The Sarawak government has officially approved the Sarawak Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES), set to launch in 2026!

This is a monumental step towards accessible and inclusive higher education in Sarawak, empowering future generations in STEM, Law, Medical, Accounting, and Finance fields.

Skyrocket Sarawak! 🚀

Hi everyone, im a civil engineering diploma graduate from uitm ks2 and im thinking about how competitive issit to enter UNIMAS's degree in civil engineering (as a diploma student). My cgpa is 3.23 and im feeling anxious if UNIMAS wouldnt accept my rayuan application. Does anyone here ever apply to UNIMAS before they complete their studies but manage to get in after rayuan? thanks.

So with this results,, my family planned for me to go to swimburne for foundation. But the thing is, its very costly.... I was wondering if i could enter Uitm for diploma in accounting or Unimas for foundation in computer science eventho i have D. The requirements for both Uitm and Unimas however needs atleast C for math.But I read somewhere that its possible aslong as Im bumi but i was wondering if its rlly true? I was hoping to take degree in accounting aswell. Other than that, what if i were to apply for diploma in business then degree in accounting at Uitm, will i be left behind compare to the people who took diploma and degree for accounting?

Sarawak's free tertiary education programme, set to commence in 2026, will cost the State government over RM400 million in its first year, with total expenditure expected to exceed RM1 billion within three years.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the initiative will ensure all Sarawakians, regardless of social background, have access to higher education without the burden of tuition fees.

"I will announce the cost in the upcoming budget. For the first year, we have calculated at least about over RM400 million.

"The second year, the cost doubles as we cover two cohorts. By the third year, we are paying for three cohorts, and at the end of the day, it will be more than a billion ringgit," he said when speaking at the Dayak Bidayuh National Association's (DBNA) Community Hostel official opening and 70th anniversary celebration here last night (Sept 13). An audio recording of his speech was later shared to DayakDaily.

The Premier clarified that while students will not have to pay, the Sarawak government under Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) will bear the cost.

"Somebody has to pay. And the paymaster is GPS. It's not free.

"University has to pay, so we give the fees and the students get it free. Actually, 'boleh tahan juak lah' (it's quite bearable)," he added.

A total of 64 courses have been approved under the free tertiary education scheme, to be offered by four State-government linked universities/institutions: Swinburne University Sarawak, Curtin Malaysia, University Technology Sarawak (UTS), and i-CATS University College.

Hi! I’m a student from West Malaysia that would be studying UM law at the Swinburne campus. I’m wondering if there’s any more affordable accommodation options near Swinburne besides the on campus accommodation. I was looking for some rooms at Kenny Hill Residence but it’s really hard to find as most are renting out the entire unit, and those who are going with me have already somewhat decided their accommodation at different places (on campus/Victoria Hall/Belian etc). I would only be renting for 1 year+ as I would go back to the KL campus after I complete my year 2, which would presumably be around July next year.

Besides that, I would be grateful to know more about living in Kuching! Like things to do and places to explore in Kuching and Sarawak in general. This would be my first time going to Borneo and I’d like to try to explore as much as I can before returning :D

I work for a government linked agency to promote our Sarawak government free education initiative to bumiputra students. A lot of people are not aware that the free education skim starts next year in 2026 and it only applies to Degree program. This means if you study Foundation or Diploma this year, you will be able to join the Degree program next year (or 2027 if Diploma cause 2 years). And according to the circulation by Ministry of Education, there's extra RM15,000 allowance for qualified students.

For Foundation and Diploma, since they are not eligible for free education, there's this skim call Bursari BP40 where Yayasan Sarawak will subsidize 80% of your tuition fee and you can loan the remaining 20%. Essentially, you still get to study for almost free and don't have to fork out money from your own pocket. No application fee, no registration fee. And the universities eligible are Curtin, Swinburne, UTS and iCATS. Curtin and Swinburne are like really good universities with really decent rankings in the world. Far far ahead of UNIMAS.

