UEC holders don’t need to pass BM to study for free in S’wak

In Sarawak, Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) holders no longer require passing Bahasa Melayu to be eligible for the Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES), according to Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Dr Annuar Rapaee. Eligibility is determined by meeting academic and programme-specific requirements of the four participating institutions - Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus, University of Technology Sarawak (UTS), Curtin University Malaysia and i-CATS University College.

While proficiency in English is mandatory as it is the primary language of instruction, UEC holders do not need to demonstrate Bahasa Melayu skills to secure admission. Admission criteria vary between institutions and programs; typically, a UEC holder needs five Grade Bs to be eligible for a bachelor's degree, with additional prerequisite subjects like Mathematics, Additional Mathematics, and Physical Science for specific courses.

Sarawak's FTES covers 64 courses, with 192 UEC students currently receiving full tuition fee coverage. These students will receive the same industrial placement opportunities as other students, provided they secure placements in relevant industries. Dr Annuar emphasized that the inclusion of UEC holders in FTES demonstrates Sarawak's commitment to providing equal educational opportunities for deserving Sarawakians, regardless of race or ethnicity, and to uplift communities, especially those in rural areas.