Premier launches free university education for Anak Sarawak
- BT
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
KUCHING, 18 December 2025 – The Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg officially launched the Sarawak Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) today at the Convention Hall, Raia Hotel & Convention Centre, here. The launching ceremony marks a historic milestone for Sarawak's education sector as the State moves closer to its vision of becoming a developed region by 2030.
In his launching speech, the Premier emphasised Sarawak's position as a regional pioneer in providing free tertiary education.
“Let Sarawak be the influencer in the region. And I believe we can,” he said, adding, “The Nordic countries have their free education. So does Germany. And Sarawak is the first in this region to give free tertiary education.”
The FTES is a government initiative that covers tuition fees for eligible students studying at Sarawak-owned institutions of higher learning (SIHL), beginning in 2026. Students from lower-income families will also receive financial support to help with their living costs whilst studying.
The Premier shared that the scheme is made possible by the State's improved financial position.
“My team and I in the cabinet work very hard to increase our income. Now I want to share that extra income with Anak Sarawak, so that Anak Sarawak can become the force behind our development,” he said, stressing that the scheme is not a one-off gesture but a long-term commitment.
“It's not only for 2026. It will be sustainable towards the future,” the Premier added. He said that for the inaugural year, the government has allocated RM250 million for students to pursue their education.
The scheme is open to Anak Sarawak pursuing their first bachelor's degree as full-time students in an approved programme at a SIHL. Students must not be receiving any other scholarship to qualify for FTES.
The Premier made it clear that the scheme is for all eligible Sarawakians, saying, “I want to give (provide free tertiary education) to Anak Sarawak irrespective of their social background, as long as they are eligible to go to any of our Sarawak-owned universities.”
FTES focuses on courses that match Sarawak's development needs. These include STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), Accounting, Finance, and Psychology. Medicine and Law will also be offered under the scheme when they become available at the universities.
Students can apply to study at any of these four Sarawak-owned institutions:
Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus
Curtin University Sarawak
i-CATS University College
University of Technology Sarawak (UTS)
Each university offers a range of approved degree programmes, from engineering and computer science to business and design.
Students from households earning RM1,500 or less per person each month will receive an additional RM15,000 yearly stipend. This includes RM5,000 for accommodation through university housing and RM10,000 through SarawakPay for daily expenses.
Applications can be made directly through the universities, and students must complete their degree within the period stated in their offer letter, as the scheme covers tuition for the standard duration only.
Students can change programmes once within the same university with ministry approval, but transferring between universities is not allowed. Any costs from failed subjects or course extensions must be paid by the student themselves. Deferment is allowed for up to two semesters for valid reasons.
FTES aims to provide equal access to higher education, develop a highly skilled and educated workforce, reduce financial burdens on students and families, and encourage continuous learning and academic excellence. The Premier stressed on this during his speech.
“We do not want your parents to worry. They don't have to set aside their income for your education at tertiary level. Let us (the Government) do the work of sourcing for income for the sake of Sarawakians and for the sake of our future,” he said, “…so that your parents don’t have to be burdened and can sleep well at night, and the tertiary education becomes the worry of the government. But I am not worried, as long as we have good governance, good government, good leaders who are sincere,” he continued, expressing confidence in the scheme's sustainability.
This initiative was first announced by the Premier in the Sarawak Budget 2023 and is now becoming a reality for students starting their studies in 2026. The scheme will benefit both new students enrolling from 2026 onwards and existing students already studying approved courses at the four universities.
By removing financial barriers to higher education, FTES opens doors for talented young Sarawakians to pursue their dreams and contribute to the State's future.