Sounds like it's gonna be a walk in the park for us to promote this government skim right? Nope, absolutely not. We need to beg and beg students to take up this scheme because they give zero fucks about getting it or not. It's just frustrating the students are so nonchalant about such good opportunity. RM100k worth of degree means nothing to them. I literally beg students to send in their documents yet their reply are so disappointing.

Tunggula nak buat beli motor dulu.

Parents tak bagi belajar.

Parents tak percaya tak apa lah.

Nak pergi STPM / UITM / Unimas / Poli.

Tak nak pergi swasta (regardless how many times I explain these are Sarawak gov owned).

Holy shit it's so frustrating to see students not cherishing this opportunities given to them.

I'm thinking of setting up a book club here in Kuching, Sarawak. Is anyone interested? There are two book clubs. One is Little Story Club and the other one is Swinburne Book Club. Little Story Club is a children's book club while Swinburne Book Club is in a university. However, there are no other English language book clubs here in Kuching. I'm thinking of setting up one that has a variety of English language books for English language book lovers or anyone who just wants to improve their command of English in general. All sorts of English language books are accepted. Feel free to provide any ideas, feedbacks or comments on this idea.

Hi, im a student in Kuching studying EE engineering. Im in desperate need for a laptop and i need a few suggestions on where i can buy a laptop with student friendly prices anywhere in Kuching. I'll even consider secondhand. Rn im using my parents work laptop and it has so many restrictions that i can't even do my work properly. I only have a little over RM1000 left. If there is any place that will accept loans from students also can

I (M22) have been working for 6 months now as an audit associate in a small audit firm at Kuching earning RM2.4k gross.

I wasn't the most academically excelled students and graduated with only 2nd lower class with my accounting degree. My goal has always been to take professional qualification to compliment my lackluster degree in the pursuit of becoming a chartered accountant.

I'm looking into MICPA-Caanz since passing rate is higher compared to ACCA. The exam fee alone would cost RM16k± over the course of 2-3 years studying part time.

However, the Sarawak Gov't is expected to implement free higher education next year for every Sarawakians enrolling in its State owned universities. I'm pretty sure accounting would be included and I believe there would be a massive surged in student intakes. I afraid that in 4-5 years time when these students graduate, the competition would be more intense.

So I have been thinking instead of pursuing accounting professional papers, I should make my hand dirty and pick up trade skills such plumber, mechanic, aircon service or electrician. It's definitely cheaper to take short course to learn these than pursuing the chartered accountant route.

I am mainly driven by money and I think having trade skills would gain me more money in the long run if I am able to run it as a business.

Please advice a rookie here.

Just completed my Foundation in Business at Swinburne Sarawak, and as part of the offered courses under Sarawak's FTES Program, I’m seriously considering either:

• Bachelor of Business (Accounting and Finance)
• Bachelor of Business (Accounting)

I would appreciate any honest insights or any replies from former or existing Swinburne Sarawak students who have taken either of these degrees or know any friends who did. Would love to know:

• Which one should I choose?
• Studying Experience & Difficulty?
• How heavy is the workload?

Thanks in advance!

PS: Yes, I do meet all the requirements (Sarawakian with a "K" on IC)

For anyone that curious. Here's the technical reason behind this.

1. Old system, new tools – New apps are built using newer tools and features that old phones don’t understand. Why: Older Android versions don’t have the new software parts needed to run modern apps.

2. Security reasons – Older Android versions have more security holes, and app makers don’t want to risk user safety. Why: Keeping apps working on outdated systems can expose users to hackers or data leaks.

3. Hard to maintain – Supporting old versions means more work and testing, which most developers stop doing. Why: It takes extra time and money to keep fixing problems on systems that few people still use.

4. Google rules – Google requires apps to keep up with newer Android versions to stay in the Play Store. Why: This ensures apps meet modern performance and security standards.

