KUCHING: A total of 4,694 students in Sarawak have benefited from the implementation of the Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) as of March 31.

Sarawak Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee stated that 543 students are currently enrolled at Curtin University Malaysia, while another 172 students are pursuing studies at i-CATS University College.

"Additionally, 1,959 students have benefited from the scheme at the Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus, while 2,020 students are enrollees at the University of Technology Sarawak.

"This number will certainly increase during the June and September enrolments, where we target that 10,000 students across Sarawak will enjoy free education starting this year," he said.

He said this while responding to a query from Daro Assemblyman Dr Safiee Ahmad during the 19th Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting on Tuesday.

According to him, 64 courses have been offered under FTES to date; however, this total may be reviewed based on the current industrial needs of Sarawak.

For the record, a total of 39,839 Sarawakian students are currently pursuing their studies at Public Higher Education Institutions (IPTA) across Malaysia as of February 2026. — UKASnews

Prepared By: Ahmad Daniel Faiz
Photo By: Hazrin Sunaini
Translator: Ryan Lim