Curtin Malaysia welcomes new students, including first cohort of Sarawak’s Free Tertiary Education Scheme

Miri, Sarawak, 10 February 2026 — Sarawak’s landmark Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) officially came to life this year as Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) welcomed its first cohort of over 500 FTES beneficiaries, marking a major milestone in the state’s higher education landscape. These students represent the first wave of recipients of the Sarawak Government’s flagship initiative aimed at expanding access to quality tertiary education for Anak Sarawak.

Of the total enrolments under the FTES, some 150 students commenced their studies for the first time at Curtin Malaysia this semester, attending the University’s Degree Semester 1 Welcoming Day at The Auditorium, Curtin Malaysia today. The remainder consisted of students progressing to upper-level years in various programmes.

The historic milestone was announced by Professor Vincent Lee, Pro Vice-Chancellor, President and Chief Executive of Curtin Malaysia, as he welcomed over 200 new students at the welcoming event, including students from West Malaysia and Sabah, and over 30 international students. He noted that the FTES recipients hailed from across Sarawak, including Bekenu, Bintulu, Kanowit, Kota Samarahan, Mukah, Sibu, and Miri, reflecting the scheme’s statewide reach and impact.

As the first and largest global campus of Australia’s Curtin University, ranked among the world’s top 200 universities and the highest-ranked in Borneo, Curtin Malaysia offers students in Borneo access to a globally recognised education without leaving the region. The campus is also owned by the Sarawak Government, aligning it closely with the state’s long-term development and talent-building priorities.

“Curtin Malaysia holds a special place within Curtin University’s global network,” said Professor Lee. “As the first and largest global campus, we are proud to be the highest-ranked university in Borneo and a vital hub for Curtin in the ASEAN region.”

“What makes Curtin Malaysia truly unique is our ownership by the Sarawak Government, which reflects our deep connection to the state’s aspirations. This connection takes on even greater significance this year with the introduction of the Free Tertiary Education Scheme.”

Professor Lee highlighted the state government’s strong commitment to investing in human capital and ensuring that access to quality higher education is available to all Sarawakians.

“To our FTES students, you carry not only your own hopes and ambitions, but also the confidence and trust that Sarawak has placed in you,” he said. “We look forward to seeing you give back to the community and contribute meaningfully to the state’s future.”

Beyond academic pursuits, students were encouraged to take part in leadership programmes, volunteer initiatives, and campus life, as well as to immerse themselves in the vibrant cultural environment of Miri.

The welcoming event concluded on an optimistic note, signalling the beginning of a transformative journey for students and a new chapter in Sarawak’s commitment to accessible and inclusive tertiary education.

In addition to enrolments from Sarawak and across Malaysia, Curtin Malaysia is witnessing a growing trend in international student enrolments, reinforcing the University’s position as a globally connected campus delivering world-class education in the heart of Borneo. As awareness and confidence in the Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) continue to grow, student enrolments are projected to rise significantly in the coming years.

For more information on Curtin Malaysia, visit curtin.edu.my or look for Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, or TikTok.

Curtin Malaysia’s senior management and staff, and orientation leaders pose for group photo with new students attending the Welcoming Day.

The first FTES cohort at Curtin Malaysia includes both young students and working adults, reflecting the inclusive nature of the scheme.