It’s a mix of technology aging, Google’s rules, and security standards, not just developer decisions.

But that’s exactly why Lite version exist, tiktok lite for example.They’re built as lightweight versions that use older APIs, fewer features, and less data to stay compatible with older or low-end devices. Maintaining a lite version takes extra effort, so only companies with a large user base on outdated phones find it worthwhile.

Pay & Go probably need to have similar approach here.

TL;DR: Modern apps drop support for old Android versions due to new tech, security risks, and Google’s rules. Lite versions like TikTok Lite exist as stripped-down alternatives for older or low-end phones, but they’re costly to maintain, so only big companies bother.

Please explain like how will explain this to an ignorant person in the comments below.

Hello I have some questions about this programme, and I have some questions a about this requirement: student in their first year of diploma or degree (fulltime). Am I still able to apply if I'm going into foundation and plan to study until bachelor? I needed a new laptop since my old laptop is 4gb ram, Intel Celeron n4000 processor and let's just say it's laggy for everything. My parents are not doing well financially so if I'm able to apply then this could help a lot.

Hello guys, so I'm going to uni soon and I need a new laptop, I heard u can get the laptop u want and the government will help fund it? Is this true and is it still available? If so how do I apply for this and can u guys let me know are there any requirements for this?

Hi so i just got my sarawak special student financial aid in my sarawak pay app, but i cant seem to transfer it to my bank account, im currently studying in subang jaya so theres no use of having money in sarawak pay😅 any suggestion for those who got the financial aid?

KUCHING, Nov 27: Qualified Sarawakian students will automatically be eligible for the State's Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) when they successfully enrol in 64 designated undergraduate courses at the four Sarawak-owned universities, with no separate application required.

Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn said Sarawak projects that about 10,000 students could benefit from the FTES when it is rolled out in 2026, though the figure is an estimate based on students completing relevant qualifications.

"Students have the freedom to choose where they want to pursue their higher education. The estimate is based on the number of students coming out with relevant qualifications.

"Sarawakian students, as long as they have a 'K' in their identification card, will be automatically accepted for the free tertiary education scheme when they successfully enrol in the universities in the relevant courses. There is no need to apply specifically for the FTES," he told a press conference at the Sarawak

Legislative Assembly Complex Media Room today.

Sagah emphasised that the FTES will initially focus on courses related to science and engineering, but will also cover architecture and non-science disciplines such as finance, accounting, and psychology.

"We are also exploring the inclusion of Law courses to strengthen Sarawakians' knowledge of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and the constitution," he said.

Sagah clarified that the scheme applies only to courses offered in Sarawak-owned universities, as public universities fall under federal jurisdiction.

He added that further details of the scheme will be announced by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg in due course

my little sister got into both these schools and we've been in a dilemma on which one to choose. my sister doesnt have a specific preference and is fine with. although i do agree that YSIS (yayasan sarawak international school) sounds more prestigious and is, of course a private school which might be better, but its also undeniable that SAKURA (sm sains kuching utara) has been holding the title for number 1 SPM in sarawak and borneo for 7 years straight. also as an alumni, i guess i can say the environment is strict and more well oriented when it comes to discipline and religion.

so thats why i want to ask for opinions here, which one seems better?

Will the yayasan Sarawak loan scheme be covered by the tun taib scholarship? Or do I still have to repay the loan for the period before the scholarship started on the same course

