Sarawak Free Tertiary Education (Launching in 2026)
4 Universities / University Colleges · Free Courses · Eligibility · Living Allowance — All in One Guide
Did you know?
Sarawak is not only offering free tuition,
it is also helping to ease students’ living expenses.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari has officially launched the
Sarawak Free Education for Tertiary Studies (FETS) initiative,
making higher education truly accessible through:
Zero tuition fees + conditional living support.
The policy will officially begin next year,
with the first batch of 4,693 students benefiting —
including UEC (Unified Examination Certificate) holders.
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🏫 4 Sarawak Universities / University Colleges (FETS Applicable)
FETS applies only to Sarawak government-owned higher education institutions, namely:
① Universiti Teknologi Sarawak (UTS)
Universiti Teknologi Sarawak
• Focus on engineering, technology, digital and STEM programmes
② Curtin University Malaysia
Curtin University Malaysia (Miri, Sarawak)
• Engineering, business, accounting, finance and technology
③ Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus
Swinburne Sarawak (Kuching)
• Technology, engineering, digital innovation and business
④ i-CATS University
i-CATS University
• Applied engineering, technology and industry-focused programmes
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📚 Free Course Fields (64 Programmes)
All programmes are designed in line with
Sarawak’s “New Economy” development blueprint.
Key study areas include:
• Engineering
• Science and Technology (STEM)
• Information and Digital Technology
• Accounting and Finance
• Psychology
• Other high-demand professional fields
📌 Course offerings will continue to expand,
with future additions such as cybersecurity, engineering management, and construction management.
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👨🎓 Sarawak Free Education for Tertiary Studies (FETS)
◆ Eligibility Criteria ◆
Sarawak citizens who meet the following requirements may apply:
• Must be a Sarawakian
• Must be pursuing their first bachelor’s degree
• Must have received an offer from a FETS-recognised Sarawak government university
• Must be enrolled in an approved bachelor’s degree programme
• Must be a full-time student
• Must not be receiving any other scholarship or financial aid
📌 UEC holders are eligible, provided they meet the basic entry requirements and Malay language subject requirements.
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💰 Living Allowance (Stipend) — More Than Just Free Tuition
Did you know?
Students from lower-income families may also receive additional living support.
✅ Eligibility for Stipend
• Household per capita monthly income ≤ RM1,500
✅ Stipend Amount
Up to RM15,000 per year
• RM5,000 accommodation allowance
→ Disbursed through the university’s accommodation management unit
• RM10,000 living allowance
→ Disbursed via Sarawak Pay (S PAY)
📌 To support daily living costs, transportation and study expenses,
reducing the financial burden on students and families.
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📝 How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
Applications will be primarily online. The general process is as follows:
1️⃣ Apply to a University and Programme
Apply to a FETS-recognised Sarawak government university (e.g. UTS, Curtin Sarawak, Swinburne Sarawak, i-CATS) and obtain an official Offer Letter.
2️⃣ Confirm Programme Eligibility
Ensure that the offered programme is listed under FETS-approved free bachelor’s degree programmes.
3️⃣ Submit FETS Application
Apply through the official Sarawak Government platform / education system within the stipulated application period.
4️⃣ Upload Required Documents
Typically includes:
• Identification (MyKad / proof of Sarawak citizenship)
• University offer letter
• Academic certificates (SPM / STPM / Diploma / UEC, etc.)
• Malay language subject results
• Additional documents (e.g. household income proof for stipend assessment)
5️⃣ Await Review and Approval
Applications will be assessed by the relevant authorities. Successful applicants will be notified officially.
6️⃣ Enjoy Free Tuition Upon Enrolment
Once approved, tuition fees will be fully covered by the government.
Eligible students may also receive the living allowance (stipend).
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📌 Important Reminders
• FETS applies only to Sarawak government-owned universities
• Quotas are subject to government allocation
• Application timelines and platforms will be announced officially by the Sarawak Government
If you are planning for university, remember:
Secure your university offer first, then apply for FETS.
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🎯 The True Purpose of FETS
FETS is more than just “free education”.
It is a long-term strategy to nurture talent, retain local graduates, and strengthen Sarawak.
It aims to:
1️⃣ Enable more Sarawak youths to pursue higher education confidently
2️⃣ Reduce financial pressure on families
3️⃣ Retain local talent within Sarawak
4️⃣ Support the needs of the new economy
5️⃣ Build a fairer and more inclusive education system
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📌 Sarawak Free Tertiary Education (FETS)
is a key policy that is shaping Sarawak’s future.
If you or someone you know is preparing for university,
this is not just a benefit — it is an opportunity.
Do you think FETS will become a turning point
for the future of Sarawak’s younger generation?
