial burden!