10,000 B40 students in public universities granted full tuition fee exemption

KUALA LUMPUR - A total of 10,000 students hailing from low-income families (B40 group) will receive full exemption from tuition fees across all public universities.

This initiative, announced by the Higher Education Minister, Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, is expected to allocate approximately RM30 million to support these students.

Addressing the audience at the closing ceremony of the Jom Masuk U 2023 program held at Universiti Malaya (UM) today, Mohamed Khaled expressed his hope that this initiative would provide greater opportunities for the students from B40 families.

"By relieving them of financial burdens, these students can pursue their higher education with enhanced focus and academic performance.

He said the implementation of the initiative was based on data indicating that there is a higher number of students from B40 families achieving excellent results in Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) or Sijil Tinggi Pelajaran Malaysia (STPM), but facing financial constraints that prevent them from pursuing higher education.

He expressed deep regret about this situation and stressed that the ministry is determined to prevent such a situation from happening again.

"Hence, this initiative aims to ensure that students from B40 families who have enrolled in higher education institutions (IPT) receive the assistance and support they deserve.

"This special initiative, known as the First Student Development Programme (Sulung) has, started since last year.

"The Sulung programme specifically targets the first child from B40 families who have successfully enrolled in universities.

"These identified students will be granted full exemption from tuition fees," he said.

However, the students will be responsible for their living costs while studying at the university, as the programme only covers tuition fees.