- Malaysia’s Siswa Sulung programme has benefited 7,003 first-generation university students, offering full tuition-free access to public universities for B40 households.
- The scheme, expanded to all 20 public universities, prioritizes students from disadvantaged backgrounds, with two-thirds of beneficiaries being women and over 5,700 bumiputera students.
- Part of the government’s broader effort to reduce student debt, Siswa Sulung complements scholarships and sponsorships, fostering an inclusive higher education ecosystem based on merit and need.
Malaysia’s ongoing efforts to alleviate student debt and broaden access to higher education are gaining momentum, with 7,003 first-generation university students already benefiting from the Siswa Sulung tuition-free scheme. Introduced in the 2022/23 academic session, the programme exempts eligible students from the B40 income group representing the bottom 40 percent of household earners from paying tuition fees at public universities, offering a vital pathway for students whose families may not have the financial means to support higher education.
The scheme was expanded in the 2023/24 intake to cover all 20 public universities nationwide, underscoring the government’s commitment to ensuring equitable access to tertiary education for underprivileged students. Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Mustapha Sakmud highlighted the progress in the Dewan Rakyat, emphasising that the initiative has already supported thousands of students while complementing existing scholarship schemes from Mara, state governments, and federal agencies.
According to Mustapha, the government has allocated RM27 million to support Siswa Sulung, with women comprising more than two-thirds of the beneficiaries, reflecting strong female participation in higher education. Bumiputera students accounted for 5,760 of the total recipients, illustrating the programme’s focus on communities that have historically faced educational and economic challenges. Kelantan emerged as the state with the highest number of beneficiaries at 978, followed by Johor, Sabah, Kedah, Perak, Selangor, Sarawak, and Terengganu, with smaller numbers from other states and 14 recipients born abroad.
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The scheme’s primary eligibility criterion is being the first member of the family to pursue university-level education, ensuring that support is directed toward those who would benefit most from financial assistance. Institutions are tasked with applying these criteria to make admission decisions, with a clear focus on prioritising students with genuine need over purely quota-based allocations.
The Siswa Sulung programme is part of a broader strategy under the Madani government to reduce dependence on student loans and expand financial aid for disadvantaged students. The National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) has received RM150 million to increase sponsorship opportunities, reflecting a shift from its traditional role as a loan provider to a more supportive sponsor of higher education. Deputy Minister Mustapha noted that PTPTN’s expanded role is designed to offer greater access to higher education for B40 students, empowering them to pursue advanced studies without the burden of debt.
By combining tuition-free schemes, scholarships, and sponsorships, Malaysia is creating a more inclusive higher education ecosystem that prioritises both merit and need. Through initiatives like Siswa Sulung, the government is actively working to ensure that socio-economic background does not become a barrier to academic advancement, providing first-generation students with a stronger chance to succeed and contribute to the nation’s socio-economic development.
