The Malaysian government will expand free higher education under the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) to benefit 10,000 students from low-income families this year.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this is an increase from the initial 5,800 students announced in the 2026 Budget last October.
“This free education initiative is being expanded. Previously, 5,800 underprivileged students were set to receive assistance, and now the number will increase to 10,000 through PTPTN support,” he said at the launch of the National Education Plan 2026–2035.
Anwar also highlighted that all students with disabilities (OKU) at public universities, polytechnics, and community colleges, totaling around 3,000 individuals, will now receive free education.
Previously, the government allocated RM120 million per year to provide free education via PTPTN for students from families earning below RM2,705 per month to pursue studies at public universities.
