KUCHING: Starting July 5 this year, students of Foundation and Diploma intakes in Swinburne Sarawak Campus are not only given the flexibility to choose their study load but also commence their first two weeks of classes with zero payment subject to terms and conditions.
The Start with Zero fees were an initiative adapted from Australian university in allowing the students to familiarise themselves with the teaching and learning style while having the freedom to study at their own pace by choosing the right amount of study load that suits their schedule.
First-year Swinburne Foundation Studies Information Technology/Multimedia student, Joan Kho Jou Xin said that the Start with Zero Fees programme provided her with a better insight into the online teaching methods and help her to prepare a proper study plan.
“It is a good initiative by Swinburne and it should be continued.
“However, I hope that students are allowed back to campus soon so we can also experience face-to-face learning in a university environment and meet our coursemates from different places and countries,” Kho said.
Meanwhile, Swinburne also provided international students with similar privileges through the Start at Home programme with zero fees for four weeks and a further 20 percent fee reduction, should they continue their studies beyond the four-week trial.
Commenting on her online learning experience, Intensive English (IE) student from Indonesia, Nur Riza Ulfa said that she has been enjoying her classes since its commencement.
“I have learned a lot of new things from my lecturers who are very knowledgeable in their field.
“Their enthusiasm has increased my eagerness to learn as much as I can,” Said Nur who plans to take up a Diploma of Business Management after completing her IE programme.
Since the imposition of the movement control order (MCO), Swinburne’s Sarawak campus has switched from face-to-face to digital learning under their online learning and teaching with a continuity plan that was coupled with a decade of experience in online delivery and the use of one of the world’s leading learning management system (Canvas).
Students can experience virtual classrooms and use various learning materials to enhance their learning while the university’s key laboratories are also available remotely using special software, and its online library allows students to find databases, subject guides, e-book, thesis, final-year project collections, and related learning materials.
Sarawak Bumiputera students from low and middle-income (B40 and M40) family backgrounds are encouraged to apply for the BP40 Bursary Scheme for a chance to obtain lower tuition fees similar to any public universities (IPTA) in Malaysia throughout the duration of their studies.
Students who are interested to apply for the BP40 Bursary scheme should visit swinburne.edu.my/BP40-en to know more about the scheme.
Those who wished to inquire about other details should contact Swinburne’s Education Councellor via WhatsApp at 019 819 6353 or email study@swinburne.edu.my, from Monday to Sunday, 10am to 10pm daily.
Swinburne Sarawak’s Foundation and Diploma programmes are now accepting applications, with classes beginning on July 5. For more information, visit www.swinburne.edu.my, Facebook (@swinburnesarawak), Instagram (@swinburnesarawak), Twitter (@Swinburne Swk), or YouTube channel (Swinburne Sarawak).
