KUCHING: The Sarawak Government’s Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES), which takes effect in 2026, is expected to benefit roughly 10,000 students, depending on the number of applications submitted by Sarawak-based universities.

Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD), Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, said the final number of recipients will depend on those who apply and are accepted into the specific courses designated under the scheme.

He explained that the free education initiative will not cover all academic programmes but will instead focus on 64 selected courses aligned with Sarawak’s talent development agenda, particularly in driving the state’s transition towards a green economy and one built on science and technology.

“This is in line with our talent development policy. We need to produce more science-based professionals, particularly in engineering and science-related industries. We are preparing our workforce for the opportunities offered by these sectors,” he said during a press conference for the Asia Pacific Aerospace Exhibition (APACE) 2026 at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) Complex on Thursday.

Dato Sri Roland Sagah also stressed that the initiative applies only to four universities in Sarawak, as other public universities fall under the jurisdiction of the Federal Government.

He further clarified that students will not need to submit a separate application to enjoy the free education scheme, as all Sarawakian students applying to the relevant courses at local Sarawak universities will receive it automatically.

He added that students simply need to apply for admission, after which the universities will forward their names to MEITD for payment processing. -UKASnews

Reporter: Nur Nabilla
Photographer: Hazrin Sunaini
Translator: Uilson Ng