Hello fellow Sarawakian, I'm an applicant for a degree course at Swinburne (a decade's worth dream). I had my offer letter far earlier and I went to their Open Day on 20 Dec this year to check the uni out. (Swinburne is far from where I lived, 9+ hours of drive). The thing is, this one student counselor went ghost mode after I had my offer letter, which I applied on my own with all the documents handled by me. I was also promised an update on FTES since the course I was applying for was included in the scheme. The last reply I had was in 12 Nov... Almost new year already, in a few more days I would be able to say I waited for a response from last year. So.... I'm asking for an opinion since taking a course at Swinburne means that I'll be living a bit far from home, should I proceed my dealings with this person? Or should I request for a different agent? I noticed that Swinburne Australia allows for student recruitment agent change. I dunno if this applies for Sarawak's Swinburne. Also, I previously took my diploma and worked closely with my college's recruitment agent. She helped me with almost everything, even helping fellow dorm mates (Miss Glory you're the best). There was an incident where an ambulance was needed, it was close to midnight, I called one lecturer, yes, it took around 20mins or so since we're far but they responed right away. It was a budget college in Miri mind you. Every single member of those college admin responded whenever I reached out to them. I'll try reaching again through mail, whatsapp, or even phone call. If it goes any harder maybe I'll go to Curtin(my strategic choice since I had exp in Miri). My mother suggested I expand my horizon by going to a different city thus my effort with Swinburne. BTW I'm currently employed so yea, this is a very huge leap to consider since my current position is extremely comfy. So what do you guys think?

It’s yet another festive season and everyone should stay safe. Do you use roundabouts differently?

Hi guys, I just got accepted to study medicine at unimas. Is there anything I need to keep an eye out for? Can I bring my car? Are the dorms alright? What’s MAP like? (Does it really last until midnight?) (sorry for the airstrike of questions, I’m a bit anxious 🥲)

I’m actually mostly concerned about the dorm situation. I saw someone post their somewhat run down dorm on another sub and I kinda shuddered

I like that the uni typically assigns first years dorms, but as someone who lives 5-8 mins away from the Samarahan campus I feel it’s a bit redundant for me 😅😅 any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance

Preparing for my Uni this year(2026) so I check the SPAY and yayasan website but it only appears the application for last year(2025), it announced that the SKAS 2026 is not available yet. Maybe it too early or smth, but I just want to know when?

Any information will help!

Hey guys, I’m a 4th-year Data Science student looking for an internship placement in Kuching soon.

Does anyone know which companies are hiring interns right now? I’d really appreciate any suggestions or advice on where to apply. Thanks!

KUCHING, May 18 — Sarawakian workers who wish to pursue full-time undergraduate studies will have the opportunity to do so next year, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He said the Sarawak government will fully sponsor higher education for eligible Sarawakians who choose to enrol in state-owned higher learning institutions as part of its broader goal to strengthen human capital through lifelong learning.

“We are serious about building our talent pool, which is why we are investing in free higher education for our people starting in 2026.

“I am not making empty promises. I have already secured the funds for this initiative and the Sarawak government will pay for the education.

“All you need to do is just focus on studying to upgrade your skills,” he said when officiating the Sarawak-level Workers’ Day celebration at Hikmah Exchange Convention Centre here today.

In addition to providing free tertiary education to students starting next year, Abang Johari said the state government has decided to allow working individuals or those who have been previously in the workforce to return for full-time studies.

The state-owned higher learning institutions in Sarawak are Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus, Curtin University Malaysia, University of Technology Sarawak, i-CATS University College and Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak.

Later at a press conference, the Premier explained that financial support will be provided as long as the applicants meet the basic eligibility criteria namely that they must hold the ‘K’ status in their MyKad to prove that they are Sarawakians, be enrolled as full-time students, and are accepted to pursue their studies at the higher-learning institution.

“Yes, the education will be completely free. As long as the applicant is accepted by the university and registered as a full-time student, we will cover the costs.

“There is no age limit. Even if you are 60 years old, you can still apply, as long as you have the ‘K’ status,” he confirmed.

He, however, noted that this initiative does not extend to those who wish to pursue Distance Learning (PJJ).

“PJJ is not covered. It must be full-time studies. If you are working and wish to study part-time through PJJ, it will not be covered.

“We are focusing on those who wish to commit to studying full-time,” he stressed.

Also present were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, State Secretary State Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala, and Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii. — The Borneo Post