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.

⸻

🏫 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

⸻

📚 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.

⸻

👨‍🎓 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.

⸻

💰 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.

⸻

📝 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).

⸻

📌 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.

⸻

🎯 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

⸻

📌 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?

The post Sarawak Free Tertiary Education – Free Course Fields (64 Programmes) first appeared on Miri City Sharing.

In October this year, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji announced that the state government now officially recognises the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) and has allocated RM5 million to establish a new UEC Scholarship Fund. This fund will provide special educational assistance to students holding UEC qualifications.

He said, “We are not only recognising the UEC — we are taking real action. I just discussed with the (State Finance Minister) that UEC holders will also be eligible to apply for Sabah state government scholarships via Yayasan Sabah College and the Sabah Institute of Technology to further their studies.”

⸻

🏫 Increasing Support for Schools and Non-Muslim Religious Organisations

Hajiji also announced RM70 million in funding for mission schools, Chinese independent schools, temples, and non-Muslim religious organisations.

Since he took office, allocations have increased year by year:
• 2021: RM43 million
• 2022: RM47 million
• 2023: RM54.05 million
• 2024: RM56.75 million
• 2025: RM70 million

He added that next year the amount will be further increased to RM90 million.

“This reflects the government’s commitment to the educational and religious development of all communities in Sabah.”

⸻

🌈 Fair Treatment for All Communities

Hajiji said a responsible government must ensure that every community — regardless of race or religion — is treated fairly and justly.

⸻

🎒 Sabah’s “Dual-Track” Independent Schools: A Unique Strength

He highlighted that Sabah’s Chinese independent schools are unique, operating a “dual-track” system:
• National curriculum (SPM)
• UEC (senior high school level)

This system helps students adapt better to future pathways and builds a strong foundation for their studies and careers.

He added that Sabah’s independent schools also play an important role in national unity, attracting more non-Chinese students each year.

⸻

📚 Trilingual Education: A Key Feature

Sabah’s independent schools emphasise trilingual proficiency:
• Chinese
• English
• Malay

“This approach not only gives Chinese students communication advantages, but also helps all students develop stronger social adaptability.”

This model enhances students’ future prospects and strengthens Sabah’s overall education ecosystem.

⸻

🧑‍🎓 Hajiji Prioritises Human Capital Development

Under his leadership, Sabah has invested over RM848 million to improve education quality across the state.

Today, more than 300 private higher institutions in Malaysia recognise the UEC, along with over 1,000 universities worldwide, including those in:

Singapore, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Ireland, France, Russia, the US, Canada, and more.

⸻

🤝 Sabah Welcomes More Investment from China

Sabah aims to strengthen cooperation with China across various sectors and welcomes more Chinese investors.

“The arrival of investors will drive Sabah’s economic growth and create job opportunities for our people. I hope more Chinese investors come to Sabah — we warmly welcome them.”

He added that Sabah values its long-standing friendship with China and benefits from its multicultural harmony.

⸻

What do you think?

Do you feel Sabah’s recognition of the UEC, creation of a UEC scholarship, and push for trilingual education show that the state is learning from Sarawak’s approach?

The post Sabah Officially Recognises the UEC! first appeared on Miri City Sharing.

Sarawak’s recognition of the UEC and its free tertiary education initiative aims to build a strong and sustainable talent pipeline for the future.

⸻

Did you know?
The Sarawak government has announced that starting from 2026, Sarawakian students (Anak Sarawak) who hold the UEC (Unified Examination Certificate) and meet the low-income household criteria will be eligible for Free Tertiary Education (FTES) at state-owned universities—covering full tuition fees and offering living allowances.
This initiative focuses especially on key fields such as STEM, law, and medicine, to strengthen Sarawak’s human capital.

🌟 Sarawak is the only state in Malaysia that officially recognises the UEC.
UEC graduates can enter Sarawak’s university system and even apply for state civil service positions—something not available in Peninsular Malaysia.

⸻

📘 What is the UEC?

UEC stands for Unified Examination Certificate, used by Malaysian Chinese Independent Schools.
It is planned, administered, and issued by Dong Zong and Jiao Zong, and consists of:

• Junior UEC
• Senior UEC

The UEC is the most important academic qualification in the Chinese independent school system and is recognised by many universities worldwide.

⸻

⚠️ “If we don’t recognise the UEC, Sarawak will lose talent.”

Premier Abang Johari warned that without UEC recognition, many high-achieving students would leave for other countries, causing Sarawak to lose valuable human resources.

He stressed that future competitiveness depends on multilingual ability: English + Mandarin + Malay.

Today, more than half of the students in Sarawak’s Chinese schools are indigenous, and within the next 10 years, even more Malay, Iban, and Bidayuh students are expected to speak fluent Mandarin—creating a unique international advantage for Sarawak.

⸻

🌏 Why the UEC Matters to Sarawak

✔ 1. A Stable Talent Pipeline

UEC students can continue their studies in state universities, supplying talent for sectors like hydrogen, green energy, and digital technology.

✔ 2. Language Advantage

Mastering Mandarin + English = a global passport.
Abang Johari said:
“Not knowing Mandarin in this era means missing out on opportunities.”

⸻

🎓 Free Higher Education for UEC Graduates from 2026

This applies to all state-owned higher education institutions, including:

• Curtin Malaysia
• Swinburne Sarawak
• UTS
• i-CATS University College

Abang Johari said:
“We don’t just give you the fish—we teach you how to fish.”
Sarawak’s growing hydrogen sector, carbon trading, and green economy require skilled and multilingual youth.

