Introduction
The Sarawak Government’s FTES scheme guarantees 100% free tuition for all eligible Sarawakian undergraduates regardless of household income. However, the RM15,000 annual living and housing stipend is specifically targeted to assist students from low-to-middle-income families.
The qualification cutoff is based on Monthly Per Capita Household Income ≤ RM1,500. Here is the mathematical formula and practical worked examples to help you calculate your family’s exact per capita income before applying.
The Per Capita Income Formula
Per capita household income measures the gross monthly income available per family member residing in the same household:
Per Capita Household Income} = Total Gross Monthly Income of Parents / Guardians ÷Total Number of Household Dependents
Key Definitions to Remember
- Total Gross Income: Combined monthly salaries, fixed allowances, business earnings, pensions, or rental returns of both parents before tax deductions. (Excludes welfare aid or one-off government assistance).
- Total Household Dependents: Includes parents/guardians plus all unmarried, unemployed children, or full-time students under their care.
Worked Examples
Scenario A: Large Family (Self-Employed)
- Father’s Income: RM 3,500 (Farmer / Smallholder)
- Mother’s Income: RM 1,000 (Hawker)
- Total Household Gross Income: RM 4,500
- Dependents: Father, Mother + 4 children (including university student) = 6 Dependents
Per Capita Income = RM4,500 ÷ 6 =RM750 per month
✅ Result: Qualified! (RM750 ≤ RM1,500). The student qualifies for 100% free tuition plus the full RM15,000 annual housing and living stipend.
Scenario B: Single-Earner Household
- Father’s Income: RM 5,200 (Civil Servant)
- Mother’s Income: RM 0 (Homemaker)
- Total Household Gross Income: RM 5,200
- Dependents: Father, Mother + 2 children = 4 Dependents
Per Capita Income = RM5,200÷4 = RM1,300per month
✅ Result: Qualified! (RM1,300 ≤ RM1,500). The student qualifies for 100% free tuition plus the RM15,000 annual stipend.
Scenario C: High Single-Income Family
- Father’s Income: RM 6,000 (Executive)
- Mother’s Income: RM 0
- Total Household Gross Income: RM 6,000
- Dependents: Father, Mother + 1 child = 3 Dependents
Per Capita Income= RM6,000÷3 = RM2,000 per month
ℹ️ Result: Tuition Free Only. Since per capita income exceeds RM1,500, the student receives 100% free tuition fees under FTES, but is not eligible for the additional RM15,000 living stipend.