This marks a significant milestone in educational support for Sarawakians! Starting in 2026, the Sarawak Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) will be rolling out, signaling a major step forward in the state’s effort to support local students and families.
This exciting new initiative is all about making higher education accessible to everyone. Specifically created for ‘Anak Sarawak,’ this program highlights the government’s commitment to ensuring that no Sarawakian student is left behind due to financial challenges.

One of the best parts of FTES is that tuition fees will be completely covered. On top of that, students from families with lower incomes will receive additional financial support. This means more students can focus on their studies without worrying about the financial stress that often comes with higher education.
The FTES program supports undergraduate degrees in some really important fields that are key to Sarawak’s growth, including STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), Law, Medical studies, Accounting, and Finance. By focusing on these areas, Sarawak aims to build a skilled workforce ready to help drive the state’s future economic and social success.
Several prominent Sarawak-owned universities will be participating, playing an important role in making Sarawak a top educational hub in Southeast Asia.
What’s great about FTES is that it covers both new students and those already studying at these universities from 2026 onward. This means everyone gets to benefit, making sure no one misses out.
Overall, this initiative shows Sarawak’s dedication to education and its people. By investing in the education of its youth, Sarawak is setting itself up for a brighter, more prosperous future, filled with opportunity for everyone. With FTES, every Sarawakian student now has the chance to dream bigger and achieve even more!