The Sarawak education, innovation and talent development ministry said approval was given during a state Cabinet meeting on March 20.

In a statement, it said implementation of FTES would commence in 2026, and that it would be open to Sarawakians.

“The institutions involved are Sarawak-owned institutes of higher learning, namely Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak, Curtin University of Malaysia, University Technology of Sarawak, and i-CATS University College.

“The approved programmes under the FTES include undergraduate degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, law, medicine, accounting, and finance,” it said.

It said FTES would be open to new and existing enrolments from 2026 onwards.

“This scheme covers free tuition fees. Additionally, a stipend of RM15,000 per year for students from households with a per capita income of RM1,500 per month and below will be included under this scheme,” it said.

On March 12, state education, innovation and talent development minister Roland Sagah said that further details of Sarawak’s free tertiary education initiative would be announced in November.

He said the details would include the list of courses and application procedures.