By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Nov 27: Qualified Sarawakian students will automatically be eligible for the State’s Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) when they successfully enrol in 64 designated undergraduate courses at the four Sarawak-owned universities, with no separate application required.
Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn said Sarawak projects that about 10,000 students could benefit from the FTES when it is rolled out in 2026, though the figure is an estimate based on students completing relevant qualifications.
“Students have the freedom to choose where they want to pursue their higher education. The estimate is based on the number of students coming out with relevant qualifications.
“Sarawakian students, as long as they have a ‘K’ in their identification card, will be automatically accepted for the free tertiary education scheme when they successfully enrol in the universities in the relevant courses. There is no need to apply specifically for the FTES,” he told a press conference at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly Complex Media Room today.
Sagah emphasised that the FTES will initially focus on courses related to science and engineering, but will also cover architecture and non-science disciplines such as finance, accounting, and psychology.
“We are also exploring the inclusion of Law courses to strengthen Sarawakians’ knowledge of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and the constitution,” he said.
He added that the initiative forms part of Sarawak’s push to prepare its workforce for the new and green economy, particularly in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
“As Sarawak transitions to a new and green economy, we have to train people in STEM fields. We are preparing our workforce to seize opportunities that are offered and to be created by our industries,” he said.
Sagah clarified that the scheme applies only to courses offered in Sarawak-owned universities, as public universities fall under federal jurisdiction.
He added that further details of the scheme will be announced by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg in due course. — DayakDaily
