Free Education Enables Underprivileged, Disabled Students

KUANTAN, Jan 22 (Bernama) -- The launch of the Malaysia Higher Education Blueprint (RPTM) 2026–2035 marks a major step in building a human-centric nation by enabling underprivileged students and those with disabilities to continue their studies.

Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) vice-chancellor Prof Dr Yatimah Alias said the initiative provides free education to 10,000 students from low-income families through the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN), nearly double last year’s 5,800 beneficiaries.

“This demonstrates the government’s commitment to inclusive higher education. With 10,000 tuition-free places, no student will be left behind,” she said.

Yatimah added that the initiative removes financial barriers, enabling students to pursue higher education uninterrupted.

UMPSA, through its foundation, also offers excellence incentives, scholarships, laptop assistance, and the Campus Pantry programme. Additional welfare support includes zakat for Muslim students, living allowances for non-Muslims, emergency aid, and other measures to ensure academic continuity.

She noted that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim also announced free education for some 3,000 students with disabilities across public universities, polytechnics, and community colleges, effective immediately.

“The aim is full participation throughout their studies in an inclusive learning ecosystem. UMPSA provides support through the Inclusive Technology and Ecosystem Hub (HATi), academic and psychosocial guidance, welfare counselling, and accessible facilities,” she said.

Yatimah added that UMPSA is upgrading its infrastructure to support students with disabilities, including wheelchair-accessible pathways, lifts, dedicated restrooms, and adapted learning spaces.

-- BERNAMA