The Sarawak government has announced a major educational initiative that will provide free tertiary education for all eligible Sarawakians beginning in 2026.
According to an official circular from the Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Sarawak (MEITD) dated March 26, 2025, the Sarawak Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) was approved during the state cabinet meeting held on March 20, 2025.
The scheme will apply to all Sarawakians, based on current definitions and policies. It will be implemented across state-owned higher learning institutions, including:
- Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak
- Curtin University Malaysia
- University of Technology Sarawak
- i-CATS University College
The FTES will cover undergraduate degree programmes in key fields such as STEM, Law, Medical, Accounting, and Finance.
The programme is open to new and existing students starting from the 2026 academic year. In addition to full tuition coverage, students from households with a per capita income of RM1,500 or below will also receive an annual stipend of RM15,000.
The initiative is aimed at increasing access to higher education for Sarawakians and supporting the state’s broader goals of talent development and socioeconomic equity.
