Budget 2026: Allocation For MOHE To Strengthen Country's Higher Education Ecosystem

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 11 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) has expressed confidence that the allocation it received under Budget 2026 will further strengthen the country’s higher education ecosystem, making it more resilient, inclusive and future-oriented.

In a statement, the ministry said it has been allocated RM18.60 billion for 2026, representing a 2.76 per cent increase from RM18.09 billion in 2025.

“This increase in allocation reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing graduates’ employability, strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), advancing research, development and innovation, broadening access to quality higher education, and supporting student welfare.

“Of this amount, RM14.68 billion has been allocated for operating expenses, while RM3.91 billion is set aside for development expenses,” the statement said.

MOHE said that Budget 2026 includes initiatives to strengthen student welfare through Ikhtiar Dapur MADANI and MySiswa Job On Campus, as well as the maintenance of higher education institution (IPT) infrastructure, with a total allocation exceeding RM446 million.

In addition, the government has introduced the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) Free Education incentive for 5,800 students from low-income families, with an allocation of RM120 million per year, as well as loan repayment exemptions for 6,000 first-class honours bachelor’s degree graduates from B40 and M40 families.

The initiative, among other things, prioritises Bumiputera education, providing a total of RM6 billion in allocation to Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA), Yayasan Peneraju and Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM).

MOHE will continue to work closely with all public universities, polytechnics, community colleges and private institutions to ensure that each allocation is utilised prudently and has a direct impact on the development of the country’s human capital.

--BERNAMA