Free Tertiary Education Scheme

Hear from our team

Behind every enrolment is a student with ambition. Learn how the Free Tertiary Education Scheme is helping more Sarawakians turn that ambition into a university degree without financial worry.

Enquiry form

Full name *

Email *

Phone number *

Highest academic qualification *

Study area of interest *

A New Chapter for Higher Education in Sarawak

Curtin Malaysia’s Dean of Learning and Teaching, Dr Tang Fu Ee, shares how FTES is empowering more Sarawakians to access higher education and build strong future careers.

Got questions about Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES)?

What is Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES)?

FTES is a Sarawak Government initiative for higher education in Sarawak which involves financial aid covering tuition fees for eligible students, commencing in 2026.

When is the start date for the Sarawak Government’s FTES?

The initiative has officially launched and will take full effect in 2026.

What are the objectives of the FTES?

The FTES aims to:

Provide equal access to higher education
Develop a highly skilled and educated workforce
Reduce financial constraints on students and families
Encourage continuous learning and academic excellence

Will the FTES cover study at Curtin Malaysia from 2026 onwards?

Yes. Eligible Sarawakians will be able to enrol in selected bachelor’s programs at Curtin Malaysia under the scheme starting in 2026.

Am I eligible to apply for the FTES in 2026?

To qualify for FTES while studying at Curtin Malaysia, students must fulfil the following criteria:

Anak Sarawak;
first bachelor degree;
offered into an FTES-approved bachelor program under Curtin Malaysia;
a full-time student; and
not receiving any other scholarship.*

Students need to indicate their intention to apply for FTES when applying for admission into an approved bachelor degree program at Curtin Malaysia.

* Students currently under a scholarship must submit a scholarship cancellation letter from the awarding organisation to Curtin Malaysia if they wish to apply for FTES.

I am currently funded under the Yayasan Sarawak Loan / Yayasan Sarawak BP40 Bursary Scheme. How do I apply for FTES and what is the process?

Students currently funded under the Yayasan Sarawak Loan / Yayasan Sarawak BP40 Bursary Scheme will be contacted by Curtin Malaysia via email with details on the FTES process to confirm their opt-in decision. After which eligible students will receive an Eligibility Letter and Award Letter, noting that FTES applies only to the remaining study year(s) and fees from previous study year(s) remain payable.

What courses can I study at Curtin Malaysia that are supported under the FTES?

Based on the latest update, FTES-approved courses at Curtin Malaysia are:

Bachelor of Technology (Computer Systems and Networking)
Bachelor of Computing (Software Engineering)
Bachelor of Computing (Cyber Security)
Bachelor of Engineering (Energy Engineering) (Honours)
Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical Engineering) (Honours)
Bachelor of Engineering (Mechatronic Engineering) (Honours)
Bachelor of Engineering (Civil and Construction Engineering) (Honours)
Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering) (Honours)
Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical and Electronic Engineering) (Honours)
Bachelor of Engineering (Environmental Engineering) (Honours)
Bachelor of Applied Geology
Bachelor of Applied Science (Construction Management) (Honours)
Bachelor of Science (Psychological Science)
Bachelor of Science (Health, Safety and Environment)
Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting)
Bachelor of Commerce (Finance)
Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting and Finance)
Bachelor of Commerce (Finance and Management)
Bachelor of Commerce (Finance and Marketing)
Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting and Audit Analytics)

Does the FTES cover only tuition fees?

In addition to tuition fees coverage, FTES also offers a RM15,000 stipend per annum for eligible students. This stipend assists with living expenses such ad housing, food, transport and other study needs. It is available to students whose household per capita income is RM1,500 per month or below, verified through the required official documentation.

Additional fees, if any, are to be covered by the student.

Does the FTES have any age limit?

As of now, there is no age limit until further guidelines are issued by the Sarawak Government.

How do I apply for the FTES as a new student who wants to study at Curtin Malaysia?

Submit your FTES-approved course application to Curtin Malaysia. The university will review your documents and check if you meet the eligibility requirements for FTES
If you qualify, Curtin Malaysia will issue both your course Offer Letter and FTES Eligibility Letter
Once you accept the offer, the university will finalise your admission and provide an Award Letter for the scheme before you enrol.

Are current students eligible to apply for the FTES in 2026?

Yes, current full-time students will be eligible for the initiative as long as their course is included in the approved list.

That means if the students start their bachelor’s at Curtin Malaysia in 2025 and continues full-time into 2026, they will receive full tuition coverage once the initiative begins.

Kindly contact our Loans & Scholarships Team at loans.scholarships@curtin.edu.my for more information on how to apply as a current student.

How do I apply for the FTES as a current student at Curtin Malaysia?

If you are already enrolled in an FTES-approved course at Curtin Malaysia, the university will issue you an Eligibility Letter
You’ll then confirm whether you want to opt in to the scheme and notify the university of your decision
Once you accept, Curtin Malaysia will issue your Award Letter before you continue your studies under the scheme.

What happens if a student changes, defers, transfers or faces any interruption in their studies under the FTES?

Under FTES, students may change their program once within the same Sarawak-owned Institutions of Higher Learning (SIHLs) (such as Curtin Malaysia) subject to the Ministry’s approval. Transfers between SIHLs are not permitted. Bachelor’s degree students from other Institutions of Higher Learning who wish to enrol at Curtin Malaysia under FTES must submit a new application and, if approved by the Ministry, will be required to start their program from Year 1.

Students may defer their studies for valid reasons for up to two (2) semesters with approval from Curtin Malaysia and the implementing agency, during which FTES support will be suspended. FTES does not cover any extensions or additional fees due to failed units or repeated papers. If a student is suspended, terminated, or withdrawn, FTES support will also be revoked.

What can a student do if their FTES application is rejected?

If an application is rejected, the student has the right to appeal in writing through the implementing agency within fourteen (14) calendar days from the date of official notification, stating the grounds and providing supporting documents. The Minister will review each appeal on a case-by-case basis. The Minister’s decision shall be final, binding, and not subject to further review.

Will students under the FTES still be eligible for the Campus Transfer Program to Curtin Perth in 2026?

No, students under the initiative will not be eligible for the Campus Transfer Program and will need to complete their studies at Curtin Malaysia.

Are there other financial aid options for non-Sarawakian Curtin Malaysia students?

Yes, Curtin Malaysia offers a range of financial support options for eligible students, including scholarships and bursaries. You can find out more here.

How do I submit an application to study at Curtin Malaysia?

You can apply online by choosing your preferred program and submitting the required documents. For personalised guidance, please contact our Student Recruitment Team via email at domesticstudentrecruitment@curtin.edu.my or landline at +60 85 630 100.

Looking for more details on the FTES?

For enquiries regarding FTES, new students may contact the Domestic Student Recruitment Team at domesticstudentrecruitment@curtin.edu.my, and current students may contact the Loans and Scholarships Team at loans.scholarships@curtin.edu.my. Alternatively, they can be reached via phone at 085-630100 for further assistance.

You may also direct questions related to FTES to the Ministry through email at ftes@meitd.sarawak.gov.my or visit their website at www.meitd.sarawak.gov.my

T&C apply. Information is up to date as of 23 December 2025.