THE Ministry of Education, Innovation, and Talent Development is currently finalising the details to implement free tertiary education at state-owned institutions of higher learning.
Its minister, Datuk Roland Sagah Wee Inn, said this includes the range of courses covered and other key aspects.
“My ministry and I fully support the vision of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg to make tertiary education more accessible to students from all backgrounds, particularly those in rural areas,” he said during his ministerial winding-up speech today (Nov 18).
Later, at a press conference, Sagah explained that the ministry is still finalising the range of courses and that a decision will be made within the coming year.
“We have one year to do it. But the most important thing is that by 2026, there is a budget for it. Then, we can have the funds released in 2026,” he said.
He stressed that the free tertiary education initiative will definitely be implemented by 2026.
Meanwhile, the state-owned universities currently include Curtin University of Technology Sarawak Campus, Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus, University of Technology Sarawak (UTS), Centre of Technology Excellence Sarawak (CENTEXS), and i-CATS University College.