Introduction
Securing 100% free tuition under the Sarawak Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) is a smooth process, provided you follow the right steps during your university enrollment. While the scheme is funded by the Sarawak State Government, you do not apply through a central government portal. Instead, applications are processed directly through your university’s admissions and financial assistance portal.
Here is your complete, step-by-step walkthrough for applying to FTES at Curtin University Malaysia (Miri) and Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak (Kuching).
Step 1: Secure Your University Letter of Offer
Before applying for FTES, you must be formally admitted into an approved undergraduate degree program at Curtin Malaysia or Swinburne Sarawak.
- Choose an approved undergraduate degree program (STEM, Business, Accounting, Computer Science, Law, or Health Sciences).
- Submit your academic transcripts (SPM, STPM, UEC, Foundation, or Diploma) via the university’s online application portal.
- Receive and formally accept your Letter of Offer.
💡 Important: FTES applies strictly to Bachelor’s Degree programs. If you are starting in Foundation or Diploma, you will transition into FTES once you progress to Year 1 of your degree.
Step 2: Prepare Certified Application Documents
Having your documents verified in advance avoids processing delays during intake week. Prepare digital PDF scans of the following:
- Student’s MyKad: Must clearly display the ‘K’ status indicator.
- Student’s Birth Certificate: Required for lineage verification.
- Parents’/Guardians’ MyKads & Birth Certificates: Clear front-and-back copies.
- Academic Certificates: Certified SPM/STPM/UEC/Diploma transcripts.
- University Admission Offer Letter: Official letter stating your program and intake term.
- Proof of Household Income:
- For salaried parents: Latest 3 months’ pay slips or EA Form.
- For self-employed/unemployed parents: Verified Income Declaration Form stamped by a District Officer (Pegawai Daerah) or Gazetted Community Leader (Ketua Masyarakat / Tuai Rumah / Kapitan).
- Active S PAY GLOBAL Account ID: Necessary if you qualify for the RM15,000 annual living stipend.
Step 3: Complete the University FTES Portal Application
1.Log into Student Portal:Curtin: OASIS | Swinburne: Canvas/eStudent.
Access your official university student portal credentials provided upon accepting your offer.
2.Navigate to Financial Assistance:Select Sarawak FTES Scheme.
Locate the Financial Aid / Sponsorship tab and select Sarawak Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES).
3.Fill Personal & Household Details:Ensure MyKad matches ‘K’ status.
Enter your personal details, parent/guardian specifics, and household income figures.
4.Upload Required Scans:PDF format, under 2MB per file.
Upload your compiled certified supporting documents into the designated upload fields.
5.Review & Submit:Keep your submission confirmation code.
Cross-check all income numbers and MyKad details before submitting. Save or screenshot your submission acknowledgment number.
Step 4: Verification and Approval
Once submitted, the University Student Financial Services team verifies your ‘K’ status and academic eligibility in coordination with the Sarawak Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD).
- Processing Timeline: Processing usually takes 2 to 4 weeks around semester intake dates.
- Notification: Approval confirmation is sent directly to your student email portal.
- Tuition Billing: Upon approval, your core tuition fee invoice will reflect a 100% state waiver before the semester census date.