Sarawak FTES student enrollment increases 128.5 percent

Student enrollment under Sarawak’s Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) has seen a significant increase. As of September 30, 2026, 6,246 students accepted offers at Sarawak-owned higher education institutions.

Specifically, enrollment in the 64 courses covered by the scheme rose by 128.5 percent, growing from 1,528 students in 2025 to 3,491 in 2026. Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development, reported the figures during a session at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly.

The student distribution across institutions includes 2,802 at Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus, 2,031 at University of Technology Sarawak (UTS), 949 at Curtin University Malaysia, and 464 at i-CATS University College.

In addition to covering tuition, the scheme provides an annual stipend of RM15,000 to 3,195 eligible students from lower-income households to assist with living and accommodation costs. The courses offered under FTES align with Sarawak’s strategic economic sectors, such as the hydrogen economy, precision agriculture, data center development, and the aerospace industry.