⸻

💰 Continuous Support for Chinese Education: RM92 Million Allocated

Sarawak has consistently supported Chinese education, including:
• RM10 million allocated to independent Chinese schools last year
• 369 smart classrooms to be completed by 2026

These investments reduce teacher workload and improve learning quality.

⸻

🌱 Sarawak Does Not Politicise Education

Abang Johari emphasised:
“Politicising education only leads to endless arguments and national decline.”
Education is the backbone of income growth and economic transformation.

⸻

📚 Chinese Schools Are Not Only for Chinese Students

Of the 60,000 students in Sarawak’s Chinese primary schools, 38% are indigenous students, showing the strong quality of Chinese education and the inclusiveness of the Sarawak Model.

⸻

🤝 International Collaboration with Chinese Universities

Sarawak is in talks with top universities such as Fudan University to establish advanced institutes locally, strengthening research and talent development.

⸻

🧭 Sarawak’s Future Direction

Abang Johari said Sarawak must be bold like China and embrace new technologies:

• Green energy
• Hydrogen industry
• Digital economy
• Artificial intelligence
• Smart education

“If China can do it, Sarawak can do it too.”

⸻

📌 Long-Term Impact (5 Key Outcomes)
1. Attraction and retention of talent
2. Stronger language competitiveness (Mandarin + English)
3. Upgraded education system (smart classrooms + free university education)
4. Support for new-economy sectors (hydrogen, tech, green industries)
5. A fairer and more inclusive education ecosystem

⸻

✨ Conclusion

UEC + multilingual skills + free university education
form the core strategy for Sarawak’s development over the next 10–20 years.

Sarawak is moving toward a more modern, open, and practical future:
less political noise, more results; less division, more talent-building.

⸻

What do you think?
Is recognising the UEC, promoting Mandarin education, and offering free university studies one of Sarawak’s most important decisions for the future?

The post Sarawak: Free University for UEC Students from 2026 first appeared on Miri City Sharing.

⸻

Fudan University – Miri Campus

Project Highlights and Key Details

⸻

Project Information

Name: Fudan University Miri Campus
Affiliation: Fudan University, Shanghai, China
Location: Core area of Kenyalang Smart City, Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia

⸻

Project Background
• Kenyalang Smart City covers about 543 acres, integrating residential, educational, healthcare, commercial, and green technology developments.
• The project is located in northern Miri, near Curtin University Malaysia, and close to the Brunei border.
• In June 2025, Fudan University officially signed an agreement to establish its first Southeast Asian branch campus and Medical Research Center in Miri.

⸻

Development Goals
• Establish the Fudan SEA Institute of Integrative Medicine
• Promote AI-powered healthcare and integrated Chinese-Western medical research
• Build the world’s first Biodiversity Museum
• Set up Fudan Medical School (Miri Campus) to train local medical talent
• Expand into a comprehensive international campus

⸻

Construction Timeline

Signing Date: June 2025

Phase 1 (2025–2026)
• Launch of temporary campus (Old Miri City Council Building and former official residence)
• Establishment of AI Diagnostic Center and Integrative Medicine Institute

Phase 2 (2026–2028)
• Construction of Fudan Medical School (Miri Campus) and Biodiversity Museum

Phase 3 (Post-2028)
• Opening of the permanent campus and student residences
• Expansion of additional academic and research faculties

⸻

Campus Design and Features
• Land Area: Over 100 acres
• Core Functions: Education, Healthcare, and Research
• Main Facilities: Academic blocks, laboratories, international conference center, AI healthcare center, dormitories, and library
• Design Concept: Smart green campus powered by IoT, 5G, and renewable energy
• Campus Vision: Eco-friendly, smart learning, and globally connected environment

⸻

Significance and Impact

1. Education Development
• Introduces world-class Chinese higher education to Sarawak
• Allows local students to access international education without leaving Malaysia
• Cultivates future professionals in medicine and technology

2. Healthcare and Research
• Promotes integrative medicine and AI-driven diagnostics
• Strengthens Sarawak’s medical research capabilities
• Establishes a regional hub for health innovation

3. Economic and Urban Growth
• Stimulates investment and job creation in the Smart City area
• Attracts education, healthcare, and technology enterprises
• Positions Miri as an international city for education and innovation

4. Cultural and International Exchange
• Builds a bridge for China–Malaysia academic collaboration
• Attracts Southeast Asian students to further their studies
• Enhances Sarawak’s global academic reputation

5. Sustainability and Environment
• Adopts energy-efficient and eco-friendly campus design
• Promotes biodiversity conservation and environmental education
• Aligns with Sarawak’s 2030 Sustainable Development Strategy

⸻

Location and Accessibility
• Temporary Campus: Old Miri City Council Building
• Permanent Campus: Core zone of Kenyalang Smart City
• Approximate Distance:
— 10 minutes from Miri City Centre
— 20 minutes from Miri Airport
— Near Curtin University Malaysia

⸻

Summary

The establishment of Fudan University Miri Campus marks a significant milestone in China–Malaysia educational cooperation, positioning Miri as one of the few Southeast Asian cities directly connected with a world-class university.

Once fully operational, the campus will serve as a hub for medical education, technology research, and cultural exchange, driving Miri toward becoming a Smart Education and Health City of the Future.

This is more than an academic project — it is a major step forward for Sarawak’s internationalization, smart growth, and sustainable development.

The post China’s Fudan University — to Establish Branch Campus in Miri, Sarawak first appeared on Miri City Sharing.