SARAWAK is set to become the first state in Malaysia to implement a free higher education programme for first-year students at state-owned institutions, beginning in 2026, as part of a broader strategy to equip the youth with skills for the new economy.
Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg announced that the scheme will initially cover 64 courses, primarily focused on science and technology, to support emerging industries in the state.
“All 64 programmes are science-based, including accounting and finance. We want Sarawak’s youth either to work with major companies emerging in the new economy or to become professionals in the corporate sector themselves,” he said during the launch of the Sarawak Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) today.
The premier also highlighted that the list of courses has the potential to expand in line with industrial needs, encompassing new areas such as cybersecurity, advanced engineering, and creative fields like journalism.
The FTES will be rolled out progressively according to the annual intake of state higher education institutions. This means that funding will extend beyond first-year students in 2026, continuing through the second and third years for the same cohort.
Sarawak has allocated RM250 million for the initial phase of the programme to cover tuition fees for local students, benefiting an estimated 5,000 students enrolling in state-run institutions in the first year of implementation.
“This initiative represents a major shift in the nation’s higher education landscape,” Abang Johari added. “Sarawak is making history by investing heavily in its youth and in the development of future talent.” - December 18, 2025
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