By Amanda L
KUCHING, Nov 24: Sarawak will implement free tertiary education for all Sarawakians enrolling in State-owned universities from 2026 under the Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES), which will begin with an allocation of RM250 million and cover 64 undergraduate degree programmes in its first year.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the initiative is intended to ensure that access to higher education is determined by merit and capability rather than financial constraints.
“Beginning 2026, all Sarawakians who enrol in Sarawak-owned universities will receive free education under the Free Tertiary Education Scheme.
This transformative initiative is designed to cultivate a future-ready workforce and ensure that access to higher education is not constrained by financial circumstances,” he said when delivering the 2026 Sarawak Budget Speech during the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting today.
The Premier said that the list of 64 programmes was finalised following consultations with State-owned universities and Yayasan Sarawak.
Abang Johari also announced the establishment of the Yayasan Sarawak International Secondary School (YSISS) as part of the State’s efforts to align its education system with international standards through the Cambridge curriculum.
“This initiative represents a major step forward in our education strategy, offering the Cambridge curriculum and aligning Sarawak’s education system with international standards,” he explained.
A total of RM36 million has been allocated for the operation and administration of the school, while RM13 million under Alternative Funding has been earmarked for preliminary works to expand its campuses to Bintulu and Miri, complementing the existing campuses in Kuching and Sibu.
On early childhood education, Abang Johari said RM22 million has been allocated to SeDidik for operational and developmental needs, while RM14 million will be channelled under the Annual Special Grant to support registered early childhood institutions across Sarawak.
A further RM4 million will be provided for TADIKA and TASKA fee subsidies benefitting 4,000 children from households earning RM7,000 and below per month.
He said the State is also strengthening the Sarawak Dual Language Programme (DLP), which uses English as the medium of instruction and aligns with Cambridge standards, with RM6 million allocated for its continued implementation.
“The assessment was implemented to evaluate teaching and learning outcomes in Science, Mathematics and English, with examination papers validated to ensure alignment with global standards,” he said.
On school infrastructure, Abang Johari noted that Sarawak has committed RM1 billion as an advance payment on Federal loans for the rebuilding and rehabilitation of dilapidated schools statewide, of which RM700 million has been disbursed to the Federal Government to date.
He said this commitment reflects the State’s determination to accelerate improvements in educational infrastructure and provide safer, more conducive learning environments for students and teachers across Sarawak. — DayakDaily
