JOHOR BARU – The Higher Education Ministry today denied allegations that its stringent condition on loans and scholarships is why students choose not to further their education after taking their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia examinations.
Its minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said this was because the ministry has introduced various initiatives such as the Malaysia Family Eldest Student Development programme, which gives full tuition fee waivers at all public universities to first student representatives from B40 families.
He said loan facilities under the National Higher Education Fund Corporation are only based on the parents’ income.
“The reason why SPM leavers do not go to university is probably because they did not pass their exams, and not due to strict scholarship or loan conditions.
“That, or they apply or choose subjects that do not suit their qualifications. Students need to enter universities first and then see if they can get a loan or not," he said at a press conference after his working visit to Ibrahim Sultan Polytechnic here today.
He said this when asked to comment on a student association’s claim that the strict conditions imposed on scholarship or loan applications have caused many SPM leavers to choose not to continue their studies at public universities.
Universiti Malaya Student Union president Nur Nazirah Abdullah was reported as saying that the main reason SPM leavers do not continue their studies is the lack of financial resources.
She recommended that the government implement more financial aid initiatives or create a plan that provides students financial security.
Meanwhile, when asked to comment on the admission of Rohingya refugee students to public universities, Khalid reiterated that admission is only for those who are qualified and able to pay for their studies.
He said Malaysia is a country that has many international students who continue their studies, and ethnic refugees are no exception. – Bernama, June 22, 2023
